Hello!

I mean, sure, she is a nice girl and a good and courageous girl. So is Lily. And Jon Gi´s daughter is even educated. But I still hardly see that all people always flock to her.

How??? Could they not use it as the final cover for volume 47?????

😭😭😭😭

I'll just mourn the loss

I made some remarks based on this post, about how marriage for a woman in that era wasn't just about choosing a partner, but about choosing the master of your life, both legally and spiritually, whom you would be expected to obey. So choosing a man whom you didn't respect, and who obviously wasn't worthy of respect, was a much bigger deal than just "He'll never make you happy."

But another commentator disagreed with me, pointing out that mercenary marriages with no thought of love or respect took place all the time in the Regency era. In their point of view, Elizabeth is just upset that her best friend doesn't find Mr. Collins as repulsive as she does herself.

That made me think of how @bethanydelleman has complained that the adaptations almost always portray Mr. Collins as older and more physically off-putting than the character in the book, who is a young man (younger than Charlotte, in fact) and who is only ridiculous in personality, not in looks. This creates the sense that Elizabeth's objection to marrying him, and to Charlotte marrying him, is more visceral and less objective than Austen meant it to be.

I wonder if that other commentator on YouTube was thinking mainly of the adaptations, because "Elizabeth is upset that Charlotte doesn't find Mr. Collins as repulsive as she does" sounds like a very visceral interpretation of her feelings.

I mean, sure, she is a nice girl and a good and courageous girl. So is Lily. And Jon Gi´s daughter is even educated. But I still hardly see that all people always flock to her.

1. Now it is officially confirmed Yona had no chance with Soo-won, he only loved her as a sister

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona

Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

3. Hairpin has no meaning

It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it.

The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him. It’s only ironic that it was so important to Yona and Hak while it possessed no meaning to Soo-won, the one who gifted it. Since gifting a hairpin is a move of love, both Hak and Yona must have thought the hairpin was gifted because Soo-won did love Yona. In the end, Yona clung onto it as to the remnant of her feelings and past life, while Hak kept wondering why Soo-won gave it to her and hated it. Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

I would have preferred a deeper meaning but I’m not too disappointed.

I actually considered that he either knew, or he didn't know about Hak's feelings because he just has no interest or understanding of those things. Guess that the latter theory of mine was proven right.

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています"

meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other"

So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like... bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

Yeah. But I just wish Hak actually KNEW THIS!! Hak thinks Su-Won didn't see Yona as an equal or didn't give a fuck about her and that was the issue—but that wasn't the issue! Even if Su-Won saw Yona as his equal or grown up, he still would only love Yona as his sister! As a sister and NOT lover!

A marriage couldn't have worked out, because Su-Won's just not into incest lmao! And Hak should know that! He should know Su-Won grew up loving Yona as a sister while he constantly hoped and thought Su-Won would be romantic and marry—and tbh I don't know if Hak knows! He interpreted the hairpin through a romantic lens, then he interpreted it as Su-Won being absolutely heartless—he misunderstands that there is a middle ground: it was clueless and insensitive to romance, yes, but nevertheless familial.

It's very disappointing if he never learns that imo. Hak never gets told anything and is always kept in the dark and tortured over it, it's really annoying and sad to see him suffer for no good reason... poor guy.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure if it's going to come up in the story. Why would this be only answered so openly in a fanbook side note and not the actual story? I don't see a point of repeating the same explanation again in the Gaiden....

Wait wait... So this is interesting.. I see this as SW being sour about Hak being devoted to yona as a friend or a subordinate. Like he thinks Hak could never be loyal to him like he is with yona and that's why SW said ' Hak I want you' like as a a a valuable aide or something. That'd be hilarious lollllll

Aaskdfjfbiensodn.

I'm running with this idea.

No wonder he was so sour, who me?? You came to see me??? Friends?? Us? You don't say..

Please let him have some hope or let us see him watching Lili and yona from his balcony or some pillar and being unable to watch....but Lili notices his presence. We know she does...she recognizes 'his stupid tofu face anywhere'

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

I second this. However, isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe.

I don´t really understand it. If it was his blood, I could accept it.

That she had no chance - yes, this much was evident...but that he had 0 romantic feelings towards her? At least at the beginning. The text and pictures show something different.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

What I consider a little weird, regarding this, that he knew even in Awa, that Hak would give his everything to protect Yona. Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています" meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other" So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

Far better. An answer I can accept at least.

3. Hairpin has no meaning It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it. The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

I don´t believe it yet. This does not make any sense. Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

Soo Won could have told Lily, that it had no meaning whatsoever.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

I would prefer it, as it would fit his character. He would have wanted to keep Yona and Hak. It would also make sense, that King Il refused the marriage so greatly, if there was another reason than just Soo Won being Yu hon´s son. I still don´t believe in a straight answer.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him.

What I consider a little weird - apparently Soo Won has never given Yona a hairpin before, or Hak would have not misunderstood the intent. So why bother giving it now?

What is also a little weird. Soo Won usually considered the implication of his moves under normal circumstances. I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love, if he saw it around him.

He could also "use it" to his benefit in regard to General Geuntae and Yun ho. Soo Won must have counted that Geuntae would not bother with his appearance in the Earth Tribe Arc, when his wife was happy about it. He even made fun of General Geuntae, that he was weak in regard to his wife.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Kusanagi could "solve" with the hairpin so many issues in one swoop. The hairpin is also connected with the murder of King Il, Soo Won´s father and even Kashi. All in one go. Please let us get "clear answers" at least.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like… bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

That’s exactly why I never thought he’s aromantic. Why is he always blushing at the thought of him in love if he doesn’t care for love? When Yona confessed, when Ju-do recalled the Awa incident. When Lili asked him about “dirty” information, implying salaciousness? Wouldn’t a person indifferent to love react indifferently rather than get this flustered? Soo-won even said he wouldn’t be able to lay in one bed with Yona now that he knows about her feelings and being a “woman”. Why’s that if he doesn’t care for romance?

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love,

The mangaka can tell, whatever she wants, but Soo Won did not strike me as somebody, who does not - at least - understand theoretically, how it works, with the "flowers and the bees".

Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1. So was this guy really that unaware of Hak´s feelings or is this just a very fat plot hole?

His whole behaviour did - very evidently imply - that Soo Won was not that clueless what happened between a woman and a man and that he was - not that cold - towards it either.

So yes, a romance between him and a woman does seem very possible.

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all.

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

But did Soo Won not appear, as if he felt a little "left out", when Yona told him about her engagement to Hak? He didn´t seem to be too happy about it, from my perspective at least.

Theoretically, Soo Won did really know, that - at their age- a too tight platonic relationship with Yona would be difficult. (I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple!

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least. And I really want to know, why he suddenly understood, that his opinion was "careless". Soo Won is royalty. His partner would have been never " a nobody", but very likely also from an influential family or a good political match.

So there was never the question for him that "anyone would do so long as they were a woman".

I think, he rather meant, that as long as the other party was beneficial for him, the woman - in and itself - did not matter. But now, he does think differently.

And for somebody, who was so eager to be the ideal king, Soo Won stopped at marriage. And even before he fell ill. Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line. Since he did not appear much younger than now - I would say, he was at least 16 years old. (He had it also with Lily, who was completely unaware at that time. Unbelievable - think about it: Lily did not even know, that her father had tried to marry her off at the ripe age of 15 years.)

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

It is because he doesn´t perceive her "just as a friend", but he would most likely not even be aware, why this "friendship" with Lily is special. Soo Won suppresses feelings he is not supposed to have, after all.

Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae...and him and General Geuntae are not that similar in his eyes, most likely.

What I can’t understand either…did Soo-won really not know the symbolism behind giving a girl a hairpin. He is very knowledgeable, how could he have not known? And he gifted it right after her confession. Did he not understand how it looked from the pov of the girl who loved him?

Haha exactly. He did manage to gather romance instantly when he saw Lili with Geun-tae and like the dynamic between Geun-tae and his wife. But with Hak and Yona he was non-understanding/indifferent?

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1.

This is what throws me off the most, if he had no idea about feelings being involved there, why was he not surprised? Kusanagi also mentioned that he didn’t really care…I’m sorry but what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least.

