Behind the ₩60 Billion Epic: How 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Became Global Sensation

Another K-drama has taken the industry by storm, achieving overwhelming dominance in the market.

According to Good Data Corporation’s TV-OTT drama buzz rankings for the second week of March, Netflix’s original series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' topped the list with an incredible 41.71% share of online engagement, leaving the second-place drama far behind. This marks the second consecutive week at No.1 for the hit series.

A Powerful Story Set in 1950s Jeju

'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is a coming-of-age human drama set in 1950s Jeju. The show brings together the creative minds of screenwriter Im Sang-choon (When the Camellia Blooms) and director Kim Won-seok (My Mister, Signal). Featuring a star-studded cast—including IU (Lee Ji-eun), Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon—the drama delivers an emotional storyline, stunning cinematography, and impeccable performances.

IU & Park Bo-gum Dominate Actor Buzz Rankings

Not only is the drama itself making waves, but its lead actors are also topping the charts. IU and Park Bo-gum ranked No.1 and No.2, respectively, in the drama actor buzz rankings, proving their immense popularity. 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' saw a 24.5% increase in buzz compared to last week, with the show ranking No.1 in news coverage, netizen discussions (VON), social media activity, and video content engagement.

International Recognition & Global Chart Success

Since its release, the drama has gained attention worldwide. 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' reached No.6 on Netflix’s global TV show rankings, while securing the top spot in 10 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam. With a massive ₩60 billion ($41 million USD) production budget, the drama’s high-quality cinematography and detailed storytelling have been met with widespread praise.

Beyond Romance: A Deeply Layered Coming-of-Age Story

While 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' may initially appear to be a romantic comedy, it is, in fact, a deeply moving biographical coming-of-age story. The drama is structured into four distinct acts, each consisting of four episodes, for a total of 16 episodes. Notably, it is the first Netflix Korea original series to be released in batches of four episodes per week, a unique strategy that has sparked curiosity among viewers.

More than just a commercial success, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is being praised for its blend of artistic quality and mass appeal. With Netflix bringing the series to a global audience, its influence is expected to grow even further in the coming weeks.