The hit drama When Life Gives You Tangerines has captivated audiences and become a significant topic of discussion since its debut. Featuring stellar performances by IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon, the series recently topped the popularity charts, as revealed by a new Gallup Korea survey.
Conducted from March 18 to March 20, the survey included responses from 1,003 participants, with a sampling margin of error of ±3.1% and a confidence level of 95%. Although 7,673 individuals were approached to participate, the final tally of votes came from adults aged 18 and over who shared their favorite dramas. Since its inception in 2013, the Gallup survey has expanded to consider dramas on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, with this adjustment starting in 2020.
With a strong 6.9% of the vote, When Life Gives You Tangerines has emerged as the most favored ongoing drama among South Korean viewers. Following closely are TV Chosun’s Mr. Trot 3 at 4.7%, KBS 2TV’s Please Take Care of the Five Eagle Brothers! at 3.5%, KBS1’s My Merry Marriage with 3.2%, and SBS’s Treasure Island which garnered 2.8%. The unique aspect of this survey is its allowances for viewers to nominate dramas from any time slot, genre, or platform, marking a shift for audience preference in recent years.
This is the fifth occasion a Netflix original has claimed the top position in Gallup Korea’s popularity rankings. Previous victors include acclaimed titles such as The Glory in March 2023, Culinary Class War in October 2024, and Squid Game Season 2 in January 2025, showcasing the mounting influence of streaming platforms in shaping viewing habits.
Current Plot Developments in When Life Gives You Tangerines
As of now, When Life Gives You Tangerines has aired 12 episodes, having premiered on March 7, with new installments releasing every Friday. The narrative follows the lives of Ae-sun and Gwan-shik throughout their life stages, portrayed by IU and Park Bo-gum in their youth, with Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon depicting their older selves. The couple faces relentless challenges as they journey through personal growth and societal shifts over time.
The storytelling is currently centered around their daughter, Geum-myeong, also played by IU, as she navigates the complexities of urban living and her evolving romantic experiences. The dramatic arc will culminate in the airing of the series’ final volume on March 28, bringing closure to Ae-sun, Gwan-shik, and their family’s compelling saga.