The new Netflix Korean drama “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is gaining strong global attention, bringing 1960s Jeju to life with rolling waves, bright yellow canola fields, bustling markets, and fresh croaker fish meals. The lives of Ae-sun, her struggling mother Gwang-rye, and the hardworking Gwan-sik are all tied to the sea of Jeju. Premiering on March 7, the series ranked sixth worldwide in the Netflix TV show category as of March 12, according to FlixPatrol, and reached No. 1 in 13 countries, including several in Asia and the Middle East. The title is a translation of the Jeju dialect phrase “Pokssak Sogatsuda,” meaning “You’ve worked hard.”

Ae-sun (right, played by IU) is a Jeju girl who dreams of becoming a poet. With Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) by her side, even the bleakest moments of life shine. The Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines" tells the story of Ae-sun’s mother, Ae-sun, and her daughter. /Courtesy of Netflix

With its stunning Jeju landscapes, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” follows the success of other seaside village dramas, a genre that continues to attract viewers of all ages. Popular examples include “When the Camellia Blooms” (2019, peak rating: 23.8%), “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021, 12.7%), “Our Blues” (2022, 14.6%), and “Welcome to Samdal-ri” (2023–2024, 12.4%). These healing dramas use beautiful coastal settings to tell warm and touching stories.

In the first four episodes released, Jeju’s rugged yet breathtaking scenery plays a key role in the storytelling. While the drama’s themes of 1960s life and women’s struggles may feel familiar, its stunning cinematography and realistic period setting have received praise. Viewers describe it as “emotional and visually stunning.” The story follows Ae-sun (played by IU), a smart and ambitious girl born into a family of female divers. After losing her parents at a young age, she struggles against fate, eventually finding love with the honest and loyal Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) as they grow together through life’s challenges.

Gwan-sik (left) and Ae-sun against the backdrop of Jeju’s stunning natural scenery. /Courtesy of Netflix

Seaside village dramas remain popular because they offer city viewers a glimpse of nature while telling relatable human stories. Even variety shows like “Fresh off the Sea,” filmed in coastal towns, have been well received. Cultural critic Kim Hern-sik noted, “The story of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ where the main characters overcome hardships together, is even more touching because of the beautiful setting.”

The drama’s simple yet heartfelt characters also add to its charm. Child actress Kim Tae-yeon, who plays young Ae-sun, and actress Yeom Hye-ran, who portrays Ae-sun’s mother, have received praise for their performances. The series smoothly transitions through different stages of Ae-sun’s life—her childhood, youth, and motherhood—portraying the passage of time in a moving way.

Ae-sun’s mother’s fellow haenyeo (female divers) care for and worry about her. Despite hardships, warmth and community endure. /Courtesy of Netflix

With a 60-billion-won ($42 million) budget, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” brings together top creators, including writer Lim Sang-choon of “When the Camellia Blooms,” director Kim Won-seok of “Signal” and “My Mister,” and production designer Ryu Seong-hie of “The Handmaiden” and “Ode to My Father.” Given its unique style, the drama has the potential to mark a new milestone for Korean streaming content. However, Kim Hern-sik pointed out that while the series is likely to succeed in Asia, its appeal in North America remains uncertain.

Director Kim Won-seok described the series as “a deeply Korean story, but ultimately a universal tale about life and human emotions.” With three weeks left until the finale, viewers are eager to see how the story unfolds.