“60 Billion KRW Well Spent?” This K-Drama Took Over 24 Countries in Just 3 Days! (Reactions)

The Netflix original drama ''When Life Gives You Tangerines,'' starring IU and Park Bo-gum, is making waves worldwide. Just three days after its release, the high-budget production (KRW 60 billion) has captivated audiences across 24 countries, proving its global appeal.

According to Netflix’s weekly viewership rankings released on March 12, the drama, which premiered on March 7, racked up 3.6 million views (13.9 million hours watched) in just three days (March 3–9), landing at No. 4 in the global non-English TV category. The top three shows were ''Medusa'' (6.8 million views, 51 million hours), ''Just One Look'' (4.5 million views, 20.1 million hours), and ''Cassandra'' (3.7 million views, 18.4 million hours).

''When Life Gives You Tangerines'' has entered the TOP 10 in 24 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Peru, and Bolivia, reaffirming the global power of K-dramas.

A Tale of Love, Growth, and Seasons Set in Jeju

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju Island, ''When Life Gives You Tangerines'' tells the adventurous, season-spanning life story of Ae-soon, a "fiery rebel," and Gwan-sik, a "foolishly devoted" man. IU plays the young Ae-soon, while Park Bo-gum portrays Gwan-sik. The middle-aged versions of these characters are played by Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon. The cast also includes top-tier actors such as Yeom Hye-ran, Kim Yong-rim, and Oh Jung-se, further elevating the drama’s quality.

The drama’s production team is equally noteworthy. Acclaimed screenwriter Im Sang-choon, known for ''When the Camellia Blooms'' (2019) and ''Fight for My Way'' (2017), wrote the script, while Kim Won-seok, the director behind ''My Mister'' (2018), ''Signal'' (2016), and ''Misaeng'' (2014), took the helm. The collaboration of these industry heavyweights, dubbed a “golden duo”, has played a significant role in the drama’s success.

International Media Praise

Global media outlets have showered the drama with praise. Forbes lauded its multi-decade storytelling, highlighting how the actors masterfully convey the passage of time through body language, expressions, and tone shifts. The review also praised the drama as “the drama’s storyline spans decades the actors successfully convey the passage of time, demonstrating their growing maturity with physical mannerisms, changing the way they move, the depth of their expressions, the tone of their voices.”

The South China Morning Post described it as “This is at heart an intimate and simple story, but one that is beautifully penned, exquisitely performed and vividly realised.”

Fans in South Korea have been deeply moved by the drama, with YouTube users praising its emotional depth and captivating storytelling. One comment described it as “a must-watch masterpiece of our time” for its ability to be both profoundly emotional and entertaining, while another noted how “the seamless overlap of past and present creates an emotional rollercoaster” that keeps them in tears.

On X (formerly Twitter), viewers shared similar sentiments, expressing how the drama had them “crying, laughing, and crying again,” making Fridays something to look forward to. Others called it “a warm and lovable drama that is absolutely heart-melting.”

The excitement extends far beyond South Korea, with international viewers equally captivated. IMDb users have raved about the series, with one commenting that even after just four episodes, they had already “laughed, cried, and felt every emotion possible,” calling it a masterpiece. Another praised Park Bo-gum and IU’s heartfelt performances, saying their acting “completely draws you into the characters and their world.”

On X, international fans have been just as enthusiastic, with one describing the drama as “a true work of art” that features “brilliant writing, an incredible cast, and a perfect balance of tears and laughter”—making it “100% worth the wait.”

Recently released behind-the-scenes and unreleased stills have further fueled excitement. Heartwarming shots of IU and Park Bo-gum playfully posing in Jeju’s vibrant canola flower fields, sharing a shy kiss, and embracing each other have delighted fans. Other images showcase their goofy moments off-camera, intense emotional scenes, and deep character immersion, highlighting the undeniable chemistry between Ae-soon and Gwan-sik.

Photos of IU monitoring scenes intently and Park Bo-gum appearing emotional on set illustrate the actors' dedication to their roles. Meanwhile, stills of middle-aged Ae-soon (Moon So-ri) and Gwan-sik (Park Hae-joon) beautifully capture their lifelong journey together.

Director Kim Won-seok has also been spotted passionately directing scenes, while cheerful behind-the-scenes shots of the Jeju divers ("haenyeo") and young Ae-soon (Kim Tae-yeon) laughing together provide a glimpse into the drama’s warm and lively filming atmosphere.

A Story That Resonates with Everyone

''When Life Gives You Tangerines'' takes inspiration from Jeju dialect, with its title meaning “You’ve worked so hard”—a phrase that encapsulates the struggles and triumphs of life. Beyond romance, the drama deeply explores themes of life, love, and endurance, making it universally relatable.

The 16-episode drama releases four episodes every Friday on Netflix. Part 2 (Episodes 5–8) will be available on March 14 at 5 PM (KST). With fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter, all eyes are on how Ae-soon and Gwan-sik’s journey will unfold in the upcoming episodes.