The Global Times, a media outlet associated with the Chinese government, has unexpectedly lauded the Netflix K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, as highlighted by BNT News on March 28. This article has ignited speculation regarding a possible relaxation of the enduring Hallyu Ban, which currently limits the influence of Korean pop culture within China.
When Life Gives You Tangerines features popular K-pop and K-drama stars IU and Park Bo-gum and was spotlighted in the March 27 edition of the Global Times in a piece titled “A New Hit in Korean Period Dramas.” This is noteworthy because of the paper’s role as a strategic communication tool for the Chinese Communist Party.
Shifting Dynamics in PRC-South Korea Relations
Since the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system in 2016, China has imposed significant restrictions on the importation of Korean entertainment, adopting a predominantly critical viewpoint toward Korean media. Despite these restrictions, When Life Gives You Tangerines has garnered a remarkable 9.4 rating on Douban, a popular review platform in China. The site heralded this drama as a “new milestone”in the realm of Korean period storytelling.
This praise aligns with ongoing diplomatic discussions indicating a potential normalization of relations between the People’s Republic of China and South Korea. Recently, on March 21, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed his interest in reinitiating cultural exchanges during a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Japan.
Moreover, notable developments such as the release of Bong Joon-ho’s film Mickey 17 in China are indicative of this shifting cultural landscape. Yet, unlike Mickey 17, which is an American production, When Life Gives You Tangerines remains an entirely Korean endeavor, reflecting the country’s creative capabilities.
The Rise of When Life Gives You Tangerines as a Top OTT Program
Entering the spotlight even further, When Life Gives You Tangerines achieved the top position in Good Data Corporation’s weekly ranking of buzzworthy actors, as reported by Wikitree on March 26. It also garnered first place in a recent Gallup Korea survey, affirming its status as the most cherished television and OTT program among Korean adults.
This drama has outshined other popular series like Buried Hearts, featuring Park Hyung-sik, and Undercover High School, starring Seo Kang-joon. In a Gallup Korea survey conducted from March 18-20, the drama registered viewer ratings exceeding 20%, solidifying its acclaim.
According to Gallup Korea’s survey results, released on March 25, based on a sample of 1,003 adults over 18 from across South Korea, the IU and Park Bo-gum-led romance topped the preferences with an impressive 6.9% rating.
Importantly, unlike conventional metrics that may only reflect a snapshot of the audience, this survey allowed respondents to vote for their favorite shows regardless of the platform or time, recognizing the growing significance of OTT content in today’s entertainment landscape.
In addition to its ranking success, IU emerged as the most buzzworthy actor in ongoing dramas, while Park Bo-gum secured second place in Good Data Corporation’s actor rankings, further evidencing the show’s expansive appeal.