“When Life Gives You Tangerines” (2025) has become one of the most global favorite K-Drama for its emotional storytelling, strong performances, and beautiful setting on Jeju Island. The series follows the decades-long love story of Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), capturing their struggles, joys, and the passage of time. If you enjoyed this drama, here are 11 similar K-Dramas that explore deep relationships, family bonds, and lifeโs challenges.
11 similar K-Dramas like When Life Gives You Tangerines
1. Reply 1988 (2015)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Director: Shin Won-ho
Cast: Lee Hye-ri, Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo
Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
Plot & Summary:
Set in a Seoul neighborhood in 1988, this drama follows five childhood friends and their families as they navigate adolescence, first love, and family struggles. The story captures everyday life with humor and emotion, focusing on friendship and the bond between parents and children. The characters grow up together, facing financial hardships, career choices, and unspoken feelings. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of the late 1980s in Korea, blending nostalgia with universal themes of love and sacrifice.
2. My Mister (2018)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Director: Kim Won-seok
Cast: IU, Lee Sun-kyun, Park Ho-san
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
A young woman, Lee Ji-an (IU), struggles with poverty and debt while working multiple jobs to support her grandmother. She crosses paths with Park Dong-hoon (Lee Sun-kyun), a middle-aged engineer dealing with his own failures in career and marriage. Despite their age difference, they form a deep connection, helping each other heal. The drama explores loneliness, resilience, and the small kindnesses that make life bearable. The slow-burn storytelling and strong performances make it a deeply moving experience.
3. Our Blues (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Director: Kim Kyu-tae
Cast: Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Kim Woo-bin, Han Ji-min
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
Set on Jeju Island, this anthology drama tells interconnected stories of locals dealing with love, loss, and second chances. Each episode focuses on different characters, including a struggling single mother, a former athlete, and an elderly couple facing illness. The series highlights the islandโs culture, especially the haenyeo (female divers), while portraying raw human emotions. The natural scenery and realistic acting make it a compelling watch for fans of When Life Gives You Tangerines.
4. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Director: Yu Je-won
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho, Lee Sang-yi
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
A dentist from Seoul, Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a), moves to a small seaside village after losing her job. There, she meets Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho), a handyman loved by the townspeople. As she adjusts to rural life, she learns about community, forgiveness, and love. The drama balances romance with slice-of-life moments, showing how people heal through connections. The coastal setting and charming side characters add depth to the story.
5. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Director: Cha Young-hoon
Cast: Gong Hyo-jin, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Ji-seok
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), a single mother, opens a bar in a small town and faces judgment from the locals. Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul), a kind-hearted police officer, falls for her and stands by her despite the gossip. The story explores themes of motherhood, societal prejudice, and finding strength in difficult situations. A mystery subplot involving a serial killer adds tension, but the core of the drama is Dong-baekโs personal growth.
6. Pachinko (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Director: Kogonada, Justin Chon
Cast: Youn Yuh-jung, Lee Min-ho, Kim Min-ha
Where to Watch: Apple TV+
Plot & Summary:
Based on the bestselling novel, this series follows a Korean family across four generations, from Japanese-occupied Korea to modern-day America. Sunja, a young woman in the 1930s, faces hardships after an unexpected pregnancy and moves to Japan for survival. The story spans decades, showing the struggles of immigrants, identity, and resilience. The historical backdrop and emotional depth make it a powerful drama for those who enjoy generational storytelling.
7. Youth of May (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Director: Song Min-yeop
Cast: Lee Do-hyun, Go Min-si, Lee Sang-yi
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
Set during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, this drama follows Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun), a medical student, and Kim Myung-hee (Go Min-si), a nurse, who fall in love amid political turmoil. Their romance is tested as protests turn violent, forcing them to make difficult choices. The series blends historical events with personal drama, showing how love survives in turbulent times. The emotional weight and strong performances make it a memorable watch.
8. Thirty-Nine (2022)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Director: Kim Sang-ho
Cast: Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
Three best friends in their late 30s navigate careers, love, and a devastating diagnosis. The drama focuses on their bond as they face lifeโs uncertainties, including illness, family conflicts, and regrets. The realistic portrayal of friendship and aging makes it relatable for viewers who enjoy character-driven stories. The emotional moments are balanced with humor and warmth.
9. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Director: Jung Ji-hyun
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk, Bona
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
Set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, this coming-of-age drama follows Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri), a teenage fencer, and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a former rich kid now struggling to survive. Their friendship turns into love as they support each other through failures and dreams. The nostalgic 90s setting and themes of youth, ambition, and heartbreak make it a touching story.
10. My Liberation Notes (2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Director: Kim Seok-yoon
Cast: Lee Min-ki, Kim Ji-won, Son Suk-ku
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
Three siblings in a rural town feel stuck in their mundane lives. A mysterious stranger enters their world, leading each of them to reflect on their desires and regrets. The slow-paced, introspective drama explores loneliness, self-discovery, and the search for meaning. The quiet yet powerful storytelling resonates with viewers who appreciate deep character studies.
11. Crash Landing On You (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Director: Lee Jung-hyo
Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Seo Ji-hye
Where to Watch: Netflix
Plot & Summary:
A South Korean heiress accidentally paraglides into North Korea and meets a military officer who helps her hide. Despite political tensions, they develop feelings for each other. The drama mixes romance, comedy, and suspense while highlighting cultural differences. The strong chemistry between the leads and the emotional stakes make it a must-watch.
Also Read:11 Exciting New K-Dramas Arriving in June 2025: Release Dates and Where to Watch
Each of these K-Dramas shares elements with When Life Gives You Tangerinesโwhether itโs deep emotional storytelling, strong character arcs, or beautiful settings. If you enjoyed the themes of love, family, and resilience, these recommendations will keep you engaged.
