Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines Soars to No. 1—What’s in Store for Volume 2?

Amid the flood of new content, one drama has skyrocketed to No. 1 on Netflix immediately upon release—When Life Gives You Tangerines.

Part 1 of When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring IU and Park Bo-gum, has received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Reviewers have praised IU’s raw performance and the show's layered storytelling, while critics highlight its stunning visuals and unique genre-blending.

Many reviews note its emotional depth, particularly for older generations, as it tops Netflix charts in multiple countries. Viewers on Reddit describe it as "heartbreaking" yet beautifully paced, with standout cinematography and chemistry between the leads. With its poignant narrative and evocative visuals, the series is being hailed as a must-watch K-drama.

Spanning from 1960s Jeju to 2025 Seoul, this series chronicles the turbulent lives of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik as they navigate an era of rapid change. Resonating deeply with audiences by evoking memories of their parents' struggles, When Life Gives You Tangerines is already being hailed as a masterpiece. Now, with the release of a teaser and new posters for Volume 2, anticipation is at an all-time high.

While Volume 1 captured Ae-soon and Gwan-sik’s youthful school days and their journey toward unexpected parenthood, Volume 2 will showcase their lives as fully-fledged parents. One of the most striking moments in the new teaser is Ae-soon wearing a foreman’s armband, symbolizing her determination to carve out her own path despite past hardships. This glimpse into her evolution makes the upcoming storyline even more intriguing.

Balancing heartwarming romance with the painful realities of the times, When Life Gives You Tangerines continues to tug at viewers’ heartstrings. The 16-episode drama releases four episodes per week, with Volume 2 set to drop on the 14th. If you haven’t started watching yet, now’s the time to catch up!