Exactly, it was natural for Soo-won to be indifferent to romance if the only girl he was ever close to, Yona, was no more than family to him. Lili is the second girl he befriended and like I said from what we see, his reaction and behavior with her is completely different from the way he acted with Yona. That’s curious.

Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line.

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything.

So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all. Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant.

We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else.

He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

But he knew the hairpin instantly, when he saw it in Sei.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? And Soo Won did care at least enough to react negatively to the situation, when he was alone with Yona. Like Soo Won was not joking here. Instead he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. Or somebody who would not care that two of the people he loved the most would become a couple?! Like excuse me, has she forgotten the beginning of her own manga?

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

If there were three friends and two of these people become a couple, than naturally the third one is the third wheel. But for this conclusion, Soo Won must be aware, what it means to be a couple.

Like this guy is a genius and you tell me, he was completely - only - dumb in regard to romance? Honestly?

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

So yes, Soo Won was forced - out of obligation to his followers and the country - to consider marriage. (But look how happy he was, when he could finally ditch this responsibility. Soo Won appeared nearly serene, when he could finally tell everybody that he did not intend to marry, but would name a heir himself.)

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything. So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy. Even before he killed King Il, he did not appear to happy about the conversation about his engagement, right? Even years before with Jon Gi Soo Won shows this smile, that points to him feeling uncomfortable.

And yes, the Crimson Illness was the reason, why he hesitated, but the illness also freed Soo Won from the responsibility of marriage.

Soo Won has not wanted to marry a person, he did not love. (While I do believe, that Soo Won´s intention to throw away his personal attachments had been always present, due to the system of his father, the diary did - of course - drive the point of his conviction even more home . Ju do told us this by reminding Soo Won, that he had wanted "to throw everything away". Ju do followed Soo Won relatively soon. When Yon hi told us about the people that followed Soo Won, Ju do has been already present. Yon hi must have died not too long after the murder of Yu hon.)

I know, that I go against Kusanagi´s interpretation, but I have no other explanation for Soo Won happiness in regard to Geuntae and Yun ho. Yes, they resemble his parents, but this is the point: Soo Won was a child born from love.

Yon hi and Yu hon loved each other - this is at least confirmed and sure.

As a king and at least after reading the diary, where Soo Won has read about the catastrophe his father caused due to the existence of the love of his parents, Soo Won forbid himself personal feelings.

So a deep fullfilling love was impossible for him. But a loveless marriage was also not to his taste, that is - in my opinion - the reason Soo Won DID NOT WANT TO MARRY .

And this would be even within Kusanagi´s interpretation. Indeed politics were more important to him than romance, but this did not mean, that Soo Won was alright with being "sold" or having to bind himself to a person, he did not like.

In fact, Soo Won does react very strongly to people he dislikes.

Meinyan can tell a story about it. He really couldn´t stand her - her point of view, her selfishness and above all, she even threathened Yona. And she had hit a wound point. I do believe, Soo Won was jealous of Yona, but he did not want to react to this. Even with heavy jealousy due to her being always the special one, Soo Won did not want to give in.

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant. We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else. He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. It reminds me so much of Wuthering Heights in that aspect. "(S)he is more myself, than I am". Lily is more like his original young self, that might still live in him. During a time Soo Won was just kind, curious and wanted to know so much, wishing to connect with people, bubbling like a river, when he was excited.

Of course, their relationship is not as tragic as the one in the book. But everytime I see Lily and Soo Won I think this: Lily is more himself than he is right now.

I do agree with you. But ok let’s consider that Soo-won not getting Hak’s feelings was only before Yona lied about her engagement. After all Yona also didn’t get Hak’s feelings even though he was always behaving strangely with her, even after loosing Soo-won it took her a lot of time to understand Hak loves her. Tbf he literally had to scream it out for her to understand, if he didn’t I’m sure she’d still be second guessing. That’s doesn’t make her aromantic though, just oblivious. So I think it’s Soo-won’s case too, I guess (hope) that’s what the author meant.

Besides, is this really the way a person uninterested in romance would react like after a girl’s love confession?:

C’mon. Why is he blushing, why is he “bothered” and why would he be nervous to fall asleep with her around. And he doesn’t even love Yona from what we know but the mere thought makes him nervous. I do believe an asexual or whatever person would just react calmly or laugh it off.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

Yeah I guess so.

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy.

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it. If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love. Somehow, Soo-won would manage to marry Yona if he really wanted to. Yet he didn’t. Because he didn’t love Yona. Why was that important to him if he doesn’t care for love?

Then like you said, his illness also played a role and in a weird, twisted way helped him out. He now had a good excuse not to get married, one he could explain. Normally, like he told Lili, joining Xing kingdom through his marriage to one of the princesses should have been a good idea, yet he didn’t really think seriously about it, did he. Yes he now knew he’d die young but why would he care if that’s still very beneficial for Kouka? He could still choose any successor like he wanted, so what stopped him?

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason.

Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. And the other way, too. It was Soo Won who trusted Lily - above even Yona and everybody else.

Exactly, why show him being all flustered time and time again?

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it

I am still not sure, if Soo Won has never considered it. On one hand, I would be glad, as he did - in fact - not sacrifice himself so much, that he would force himself to sleep with somebody he considered more a sister than a wife. On the other hand, I am not so sure, if he truly has never considered it and merely got away, because King Il was absolutely against a marriage between Soo Won and Yona.

If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love.

Undoubtly there is a certain analogy between Griffith and Soo Won.

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason. Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe. The text and pictures show something different.

Yeah Imma be honest, if it wasn't confirmed in the new fanbook that Su-Won sees Yona as a mere sister I would still be a bit confused, because again, what guy reacts to his sister like this?

The panels don't exactly make me think "brotherly". Why is he blushing that hard? To this day this is the most 'romantic-coded' reaction we've ever seen from this guy. At most, it implies he's not asexual. At worst, it implies he has some feelings towards someone who he claims is like his sister..... like what....

Then scenes like this… he's never done this much staring with even Lili.

Maybe something was planned but later dropped, idk. Or maybe I'm likely reading too much into it and he's just stunned at Yona's growth and how she's carrying weapons.

Again the only person it actually makes sense for him to end up with is Lili, but with one chapter left, that too is likely going to be rushed. Lili and Su-Won don't act like a couple even now, let alone best friends.

It's true, if Hak breaks it off with Su-Won next chapter, then Lili might enter the picture, but we may not see it in depth.

Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least:

Where he even got it

Why he had to give it on her birthday

And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

(I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple! he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

This is what I've always wondered too. He hears Yona say that she's engaged to Hak in chapter one, so why doesn't he ever confront Hak on the "engagement" before the coup???

Like, "okay Hak, does this mean you're going to be the next king of Kouka?" or anything! Maybe Su-Won did ask Hak, and we haven't seen it, but I keep wondering if anyone ever told him that Yona and Hak's "engagement" in chapter 1 was actually a lie. Did that misunderstanding influence the timing of his coup at all?

Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but...

I think, that there was a possibility, that Soo Won and Yona could have loved each other. From their characters, they would have been a good couple. Each one had a strong parent and a weak parent. (Yona´s weak parent was her father).

But their experiences differed. Their circumstances tore them apart. At one point Soo Won had lost the tie to Yona, because looking at her must have been painful.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature.

Everybody saw it correctly, but Soo Won denied it. I interpret it like this, too. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Before he had the picture of a grown-up Yona with the hairpin. But then after Xing it stopped. He merely saw Yona and himself as children in the Castle Arc.

I mean this guy has put his head on her literal chest in the Castle Arc, but NO REACTION! He was merely ashamed of the nonsense he had talked about.

Of course, When Yona showed him finally, that she was strong, Soo Won was in a daze.

It is so funny. Soo Won is most likely only interested in "strong women", because his mother was a literal "Dragon".

We have seen his mother. She always worries if her son is save. She snapped at him, when he puts himself in danger. She tried to marry him with a good woman, but he was not really interested. Because the woman was not like his mother, he thought.

Yona wondered, why Soo Won did not interfer more, when this person made decision on her own. He could hardly tell her.

His mother stayed at the castle, when Soo Won was out and only showed herself on the battlefield, when he was too sick to go. Since Soo Won has a tendency to run from his mother, even when Yon hi was still alive. (Yon hi did not treat her son very gentle herself after all, as well. She mostly perceived him as too loud and difficult.)

