This 2025 K-Drama Just Beat Queen of Tears to Become IMDb’s No.1 of All Time

In the ever-evolving world of Korean dramas, Queen of Tears (2024) and When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) have emerged as two of the most beloved and talked-about series in recent years. Queen of Tears, starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, became the most-watched K-drama on Netflix in 2024 with its emotional portrayal of a troubled marriage and reconciliation. However, in 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines, led by IU and Park Bo Gum, claimed the title of IMDb’s highest-rated Korean drama of all time with a 9.1 rating. Set across timelines from 1950s Jeju to present-day Seoul, it’s a heartfelt, multi-generational tale of love, dreams, and legacy. Both series showcase the emotional depth and global appeal of modern K-dramas.

So which drama did? Enter 2025’s critically acclaimed When Life Gives You Tangerines, the highest-rated Korean drama of all time on IMDb.

When Life Gives You Tangerines Becomes IMDb’s Top-Rated K-Drama

Currently holding an impressive IMDb rating of 9.1, When Life Gives You Tangerines has dethroned Reply 1988 (9.0) to become the highest-rated K-drama on the global movie and TV database.

The Netflix Original, starring IU and Park Bo Gum, has not only received overwhelming praise from fans worldwide but also bagged the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Drama, further cementing its legacy in the K-drama hall of fame.

In contrast, Queen of Tears, which also enjoyed immense popularity, currently holds a respectable rating of 8.2 on IMDb.

What Makes Life Give You Tangerines So Special?

Spanning two timelines — 1950s Jeju Island and modern-day Seoul — When Life Gives You Tangerines tells a heartfelt tale of three generations of women who defy the odds and follow their dreams. At the heart of the story lies a timeless romance between Aesun and Gwansik, portrayed beautifully by IU, Moon So Ri, Park Bo Gum, and Park Hae Joon.

The series gracefully balances nostalgia and modernity, making it emotionally powerful and visually stunning.

Beyond its layered narrative, the drama’s appeal lies in its:

• Rich character arcs

• Stunning cinematography

• Memorable OST

• Flawless ensemble cast

The cast also includes Kim Seon Ho, Lee Jun Young, Choi Dae Hoon, and Yeom Hye Ran, whose performances elevate the storytelling to exceptional heights.

A New Benchmark for K-Dramas

Prior to When Life Gives You Tangerines, it was Reply 1988 that held the top IMDb spot among Korean dramas. However, the emotionally resonant writing, top-tier performances, and cinematic excellence of Tangerines have set a new standard for quality K-content.

With its historic Baeksang win and fan adoration, many are calling it the best K-drama of 2025 — one that might not be surpassed any time soon.

When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

Overview

• IMDb Rating: 9.1

• Platform: Netflix

• Starring: IU, Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Kim Seon Ho

• Award: Baeksang Award for Best Drama

Plot Summary

When Life Gives You Tangerines is a breathtakingly beautiful slice-of-life drama that spans two timelines: 1950s Jeju Island and present-day Seoul. It follows the lives of three generations of women who challenge societal norms, dream beyond boundaries, and fight to protect their voice and identity.

At the heart of this moving tale is the love story between Aesun and Gwansik — portrayed by IU and Park Bo Gum in their youth, and Moon So Ri and Park Hae Joon in their older years. Their connection is one of deep affection and unspoken understanding, depicted with grace and emotional honesty.

 What Makes It Special

• Multi-generational storytelling: It isn't just a romance; it's about lineage, legacy, and personal freedom across eras.

• Visual poetry: From the tangerine orchards of Jeju to the bustling streets of Seoul, the cinematography is utterly mesmerizing.

• Heartfelt performances: IU and Park Bo Gum deliver some of their career-best work, supported by a brilliant ensemble that includes Kim Seon Ho, Lee Jun Young, and Yeom Hye Ran.

• Cultural resonance: The show subtly explores Korean history and women’s roles in society through deeply personal narratives.

With an IMDb score of 9.1, When Life Gives You Tangerines has officially become the highest-rated Korean drama of all time, overtaking Reply 1988. It’s a slow-burn masterpiece that quietly leaves a profound impact, one that will likely be talked about for years to come.

Queen of Tears (2024)

Overview

• IMDb Rating: 8.2

• Platform: Netflix

• Starring: Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won

• Director: Jang Young Woo

• Writers: Park Ji Eun (Crash Landing on You)

 Plot Summary

Queen of Tears tells the story of Baek Hyun Woo (Kim Soo Hyun), the legal director of a chaebol company, and Hong Hae In (Kim Ji Won), the cold and poised heiress of the Queens Group. On the surface, their marriage appears perfect, but behind closed doors, it's falling apart.

When tragedy strikes and Hae In is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the couple begins a journey of healing, forgiveness, and rediscovered love. What follows is an emotionally charged exploration of love after betrayal, grief, and personal growth.

 What Made It So Popular

• High-stakes romance: The love story is filled with emotional tension, reconciliation, and heartbreaking moments.

• Star-studded performances: Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won’s chemistry brought raw authenticity to their characters.

• Emotional writing: Scripted by Park Ji Eun, the writer of Crash Landing on You, the show struck a delicate balance between melodrama and maturity.

• Global appeal: As the most-watched K-drama on Netflix in 2024, it trended across over 80 countries and gained viral popularity on social media.

Queen of Tears redefined modern K-drama romance, showing that love doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful. Though it didn’t top IMDb’s rating chart, it remains one of the most influential and beloved K-dramas of the decade.

 Tangerines vs. Tears – A Tale of Two Masterpieces

 Where to Watch

When Life Gives You Tangerines is available exclusively on Netflix, with all episodes currently streaming globally.

While Queen of Tears remains a fan-favorite and a Netflix juggernaut, it's When Life Gives You Tangerines that has won over both hearts and critical acclaim. With its poignant storytelling, powerful acting, and stunning visuals, the drama has carved a permanent place in the history of Korean television.

Whether you're a longtime K-drama fan or new to the genre, this is one show you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

FAQ

Q1: Which K-drama is the highest rated on IMDb in 2025?
A: When Life Gives You Tangerines is currently the highest-rated K-drama on IMDb, with a 9.1 rating.

Q2: What is the plot of When Life Gives You Tangerines?
A: The drama follows three generations of women on Jeju Island and features a poignant love story across decades, blending historical and modern timelines.

Q3: Where can I watch When Life Gives You Tangerines?
A: The K-drama is available to stream on Netflix.

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10 Must-Watch Korean Dramas Releasing in July 2025