Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines: A Cultural Phenomenon Under Threat
The Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, featuring acclaimed South Korean actors IU and Park Bo-gum, has become a topic of global intrigue since its debut on March 7, 2025. However, a recent report by Kbizoom on March 20, 2025, highlights concerning developments regarding its unauthorized streaming in China.
Chinese internet users have established dedicated pages on Douban (豆瓣), a popular content review platform, to illegally stream the series. It’s estimated that around 30,000 reviews have surfaced, reflecting the show’s burgeoning popularity. This rampant unauthorized access is particularly alarming given that Netflix does not operate officially within the Chinese market, exacerbating the issue of piracy.
Seo Kyung-duk, a professor at Sungshin Women’s University, commented to Kbizoom about the phenomenon, noting that such practices have become commonplace in China. He asserted that the public displays little remorse for these actions.
“This happened when ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 was released as well. In China, illegal streaming has practically become the norm. What’s even more shocking is that they feel no shame about it.”
Seo further argued:
“Instead of making absurd claims that Korea is stealing Chinese culture, they should first learn to respect the content of other countries.”
Exploring Unauthorized K-Content Usage Amidst the Streaming Controversy
The plot of When Life Gives You Tangerines revolves around the lives of Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they navigate personal and societal challenges in Jeju Island during the 1950s. This romance slice-of-life drama vividly captures the island’s cultural heritage, thoughtfully incorporating local customs and expressions into its narrative to enhance viewer engagement.
Globally, the show has achieved remarkable success, making its mark in various countries. According to Chosun Biz, When Life Gives You Tangerines has clinched a spot in the Top 10 hit series lists across Brazil, South Korea, Chile, Turkey, Mexico, the Philippines, and Vietnam, among others.
This isn’t the first time China has found itself embroiled in illegal use of Korean content. Following the emergence of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), which popularized K-dramas and K-pop globally, issues of piracy and counterfeit merchandise have arisen. The allure of Korean culture has often been exploited for profit through unlicensed channels.
Counterfeit K-pop merchandise, in particular, has remained a significant concern. The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) announced in 2022 initiatives aimed at tightening regulations against online counterfeit sales, recognizing the extent of the problem as K-pop groups like BTS and BLACKPINK gain immense popularity.
In fact, statistics from the Korea Customs Service reported that an overwhelming 85% of counterfeit goods seized in the first half of 2024 originated from China, with these products valued at approximately 93.4 billion won (around $63.6 million).
Fans of When Life Gives You Tangerines can look forward to the release of episodes 9 to 12 on March 21, 2025, followed by episodes 13 to 16 on March 28, 2025.