From Screen To Reality: Are Kdrama Green Flag MLS Ideal For You?

While you guys figure out the answer, I have the answer for myself. NO, they are not.  

I know, I know, what I just said, hell won’t be enough for me. But before you guys freak out and come at me, hear me out, ladies.  

While you think the male kdrama characters are your soulmates and participate in various online quizzes, selecting which particular kdrama character should be your ideal soulmate, it’s time for a subtle reality check.  

Most Celebrated Kdrama Characters As Green Flags

Before we discuss this topic in-depth, let’s examine the most celebrated green flag kdrama characters.  

A point that I kept in mind while jotting down these points is that all these characters, and many more, have certain realist traits as well, but the prominent traits are so unrealistic that the lines between them often get blurred.  

Gwang-sik from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’

Yang Gwan-sik, currently the most celebrated among the male kdrama characters, is a character from When Life Gives You Tangerines.  

Yang Gwang-sik (Park Bo-gum) exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable partner. His unwavering devotion to Oh Ae-sun (IU) showcases a deep commitment to her well-being and aspirations.  

He supports her dreams, whether she aspires to become president one day or pursues any other path.  

A touching moment happens when he jumps into the water to swim back to her, which shows his willingness to go to great lengths for her happiness.  

Additionally, he stands up for her when he witnesses his family’s mistreatment, showcasing his loyalty and courage.  

Moreover, beyond simply being there for her, Gwang-sik actively champions Ae-sun’s ambitions and celebrates her individuality.  

Hwang Yong-sik from ‘When the Camellia Blooms’

When Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), a single mom raising a young son, moves to a new town and opens a bar-restaurant, her situation becomes the talk of the community. Her new neighbors find plenty of reasons to criticize her. 

Luckily, she gains support from Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul), the town’s police officer. Captivated by Dong-baek at first glance, Yong-sik quickly stands by her. 

Unlike other people, he doesn’t judge her based on her situation; instead, he gracefully accepts her for who she is. 

His feelings for her are genuine, and his intentions are noble. Although he often behaves like a fool in love, he is also a reliable knight in shining armor. 

Yang Do-hyeok from ‘Nevertheless’

Known for his unwavering love for Na-bi, Do-hyeok is another prime example of kdrama characters who won our hearts since the first scene.

One of the most prominent themes of this drama is Do-hyeok’s love and faithfulness towards Na-bi.  

He offers comfort to Na-bi during her emotional turmoil and ensures that she feels seen and heard.  

Lee Jun-ho from ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’

Kang Tae Oh gained widespread recognition for his role as Lee Jun Ho in Extraordinary Attorney Woo.  

Jun Ho is a member of a law firm where Woo Young Woo, an autistic rookie lawyer portrayed by Park Eun Bin, is employed.  

Unlike others, Jun Ho finds them charming, but those who share Young Woo’s unique characteristics may be.  

He stands out as an unwavering source of support for Woo Young, making him a clear green flag. 

Hong Du Sik in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

I placed him at the end of this list, as he is one of my favourites and the most unrealistic one I have ever encountered! 

This guy, as charming and beautiful as ever, is everyone’s favourite, has read from the best institutions, and knows how to do everything. EVERYTHING! Unrealistic much? 

Whatever the job, he is the man for you. This man does everything from plumbing to package delivery and has the best degrees from the best colleges.  

Don’t get me wrong, when I first saw him, I wanted to marry a man just like him. Then what happened? Well, I grew up, took off my rose coloured glasses, and went on with my life.  

The Internet’s Definition

In the context of dating, the concept of Red Flags came into being, which is used to denote personalities that are toxic and psychologically abusive.  

Gradually, certain pointers started being added to this category, and people had to start a new term that would act as an antonym of the former.  

Therefore, the concept of Green Flag followed.  

Now that we have visited these male kdrama characters and analysed their key features, which led them to become a green flag, let’s get to our main discussion.  

You might ask yourself, since when has being faithful and loving towards your girlfriend become a problem?  

Just a heads up, it’s not. The problem is expecting your partner to fit into shoes that aren’t even real, and for a good reason.  

Is The Concept Of The Green Flag Category Healthy?

When I started watching my first kdrama, Descendants of the Sun, I was in the 11th standard. And I asked my then-boyfriend, Why wasn’t he more like him? He was very hurt and confused, and obviously, we fell apart.  

I didn’t know why then, but I know now. Humans often look at a fictional character, a kdrama character, in this context, and imagine their partner to be like this because of our sheer appreciation for the characters.  

What are Some Common Kdrama Stereotypes?

Kdrama characters have certain stereotypical characteristics embedded in them. Therefore, this becomes even more harmful for the female audience and their dating lives.  

The few stereotypes that are so common that it has become a cliché:

• The male lead is either dead rich or dead poor, nothing in between.  

• The male lead is an introvert.  

• If there is a second lead, he will be the chirpiest one.  

• Gets jealous and possessive easily, often seen as romantic.  

• Chases her one-sidedly.  

• Power imbalance.  

Numerous other traits are considered stereotypes, but these are the prime examples.  

While a healthy, balanced definition of the Green Flag is much needed for a healthy relationship, romanticizing these stereotypes may often lead to a drastic imbalance.  

The fact that the male lead is getting jealous and possessive, even before dating the female lead, is considered super romantic, and god knows why!  

Also, even in 2025, the acute power imbalance between male and female leads is still romanticized, where the male lead is more powerful, creating an unrealistic dating prototype.  

Another important point to be discussed here is that when a man or woman tells you they are not reciprocating your feelings, it’s pointless and extremely unhealthy to stay hung up on them—DELIBERATELY! 

When you experience heartbreak or rejection, it often feels like you will never fall in love. And that’s okay. But romanticising the one-sided lover trope is extremely unhealthy for your mental state.  

Furthermore, when a guy keeps loving a girl even after getting rejected, the girl subconsciously gathers validation, which later harms the girl’s psyche when the guy moves on.  

Capitalising on Female Insecurities

Well well! Here’s when the discussion gets a tad bit serious.  

There is little to no obsession over whether a female lead is a green or red flag. That is primarily because most female leads as kdrama characters are either victims or too pretty and privileged.  

Have you ever wondered why only the male leads are so perfect that they feel almost too good to be true?  

It’s because they are. These male leads cater to the deepest insecurities women have fostered for so long, due to the social and psychological effects they have experienced since the moment they started to grow up.  

There are no online quizzes for men who decide which female lead will be their ideal partner. It’s difficult to manipulate a man, as men have much more clarity regarding romantic relationships.  

On the other hand, women feel compelled to romanticise these traits and compare the man they are dating to the kdrama characters they greatly appreciate. 

Well, I had so much to say. What do you think about it? Are you still going to fall for it? Let me know in the comment section!

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