'Netflix Shook!' ₩60 Billion Korean Drama Sweeps TOP 10 in 41 Countries Right After Release

The highly anticipated Netflix K-drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' has made an explosive debut, securing spots in the TOP 10 rankings across 41 countries. With a staggering ₩60 billion (approx. $45 million) production budget, the series has kicked off its global success with an impressive start.

Released on March 7, the series, written by Im Sang-chun (When the Camellia Blooms) and directed by Kim Won-seok (My Mister, Misaeng), unfolds the lifelong adventures of Ae-soon, a bold and rebellious girl, and Gwan-sik, a devoted and steadfast young man, growing up in 1960s Jeju. The 16-episode drama is structured into four seasons of their lives, with four episodes dropping every Friday over the next four weeks.

A Massive Production with an All-Star Cast

With a ₩60 billion budget, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' ranks among Korea’s most expensive dramas ever—coming 4th behind ‘Squid Game 2’ (₩100 billion+), ‘Gyeong-seong Creature’ (₩70 billion for two seasons), and Disney+’s ‘Moving’ (₩65 billion). The production process was also notably long. Since its first announcement in August 2022, the drama’s journey spanned nearly 2 years and 7 months, with filming taking place from March 2023 to February 2024 before its official release in March 2025.

The star-studded cast includes IU (Lee Ji-eun), Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon, further amplifying the hype. IU returns to K-dramas after six years, while Park Bo-gum marks his first project in five years since his military enlistment.

Global Success: Topping Charts Worldwide

Upon release, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' immediately topped Netflix Korea’s ‘Today’s TOP 10’ chart and began its global ascent. According to FlixPatrol on March 9, the drama secured 8th place in Netflix’s global ‘TOP 10 TV Shows’ ranking, with remarkable achievements in multiple regions:

🏆 #1 in Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore

🥈 #2 in the Philippines and Taiwan

🥉 #3 in Bangladesh, Brazil, Peru, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Vietnam

The drama’s relatable themes, heartfelt storytelling, and rich emotions have resonated across different ages, genders, and cultures, making it a must-watch. Viewers are praising its ability to blend humor and deep emotions seamlessly, leaving a lasting impact.

The drama has sparked an overwhelming response from fans, flooding Naver’s open chat with emotional reactions. Viewers are calling it “one of the best dramas of my life”, with many admitting, “I cried so much watching this." Some are even comparing it to past legendary works, saying, “This feels like another masterpiece after ‘My Mister’!" IU’s performance is also earning high praise, with fans raving, “Her acting is phenomenal." The anticipation is so intense that some are already rewatching, wondering, “How do I survive until next week?”

With its powerful performances, a nostalgic yet immersive setting, and a deeply emotional OST, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is already shaping up to be one of 2025’s most acclaimed K-dramas.

The drama’s detailed historical setting spans from 1960s Jeju to modern-day Seoul, meticulously recreated through production design, costumes, and cinematography. Art director Ryu Seong-hee masterfully brings each era to life, making viewers feel as though they’re traveling through time with the characters.

The OST, curated by music director Park Sung-il (My Mister, Signal, Misaeng), further deepens the show’s emotional impact. Kwak Jin-eon’s ‘Midnight Walk’ captures the essence of youth and nostalgia, while the traditional Korean instrument-infused ‘Neoyeong Nayeong’ evokes the warmth of spring.

With its captivating storytelling, high production value, and powerful performances, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is set to become an unforgettable masterpiece.