Unfortunately, many romance authors think that the male lead has to cater to the female lead’s every wish or be completely obsessed with her. While those tropes can be entertaining, it’s more nuanced characters that truly stand out. For a ML to be truly a green flag, he has to have a personality of his own and still be romantic and supportive in his own way.
Green Flag ML #1: Hades from I Married the Male Lead’s Dad
Everyone who has read this amazing story knows that Hades has a very inflated ego. For anyone who doesn’t know him, believe me when I say it doesn’t matter. His confidence makes him a fun and dependable male lead and – small spoiler – nothing beats the chapter where he takes Asha’s excruciating pain with his ability so he can suffer in her stead. Beautiful. Another big plus: It’s hard to find a green flag ML in a historical romance manhwa.
Green Flag ML #2: Leniel from I Will Become the Villain’s Poison Taster
On paper, Leniel is not a green flag—he’s supposed to be the villain and even lied about his identity. But he is such a breath of fresh air in the romance ML world. He’s protective and supportive while still being cheeky and teasing the female lead. He makes fun of her, laughs, and lets her do her thing. Add his tragic backstory, and you get one of the most lovable characters out there.
Green Flag ML #3: Karhan from Raising My Fiancé With Money
Everyone thinks that Karhan is scary, not only because of his fierce stare but also because of his reputation on the battlefield. It turns out that he is the biggest insecure teddy bear who just needs some love and help expressing himself. It is so fun to watch him struggle and so satisfying to watch him admire the female lead. It’s fun to watch him struggle and even more satisfying to see him admire the female lead. Yes, he sometimes falls into the “does everything for the FL without question” category, but unlike many others, he actually has valid reasons. Raising My Fiancé With Money is also a really wholesome romance manhwa.
Green Flag ML #4: Eunhyeok from Operation: True Love
Eunhyeok appears cold in the beginning but opens up slowly. He is the most patient and understanding ML I have come across in my romance manhwa endeavors. Although the female lead asks him to pretend to cheat with her – which triggers his trauma – he declines respectfully while still constantly protecting her in his own way. He is also very romantic but not cheesy. But all that went down the drain when he ghosted her for 9 years. He tried calling Soo-Ae once but then never reached out – only to reappear in her life years later. I should have kicked him off this list, but I am still willing to give him a chance. If you want to read more about the Hiatus, check out my article about the return of Operation true love.
Green Flag ML #5: Kiyu from Your Smile is a Trap
If you want to read about a teenager who blushes constantly, Kiyu is your guy. Although he’s handsome (an ex-idol trainee), he’s shy and struggles to approach people. What makes him a green flag is how he treats the female lead, who is ostracized because of her supposedly scary face. His communication skills aren’t perfect, but he’s kind, respectful, and supportive.
Green Flag ML #6: Jaeha from Our Secret Alliance
Jaeha is the personification of a green flag. He’s never pushy, supports the FL in her endeavors (sometimes even too much for his own comfort), and makes sure she’s cared for – long before they even start dating. Turns out, he had feelings for her much earlier than he admitted, but he never pressured her or expected anything in return. Our Secret Alliance is one of the best completed romance manhwa out there.
Green Flag ML #7: Pellus from Another Typical Fantasy Romance
This guy breaks my usual rule that green flag MLs shouldn’t be too submissive, but Pellus deserves a spot. He’s patient and kind despite his rough reputation as the Duke of the North. He supports Lithera wholeheartedly while staying true to his duties as monster slayer.
He also has traits you rarely see in manhwa MLs: he keeps his long hair and beard, he cries sometimes, and he openly talks about his feelings. How refreshing.
Green Flag ML #8: Hyeondo from Selfish Romance
On paper, Hyeondo doesn’t seem like a green flag. When our FL Yumin first meets him, he’s arguing with his ex. Our main couple’s start is rocky: they make a pact to hang out publicly to make their exes jealous.
But what makes Hyeondo stand out is his love language: acts of service. He faces his past, sets clear boundaries, and constantly shows up for Yumin without being pushy. Unfortunately, Season 2 of Selfish Romance doesn’t have a release date yet, but it is a good choice for modern romance manhwa.
Green Flag ML #9: Junwon from The Perfect Contract
Junwon is a CEO with a relatively typical character design: handsome, rich, and able to do it all. I still find his character really refreshing because their dialogue feels real. The way he deals with the FL – you’ll have to read the start to know what I mean—is strict but kind at the same time. He’s no doormat. What I like about his character is that he doesn’t beat around the bush and constantly thinks about how he can support the FL without being overbearing. He lets her deal with her own problems. The Perfect Contract is also a good workplace romance manhwa.
Green Flag ML #10: Minyeok from Childhood Friend Complex
This might be a hot take for some because he does make out with our FL Haneul for the first time while they are both completely hammered. But hear me out: They have known each other since childhood, and it is so damn apparent in every little thing he does that he cares so much about the FL. It is so nice to read. This is also one of the most realistic and healthy depictions of physical intimacy I have ever read. It is currently on hiatus, but Season 2 of Childhood Friend Complex will be back in October – at least for Korean readers.
