Why women are falling for Yang Gwan Sik—The "green flag" boyfriend

Photo: Yang Gwan Sik at "When Life Gives You Tangerines"/Netflix.

As viewers fall in love with both the characters and the charming coastal town setting, they’re reminded of what truly matters in relationships. Here are five beautiful green flags—and timeless love lessons—we can all learn from this heartwarming story:

1. Consistent, Small Acts of Kindness

Green Flag: He shows love in the quietest, most thoughtful ways.

From bringing fish so Oh Ae Sun doesn’t feel left out at the dinner table to remembering the little details that matter to her, Yang Gwan Sik proves that it’s often the small, everyday gestures that speak the loudest.

Like the tangerines that appear throughout the show—simple, consistent, and full of meaning—true love is shown through presence, not just performance.

If you want to be a true green flag guy, take note: the best partners don’t wait for special occasions to show love—they are the occasion.

2. Being Present Without Pressure

Green Flag: He makes you feel safe—not rushed. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.

Whether walking beside her, sharing a quiet meal, or just sitting together, Gwan Sik’s calm and steady presence allows Ae Sun to be fully herself. He doesn’t force conversation or demand emotional responses—he simply shows up, listens, and makes her feel seen.

In love, presence without pressure is a superpower. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and genuine connection.

Be like Gwan Sik: Be ‘the calm’ in her chaos. Listen without fixing. Let her know she’s safe to be herself with you.

Photo: Yang Gwan Sik at "When Life Gives You Tangerines"/Netflix.

3. Listening to Understand, Not Just to Respond

Green Flag: True listening is in the follow-up.

Yang Gwan Sik doesn’t just nod along—he tunes in deeply. He catches the unspoken senses when Ae Sun needs space, and always follows through. Even when the path is hard, he takes action to support her dreams.

This is what separates passive hearing from meaningful connection: listening with the intention to understand and showing that understanding through thoughtful action.

Tip for aspiring green flag men: It’s not just about hearing her—it’s about remembering the little things and acting on them. That’s how she knows you’re truly listening.

4. Respecting Your Healing Journey

Green Flag: He accepts your past, respects your pace, and supports your healing.

Gwan Sik doesn’t shy away from Ae Sun’s emotional baggage. He knows her past and never judges it. Instead, he holds space for her healing—walking beside her without pressure or timelines.

Real love doesn’t demand perfection—it honors growth. A green flag partner doesn’t feel threatened by your healing; they stand by you through it.

5. Growing Together, Gently

Green Flag: He encourages your dreams without trying to change who you are.

Just like a tangerine tree that grows quietly and steadily, real love doesn’t rush. Gwan Sik supports Ae Sun’s dreams wholeheartedly—even promising to help her chase them.

Green flag men don’t compete with the women they love. They grow together, side by side, building something rooted in mutual respect, support, and quiet strength.

From this series, we learn one powerful truth: Love feels like home.

When Life Gives You Tangerines isn’t just fiction—it’s a tender reminder that the best relationships may look ordinary on the outside, but feel extraordinary on the inside.

As Violet beautifully puts it:
"A true green flag man doesn’t need grand gestures to prove his love—he shows it in how he listens, supports, and stays consistent. That’s the kind of love more and more women are holding out for."

In a world obsessed with chasing red flags, let’s start looking for—and celebrating—the green ones.