Netflix’s catalogue has brimmed with K-dramas in the first half of 2025, but one title has quietly crept up the charts to give Squid Game a run for its money. If you haven’t yet pressed play, you might want to clear your evening plans—this is the kind of captivating storytelling that keeps you glued to the screen.
A surprising challenger to Squid Game’s throne
I’ll admit, I almost passed this one by. One blustery February evening, after rewatching a few episodes of my comfort series, I spotted When Life Gives You Tangerines in Netflix’s Top 10. Its gentle thumbnails and period setting seemed worlds away from the high-stakes tension of Squid Game, yet within minutes I was hooked.
According to Netflix’s own viewing data, Tangerines secured the second spot in the global rankings for the first half of 2025—right behind every season of Squid Game combined. The narrative begins in the 1960s on Jeju Island, tracing the lives of Oh Ae-sun and Gwan-sik from their childhood encounters to an enduring romance that spans decades. IU delivers a heartfelt double performance as both mother and daughter, while Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon round out a stellar cast. The show’s timeless exploration of love, change and societal evolution has clearly enchanted viewers worldwide.
A decorated drama that has swept awards ceremonies
If awards are any barometer for success, When Life Gives You Tangerines is already a critically acclaimed triumph. At the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards earlier this year, it picked up four trophies, including Best Drama Series. Then, on 18 July, the Blue Dragon Series Awards crowned it with the Grand Prize, while recognising IU as Best Actress for her dual roles.
Industry insiders aren’t surprised. “The series’ production values and emotional depth set a new benchmark for K-dramas,” commented a representative from the Baeksang Arts Awards. The accolades underline Netflix’s commitment to quality storytelling—proof that a modest premise, executed with care, can resonate far beyond its origins.
Whether you’re drawn to period pieces, character-driven narratives or simply superb performances, this series delivers on all fronts. As someone who’s spent many a weekend binge-watching, I can attest that it strikes the perfect balance between intimate moments and sweeping drama. So, if you’re on the lookout for a fresh Korean gem, let this be your next Netflix obsession.
