The Netflix original drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' produced with a budget of 60 billion KRW (~41.4 million USD), has taken the world by storm, captivating viewers across 24 countries just three days after its release.

According to Netflix’s weekly viewership rankings released on March 12, the drama starring IU and Park Bo Gum, which premiered on March 7, recorded 3.6 million views (13.9 million watch hours) within just three days (March 3-9), securing the No. 4 spot in the global non-English TV show category. It follows 'Medusa' (6.8 million views, 51 million hours), 'Just One Look' (4.5 million views, 20.1 million hours), and 'Cassandra' (3.7 million views, 18.4 million hours).

Notably, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' ranked in the TOP 10 lists across 24 countries, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Peru, and Bolivia, reaffirming the global appeal of K-dramas.

Set in Jeju Island, the drama follows the adventurous life journey of “rebellious troublemaker” Ae Soon (played by IU) and the “devoted fool” Gwan Shik (played by Park Bo Gum) across the four seasons. The story also features veteran actors Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon as the older versions of Ae Soon and Gwan Shik, with a stellar supporting cast including Yum Hye Ran, Kim Yong Rim, and Oh Jung Se, further enhancing the drama’s quality.

The production team behind the drama is equally noteworthy. Screenwriter Im Sang Choon, known for hits like 'When the Camellia Blooms' (2019) and 'Fight for My Way' (2017), penned the script, while director Kim Won Seok, renowned for 'My Mister' (2018), 'Signal' (2016), and 'Misaeng' (2014), took charge of the direction. The collaboration of these two industry giants—often referred to as a “golden combination”—is credited with driving the drama’s success.

Foreign media outlets have also praised the drama. Forbes lauded it, stating, “As the storyline unfolds over decades, the actors seamlessly convey the passage of time, showcasing evolving maturity through movement, expressions, and voice modulation. Set against the stunning backdrop of Jeju Island, it tells a unique story of enduring love and perseverance.”

The South China Morning Post similarly praised the drama’s delicate storytelling, describing it as “a simple yet beautifully written, intricately acted, and vividly realized story.”

Recently released behind-the-scenes and unseen stills have further fueled excitement. Photos of IU and Park Bo Gum playfully posing in a field of yellow canola flowers and sharing a shy kiss have warmed hearts. Other images showcase the actors laughing together, embracing emotional scenes, and even playfully interacting off-camera, perfectly capturing the charm of Ae Soon and Gwan Shik.

Additional stills show IU intensely monitoring scenes and Park Bo Gum appearing teary-eyed, emphasizing their deep immersion in their roles. Meanwhile, images of Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon as the older Ae Soon and Gwan Shik add an emotional depth, highlighting their unwavering bond over time.

The production team has also shared glimpses of director Kim Won Seok passionately directing on set. Photos of the Jeju Island divers and veteran actresses Chami Kyung, Lee Soo Mi, and Baek Ji Won, alongside Yum Hye Ran and young Ae Soon actress Kim Tae Yeon, reflect the lively and warm atmosphere of the filming site.

The drama’s title, "폭싹 속았수다 (Pok Ssak Sok Ah Su Da)" —a phrase in the Jeju dialect meaning “You’ve worked so hard”—encapsulates its overarching theme. Beyond a simple romance, the series delicately portrays life’s seasons, struggles, and perseverance, resonating with audiences worldwide.

The 16-episode Netflix drama releases four episodes every Friday. The second part (episodes 5-8) will be released on March 14 at 5 PM KST. With anticipation growing for the continuation of Ae Soon and Gwan Shik’s journey, global viewers eagerly await to see how their story unfolds.

SEE ALSO: IU says she has no intention of inheriting her parents' wealth