Watching IU and Park Bo Gum starring on the same screen—and as a couple, even more—has crossed the list of many longtime fans of Korean dramas. IU’s captivating visuals and rich emotions blend seamlessly with Park Bo Gum’s versatile acting, resulting in breathtakingly immersive and emotionally charged scenes with top-of-the-world chemistry. These were probably your first reactions when you first heard of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Korean drama.
However, once the series was released, it triggered mixed reactions from the audience. And yet, it was not because of its quality but rather more of personal preferences.
So, did “When Life Gives You Tangerines” successfully captivate viewers? Or did it bore them instead? Let’s dive more into the early performance of this beautiful series.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines” Korean Drama Impressive Numbers on Netflix
Following its official release date, Netflix star-studded series, “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” successfully gained massive attention from both local and international audiences.
Despite mixed reactions, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Korean drama successfully gained impressive achievement on Netflix. Within just one day of its release, the drama topped charts across multiple countries, securing:
- #1 in South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore,
- #2 in the Philippines and Taiwan,
- #3 in Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan,
- #5 in Malaysia,
- #9 in India.
According to FlixPatrol report, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” reached #8 on Netflix Top 10 TV Shows only a day after its release date.
This strong international reception indicates that the drama has successfully captivated global audiences, even as it sparks debates over its pacing and themes.
The series, directed by Kim Won Seok (“My Mister”) and written by Lim Sang Choon (“When the Camellia Blooms”), takes viewers back to 1950s Jeju. It tells the story of Ae Sun (IU), a rebellious and free-spirited young woman, and Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum), a steadfast and hardworking man.
Their journey explores love, hardships, and the everyday lives of past generations. Offering a nostalgic look at Korea’s history, this Netflix series has become an extraordinary momentum from both IU and Park Bo Gum.
Moreover, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is an impressive blockbuster with a massive production budget of $42 million USD (60 billion KRW). With the star-studded cast and richly detailed settings, IU and Park Bo Gum’s new drama has successfully become a visual spectacle.
Combined with a weekly four-episode release schedule, this series keeps audiences engaged and fueling discussions with each drop.
Slow-Burn but Deeply Moving: The Initial Reactions
While the numbers speak to its popularity, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” has divided audiences in terms of emotional impact and pacing.
Fans Who Love It: Emotional and Nostalgic
For many, the drama’s slow, sentimental storytelling is a highlight. Fans quickly took to social media to express just how much the drama moved them:
- “It’s only been four episodes, but I was already crying my eyes out.”
- “Be warned, it will make you ugly sob.”
- “The acting is just a chef’s kiss, especially the veteran cast.”
- “If you liked ‘When the Camellia Blooms,’ you will love this for sure.”
The emotional depth of the series resonated with those who appreciate reflective, heartfelt storytelling. Many viewers managed to relate to Ae Sun’s struggles and felt nostalgia for the generational themes presented in the drama.
Furthermore, one of the strongest praises for “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is its ability to evoke deep emotions.
The cast performances, especially IU’s, are widely regarded as exceptional. Her portrayal of Ae Sun resonated deeply with fans, drowning them in tears. Her profound performances, combined with the K-drama’s period aesthetics, from the cinematography to the traditional Jeju setting, resulted in incredibly high praise.
The Other Side: Too Slow for Some Viewers
However, it appears that not all reactions were in favor of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Korean drama. Some viewers found the drama’s pacing too slow and the plot too predictable:
- “I thought it was a little boring.”
- “The pace is pretty slow… good for killing time, but not really something I would become completely immersed in.”
- “I think it’s meant to appeal more to older generations who actually lived during those times… It’s too bad my grandparents don’t know how to watch Netflix.”
- “If it weren’t for IU and Park Bo Gum, I don’t think many young people would have taken an interest.”
According to these viewers, the drama’s focus on slice-of-life moments and period realism felt more like a niche appeal rather than a universally engaging experience. Also, the slower pacing may be a challenge for those who prefer fast-moving plots or more action-packed narratives.
Additionally, some found the romance aspect lacking depth, describing it as “just thrown in for the sake of romance.” While the chemistry between IU and Park Bo Gum is undeniable, the story’s slow development might not appeal to everyone.
It’s Just Getting Started: All Comes Back to Your Own Preferences
At the end of the day, we can simply say that “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a unique entry in the K-drama landscape. This series embraces slow-burn storytelling, nostalgia, and deeply personal emotions.
And even with the initial mixed reactions during the first 4 episodes, the early success of “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Korean drama on Netflix proves that there is a strong audience for this kind of drama, even if it’s not for everyone.
Therefore, if you enjoy sentimental, thought-provoking narratives, the series delivers powerful performances, rich period aesthetics, and emotional storytelling. But if you prefer fast-paced dramas with constant twists, it may be challenging for you to stay engaged.
Finally, the debate surrounding “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Korean drama reactions is less about quality and more about preference. And with more episodes to come, do you think it will continue climbing the charts? Will it stay as another classic? Or will the slow pacing cause its momentum to wane?
For now, the choice is yours. Is “When Life Gives You Tangerines” a must-watch for you? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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Source: FlixPatrol, X, AKP.
