What makes 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' globally popular?
Experts cite series' theme, pacing, motifs as reminiscent of literary classics 'The Little Princess,' 'Daddy-Long-Legs'
Netflix Korea's latest sensation, "When Life Gives You Tangerines," was officially the platform's most popular non-English series as of Friday.
The series, which traces the turbulent lives of the characters in Korea from the 1960s to present day, is making waves globally — a feat that carries unique significance compared to other global Korean hits such as "Squid Game" and "The Glory."
Unlike its megahit predecessors, "When Life Gives You Tangerines" is deeply rooted in Korean culture and history, showcasing traditional customs, gender roles of the 1960s and rural life on Jeju Island.
Characters speak in heavy dialects and the narrative is rich with cultural references, such as the "haenyeo," or female divers who harvest seafood from the ocean, and old Korean songs that serve as its soundtrack in accordance with the show's timeline.
Small details in scenes, such as women boarding ships being considered taboo and the belief that women should not place their shoes on the doorstep, also reflect deep-rooted Korean superstitions.
"It's amazing," said Park Bo-gum, the Hallyu star playing the younger version of the two leads in the series, in a group interview March 24, when asked about what he thought about the series' success on the global charts. The series, which premiered March 7, had reached the No. 2 spot on Netflix's non-English series chart in the third week of March.
"It's fascinating and surprising that stories of human connections and family, infused with Korean sentiment, can resonate even in (other) countries," he said.
On paper, such deeply Korean elements might seem challenging for international audiences to connect with.
While star power may have contributed to the series' global success — with Hallyu stars Lee Ji-eun (better known as singer IU) and Park Bo-gum leading the cast — fans point to the drama's universal themes of love and family to explain its appeal.
Nadia, 27, a white-collar worker in New York, shared how the smallest details resonated with her.
"There are many scenes that remind me of my parents, which keep me invested in the series," she said. "Moments as simple as my parents refusing to spend the money I send them hit close to home, making me see the characters' stories as my own."
Sid Patel, 26, a graduate student in India, found the drama series refreshing for its blend of unfamiliar cultural elements and relatable family narratives.
"I love watching K-drama, but I knew little about Jeju Island or Korean traditions before this. Seeing them interwoven into a story I could personally relate to — especially parents sacrificing everything so that their children can achieve what they dream — made for a unique viewing experience," he said.
Experts add that the universally resonating themes being conveyed through impeccable pacing further contributes to the show's popularity.
"Family dramas hold the greatest potential for success, regardless of nationality," said pop culture critic Jung Ji-ouk. "The fact that the whole family can watch it together and that it tells a family's story gives it a sense of universality."
"Rather than having the plot move rapidly, focusing solely on events, or dragging on like a daily drama, causing emotional exhaustion, (the series) presents emotionally impactful scenes and then offers a moment of respite before moving on to the next," said Park Ki-soo, a professor in the department of culture content at Hanyang University.
"After an emotional high, it ensures there's enough space for what we call emotional aftershocks to settle. This makes the drama linger with the audience for a longer time."
Additionally, the series employs timeless narrative motifs that resonate across cultures.
Ae-sun's journey, for instance, echoes the classic "The Little Princess," the 1905 children's novel about Sara Crewe, a young girl who endures hardship and displacement after being orphaned.
"Ae-sun's journey begins with the loss of both parents, leaving her to be passed from house to house, almost like an unwanted burden," said Park.
"This is a very common motif. A heroine facing hardship after losing her parents echoes stories like 'The Little Princess,' naturally evoking emotional resonance," said Park. "For the older generation watching this drama, such experiences were quite common in their time."
Meanwhile, the Hanyang University professor added that Park Bo-gum's character embodies another familiar trope: the steadfast childhood friend who becomes a protector, reminiscent of the "tall, kind uncle" archetype from 1912 epistolary novel "Daddy-Long-Legs," which continues to resonate with female audiences.
"As the universal aspect of family and the other universal codes are intertwined, there are definitely elements in ('When Life Gives You Tangerines') that people viewing from a global perspective can relate to," said Park.
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