Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines has taken the world by storm, becoming a standout K-drama hit in 2025. Its heartfelt story, set on South Korea’s scenic Jeju Island, has resonated with viewers globally, earning record-breaking ratings. In China, despite restrictions on Netflix and Korean content, the drama has gained massive traction, driven by a viral trend inspired by Kim Seon Ho’s charming wink scene. However, this popularity has raised concerns about widespread unauthorized viewing, echoing issues seen with Squid Game. Here’s a detailed look at the drama’s impact, the viral challenge, and the challenges surrounding its success in China.
A Global Sensation With Record-Breaking Ratings
When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring IU and Park Bo Gum, follows the lifelong journey of Oh Ae Sun and Yang Gwan Sik, a spirited girl and steadfast boy whose love story unfolds across decades on Jeju Island. The series, directed by Kim Won Suk and written by Im Sang Choon, premiered on Netflix on March 7, 2025, releasing 16 episodes in four weekly acts. Its unique storytelling, blending nostalgia, romance, and real-life struggles, has earned universal praise.
The drama has smashed records, achieving a 9.4 rating on IMDb, the highest for any Korean drama, surpassing Squid Game (8.0) and The Glory (8.1). On China’s largest review platform, Douban, it scored an impressive 9.5, making it the highest-rated Korean drama there in nearly a decade. It also holds strong ratings across platforms like MyDramaList (9.4), Letterboxd (4.53/5), and Rotten Tomatoes (98% audience score). By its third day on Netflix, the series hit No. 6 globally in the TV category, topping charts in 12 countries, including South Korea, Vietnam, and Singapore.
“It has become the highest-rated Korean drama on ‘Douban’ in recent years.” — Global Times
The show’s emotional depth, stellar performances by IU, Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri, and Park Hae Joon, and breathtaking Jeju Island visuals have fueled its global appeal. Its release format, with four episodes dropped weekly, kept viewers hooked, with the finale earning a near-perfect 9.9 on IMDb.
Kim Seon Ho’s Wink Ignites the Viral Smile Challenge
A standout moment from episode 13 has driven much of the drama’s buzz. Kim Seon Ho, in a guest role as Park Cheong Seop, plays the love interest and eventual husband of Yang Geum Myeong (IU’s daughter). In the scene, Park Cheong Seop sees Geum Myeong in her wedding dress for the first time. Stunned by her beauty, he clutches his chest, tilts his head, closes his eyes as if fainting, then opens one eye to flash a playful wink and a warm smile.
This charming moment exploded into the Kim Seon Ho Smile Challenge, a viral trend sweeping China’s social media platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu. Fans, influencers, and celebrities have recreated the head tilt, wink, and smile, often set to the Meteor Garden soundtrack Ai Cun Zai (Love Exists). The challenge has racked up over 100 million views under hashtags like #KimSeonhoSmileChallenge and #金宣虎笑容模仿, with posts on X noting its massive traction.
“The wink that Kim Seon Ho gave with a gaze full of love on the day Chung Seop marries Geum Myeong in When Life Gives You Tangerines is captivating.” — @KimSeonHo_HQ on X
Chinese stars have jumped on board, amplifying the trend. Chen Zheyuan, known for Hidden Love, recreated the wink, delighting fans with his playful take.
“Chen Zheyuan has recreated Kim Seon Ho’s iconic wink scene, and it’s too cute to handle.” — Mashable SEA
Other celebrities, including Bai Lu (Moonlight Mystique), Xu Ruohan, Yang Chaoyue, and Zhou Yutong, also joined, boosting the drama’s visibility. A fan on X marveled at the trend’s reach:
“Chen Zheyuan re-enact Kim Seon Ho legend Wink Scene from #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines ✨ Douyin, weibo and behind photos.” — @xcutiekittyx
Even NCT Dream members Jeno and Jisung participated, showing the challenge’s broad appeal. The trend’s success highlights Kim Seon Ho’s star power, despite his limited screen time, and the drama’s ability to connect with audiences through lighthearted moments.
Unauthorized Viewing Sparks Controversy in China
While the drama’s popularity in China is undeniable, it has come with significant issues. Netflix is banned in China, and Korean content faces restrictions due to a 2017 Hallyu ban linked to diplomatic tensions over South Korea’s THAAD missile defense system. Despite this, When Life Gives You Tangerines has gained a massive following through proxy services and unauthorized platforms.
A Douban review page for the drama has garnered over 150,000 ratings and 60,000 reviews, reflecting its widespread reach. However, much of this viewership stems from illegal streaming, raising concerns among industry experts. Professor Seo Kyung Duk from Sungshin Women’s University criticized the trend, comparing it to similar issues during Squid Game Season 2’s release.
“Recently, during Squid Game Season 2, pirate viewing has become a norm in China. It is particularly astonishing that there is a complete lack of shame about it.” — Professor Seo Kyung Duk
Reports suggest that pirated clips are being used to promote tourism, with a Chinese supermarket even featuring drama posters to sell Jeju tangerines. This unauthorized use has fueled calls for stronger action from South Korea’s government and content creators to address piracy.
“As unauthorized Netflix content consumption continues in China with apparent government indifference, When Life Gives You Tangerines is now facing more than just a surge in global fandom—it is enduring the harsh reality of being blatantly stolen in broad daylight.” — KBIZoom
The situation has sparked mixed reactions. Some see the drama’s success as a sign that China might ease its Hallyu ban, with the Global Times noting speculation about shifting attitudes toward Korean content. Others, however, view the piracy as a setback for the industry, costing South Korea billions, as seen with the $15.3 billion loss reported in 2017 due to the ban.
A Cultural Phenomenon With Lasting Impact
The drama’s influence goes beyond ratings and trends. Its emotional storytelling has moved viewers, with one Chinese fan reportedly hospitalized for breathing difficulties while watching a poignant scene. The series has also earned eight nominations at the Baeksang Arts Awards, trending on Weibo as a testament to its critical acclaim.
“When Life Gives You Tangerines get 8 nominations at Baeksang is currently trending at weibo ‼️ #16 at hot search.” — @sabiiu_ on X
Comparisons to Squid Game highlight its potential to reshape global perceptions of K-dramas. While Squid Game thrived on intense thriller elements, When Life Gives You Tangerines offers a slice-of-life narrative that resonates through universal themes of love, resilience, and family. Its ability to inspire a viral challenge, dominate ratings, and spark cultural conversations underscores its far-reaching impact.
