‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ Crowned TIME Magazine’s Best K-Drama of 2025

‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ starring IU and Park Bo-gum, has officially been crowned TIME magazine’s ‘Best K-Drama of 2025.’

This honor cements the series as a global masterpiece, standing out as the undisputed definitive drama of the year.

TIME didn’t hold back, calling it “one of the year’s best TV series, full stop.” The magazine praised its rare ability to make ordinary life feel extraordinary.

It proves that you don’t need fantasy elements to tell a deeply engaging story, just the rich complexity of real life.

Directed by Kim Won-suk, the Netflix series follows Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) across four seasons of their lives on Jeju Island.

From childhood adventures to adult struggles, the narrative beautifully captures the messy, laugh-out-loud, and tear-jerking glory of real life.

The series aired on Netflix from March 7 to March 28, 2025, and earned widespread acclaim.

It secured eight nominations at the Baeksang Arts Awards, winning four including ‘Best Drama,’ and drew comparisons to the beloved ‘Reply 1988’ for its emotional resonance.

With IU and Park Bo-gum’s heartfelt performances at its center, ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ proved that simplicity can be powerful.

Its recognition cements the drama as a defining K-drama of 2025, reminding viewers why stories rooted in real life endure.