The highly anticipated K-drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, which debuted on March 7, 2025, has swiftly captured the attention of audiences worldwide. In just three days, it amassed an impressive 3.6 million views and secured a spot in the Top 10 rankings across 24 countries, as reported by Korea Times.
Despite its rapid rise in popularity, Netflix has categorized When Life Gives You Tangerines as a “limited series.”This classification suggests that viewers should not expect a second season, effectively marking the show as a standalone release.
This captivating drama chronicles the tumultuous journey of the spirited Oh Ae-sun and her childhood sweetheart, Yang Gwan-sik. They navigate the challenges and joys of life after marrying at a young age, exploring themes of love, hardship, and resilience.
When Life Gives You Tangerines Dominates Netflix Charts
A recent Gallup Korea survey conducted from March 18 to 20 revealed that When Life Gives You Tangerines emerged as the most beloved program in Korea, receiving 6.9% of the votes. This ranking encompasses both traditional broadcast and streaming content, marking it as Netflix’s fifth original series to achieve this recognition, following hits like The Glory and Squid Game 2.
As of March 28, 2025, following the release of its final volume, which includes episodes 13 to 16, the show has held the top position on Netflix’s global non-English viewing chart.
Since its launch, When Life Gives You Tangerines has released episodes weekly, dropping four new episodes every Friday. The narrative spans from the 1950s in Jeju to modern times, featuring notable performances from acclaimed actors IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon. The series has garnered praise for its poignant themes and nostalgic storytelling.
Additional shows that ranked highly in the same survey include TV Chosun’s Mr. Trot 3 at 4.7%, KBS2’s For Eagle Brothers at 3.5%, and KBS1’s My Merry Marriage, which received 3.2% of the votes, demonstrating the competitive landscape of K-drama content.
Netflix’s Cancellation of Other Season 2 K-dramas
1) When the Stars Gossip
This ambitious K-drama starring Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin aimed to capture audience hearts in 2025. Unfortunately, it fell short of expectations, receiving poor reviews and failing to attract a substantial viewership. Integrating sci-fi within its romantic narrative, it ultimately received the “limited series”label from Netflix, confirming that there will be no follow-up season.
2) The Potato Lab
Currently holding the ninth position on Netflix’s global non-English list, The Potato Lab garnered 1.9 million views recently and was featured in the Top 10 across 19 countries, according to OTT Play. This charming romantic comedy stars Lee Sun-bin and Kang Tae-oh, and employs classic K-drama tropes, including an enemies-to-lovers narrative within a small-town setting.
The series revolves around an impassioned potato researcher striving to protect her lab from corporate interests, all while dealing with the complications brought on by a strict new director. The show captures the essence of unexpected romantic developments in surprising contexts.
“A passionate researcher’s life takes a turn when a strict director arrives at her potato lab — proving that love can sprout in the most unlikely places.”
3) When the Phone Rings
Directed by Park Sang-woo and featuring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, this K-drama gained traction during the 2024-25 season. Set against a politically charged backdrop, it engrossed viewers with its compelling storyline, though its overt political messaging polarized some segments of the audience. Despite favorable reviews and considerable interest, Netflix decided against producing a second season.
When the Phone Rings follows the secret marriage of Sa-eon and Hee-joo, who find themselves in a precarious situation when Hee-joo is kidnapped. The intense moment culminates when the kidnapper engages Sa-eon in a chilling conversation, unknowingly allowing Hee-joo to hear everything.
All 16 episodes of When Life Gives You Tangerines are currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans the chance to experience its heartfelt narrative in full.