The slice-of-life K-drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines," starring IU and Park Bo Gum, has been recognized as Time Magazine’s Best K-Drama of 2025, cementing its place as one of the year’s most celebrated television series.
The drama offers a grounded portrayal of everyday life, tracing the journey from youthful, seemingly unattainable dreams to the realities of adulthood and family-building. Through one family’s story, the series captures life’s many struggles while balancing moments of humor with deeply emotional, tear-jerking scenes.
Helmed by director Kim Won-suk and penned by writer Lim Sang-choon, the series follows Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo Gum) through four seasons of life—from their childhood days on Jeju Island to navigating love, friendship, and family as adults. Won-suk previously shared that the show was designed to "[help] break down the invisible barriers between generations, genders, and just people in general."
Time Magazine praised the drama as "one of the year's best TV series, full stop," noting its ability to transform ordinary, everyday moments into powerful and emotionally resonant storytelling. In other words, the series is deeply relatable and moving—enough to have viewers reaching for tissues, or perhaps even a comforting glass of soju.
The industry echoed the magazine’s acclaim. "When Life Gives You Tangerines" became one of 2025’s biggest awards contenders, earning major wins at prestigious ceremonies such as the Blue Dragon Series Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards, including Best Drama and acting honors for IU and Yeom Hye-ran. IU and Park Bo Gum also received the Best Couple Award at the Asia Artist Awards, further solidifying their chemistry as one of the year’s most beloved on-screen pairings.
