TIME Magazine Crowns Jeju’s ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ as 2025’s #1 K-Drama! 🏆🍊

The global K-drama phenomenon has reached an exhilarating new peak as the highly anticipated Netflix series, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (폭싹 속았수다), has been named the **#1 K-Drama** on TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of the Top 10 K-Dramas of 2025. This isn’t just a win for the series; it’s a vibrant testament to the unparalleled storytelling and production prowess emerging from Korea, captivating audiences and critics worldwide.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the drama beautifully portrays the lives of islanders and the iconic haenyeo (female divers). The series has garnered immense critical acclaim from TIME, with the publication hailing it as “one of the best Korean dramas and TV series of the year.” They further praised its ability to weave “a beautiful and profound story using realistic material,” noting that “while anyone can make the fantastical special, it is rare and precious to make the ordinary extraordinary without losing complexity and texture.”

‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’, whose title translates to a warm Jeju dialect phrase meaning “You’ve worked incredibly hard,” unravels the adventure-filled lives of Yong Mang-jin Ae-soon (IU) and the devoted Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), both born and raised on Jeju Island, across four captivating seasons. The drama’s authenticity is further bolstered by the creative genius behind it:

• ✍️ Penned by writer Im Sang-chun, celebrated for hit series like ‘When the Camellia Blooms’ and ‘Fight for My Way’.
• 🎬 Directed by the visionary Kim Won-seok, known for critically acclaimed works such as ‘My Mister,’ ‘Signal,’ and ‘Misaeng.’

This powerhouse combination generated significant buzz even before its official release, setting the stage for its eventual triumph.

Beyond its compelling narrative, the series masterfully integrates the unique cultural tapestry of Jeju. Through the resilient character of Ae-soon’s mother, the drama offers a poignant glimpse into the challenging yet profound lives of Jeju’s haenyeo. Filming locations span iconic Jeju landmarks, including Kimnyeong Beach, the historical Jejumok Gwana, the picturesque Ora-dong buckwheat fields, and the majestic Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). The global success of the drama has also cast a well-deserved spotlight on Jeju’s rich heritage, from the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Jeju haenyeo to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage of Jeju’s traditional stone fences, or **batdam**.

The synergy between the captivating storyline and Jeju’s natural beauty has yielded significant promotional benefits for the island. In an impressive collaborative effort, the Jeju Provincial Government and the Jeju Contents Agency provided substantial location scouting and administrative support, including a 50 million KRW incentive. The Jeju Tourism Organization also actively promoted the series across various platforms, recognizing its potential to boost cultural tourism.

The results speak for themselves. ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ soared to the #1 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 Non-English Series chart, maintaining a top-10 position for an impressive 8 consecutive weeks. Last year’s first-half cumulative viewership alone reached a staggering 35 million hours. Its blend of commercial success and critical artistry has been celebrated across numerous prestigious awards:

• 🏆 61st Baeksang Arts Awards: 4 Wins
• 🏆 4th Blue Dragon Series Awards: 3 Wins
• 🏆 2025 International Streaming Festival Global OTT Awards: 3 Wins
• 🏆 APAN Star Awards: 6 Wins

This drama truly encapsulates the heart of Korean storytelling and its powerful resonance across cultures, proving that extraordinary narratives can blossom from the most ordinary settings.

The critical and commercial success of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ doesn’t just celebrate a drama; it amplifies the global stage for Korean talent and elevates the performance benchmark for authentic storytelling. We eagerly anticipate how this triumph will inspire future productions and deepen global appreciation for K-culture’s dynamic range.

As ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ continues to garner accolades and capture hearts, its legacy as a masterpiece that transcends borders is firmly cemented, reminding us all of the extraordinary beauty found in everyday life.

Editor: Jason Lee 🎤

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