The Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines has been named the best K-drama of 2025 by TIME.

TIME recently unveiled its list of The 10 Best K-Dramas of 2025, placing When Life Gives You Tangerines at No. 1. The outlet praised the series as "the best Korean drama of the year—perhaps even one of the best TV series overall," noting how it transforms everyday realities into a story that is both beautiful and deeply resonant.

The review added that while anyone can make something fantastical feel special, it is rare to elevate ordinary textures without losing authenticity—an achievement the drama clearly delivers.

Released in March, the series follows the life of Ae-sun, a girl from Jeju portrayed by IU, and Gwan-sik, played by Park Bo-gum, unfolding their journey across the four seasons.

The show drew massive global attention, reaching No. 1 on Netflix's Global Top 10 (Non-English Series) chart and remaining in the rankings for eight consecutive weeks.

Both commercial success and critical acclaim followed. When Life Gives You Tangerines won four awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards, three at the Blue Dragon Series Awards, and six trophies at the APAN Star Awards, cementing its status as one of the most celebrated K-dramas of the year.