Netflix Announces Major Collaboration With Jeju Following Success of “When Life Gives You Tangerines”
Following the international acclaim of When Life Gives You Tangerines, Netflix has entered a landmark agreement with Jeju Island to boost regional content and cultural storytelling.
On May 16, officials gathered at Hyangsadang in Jeju City to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Netflix and Jeju Province. The agreement aims to develop and promote content that captures Jeju’s local spirit, unique landscapes, and heritage. Jeju will streamline collaboration across public agencies to support Netflix’s production efforts in the region.
Jeju Governor Oh Young-hoon commented,
“Through When Life Gives You Tangerines, we saw how deeply rooted history and culture can enhance the power of storytelling. This global collaboration is a meaningful step forward.”
Kim Min-young, Head of Content for Netflix Asia-Pacific, added,
“The series moved viewers around the world with its sincere portrayal of Jeju life and emotion. It crossed cultural boundaries and left a lasting impression.”
A Drama Rich in Emotion and Local Heritage
Premiering in March 2025, When Life Gives You Tangerines became a cultural phenomenon for its heartfelt narrative set in Jeju. The title, a phrase in Jeju dialect meaning “You’ve done so well,” encapsulates the drama’s warmth and empathy.
IU (Lee Ji-eun) and Moon So-ri portray the younger and older Ae-soon, while Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon embody Gwan-sik’s evolution. Their performances drew acclaim for emotional depth and subtlety.
Directed by Kim Won-seok (Signal, Misaeng) and written by Lim Sang-choon (When the Camellia Blooms, Fight for My Way), the drama was celebrated for its authenticity, local dialect accuracy, and stunning cinematography.
A Global and Local Triumph
When Life Gives You Tangerines ranked in Netflix’s Global Top 10 for non-English series across 42 countries including Turkey, Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam.
Korean viewers praised the show as “the best drama of 2025,” sharing heartfelt reviews such as:
“A drama that hurts and heals,”
“Lim Sang-choon captures the entire human experience,”
“I want to see this on the big screen—it deserves more than a smartphone,”
“It’s comforting even in its sadness. You cry, but you feel better.”
Netflix’s partnership with Jeju Island marks a new chapter in regional storytelling. As viewers continue to celebrate When Life Gives You Tangerines, this collaboration opens the door for more authentic, emotionally resonant Korean narratives to reach global viewers.