His mother will kill anybody - even Lily and Yona and the dragon warriors- if they are a danger to her son.

Yona understood this, since she had "found family in her brain". She realized, who this guy was and why he was so snappy, whenever Soo Won was in danger.

Because Soo Won´s mother was a guy- Keishuk.

Jokes aside, but I do think, this might have been the reason, Yona had made the connection. I mean, they had "Yoon" as a mother as well. So Yona would likely interpret it like this.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least: Where he even got it Why he had to give it on her birthday And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

I hope so, as well.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

My interpretation is the following: Yona and Hak resemble his parents. Therefore he perceived them most likely as a good couple.

From his reaction he was really very inexperienced and he was also very well protected. Ju do, Keishuk, Hiyoori kept a good watch over him.

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

Maybe his feelings changed.

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but…

Many people didn´t become old. There were infections of wounds, illnesses, hunger, catastrophes ect...Keishuk and co. knew, that Soo Won would likely stand on a battlefield and that he could die easily. Having soon an heir wouldn´t be a bad thing.

Yeah I think there could have been an interesting narrative had Su-Won fallen for Yona too, and under different circumstances, if their best traits were allowed to shine, they could have been good rulers together. And ngl I'd actually be way more invested in an "it's too late, Su-Won" angle that actually explored the tragedy of an almost-romance between them over watching like 5 guys orbit around the same oblivious girl, at any rate. Never liked the harem angle.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Eh well, the fanbook's word is final, so I believe he didn't see Yona that way. Though, if it weren't for that, I'll say the most non-brotherly "evidence", if that possibility ever existed, would be the first arc, then Water, Sei and Xing arcs. After that, in the castle arc despite proximity, there's no concrete "attraction" on either Yona or Su-Won's end.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's necessarily about how feminine or strong a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

A possiblilty only given if this girl had not been NOT been spoiled rotten. Only in a universe Kashi had lived and was appreciated by her husband. When Yu hon has chosen a wife, who resembled his brother. Whom has King Il chosen? Maybe she would have developed differently. After all, Yona does have bite in contrast to good King Il.

Yona is selfish and has a tendency to fall for illusions, because she is pretty much satisfied if nobody she loves is in any danger. Like she cares for people, but she is the least self-sacrificial person in the whole work.

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yona became queen in a way, that made even the former dragon warriors speechless. Like Yoon expressed it nicely, as if it was nothing special. I think, even Kija wondered, if this was a good development. And this was spectacular, after all, was this guy not one of her greatest supporters?

Merely if Yona had been raised to be more responsible and self-aware would have been this romance between Yona and Soo Won possible. I think, they would have been alright. Then Yona would have more likely accepted that Soo Won is a little wilder than she thought he was.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman. But he would never express it so easily. If nothing happens, she would marry ten times somebody different.

This guy surpressed his feelings and I guess, that because of the way he chose, a romantic interest would have been a little nonsensical. If he does intend to make always the best decision for the country, regardless of personal feelings...then a romance might not fit exactly in, I guess.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her:

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

And I guess trying to kill or hurt Yona was not too appealing to him. After all, he claimed he felt for her like a little sister. And I tend to believe this.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's about how feminine or non-feminine a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. And being blunt and straightfoward was mostly not exactly the ideal. Guys were supposed to be like this. We can even see in the first chapter of this manga, that Yona tried to be a lil bit sweeter with Soo Won as with Hak.

Additionally Soo Won did not seem to notice, if a woman has put on any make-up on.

But yes, I doubt Soo Won has the same interest in butches as I have. ^^ Lily is still very beautiful and has long flowing hair. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

But when it comes to romantic tastes, I don't necessarily think he has developed a preference at all. He was simply not socialized to think about preferences. Even his approval towards Lili, was as a leader of the Water Tribe, not a love interest. So honestly, who knows what he prefers.

Don´t worry. Soo Won is still a human being and was socialised like any normal guy. Just that his tastes were a lil bit influenced that mostly men were around him. Even the guy he likely perceives as a mother.

Yeah, IF raised differently. The thing is, Yona's love for Su-Won was actually a lot akin to Hak's unrequited love. She didn't have much hope and resigned herself to thinking it was fine even if one-sided. I think she was raised spoiled but not selfish towards him specifically. She was genuinely worried that if together, he'd be in danger. The potential to learn more about him was there, so I think her real fault was passivity. She even assumes casually in chapter 1 that he already had countless women at his residence. She had so little confidence in herself, she made no move on him for 10 years.

I actually wonder... when Yona first heard his father died, how did she react? Did she ever offer him condolences? I mean, he was there for her when she lost his mother. But did she ever try to comfort him too? There's no insight into this part of the past unfortunately. Too many gaps. I also wonder how Hak reacted to this news. What did Su-Won even tell them about Yu-Hon's 'accident'?

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

I agree, Yona wasn't proactive for 10 years, which is where she and Lili differ. Lili's nature is to be proactive and open, which Su-Won admired. Although his preferences in women are not clear, I can at least say that he is NOT impressed by passive people (Il for one).

Lili herself, likes grounded, steady men... even Su-Won's looks, while not her type, were shadowed by his personality.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yeah agreed, that's a whole other matter and has to do with the bad writing of that final arc... the writers did not care to get into it.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

Mmm... let's wait and see. I agree he clearly likes her openness and liveliness, as well as respects her as a leader, but is there romantic attraction or tension? The moments where she startles by punching a wall is just Lili being chaotic, she's never got him flustered or blushing or anything. The fact that he feels no tension is a sign of no interest as well (he even considered her a beard to stop marriage rumors). Now, if he started getting jealous of that new general from the Earth tribe, then yeah, there's finally something interesting to work with.

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

Hmm... Su-Won was not very surprised by that change in speech. Also Mei-nyan's whole introduction and arc was also handled poorly in the story. I don't remember him ever properly finding out or consciously registering that she was/sounded like a general (he believed she was Chagol's concubine), and I actually think it should have been made a bigger deal than it was, honestly. Virtually no women in court speak like Mei-nyan does. When she changed her mannerism she no longer sounded like a regular noblewoman but a general barking orders (which she was).

A guy, who surpressed his feelings to the point, where he falls ill, might not get right from the start, that he likes her.

If seriously, here I’d say it was still too early for either of them to fall in love. They barely know each other here and neither of them are people to fall in love “instantly”, taking into consideration their situations.

Secondly there’s the fact that Soo-won is a very good actor, his emotions rarely show on his face, especially if he wants to suppress them. He was strictly against any attachments or marriages here, so I bet he’d convince himself not to feel anything, that he is very capable of as we saw.

Plus Lili here is in love with Geun-tae which Soo-won was very much aware of. And on top Lili showed “disgust” when thinking about marrying him right in his face, I think he couldn’t have not taken it into consideration. From his pov he has no chance with her.

Only now that they’re friends, Soo-won is healing emotionally and Lili is over Geun-tae they may have had a chance (but with 1 chap left I guess not).

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

First Soo-won must’ve been grossed out by her stupid attempt to seduce him by acting a feminine fool, it says a lot about what kind of person she is and he was most definitely not impressed. And then, when she started speaking normally (with her general rough language) I think what matters most is not how she was speaking but rather what she was saying. Praising and wishing for the power of the dragon gods that Soo-won despised his whole life? Thats like the biggest turn off for Soo-won I believe, basically that’s the one argument you should not use with him😂. After she said it he had the same reaction to her as he had to Gobi.

Evidently yes. Soo Won does not like people, who basically just act on self-interest alone. His explanation why he was friends with Ogi and his people was "They are good people". This appeared therefore a very important aspect for him.

Additionally, I guess hurting Yona again was also a big "No-No".

Only now that they’re friends, Soo-won is healing emotionally and Lili is over Geun-tae they may have had a chance (but with 1 chap left I guess not).

Well, let´s wait and see. There is now less than a weak left...if I am not mistaken.

Two times she talked to him and two times she made a fool out of herself in front of him, so there’s nothing he’d be impressed about in her. But tbh it’s a shame they didn’t become allies or interacted more, they’re of the same blood, had similar problems and in some way feelings but it never played out. All for the sake of Meinyan’s dumb love tragedies and becoming Yona’s…whatever she is now.

