When Life Gives You Tangerines has fans everywhere crying and wishing Park Bo-gum's character, Gwan-sik, was real. While his screen time is limited, his presence is unforgettable — so much so that fans are questioning why real-life men can’t be this selfless.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Jeju Island, When Life Gives You Tangerines follows the intertwined lives of three generations of women — Ae-sun's mother, Ae-sun herself, and her daughter. The drama is a poignant tale of love, resilience, and the sacrifices that shape a family across decades.
Why Gwan-sik from When Life Gives Your Tangerines is the ultimate green flag
Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) protecting Ae-sun (IU) in When Life Gives You Tangerines. (Photo from: @netflixkr)
Park Bo-gum plays Gwan-sik, a quietly devoted man who unconditionally loves and supports IU's character, Ae-sun. He takes his wife’s place at the market, selling vegetables when her shyness holds her back. He makes sure his children get the best portions of every meal. He endures the harsh life of a fisherman without a single complaint because the happiness of his loved ones comes first.
Even Bo-gum himself admitted in an interview that he played an exceptionally admirable character. But he’s not the only K-drama leading man giving us impossibly high standards. Here are five other characters who set the bar high.
5 Best Green Flag K-drama Male Leads
1. Hwang Yong Sik from When the Camellia Blooms
The creator of When Life Gives You Tangerines, Lim Sang-choon, also wrote the drama When The Camellia Blooms so she's no stranger to creating male leads who are total green flags. And it’s clearly seen through Kang Ha Neul’s portrayal of Yong Sik.
Yong-sik isn’t just in love with Dong Baek (Gong Hyo-jin) — he adores her, stands up for her, and makes it his mission to protect her happiness. Even when others talk behind her back, he remains her loudest cheerleader. Who needs a knight in shining armour when you have a guy like Yong-sik, who shows up rain or shine?
Stream it on Netflix.
2. Hong Du-sik in Hometown Cha Cha Cha
There’s something about men who work hard for the woman they love, that’s exactly how Kim Seon-ho plays Hong Du Sik in Hometown Cha Cha Cha. Kim Seon-ho’s Du-sik is a jack-of-all-trades, but his real talent? Being the ultimate green flag. When Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-ah) arrives in his seaside town with big-city dreams, he doesn’t just fall for her — he believes in her.
He pushes her to chase her ambitions while making sure she’s never alone in the process. Who wouldn’t want a man who can fix both your sink and your self-doubt?
Stream it on Netflix.
3. Lee Joon-ho in Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Some men fall in love with you. Others fall in love with your mind, your quirks, and everything that makes you, you. That’s Lee Joon-ho from Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
Played by Kang Tae-oh, Joon-ho is the kind of guy who doesn’t just love Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) despite society’s prejudices — he admires her for exactly who she is. When others underestimate Young-woo because of her Asperger’s, Joon-ho never sees her as anything but extraordinary. His patience, respect, and unwavering support make him the ultimate comfort character.
Stream it on Netflix.
4. Ri Jeong-hyok in Crash Landing on You
Some men will text you goodnight. Then there's Hyun Bin’s Captain Ri who will risk international conflict just to keep you safe. Captain Ri is the blueprint for devotion.
Whether it’s braving a snowstorm to bring Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) back home or secretly scheduling a year’s worth of texts so she never feels lonely, this man’s love knows no limits. That's why we set the bar high.
Stream it on Netflix.
5. Yoo Eun-ho in Love Scout
Love Scout is yet another 2025 drama blessing us with a green flag male lead. This time, it’s Yoo Eun-ho (Lee Jun-hyuk), the dedicated secretary to headhunting firm CEO Kang Ji-yoon (Han Ji-min) — and honestly, he’s the definition of a good man. Eun-ho is the kind of guy who looks out for everyone — his colleagues, his neighbours, and most adorably, his young daughter.
As a skilled single dad, he cooks, tidies up, and even braids his daughter’s hair like a pro. But what truly makes him stand out? His unwavering support for Ji-yoon. No matter how independent and strong she is, Eun-ho makes sure she feels cared for — whether it’s through grand gestures or simply whipping up a convenience store meal.
Stream it on Netflix.
Bonus: Choi Taek in Reply 1988
Park Bo-gum is a serious green flag in Reply 1988. (Photo from: tvN)
Park Bo-gum is no stranger to playing green flag characters and his portrayal of Choi Taek in Reply 1988 is a part of this list. In the drama, Choi Taek is the definition of soft and steady love. Whether it’s offering a comforting presence, listening without judgment, or simply being there when it matters, he proves that kindness is the ultimate romantic gesture.
And when it comes to Deok-sun (Lee Hyeri), he’s always her safe place. Unlike many K-drama male leads who take the cold, brooding, and slightly aggressive route to romance, Choi Taek proves kindness and unconditional support are the way to go.
Stream it on Netflix.
(Cover photos from: @netflixkr and @dlwlrma)
Looking for a new swoon-worthy drama? Check out our list of C-dramas that should be on your watch list right now.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
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