‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ leads TIME’s top 10 Best K-Dramas

Tears flowed almost instantly when “When Life Gives You Tangerines” finally made its debut and months later, the emotional resonance of the series has only grown stronger, now crowned as TIME Magazine’s Best K-Drama of 2025.

The IU and Park Bo-gum–led drama topped TIME’s annual list of the Top 10 Best K-Dramas of 2025, placing ahead of major global hits and critically acclaimed titles.

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IU and Park Bo-gum | Photo from Netflix

Following closely at No. 2 is “Way Back Love,” a romantic drama praised for its nostalgic pull, while global phenomenon “Squid Game” Season 3 landed at No. 3, continuing its cultural dominance with darker, more introspective storytelling.

The action-heavy “Tempest” ranked fourth, with “Our Unwritten Seoul” at No. 5, a slice-of-life drama that resonated with urban youth.

Medical drama “Resident Playbook” claimed the sixth spot, offering a grounded look into hospital life, while “Study Group” placed seventh for its youthful energy and coming-of-age themes.

Historical series “The Tale of Lady Ok” followed at No. 8, with the imaginative and quirky “Spirit Fingers” at No. 9. Rounding out the list at No. 10 is “Trigger,” a tense thriller that capped off TIME’s diverse lineup.

In its write-up, TIME described “When Life Gives You Tangerines” as “a beautiful, deeply engaging story” that mirrors real-life moments with striking authenticity. TIME called it “one of the year’s best TV series, full stop,” praising how it transforms everyday experiences into something quietly extraordinary.

TIME underscored the rarity of such storytelling, noting that while spectacle can impress, capturing ordinary life with depth is far more difficult.

“Anyone can make the fantastical seem extraordinary. But to make the ordinary feel extraordinary without losing any of its complexity or texture? What a rare and precious feat,” the publication wrote.

Directed by Kim Won-suk and written by Lim Sang-choon, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” is a co-production between Pan Entertainment and Baram Pictures, and streamed globally on Netflix earlier this year.

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