For sure. Plus I think he doesn’t like people similar to himself, especially scheming, lying, using masks, etc. He clearly prefers directness.

Additionally, I guess hurting Yona again was also a big "No-No".

That wasn’t even an option since he didn’t want Yona’s dragons. No point since they’ve already formed the alliance with Yona’s team on top. So Meinyan’s attempt there was a lost cause before she opened her mouth, unfortunately for her.

Well, let´s wait and see. There is now less than a weak left

Actually this seems pretty common in this work. All the people hate themselves in a way. Soo Won is especially bad, of course.

Well, all people lie in this work more or less. I am really interested, if all masks will fall at the end. And if there will be a spin-off series.

That wasn’t even an option since he didn’t want Yona’s dragons.

I think, you are mistaken. Soo Won has wanted them. However not as servants, but as friends. In that aspect you are right. Especially and above else Zeno. I am pretty sure Zeno reminds him of his own father.

So Meinyan’s attempt there was a lost cause before she opened her mouth, unfortunately for her.

Yes, as friends for sure but Meinyan was talking about their powers only, that he never wanted

Not necessarily. She was a spy of an enemy country. And a former general. She knew the military tactics there and possessed valuable information.

1. Now it is officially confirmed Yona had no chance with Soo-won, he only loved her as a sister

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona

Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

3. Hairpin has no meaning

It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it.

The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him. It’s only ironic that it was so important to Yona and Hak while it possessed no meaning to Soo-won, the one who gifted it. Since gifting a hairpin is a move of love, both Hak and Yona must have thought the hairpin was gifted because Soo-won did love Yona. In the end, Yona clung onto it as to the remnant of her feelings and past life, while Hak kept wondering why Soo-won gave it to her and hated it. Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

I would have preferred a deeper meaning but I’m not too disappointed.

I actually considered that he either knew, or he didn't know about Hak's feelings because he just has no interest or understanding of those things. Guess that the latter theory of mine was proven right.

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています"

meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other"

So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like... bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

Yeah. But I just wish Hak actually KNEW THIS!! Hak thinks Su-Won didn't see Yona as an equal or didn't give a fuck about her and that was the issue—but that wasn't the issue! Even if Su-Won saw Yona as his equal or grown up, he still would only love Yona as his sister! As a sister and NOT lover!

A marriage couldn't have worked out, because Su-Won's just not into incest lmao! And Hak should know that! He should know Su-Won grew up loving Yona as a sister while he constantly hoped and thought Su-Won would be romantic and marry—and tbh I don't know if Hak knows! He interpreted the hairpin through a romantic lens, then he interpreted it as Su-Won being absolutely heartless—he misunderstands that there is a middle ground: it was clueless and insensitive to romance, yes, but nevertheless familial.

It's very disappointing if he never learns that imo. Hak never gets told anything and is always kept in the dark and tortured over it, it's really annoying and sad to see him suffer for no good reason... poor guy.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure if it's going to come up in the story. Why would this be only answered so openly in a fanbook side note and not the actual story? I don't see a point of repeating the same explanation again in the Gaiden....

Wait wait... So this is interesting.. I see this as SW being sour about Hak being devoted to yona as a friend or a subordinate. Like he thinks Hak could never be loyal to him like he is with yona and that's why SW said ' Hak I want you' like as a a a valuable aide or something. That'd be hilarious lollllll

Aaskdfjfbiensodn.

I'm running with this idea.

No wonder he was so sour, who me?? You came to see me??? Friends?? Us? You don't say..

Please let him have some hope or let us see him watching Lili and yona from his balcony or some pillar and being unable to watch....but Lili notices his presence. We know she does...she recognizes 'his stupid tofu face anywhere'

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

I second this. However, isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe.

I don´t really understand it. If it was his blood, I could accept it.

That she had no chance - yes, this much was evident...but that he had 0 romantic feelings towards her? At least at the beginning. The text and pictures show something different.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

What I consider a little weird, regarding this, that he knew even in Awa, that Hak would give his everything to protect Yona. Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています" meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other" So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

Far better. An answer I can accept at least.

3. Hairpin has no meaning It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it. The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

I don´t believe it yet. This does not make any sense. Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

Soo Won could have told Lily, that it had no meaning whatsoever.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

I would prefer it, as it would fit his character. He would have wanted to keep Yona and Hak. It would also make sense, that King Il refused the marriage so greatly, if there was another reason than just Soo Won being Yu hon´s son. I still don´t believe in a straight answer.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him.

What I consider a little weird - apparently Soo Won has never given Yona a hairpin before, or Hak would have not misunderstood the intent. So why bother giving it now?

What is also a little weird. Soo Won usually considered the implication of his moves under normal circumstances. I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love, if he saw it around him.

He could also "use it" to his benefit in regard to General Geuntae and Yun ho. Soo Won must have counted that Geuntae would not bother with his appearance in the Earth Tribe Arc, when his wife was happy about it. He even made fun of General Geuntae, that he was weak in regard to his wife.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Kusanagi could "solve" with the hairpin so many issues in one swoop. The hairpin is also connected with the murder of King Il, Soo Won´s father and even Kashi. All in one go. Please let us get "clear answers" at least.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like… bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

That’s exactly why I never thought he’s aromantic. Why is he always blushing at the thought of him in love if he doesn’t care for love? When Yona confessed, when Ju-do recalled the Awa incident. When Lili asked him about “dirty” information, implying salaciousness? Wouldn’t a person indifferent to love react indifferently rather than get this flustered? Soo-won even said he wouldn’t be able to lay in one bed with Yona now that he knows about her feelings and being a “woman”. Why’s that if he doesn’t care for romance?

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love,

The mangaka can tell, whatever she wants, but Soo Won did not strike me as somebody, who does not - at least - understand theoretically, how it works, with the "flowers and the bees".

Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1. So was this guy really that unaware of Hak´s feelings or is this just a very fat plot hole?

His whole behaviour did - very evidently imply - that Soo Won was not that clueless what happened between a woman and a man and that he was - not that cold - towards it either.

So yes, a romance between him and a woman does seem very possible.

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all.

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

But did Soo Won not appear, as if he felt a little "left out", when Yona told him about her engagement to Hak? He didn´t seem to be too happy about it, from my perspective at least.

Theoretically, Soo Won did really know, that - at their age- a too tight platonic relationship with Yona would be difficult. (I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple!

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least. And I really want to know, why he suddenly understood, that his opinion was "careless". Soo Won is royalty. His partner would have been never " a nobody", but very likely also from an influential family or a good political match.

So there was never the question for him that "anyone would do so long as they were a woman".

I think, he rather meant, that as long as the other party was beneficial for him, the woman - in and itself - did not matter. But now, he does think differently.

And for somebody, who was so eager to be the ideal king, Soo Won stopped at marriage. And even before he fell ill. Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line. Since he did not appear much younger than now - I would say, he was at least 16 years old. (He had it also with Lily, who was completely unaware at that time. Unbelievable - think about it: Lily did not even know, that her father had tried to marry her off at the ripe age of 15 years.)

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

It is because he doesn´t perceive her "just as a friend", but he would most likely not even be aware, why this "friendship" with Lily is special. Soo Won suppresses feelings he is not supposed to have, after all.

Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae...and him and General Geuntae are not that similar in his eyes, most likely.

What I can’t understand either…did Soo-won really not know the symbolism behind giving a girl a hairpin. He is very knowledgeable, how could he have not known? And he gifted it right after her confession. Did he not understand how it looked from the pov of the girl who loved him?

Haha exactly. He did manage to gather romance instantly when he saw Lili with Geun-tae and like the dynamic between Geun-tae and his wife. But with Hak and Yona he was non-understanding/indifferent?

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1.

This is what throws me off the most, if he had no idea about feelings being involved there, why was he not surprised? Kusanagi also mentioned that he didn’t really care…I’m sorry but what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least.

Exactly, it was natural for Soo-won to be indifferent to romance if the only girl he was ever close to, Yona, was no more than family to him. Lili is the second girl he befriended and like I said from what we see, his reaction and behavior with her is completely different from the way he acted with Yona. That’s curious.

Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line.

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything.

So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all. Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant.

