'Squid Game' Who? This New K-Drama Just Made TV History with the Highest-Ever Rating!

The Netflix series 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is making waves worldwide, earning the highest-ever rating for Korean content on the global review platform IMDb.

As of April 3, the series holds an impressive score of 9.4, according to IMDb. That’s a jump from 8.7 when it first premiered on March 7. The final episode (Episode 16) scored a near-perfect 9.8, and 12 out of the total 16 episodes rated over 9.0—an extraordinary feat.

This score is the highest ever recorded for Korean content on IMDb. Previous top scorers like 'Kingdom' Season 2 and 'Move to Heaven' held an 8.5 rating. Compared to hits like 'The Glory' Season 1 (7.6) and Season 2 (8.1), 'Squid Game' Season 1 (8.0) and Season 2 (7.5), and 'The Trauma code: Heroes on Call' (8.4), 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' clearly stands out.

Not only is it dominating with ratings, but it also continues to rank high on Netflix’s global Top 10 list, proving its popularity and strong viewer buzz.

The 16-episode series tells the story of “cheeky rebel” Ae-soon (played by IU and Moon So-ri) and the ever-loyal Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon), unfolding their lives across the four seasons of the year.

It premiered on March 7 and wrapped up with its final four episodes (Episodes 13–16) on March 28. Even after its finale, global viewers are still showering it with praise, positioning 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' as a new milestone in Korean content.

Why Is 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' So Popular?

The drama captivated audiences with its visually rich direction and deep emotional storytelling. It’s the collaboration between beloved screenwriter Lim Sang-chun—known for 'Fight for My Way' and 'When the Camellia Blooms'—and director Kim Won-seok, who masterfully portrayed subtle emotions in 'Misaeng' and 'My Mister', that elevated the show’s quality.

Set on Jeju Island, the mise-en-scène adds emotional depth, with changing seasonal landscapes painting the screen with warmth and nostalgia. The 1990s-inspired props and settings further amplify the analog vibes, resonating across generations. Director Kim shared, “I wanted to tear down invisible walls with a story that transcends age and gender.”

The cast’s stellar performances also played a big role. IU and Park Bo-gum breathed life into their younger characters Ae-soon and Gwan-sik. IU even took on a dual role, playing both Ae-soon and her daughter Geum-myeong, showcasing incredible range. Park Bo-gum, returning from military service, delivered a more mature and grounded performance.

Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon, who portrayed the older versions of Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, brought a quiet depth to their roles, reflecting the emotional weight of life and time.

Lastly, the series’ unique release format—four episodes at a time, divided into four thematic acts representing each season—helped viewers become more deeply immersed in the story.