Highest Rating in Korean Film & Drama History!—The Latest K-Drama Taking the World by Storm!

A Korean drama has set a new record for the highest rating in K-content history. Netflix’s ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ has resonated with global audiences, achieving an impressive IMDb score of 9.7.

The series tells the life story of Aesun, a rebellious free spirit, and Gwansik, a devoted yet stubborn man, unfolding across four seasons in Jeju. On March 14, the highly anticipated Summer Part (Act 2) was released, featuring episodes 5 through 8.

Episode 6 Breaks Records with 9.7 IMDb Rating

According to IMDb on the 17th, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ currently holds an average rating of 9.4, with Episode 6 earning an unprecedented 9.7, marking the highest score ever recorded for K-content.

This episode deeply moved audiences by portraying a tragic yet powerful story—a devastating typhoon takes the life of their youngest son, leaving Gwansik and Aesun to endure a lifetime of sorrow. The heart-wrenching narrative resonated with viewers worldwide, solidifying the drama’s impact.

IMDb’s Influence on Global Popularity

IMDb (Internet Movie Database) is the world’s largest online database for movies, dramas, TV shows, and games, allowing users to rate and review content. A high IMDb score often signifies global popularity and critical acclaim, with scores above 9 being extremely rare.

With its soaring ratings, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ has established itself as a masterpiece, praised for its exceptional storytelling, deep emotional impact, and breathtaking cinematography.

🍂 Act 3 Teaser Unveiled – What’s Next?

Ahead of the third act’s release, the production team dropped a new autumn-themed poster, heightening anticipation. The image features four figures standing against the backdrop of a sunset over Seoul—an older Aesun (Moon So-ri) and Gwansik (Park Hae-joon), alongside their daughter Geum-myeong (IU) and a mysterious young man.

Aesun smiles warmly as she links arms with Geum-myeong, while Gwansik looks on with a contrasting expression, eyeing the young man. With Geum-myeong appearing shy and the man offering a polite greeting, the scene hints at a significant new development in the story.

In the Act 3 teaser, Geum-myeong, now living independently, talks to her mother over the phone. Meanwhile, her relationship with Yeongbeom (Lee Jun-young) deepens, ushering in a new chapter in her life. Despite the passing years, Aesun and Gwansik remain unwavering in their love and support for their daughter.

The teaser’s narration hints at upcoming hardships and the deep familial bond that will be tested, with lines like "The strongest winds are not those that shake the earth, but those that stir within the heart" and "Each person sways in the storm of their own love, as if caught in a typhoon." As autumn leaves change and fruits ripen, the characters’ journeys also mature and deepen, promising an emotionally rich continuation.

Meanwhile, the drama continues to captivate global audiences, with international fans flooding online platforms with enthusiastic reviews. Many have praised the series for its perfect balance of deep emotions and real-life struggles, with comments like "Every character’s emotions hit so hard" and "Episode 6 had me sobbing uncontrollably." Others have lauded its exceptional storytelling, powerful acting, and breathtaking cinematography, with one viewer stating, "I haven’t seen a Korean drama with this level of storytelling in a long time." Another recalled, "The moment Dongmyeong was lost… I cried so much I couldn’t stop."

As ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ continues to break records and resonate deeply with audiences, anticipation for Act 3 has never been higher. Will the story maintain its streak of emotional depth and unforgettable storytelling? Fans eagerly await the next chapter.