We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else.

He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

But he knew the hairpin instantly, when he saw it in Sei.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? And Soo Won did care at least enough to react negatively to the situation, when he was alone with Yona. Like Soo Won was not joking here. Instead he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. Or somebody who would not care that two of the people he loved the most would become a couple?! Like excuse me, has she forgotten the beginning of her own manga?

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

If there were three friends and two of these people become a couple, than naturally the third one is the third wheel. But for this conclusion, Soo Won must be aware, what it means to be a couple.

Like this guy is a genius and you tell me, he was completely - only - dumb in regard to romance? Honestly?

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

So yes, Soo Won was forced - out of obligation to his followers and the country - to consider marriage. (But look how happy he was, when he could finally ditch this responsibility. Soo Won appeared nearly serene, when he could finally tell everybody that he did not intend to marry, but would name a heir himself.)

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything. So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy. Even before he killed King Il, he did not appear to happy about the conversation about his engagement, right? Even years before with Jon Gi Soo Won shows this smile, that points to him feeling uncomfortable.

And yes, the Crimson Illness was the reason, why he hesitated, but the illness also freed Soo Won from the responsibility of marriage.

Soo Won has not wanted to marry a person, he did not love. (While I do believe, that Soo Won´s intention to throw away his personal attachments had been always present, due to the system of his father, the diary did - of course - drive the point of his conviction even more home . Ju do told us this by reminding Soo Won, that he had wanted "to throw everything away". Ju do followed Soo Won relatively soon. When Yon hi told us about the people that followed Soo Won, Ju do has been already present. Yon hi must have died not too long after the murder of Yu hon.)

I know, that I go against Kusanagi´s interpretation, but I have no other explanation for Soo Won happiness in regard to Geuntae and Yun ho. Yes, they resemble his parents, but this is the point: Soo Won was a child born from love.

Yon hi and Yu hon loved each other - this is at least confirmed and sure.

As a king and at least after reading the diary, where Soo Won has read about the catastrophe his father caused due to the existence of the love of his parents, Soo Won forbid himself personal feelings.

So a deep fullfilling love was impossible for him. But a loveless marriage was also not to his taste, that is - in my opinion - the reason Soo Won DID NOT WANT TO MARRY .

And this would be even within Kusanagi´s interpretation. Indeed politics were more important to him than romance, but this did not mean, that Soo Won was alright with being "sold" or having to bind himself to a person, he did not like.

In fact, Soo Won does react very strongly to people he dislikes.

Meinyan can tell a story about it. He really couldn´t stand her - her point of view, her selfishness and above all, she even threathened Yona. And she had hit a wound point. I do believe, Soo Won was jealous of Yona, but he did not want to react to this. Even with heavy jealousy due to her being always the special one, Soo Won did not want to give in.

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant. We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else. He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. It reminds me so much of Wuthering Heights in that aspect. "(S)he is more myself, than I am". Lily is more like his original young self, that might still live in him. During a time Soo Won was just kind, curious and wanted to know so much, wishing to connect with people, bubbling like a river, when he was excited.

Of course, their relationship is not as tragic as the one in the book. But everytime I see Lily and Soo Won I think this: Lily is more himself than he is right now.

I do agree with you. But ok let’s consider that Soo-won not getting Hak’s feelings was only before Yona lied about her engagement. After all Yona also didn’t get Hak’s feelings even though he was always behaving strangely with her, even after loosing Soo-won it took her a lot of time to understand Hak loves her. Tbf he literally had to scream it out for her to understand, if he didn’t I’m sure she’d still be second guessing. That’s doesn’t make her aromantic though, just oblivious. So I think it’s Soo-won’s case too, I guess (hope) that’s what the author meant.

Besides, is this really the way a person uninterested in romance would react like after a girl’s love confession?:

C’mon. Why is he blushing, why is he “bothered” and why would he be nervous to fall asleep with her around. And he doesn’t even love Yona from what we know but the mere thought makes him nervous. I do believe an asexual or whatever person would just react calmly or laugh it off.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

Yeah I guess so.

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy.

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it. If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love. Somehow, Soo-won would manage to marry Yona if he really wanted to. Yet he didn’t. Because he didn’t love Yona. Why was that important to him if he doesn’t care for love?

Then like you said, his illness also played a role and in a weird, twisted way helped him out. He now had a good excuse not to get married, one he could explain. Normally, like he told Lili, joining Xing kingdom through his marriage to one of the princesses should have been a good idea, yet he didn’t really think seriously about it, did he. Yes he now knew he’d die young but why would he care if that’s still very beneficial for Kouka? He could still choose any successor like he wanted, so what stopped him?

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason.

Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. And the other way, too. It was Soo Won who trusted Lily - above even Yona and everybody else.

Exactly, why show him being all flustered time and time again?

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it

I am still not sure, if Soo Won has never considered it. On one hand, I would be glad, as he did - in fact - not sacrifice himself so much, that he would force himself to sleep with somebody he considered more a sister than a wife. On the other hand, I am not so sure, if he truly has never considered it and merely got away, because King Il was absolutely against a marriage between Soo Won and Yona.

If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love.

Undoubtly there is a certain analogy between Griffith and Soo Won.

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason. Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe. The text and pictures show something different.

Yeah Imma be honest, if it wasn't confirmed in the new fanbook that Su-Won sees Yona as a mere sister I would still be a bit confused, because again, what guy reacts to his sister like this?

The panels don't exactly make me think "brotherly". Why is he blushing that hard? To this day this is the most 'romantic-coded' reaction we've ever seen from this guy. At most, it implies he's not asexual. At worst, it implies he has some feelings towards someone who he claims is like his sister..... like what....

Then scenes like this… he's never done this much staring with even Lili.

Maybe something was planned but later dropped, idk. Or maybe I'm likely reading too much into it and he's just stunned at Yona's growth and how she's carrying weapons.

Again the only person it actually makes sense for him to end up with is Lili, but with one chapter left, that too is likely going to be rushed. Lili and Su-Won don't act like a couple even now, let alone best friends.

It's true, if Hak breaks it off with Su-Won next chapter, then Lili might enter the picture, but we may not see it in depth.

Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least:

Where he even got it

Why he had to give it on her birthday

And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

(I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple! he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

This is what I've always wondered too. He hears Yona say that she's engaged to Hak in chapter one, so why doesn't he ever confront Hak on the "engagement" before the coup???

Like, "okay Hak, does this mean you're going to be the next king of Kouka?" or anything! Maybe Su-Won did ask Hak, and we haven't seen it, but I keep wondering if anyone ever told him that Yona and Hak's "engagement" in chapter 1 was actually a lie. Did that misunderstanding influence the timing of his coup at all?

Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but...

I think, that there was a possibility, that Soo Won and Yona could have loved each other. From their characters, they would have been a good couple. Each one had a strong parent and a weak parent. (Yona´s weak parent was her father).

But their experiences differed. Their circumstances tore them apart. At one point Soo Won had lost the tie to Yona, because looking at her must have been painful.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature.

Everybody saw it correctly, but Soo Won denied it. I interpret it like this, too. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Before he had the picture of a grown-up Yona with the hairpin. But then after Xing it stopped. He merely saw Yona and himself as children in the Castle Arc.

I mean this guy has put his head on her literal chest in the Castle Arc, but NO REACTION! He was merely ashamed of the nonsense he had talked about.

Of course, When Yona showed him finally, that she was strong, Soo Won was in a daze.

It is so funny. Soo Won is most likely only interested in "strong women", because his mother was a literal "Dragon".

We have seen his mother. She always worries if her son is save. She snapped at him, when he puts himself in danger. She tried to marry him with a good woman, but he was not really interested. Because the woman was not like his mother, he thought.

Yona wondered, why Soo Won did not interfer more, when this person made decision on her own. He could hardly tell her.

His mother stayed at the castle, when Soo Won was out and only showed herself on the battlefield, when he was too sick to go. Since Soo Won has a tendency to run from his mother, even when Yon hi was still alive. (Yon hi did not treat her son very gentle herself after all, as well. She mostly perceived him as too loud and difficult.)

His mother will kill anybody - even Lily and Yona and the dragon warriors- if they are a danger to her son.

