The original Netflix Korean series “When life gives you mandarins” has become an unprecedented global phenomenon, beating records both in the critical reception and in the involvement of the spectators, exceeding the blows as “Squid Game” AND “La Gloria” in the process.
A historic turning point in Korean drama
The original Netflix series “When life gives you mandarins” It is now officially the Korean drama with the highest score on IMDB, gaining a splendid 9.4/10, a complete jump of 0.7 points from its debut score of 8.7. The end of the show (episode 16) received an almost perfect 9.8 and 12 out of 16 episodes exceeded the 9.0 threshold. This performance eclissa the favorites of fans such as how how “Kingdom” Season 2 (8.5), “Moved to heaven” (8.5), “The trauma code: Heroes on call” (8.4), “Squid Game” Season 1 (8.0) e “La Gloria” Season 2 (8.1).
The acclamation of the drama is not only critical. According to IgaWorks Mobile Index, Netflix Korea reached 14.09 million monthly active users in March 2024, beating his previous record during “La Gloria”‘speak. On March 29, he also saw 4.05 million active users, his best one day since then “Squid Game” Season 2 in December 2023.
In addition, the series exceeded Netflix non -British TV rankings from 17 to 23 March and stopped at number 8 globally on April 3 (for Flixpatrol), showing off its global charm.
Why have spectators all over the world fall in love?
Set in the Jeju of the 1950s and which extends for six decades, “When life gives you mandarins” The life of Oh Ae-Soon (played by IU and Moon So -ri) follows, a lively rebel who dreams of becoming a poet and Yang Gwan-Sik (played by Park Bo-Gum and Park Hae-Joon), a silent but resolute childhood friend. Together, their story touches the themes of First Love, difficulty, family ties and resilience. The final scene, in which an elderly Ae-Soon publishes his book of poems, left the spectators in tears all over the world.
Despite its deeply Korean background, including the Jeju dialect and the rich cultural shades, the drama resounded globally, especially in the South -East Asia and in Latin America. Reactions from fans included, “How to look at my mother’s life”, AND “Painful but Guarente.” The emotional depth and the authentic performances of IU, Park Bo-Gum, Moon So-Der and Park Hae-Joon have transcended linguistic barriers, offering a universal experience.
Creative power, cinematographic narration and inheritance
Written by Lim Sang-Choon (Fight for My Way, when Camellia blooms) and directed by Kim Won-Seok (My Mister, Misaeng), the series was built to “break the invisible walls” and tell a story that resounds through generations. The double role of IU as AE-Soon and her daughter have been particularly praised, while Park Bo-Gum has now offered one of her most mature and discreet performances.
The exclusive four -act seasonal launch, with episodes published in weekly clusters, has helped to deepen the dive and the emotional rhythm. Cinemically rich and guided by the character, the series was not only another success, he redefined the expectations for the Korean narrative on the global stage.
After the final of June 28, “When life gives you mandarins” It has cemented as a point of reference in the history of the drama K. More than a simple success success, it is a deeply human story that shows the content of artistic heights that the Korean content can reach.
