IU and Park Bo Gum-starrer "When Life Gives You Tangerines" has now claimed the title of the highest-rated Korean drama on IMDb, surpassing major hits including "Squid Game" and "The Glory". Although the Netflix original has concluded its run, the global acclaim surrounding the slice-of-life drama continues to grow.

The series now holds an impressive 9.3 out of 10 on IMDb. Its rating steadily climbed post-finale, rising from 8.7 to 9.3, with the final episode alone receiving a near-perfect 9.9 score.

In its closing episodes, the drama explored the poignant arc of Oh Ae Sun's daughter, Yang Geum Myeong, tying the knot with Kim Seon Ho's character, while Park Bo Gum's Gwan Sik faced a tragic end with his battle against cancer. A hopeful new beginning for Ae Sun marked the show's conclusion.

With twelve episodes scoring 9 or above, the drama has now surpassed several critically acclaimed series including "Kingdom Season 2" (8.2), "Move to Heaven" (8.5), "The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call" (8.4), the internationally renowned "Squid Game" (8.0), and Song Hye Kyo's revenge drama "The Glory Season 2" (8.1).

Netflix's "When Life Gives You Tangerines" has continued its winning streak on the platform's global non-English chart, climbing to the No 1 spot last week after previously holding steady at No 3 and No 4. 

Although the 16-episode drama concluded on March 28, it remains a strong contender—currently placed at No 3 this week—with six million views and charting in the Top 10 across 39 countries. 

Over the weekend, it secured the top position in four regions.

As per data from IGAWorks Mobile Index, Netflix Korea recorded 14.09 million active users in March 2024. 

Notably, March 29—the day following the finale—witnessed a surge in viewership, hitting 4.05 million daily active users. 

This marks the highest single-day figure since "Squid Game Season 2" aired in December 2023, surpassing the previous benchmark set by "The Glory".

What initially appeared to be a typical drama set against the tranquil landscape of Jeju Island quickly proved otherwise. The series carved out a distinct identity with its heartfelt narrative, veering away from familiar tropes like affluent CEOs and glossy romances. 

Instead, it focused on grounded storytelling, emotional sincerity, and standout performances. While Park Bo Gum's character exited earlier in the series, IU and the ensemble cast carried the narrative with conviction and depth.

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Directed by Kim Won Suk and written by Im Sang Choon, the drama follows "a spirited girl in Jeju and a steadfast boy whose island story unfolds into a lifelong journey of trials and triumphs," as described by IMDb—a story that has clearly resonated with audiences across the globe.