Some television dramas leave a lasting impression long after they air. tvN Mr. Sun AND My lordboth released in 2018, along with the 2025 Netflix hit When life gives you tangerinesthey are widely considered modern Korean masterpieces. Through compelling storytelling and emotionally rich themes, these series have resonated with audiences across generations. Whether it’s Korea’s independence movement, the silent struggles of ordinary people, or a lifetime of memories that play out over the seasons on Jeju Island, each drama has offered viewers moments of reflection, healing, and inspiration.
Among them, Mr. Sun stood out for its massive production budget of around KRW 43 billion and cinematic visuals, ultimately achieving an impressive domestic rating of 18.1% for its finale. My lord also made history by posting a top final rating of 7.4%, proving that a character-driven cable drama could rival traditional television productions. Meanwhile, Netflix When life gives you tangerinesproduced with a reported budget of KRW 60 billion, it became an international phenomenon following its release in 2025. The series remained in Netflix’s Global Top 10 for Non-English TV Programs for nine consecutive weeks and was subsequently selected by TIME magazine as one of the best Korean drama series of 2025.
One of the main reasons for the success of these productions lies in their literary dialogue and deeply developed characters. Mr. Sun sheds light on the nameless civilian fighters who resisted Japanese colonial rule, offering a moving portrait of sacrifice and patriotism. My lord tells the touching story of three brothers oppressed by life’s difficulties and a young woman struggling to survive, illustrating how compassion can heal even the deepest emotional wounds. When life gives you tangerines embraces the beauty of Jeju dialect and poetic writing, with memorable lines such as, “I became green in my father’s winter”, prompting many viewers to describe the entire script as “a long poem.”
The three dramas also received widespread critical acclaim. My lord won Best Drama at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards, while When life gives you tangerines it earned a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Netflix and numerous international media outlets have praised the series for combining uniquely Korean history, culture and emotions with universal themes that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, allowing viewers around the world to connect with their stories.
Rather than relying on sensational plot twists, these dramas celebrate the resilience of ordinary people and explore the enduring values ​​of love, sacrifice, hope and human connection. Their warmth, emotional depth and timeless messages continue to resonate years after their release, ensuring they will remain classics beloved by audiences both in Korea and around the world.
Sources: Daum
