5 love lessons I learned from Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines

Finding love these days feels like a full-time job. We’ve got checklists, expectations, and a constant stream of content telling us what to look out for—or worse, what to run away from. Between TikTok advice videos (“Five signs he’s not into you,” “Eight red flags you shouldn’t ignore”) and all the emotionally charged plot twists on our favourite streaming platforms, it’s no wonder so many of us feel a little jaded.

I’ll admit it: I’m still a hopeless romantic. Even when reality feels a little too cynical, I find comfort in living vicariously through the characters on screen, secretly hoping that maybe—just maybe—love isn’t dead after all. Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines gave me exactly that: a gentle reminder that love, in all its messy, tender forms, is still worth believing in.

Because honestly? In an age of ghosting, gaslighting, and everything in between, it’s easy to start thinking that red flags are just part of the dating deal. It’s no wonder that Yang Gwan-sik, with his quiet, consistent love, has struck a deep chord with women everywhere, proving that men who are loyal and devoted do exist in this world, as long as you’re looking in the right places.

As Violet Lim, CEO and Co-founder of Lunch Actually, puts it:

That being said, with the rising influence that Korean dramas have on the dating culture in Asia, the ‘green flag’ traits that Yang Gwan-sik embodies are exactly what many singles now aspire to find (or become). Here are five beautiful green flags (and timeless love lessons) we can all take away from this heartwarming story:

He shows love in the quietest, most thoughtful ways

Yang Gwan-sik and Oh Ae-sun’s relationship goes way back, and over the years, he’s quietly shown up for her time and time again—without ever expecting anything in return. Whether it’s giving her fresh fish, selling her cabbages, or keeping her seat warm while she’s out street-selling, his small, thoughtful gestures speak volumes. They may seem ordinary, but it’s exactly this quiet consistency that reveals just how deeply he cares. His love mirrors the metaphor of the tangerines in the show—simple, steady, and full of meaning. Because in the end, true love isn’t about grand declarations; it’s about presence over performance.

He makes you feel safe

Whether he’s walking beside her, sharing a quiet meal, or just sitting in comfortable silence, Gwan-sik’s calm and steady presence creates space for Ae-sun to simply be herself. He never forces conversation or expects emotional reactions—he just shows up, listens, and makes her feel truly seen–something we should all look for in our partners.

In love, that kind of presence—without pressure—is a quiet superpower. It speaks to emotional maturity, deep respect, and a connection that runs deeper than words.

He listens to understand, not just to respond

There are times when you just need someone to listen to you while you’re talking about your day or your struggles. But at the same time, you’d expect them to listen to you with intention and not just nod along to every word you say. In the show, for instance, Yang Gwan-sik he picks up on the unspoken cues, knows when Ae-sun needs space, and always follows through. Even when the road gets tough, he chooses to show up and support her dreams in quiet, unwavering ways.

That’s the difference between passive hearing and true connection: it’s about listening to understand, and proving that understanding through thoughtful, intentional action.

He accepts your past, respects your pace, and supports your healing

Having known Ae-sun for years, Gwan-sik understands and accepts her despite her emotional baggage. In fact, he holds space for her healing—walking beside her with patience, not pressure.

This goes to show that real love doesn’t ask for perfection—it makes room for growth. A green flag partner isn’t intimidated by your healing; they support you through it, every step of the way.

He encourages your dreams without trying to change who you are 

In a world where we’re constantly striving to be the best version of ourselves, chasing goals and building dreams, what we truly need is a partner who shows up—with quiet strength, unwavering support, and no ego. Just like a tangerine tree that grows slowly but steadily, real love takes its time. It doesn’t rush. It nurtures.

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 with them. Side by side. Rooted in mutual respect, support, and the kind of love that doesn’t need to shout to be felt.