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In a year brimming with compelling Korean dramas, IMDb’s highest-rated K-drama of 2025 has taken fans and critics by storm—surpassing even Queen of Tears, the Netflix sensation of 2024. While many assumed Queen of Tears held the crown with its massive global following and Netflix dominance, another drama has quietly risen to claim the title of the highest-rated Korean drama on IMDb, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.
🎯 IMDb’s Highest-Rated K-Drama of 2025 Revealed
Topping the charts with a stunning 9.1 rating on IMDb, When Life Gives You Tangerines now holds the record for the highest-rated K-drama of all time. This emotionally rich, slice-of-life drama stars IU and Park Bo Gum, bringing their extraordinary chemistry and nuanced performances to the screen. The drama also earned the Baeksang Award for Best Drama, further validating its exceptional storytelling and artistic value.
Read: Park Bo Gum “Good Boy” Viewership Record Hits New High This Weekend!
📉 Queen of Tears Falls Behind Despite Its Popularity
While Queen of Tears garnered widespread international love, particularly on Netflix, it holds an IMDb score of 8.2—a notable drop from Tangerines. The 2024 hit may have conquered viewership numbers, but in terms of critical acclaim and audience ratings, it has now been dethroned.
Before When Life Gives You Tangerines, the classic Reply 1988 was IMDb’s highest-rated K-drama with a 9.0 rating. Now, Tangerines not only beats Reply 1988, but sets a new benchmark for Korean dramas globally.
🎬 What Makes “When Life Gives You Tangerines” So Special?
Set between 1950s Jeju Island and present-day Seoul, the series explores three generations of women who challenged societal norms and dared to follow their dreams. It’s a visually stunning tale of resilience, identity, and timeless love.
The heart of the series lies in the intergenerational romance between Aesun (portrayed by both IU and Moon So Ri) and Gwansik (played by Park Bo Gum and Park Hae Joon), whose story unfolds with emotional depth across decades.
🌈 A Drama Elevated by Ensemble Cast & Cinematic Aesthetics
The drama doesn’t shine by script alone. With an ensemble cast featuring Kim Seon Ho, Lee Jun Young, Choi Dae Hoon, and Yeom Hye Ran, the performances are deeply moving and authentic. The cinematography, rich with nostalgic tones of Jeju Island, and a soul-touching original soundtrack, make the drama a cinematic gem.
From the smallest gestures to sweeping visuals, everything in When Life Gives You Tangerines feels meticulously crafted. It’s not just a show; it’s an experience—one that lingers in your heart long after the credits roll.
🏆 Will Any Drama Beat This IMDb Record in 2025?
As we move through the second half of the year, the question remains—can any other drama challenge the reign of IMDb’s highest-rated K-drama of 2025? With such a strong emotional core and flawless execution, When Life Gives You Tangerines might just go unchallenged for the rest of the year.
📝 Final Verdict
In a landscape overflowing with quality content, When Life Gives You Tangerines has proven that timeless themes, powerful performances, and elegant storytelling still win hearts. It doesn’t just top the charts—it defines the standard for what a K-drama can be.
