On March 12, 2025, Netflix unveiled its latest weekly viewership rankings, revealing that the IU and Park Bo-gum-led drama When Life Gives You Tangerines achieved an impressive fourth place globally among non-English television series.
Debuting on March 7 with its first four episodes, the series attracted 3.6 million views and accumulated an astonishing 13.9 million watch hours within just three days. When Life Gives You Tangerines now ranks behind titles such as Medusa, Just One Look, and Cassandra on the charts. Additionally, the show has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, breaking into the Top 10 in 24 different countries, including Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Bolivia.
This slice-of-life drama unfolds the story of Ae-soon, portrayed by IU, and her counterpart Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum. Set against the picturesque backdrop of 1960s Jeju Island, this narrative follows the two characters as they navigate the complexities of life, revealing their distinct personalities—Ae-soon, a free-spirited woman, and Gwan-sik, a determined individual.
Featuring the breathtaking scenery of Jeju, When Life Gives You Tangerines falls within the popular seaside drama category, a genre cherished by audiences of all demographics. It shares thematic elements with successful series such as Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, Our Blues, and Welcome to Samdal-ri, combining stunning coastal visuals with heartfelt storytelling.
Exploring the Depths of When Life Gives You Tangerines
Initially developed under the working title Life (인생 in Korean), the series’ official title—revealed on January 27, 2023—was 폭싹 속았수다, a phrase in the Jeju dialect meaning “Thank you for your hard work,”as reported by SBS Entertainment News.
This captivating 16-episode drama celebrates cherished moments from the youthful days of previous generations, immortalized in nostalgic photographs. The narrative honors these vibrant experiences filled with first loves, courageous acts, and deep, lasting bonds.
Spanning 65 years, from the 1960s to the present, the series retraces the emotional journeys of three generations of women, starting with Ae-soon, born on Jeju Island. It portrays the hardships faced by parents who lived through the Korean War, showcasing their aspirations for a more promising future for their offspring.
The series delves into the lives of women dedicated to caregiving, illuminating their struggles with marriage and resilience. It paints a poignant picture of endurance through successive trials and tribulations.
In a press conference covered by The Korea Times on March 5, the director, Kim Won-suk, expressed that When Life Gives You Tangerines serves as:
“a tribute to the parent and grandparent generations and a cheering anthem for the younger generation.”
Actor IU also discussed the series’ English title, explaining:
“Our English title is ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ It’s a drama about making warm tangerine tea from even the sourest tangerines life throws at you. I hope you’ll take the time to watch our drama with a calm and peaceful heart.”
You can find When Life Gives You Tangerines streaming on Netflix, with episodes released in groups of four every week, commencing from March 7, 2025.