Yona understood this, since she had "found family in her brain". She realized, who this guy was and why he was so snappy, whenever Soo Won was in danger.

Because Soo Won´s mother was a guy- Keishuk.

Jokes aside, but I do think, this might have been the reason, Yona had made the connection. I mean, they had "Yoon" as a mother as well. So Yona would likely interpret it like this.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least: Where he even got it Why he had to give it on her birthday And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

I hope so, as well.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

My interpretation is the following: Yona and Hak resemble his parents. Therefore he perceived them most likely as a good couple.

From his reaction he was really very inexperienced and he was also very well protected. Ju do, Keishuk, Hiyoori kept a good watch over him.

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

Maybe his feelings changed.

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but…

Many people didn´t become old. There were infections of wounds, illnesses, hunger, catastrophes ect...Keishuk and co. knew, that Soo Won would likely stand on a battlefield and that he could die easily. Having soon an heir wouldn´t be a bad thing.

Yeah I think there could have been an interesting narrative had Su-Won fallen for Yona too, and under different circumstances, if their best traits were allowed to shine, they could have been good rulers together. And ngl I'd actually be way more invested in an "it's too late, Su-Won" angle that actually explored the tragedy of an almost-romance between them over watching like 5 guys orbit around the same oblivious girl, at any rate. Never liked the harem angle.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Eh well, the fanbook's word is final, so I believe he didn't see Yona that way. Though, if it weren't for that, I'll say the most non-brotherly "evidence", if that possibility ever existed, would be the first arc, then Water, Sei and Xing arcs. After that, in the castle arc despite proximity, there's no concrete "attraction" on either Yona or Su-Won's end.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's necessarily about how feminine or strong a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

A possiblilty only given if this girl had not been NOT been spoiled rotten. Only in a universe Kashi had lived and was appreciated by her husband. When Yu hon has chosen a wife, who resembled his brother. Whom has King Il chosen? Maybe she would have developed differently. After all, Yona does have bite in contrast to good King Il.

Yona is selfish and has a tendency to fall for illusions, because she is pretty much satisfied if nobody she loves is in any danger. Like she cares for people, but she is the least self-sacrificial person in the whole work.

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yona became queen in a way, that made even the former dragon warriors speechless. Like Yoon expressed it nicely, as if it was nothing special. I think, even Kija wondered, if this was a good development. And this was spectacular, after all, was this guy not one of her greatest supporters?

Merely if Yona had been raised to be more responsible and self-aware would have been this romance between Yona and Soo Won possible. I think, they would have been alright. Then Yona would have more likely accepted that Soo Won is a little wilder than she thought he was.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman. But he would never express it so easily. If nothing happens, she would marry ten times somebody different.

This guy surpressed his feelings and I guess, that because of the way he chose, a romantic interest would have been a little nonsensical. If he does intend to make always the best decision for the country, regardless of personal feelings...then a romance might not fit exactly in, I guess.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her:

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

And I guess trying to kill or hurt Yona was not too appealing to him. After all, he claimed he felt for her like a little sister. And I tend to believe this.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's about how feminine or non-feminine a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. And being blunt and straightfoward was mostly not exactly the ideal. Guys were supposed to be like this. We can even see in the first chapter of this manga, that Yona tried to be a lil bit sweeter with Soo Won as with Hak.

Additionally Soo Won did not seem to notice, if a woman has put on any make-up on.

But yes, I doubt Soo Won has the same interest in butches as I have. ^^ Lily is still very beautiful and has long flowing hair. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

But when it comes to romantic tastes, I don't necessarily think he has developed a preference at all. He was simply not socialized to think about preferences. Even his approval towards Lili, was as a leader of the Water Tribe, not a love interest. So honestly, who knows what he prefers.

Don´t worry. Soo Won is still a human being and was socialised like any normal guy. Just that his tastes were a lil bit influenced that mostly men were around him. Even the guy he likely perceives as a mother.

Yeah, IF raised differently. The thing is, Yona's love for Su-Won was actually a lot akin to Hak's unrequited love. She didn't have much hope and resigned herself to thinking it was fine even if one-sided. I think she was raised spoiled but not selfish towards him specifically. She was genuinely worried that if together, he'd be in danger. The potential to learn more about him was there, so I think her real fault was passivity. She even assumes casually in chapter 1 that he already had countless women at his residence. She had so little confidence in herself, she made no move on him for 10 years.

I actually wonder... when Yona first heard his father died, how did she react? Did she ever offer him condolences? I mean, he was there for her when she lost his mother. But did she ever try to comfort him too? There's no insight into this part of the past unfortunately. Too many gaps. I also wonder how Hak reacted to this news. What did Su-Won even tell them about Yu-Hon's 'accident'?

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

I agree, Yona wasn't proactive for 10 years, which is where she and Lili differ. Lili's nature is to be proactive and open, which Su-Won admired. Although his preferences in women are not clear, I can at least say that he is NOT impressed by passive people (Il for one).

Lili herself, likes grounded, steady men... even Su-Won's looks, while not her type, were shadowed by his personality.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yeah agreed, that's a whole other matter and has to do with the bad writing of that final arc... the writers did not care to get into it.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

Mmm... let's wait and see. I agree he clearly likes her openness and liveliness, as well as respects her as a leader, but is there romantic attraction or tension? The moments where she startles by punching a wall is just Lili being chaotic, she's never got him flustered or blushing or anything. The fact that he feels no tension is a sign of no interest as well (he even considered her a beard to stop marriage rumors). Now, if he started getting jealous of that new general from the Earth tribe, then yeah, there's finally something interesting to work with.

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

Hmm... Su-Won was not very surprised by that change in speech. Also Mei-nyan's whole introduction and arc was also handled poorly in the story. I don't remember him ever properly finding out or consciously registering that she was/sounded like a general (he believed she was Chagol's concubine), and I actually think it should have been made a bigger deal than it was, honestly. Virtually no women in court speak like Mei-nyan does. When she changed her mannerism she no longer sounded like a regular noblewoman but a general barking orders (which she was).

A guy, who surpressed his feelings to the point, where he falls ill, might not get right from the start, that he likes her.

If seriously, here I’d say it was still too early for either of them to fall in love. They barely know each other here and neither of them are people to fall in love “instantly”, taking into consideration their situations.

Secondly there’s the fact that Soo-won is a very good actor, his emotions rarely show on his face, especially if he wants to suppress them. He was strictly against any attachments or marriages here, so I bet he’d convince himself not to feel anything, that he is very capable of as we saw.

Plus Lili here is in love with Geun-tae which Soo-won was very much aware of. And on top Lili showed “disgust” when thinking about marrying him right in his face, I think he couldn’t have not taken it into consideration. From his pov he has no chance with her.

Only now that they’re friends, Soo-won is healing emotionally and Lili is over Geun-tae they may have had a chance (but with 1 chap left I guess not).

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

First Soo-won must’ve been grossed out by her stupid attempt to seduce him by acting a feminine fool, it says a lot about what kind of person she is and he was most definitely not impressed. And then, when she started speaking normally (with her general rough language) I think what matters most is not how she was speaking but rather what she was saying. Praising and wishing for the power of the dragon gods that Soo-won despised his whole life? Thats like the biggest turn off for Soo-won I believe, basically that’s the one argument you should not use with him😂. After she said it he had the same reaction to her as he had to Gobi.

Evidently yes. Soo Won does not like people, who basically just act on self-interest alone. His explanation why he was friends with Ogi and his people was "They are good people". This appeared therefore a very important aspect for him.

Additionally, I guess hurting Yona again was also a big "No-No".

Only now that they’re friends, Soo-won is healing emotionally and Lili is over Geun-tae they may have had a chance (but with 1 chap left I guess not).

Well, let´s wait and see. There is now less than a weak left...if I am not mistaken.

Two times she talked to him and two times she made a fool out of herself in front of him, so there’s nothing he’d be impressed about in her. But tbh it’s a shame they didn’t become allies or interacted more, they’re of the same blood, had similar problems and in some way feelings but it never played out. All for the sake of Meinyan’s dumb love tragedies and becoming Yona’s…whatever she is now.

For sure. Plus I think he doesn’t like people similar to himself, especially scheming, lying, using masks, etc. He clearly prefers directness.

Additionally, I guess hurting Yona again was also a big "No-No".

