Honestly, none of us were ready for ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ We definitely weren’t prepared to laugh, cry, and become emotionally invested in such a beautiful storyline with incredibly memorable characters. It was an emotional rollercoaster, yet we’d all jump at the chance to experience it again, isn’t it?
Perhaps one of the factors that contributed to the drama’s popularity is undoubtedly IU’s outstanding acting. She effortlessly pulled off a challenging dual role, switching seamlessly between Ae-sun and Geum-myeong. So, if you’re still missing this incredible show or are craving something similar, here are some other amazing IU dramas you should definitely check out.
1. ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’
Personally, ‘Moon Lovers’ holds a special place for me as it was one of my first Korean dramas, and it got me hooked immediately. Even if historical dramas (sageuks) usually aren’t your thing, you’ll find yourself enjoying this one, thanks to the amazing cast and their impeccable acting.
It follows Go Ha-jin (IU), a 21st-century girl who magically travels back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty after a drowning accident. She awakens as Hae-soo, a 16-year-old girl, and meets eight handsome royal princes, many of whom eventually fall for her.
Fair warning, though: this drama definitely comes with its share of classic clichés—like love triangles, characters hiding certain things “for each other’s sake,” dramatic wrist grabs, and lingering stares. But trust me, it’s still worth every minute, largely due to IU’s captivating performance.
IU’s character experiences numerous hardships but manages to remain strong. And yet she manages to show us her adorable side. And a bonus for all IU fans: there’s even a scene where she showcases her soulful singing voice.
Just a friendly reminder—keep tissues close, because if you’re an emotional wreck like me, you’ll be crying…a lot!
2. ‘Hotel Del Luna’
After watching nearly 200 K-dramas, I can confidently say this one easily makes my top 5. There’s plenty to love here, but I want to first mention IU’s portrayal of the iconic Jang Man-wol—the hotel’s stunning but cold-hearted owner and a 1,300-year-old spirit. Part of this drama’s fame comes from the writing of the famous Hong sisters, but IU’s stunning performance truly brought her character to life. And let’s be real—her glamorous nightgowns and couture dresses never ceased to amaze us!
‘Hotel Del Luna’ revolves around a mysterious and magnificent hotel catering exclusively to special guests: souls of the deceased. As the owner of the hotel, Jang Man-wol recruits Goo Chan-seong (Yeo Jin-goo), a Harvard MBA graduate, to manage this unique establishment.
Without spoiling anything, I promise you’ll laugh, smile, and possibly shed some tears. The drama has a refreshingly original storyline, brilliant acting, stunning visuals, and incredible OSTs—because let’s face it, a Punch OST is basically a guaranteed hit!
3. ‘Dream High’
Released back in 2011, ‘Dream High’ is an underrated but incredibly heartwarming high school drama. It follows six students from Kirin Art High School, each chasing their dreams to become a star in Korea’s fiercely competitive music industry. Along the way, they uncover the true meaning of friendship and love.
IU portrays Kim Pil-sook, an adorable but shy girl who struggles with confidence due to being overweight. Sure, the fat suit was a tad exaggerated, but IU still nailed the role perfectly, capturing Pil-sook’s innocence, sweetness, and her adorable crush beautifully.
And did I mention the incredible lineup? There’s IU, Bae Suzy, Kim Soo-hyun, Ok Taec-yeon, Wooyoung from 2PM, and even the iconic JYP (Park Jin-young) himself! With such talent, how could you resist?
4. ‘My Mister’
Don’t be fooled by its poster—this isn’t your typical goofy comedy. Instead, it’s a deeply moving drama about the struggles faced by ordinary people. Without giving too much away, ‘My Mister’ is about the unlikely bond between a young woman and a middle-aged man, each carrying heavy burdens, who find warmth and comfort in each other’s company.
While it has a darker, more serious tone, it’s never boring. Instead, you’ll find yourself deeply connecting with the characters and their relatable search for inner peace. By the end, you’ll feel enriched by a deeply rewarding emotional experience.
IU’s acting here is beyond words. She once again demonstrates her versatility as both a celebrated singer and a truly gifted actress. The drama itself is gritty, healing, and emotionally profound—far from your typical K-drama—but IU handles it beautifully with a powerful and compelling performance.
From being a beloved solo K-pop artist, affectionately known as the “Nation’s Little Sister,” to becoming one of the most acclaimed actresses today, IU’s journey is truly remarkable. Even if you’re not already a fan of her music, these dramas might just turn you into one.
So, out of these fantastic recommendations, which one’s your favorite? And which one are you planning to watch (or rewatch) next? Let us know in the comment section below!
Written by Diksha Gangadeen
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