That wasn’t even an option since he didn’t want Yona’s dragons. No point since they’ve already formed the alliance with Yona’s team on top. So Meinyan’s attempt there was a lost cause before she opened her mouth, unfortunately for her.

Well, let´s wait and see. There is now less than a weak left

Actually this seems pretty common in this work. All the people hate themselves in a way. Soo Won is especially bad, of course.

Well, all people lie in this work more or less. I am really interested, if all masks will fall at the end. And if there will be a spin-off series.

That wasn’t even an option since he didn’t want Yona’s dragons.

I think, you are mistaken. Soo Won has wanted them. However not as servants, but as friends. In that aspect you are right. Especially and above else Zeno. I am pretty sure Zeno reminds him of his own father.

So Meinyan’s attempt there was a lost cause before she opened her mouth, unfortunately for her.

1. Now it is officially confirmed Yona had no chance with Soo-won, he only loved her as a sister

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona

Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

3. Hairpin has no meaning

It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it.

The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him. It’s only ironic that it was so important to Yona and Hak while it possessed no meaning to Soo-won, the one who gifted it. Since gifting a hairpin is a move of love, both Hak and Yona must have thought the hairpin was gifted because Soo-won did love Yona. In the end, Yona clung onto it as to the remnant of her feelings and past life, while Hak kept wondering why Soo-won gave it to her and hated it. Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

I would have preferred a deeper meaning but I’m not too disappointed.

I actually considered that he either knew, or he didn't know about Hak's feelings because he just has no interest or understanding of those things. Guess that the latter theory of mine was proven right.

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています"

meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other"

So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like... bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

Yeah. But I just wish Hak actually KNEW THIS!! Hak thinks Su-Won didn't see Yona as an equal or didn't give a fuck about her and that was the issue—but that wasn't the issue! Even if Su-Won saw Yona as his equal or grown up, he still would only love Yona as his sister! As a sister and NOT lover!

A marriage couldn't have worked out, because Su-Won's just not into incest lmao! And Hak should know that! He should know Su-Won grew up loving Yona as a sister while he constantly hoped and thought Su-Won would be romantic and marry—and tbh I don't know if Hak knows! He interpreted the hairpin through a romantic lens, then he interpreted it as Su-Won being absolutely heartless—he misunderstands that there is a middle ground: it was clueless and insensitive to romance, yes, but nevertheless familial.

It's very disappointing if he never learns that imo. Hak never gets told anything and is always kept in the dark and tortured over it, it's really annoying and sad to see him suffer for no good reason... poor guy.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure if it's going to come up in the story. Why would this be only answered so openly in a fanbook side note and not the actual story? I don't see a point of repeating the same explanation again in the Gaiden....

Wait wait... So this is interesting.. I see this as SW being sour about Hak being devoted to yona as a friend or a subordinate. Like he thinks Hak could never be loyal to him like he is with yona and that's why SW said ' Hak I want you' like as a a a valuable aide or something. That'd be hilarious lollllll

Aaskdfjfbiensodn.

I'm running with this idea.

No wonder he was so sour, who me?? You came to see me??? Friends?? Us? You don't say..

Please let him have some hope or let us see him watching Lili and yona from his balcony or some pillar and being unable to watch....but Lili notices his presence. We know she does...she recognizes 'his stupid tofu face anywhere'

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

I second this. However, isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe.

I don´t really understand it. If it was his blood, I could accept it.

That she had no chance - yes, this much was evident...but that he had 0 romantic feelings towards her? At least at the beginning. The text and pictures show something different.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

What I consider a little weird, regarding this, that he knew even in Awa, that Hak would give his everything to protect Yona. Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています" meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other" So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

Far better. An answer I can accept at least.

3. Hairpin has no meaning It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it. The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

I don´t believe it yet. This does not make any sense. Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

Soo Won could have told Lily, that it had no meaning whatsoever.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

I would prefer it, as it would fit his character. He would have wanted to keep Yona and Hak. It would also make sense, that King Il refused the marriage so greatly, if there was another reason than just Soo Won being Yu hon´s son. I still don´t believe in a straight answer.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him.

What I consider a little weird - apparently Soo Won has never given Yona a hairpin before, or Hak would have not misunderstood the intent. So why bother giving it now?

What is also a little weird. Soo Won usually considered the implication of his moves under normal circumstances. I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love, if he saw it around him.

He could also "use it" to his benefit in regard to General Geuntae and Yun ho. Soo Won must have counted that Geuntae would not bother with his appearance in the Earth Tribe Arc, when his wife was happy about it. He even made fun of General Geuntae, that he was weak in regard to his wife.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Kusanagi could "solve" with the hairpin so many issues in one swoop. The hairpin is also connected with the murder of King Il, Soo Won´s father and even Kashi. All in one go. Please let us get "clear answers" at least.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like… bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

That’s exactly why I never thought he’s aromantic. Why is he always blushing at the thought of him in love if he doesn’t care for love? When Yona confessed, when Ju-do recalled the Awa incident. When Lili asked him about “dirty” information, implying salaciousness? Wouldn’t a person indifferent to love react indifferently rather than get this flustered? Soo-won even said he wouldn’t be able to lay in one bed with Yona now that he knows about her feelings and being a “woman”. Why’s that if he doesn’t care for romance?

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love,

The mangaka can tell, whatever she wants, but Soo Won did not strike me as somebody, who does not - at least - understand theoretically, how it works, with the "flowers and the bees".

Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1. So was this guy really that unaware of Hak´s feelings or is this just a very fat plot hole?

His whole behaviour did - very evidently imply - that Soo Won was not that clueless what happened between a woman and a man and that he was - not that cold - towards it either.

So yes, a romance between him and a woman does seem very possible.

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all.

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

But did Soo Won not appear, as if he felt a little "left out", when Yona told him about her engagement to Hak? He didn´t seem to be too happy about it, from my perspective at least.

Theoretically, Soo Won did really know, that - at their age- a too tight platonic relationship with Yona would be difficult. (I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple!

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least. And I really want to know, why he suddenly understood, that his opinion was "careless". Soo Won is royalty. His partner would have been never " a nobody", but very likely also from an influential family or a good political match.

So there was never the question for him that "anyone would do so long as they were a woman".

I think, he rather meant, that as long as the other party was beneficial for him, the woman - in and itself - did not matter. But now, he does think differently.

And for somebody, who was so eager to be the ideal king, Soo Won stopped at marriage. And even before he fell ill. Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line. Since he did not appear much younger than now - I would say, he was at least 16 years old. (He had it also with Lily, who was completely unaware at that time. Unbelievable - think about it: Lily did not even know, that her father had tried to marry her off at the ripe age of 15 years.)

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

It is because he doesn´t perceive her "just as a friend", but he would most likely not even be aware, why this "friendship" with Lily is special. Soo Won suppresses feelings he is not supposed to have, after all.

Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae...and him and General Geuntae are not that similar in his eyes, most likely.

What I can’t understand either…did Soo-won really not know the symbolism behind giving a girl a hairpin. He is very knowledgeable, how could he have not known? And he gifted it right after her confession. Did he not understand how it looked from the pov of the girl who loved him?

Haha exactly. He did manage to gather romance instantly when he saw Lili with Geun-tae and like the dynamic between Geun-tae and his wife. But with Hak and Yona he was non-understanding/indifferent?

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1.

This is what throws me off the most, if he had no idea about feelings being involved there, why was he not surprised? Kusanagi also mentioned that he didn’t really care…I’m sorry but what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least.

Exactly, it was natural for Soo-won to be indifferent to romance if the only girl he was ever close to, Yona, was no more than family to him. Lili is the second girl he befriended and like I said from what we see, his reaction and behavior with her is completely different from the way he acted with Yona. That’s curious.

Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line.

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything.

So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all. Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant.

We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else.

He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

But he knew the hairpin instantly, when he saw it in Sei.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? And Soo Won did care at least enough to react negatively to the situation, when he was alone with Yona. Like Soo Won was not joking here. Instead he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. Or somebody who would not care that two of the people he loved the most would become a couple?! Like excuse me, has she forgotten the beginning of her own manga?

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

If there were three friends and two of these people become a couple, than naturally the third one is the third wheel. But for this conclusion, Soo Won must be aware, what it means to be a couple.

Like this guy is a genius and you tell me, he was completely - only - dumb in regard to romance? Honestly?

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

So yes, Soo Won was forced - out of obligation to his followers and the country - to consider marriage. (But look how happy he was, when he could finally ditch this responsibility. Soo Won appeared nearly serene, when he could finally tell everybody that he did not intend to marry, but would name a heir himself.)

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything. So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy. Even before he killed King Il, he did not appear to happy about the conversation about his engagement, right? Even years before with Jon Gi Soo Won shows this smile, that points to him feeling uncomfortable.

And yes, the Crimson Illness was the reason, why he hesitated, but the illness also freed Soo Won from the responsibility of marriage.

Soo Won has not wanted to marry a person, he did not love. (While I do believe, that Soo Won´s intention to throw away his personal attachments had been always present, due to the system of his father, the diary did - of course - drive the point of his conviction even more home . Ju do told us this by reminding Soo Won, that he had wanted "to throw everything away". Ju do followed Soo Won relatively soon. When Yon hi told us about the people that followed Soo Won, Ju do has been already present. Yon hi must have died not too long after the murder of Yu hon.)

I know, that I go against Kusanagi´s interpretation, but I have no other explanation for Soo Won happiness in regard to Geuntae and Yun ho. Yes, they resemble his parents, but this is the point: Soo Won was a child born from love.

Yon hi and Yu hon loved each other - this is at least confirmed and sure.

As a king and at least after reading the diary, where Soo Won has read about the catastrophe his father caused due to the existence of the love of his parents, Soo Won forbid himself personal feelings.

So a deep fullfilling love was impossible for him. But a loveless marriage was also not to his taste, that is - in my opinion - the reason Soo Won DID NOT WANT TO MARRY .

And this would be even within Kusanagi´s interpretation. Indeed politics were more important to him than romance, but this did not mean, that Soo Won was alright with being "sold" or having to bind himself to a person, he did not like.

In fact, Soo Won does react very strongly to people he dislikes.

Meinyan can tell a story about it. He really couldn´t stand her - her point of view, her selfishness and above all, she even threathened Yona. And she had hit a wound point. I do believe, Soo Won was jealous of Yona, but he did not want to react to this. Even with heavy jealousy due to her being always the special one, Soo Won did not want to give in.

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant. We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else. He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. It reminds me so much of Wuthering Heights in that aspect. "(S)he is more myself, than I am". Lily is more like his original young self, that might still live in him. During a time Soo Won was just kind, curious and wanted to know so much, wishing to connect with people, bubbling like a river, when he was excited.

Of course, their relationship is not as tragic as the one in the book. But everytime I see Lily and Soo Won I think this: Lily is more himself than he is right now.

I do agree with you. But ok let’s consider that Soo-won not getting Hak’s feelings was only before Yona lied about her engagement. After all Yona also didn’t get Hak’s feelings even though he was always behaving strangely with her, even after loosing Soo-won it took her a lot of time to understand Hak loves her. Tbf he literally had to scream it out for her to understand, if he didn’t I’m sure she’d still be second guessing. That’s doesn’t make her aromantic though, just oblivious. So I think it’s Soo-won’s case too, I guess (hope) that’s what the author meant.

Besides, is this really the way a person uninterested in romance would react like after a girl’s love confession?:

C’mon. Why is he blushing, why is he “bothered” and why would he be nervous to fall asleep with her around. And he doesn’t even love Yona from what we know but the mere thought makes him nervous. I do believe an asexual or whatever person would just react calmly or laugh it off.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

Yeah I guess so.

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy.

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it. If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love. Somehow, Soo-won would manage to marry Yona if he really wanted to. Yet he didn’t. Because he didn’t love Yona. Why was that important to him if he doesn’t care for love?

Then like you said, his illness also played a role and in a weird, twisted way helped him out. He now had a good excuse not to get married, one he could explain. Normally, like he told Lili, joining Xing kingdom through his marriage to one of the princesses should have been a good idea, yet he didn’t really think seriously about it, did he. Yes he now knew he’d die young but why would he care if that’s still very beneficial for Kouka? He could still choose any successor like he wanted, so what stopped him?

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason.

Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. And the other way, too. It was Soo Won who trusted Lily - above even Yona and everybody else.

Exactly, why show him being all flustered time and time again?

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it

I am still not sure, if Soo Won has never considered it. On one hand, I would be glad, as he did - in fact - not sacrifice himself so much, that he would force himself to sleep with somebody he considered more a sister than a wife. On the other hand, I am not so sure, if he truly has never considered it and merely got away, because King Il was absolutely against a marriage between Soo Won and Yona.

If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love.

Undoubtly there is a certain analogy between Griffith and Soo Won.

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason. Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe. The text and pictures show something different.

Yeah Imma be honest, if it wasn't confirmed in the new fanbook that Su-Won sees Yona as a mere sister I would still be a bit confused, because again, what guy reacts to his sister like this?

The panels don't exactly make me think "brotherly". Why is he blushing that hard? To this day this is the most 'romantic-coded' reaction we've ever seen from this guy. At most, it implies he's not asexual. At worst, it implies he has some feelings towards someone who he claims is like his sister..... like what....

Then scenes like this… he's never done this much staring with even Lili.

Maybe something was planned but later dropped, idk. Or maybe I'm likely reading too much into it and he's just stunned at Yona's growth and how she's carrying weapons.

Again the only person it actually makes sense for him to end up with is Lili, but with one chapter left, that too is likely going to be rushed. Lili and Su-Won don't act like a couple even now, let alone best friends.

It's true, if Hak breaks it off with Su-Won next chapter, then Lili might enter the picture, but we may not see it in depth.

Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least:

Where he even got it

Why he had to give it on her birthday

And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

(I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple! he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

This is what I've always wondered too. He hears Yona say that she's engaged to Hak in chapter one, so why doesn't he ever confront Hak on the "engagement" before the coup???

Like, "okay Hak, does this mean you're going to be the next king of Kouka?" or anything! Maybe Su-Won did ask Hak, and we haven't seen it, but I keep wondering if anyone ever told him that Yona and Hak's "engagement" in chapter 1 was actually a lie. Did that misunderstanding influence the timing of his coup at all?

Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but...

I think, that there was a possibility, that Soo Won and Yona could have loved each other. From their characters, they would have been a good couple. Each one had a strong parent and a weak parent. (Yona´s weak parent was her father).

But their experiences differed. Their circumstances tore them apart. At one point Soo Won had lost the tie to Yona, because looking at her must have been painful.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature.

Everybody saw it correctly, but Soo Won denied it. I interpret it like this, too. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Before he had the picture of a grown-up Yona with the hairpin. But then after Xing it stopped. He merely saw Yona and himself as children in the Castle Arc.

I mean this guy has put his head on her literal chest in the Castle Arc, but NO REACTION! He was merely ashamed of the nonsense he had talked about.

Of course, When Yona showed him finally, that she was strong, Soo Won was in a daze.

It is so funny. Soo Won is most likely only interested in "strong women", because his mother was a literal "Dragon".

We have seen his mother. She always worries if her son is save. She snapped at him, when he puts himself in danger. She tried to marry him with a good woman, but he was not really interested. Because the woman was not like his mother, he thought.

Yona wondered, why Soo Won did not interfer more, when this person made decision on her own. He could hardly tell her.

His mother stayed at the castle, when Soo Won was out and only showed herself on the battlefield, when he was too sick to go. Since Soo Won has a tendency to run from his mother, even when Yon hi was still alive. (Yon hi did not treat her son very gentle herself after all, as well. She mostly perceived him as too loud and difficult.)

His mother will kill anybody - even Lily and Yona and the dragon warriors- if they are a danger to her son.

Yona understood this, since she had "found family in her brain". She realized, who this guy was and why he was so snappy, whenever Soo Won was in danger.

Because Soo Won´s mother was a guy- Keishuk.

Jokes aside, but I do think, this might have been the reason, Yona had made the connection. I mean, they had "Yoon" as a mother as well. So Yona would likely interpret it like this.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least: Where he even got it Why he had to give it on her birthday And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

I hope so, as well.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

My interpretation is the following: Yona and Hak resemble his parents. Therefore he perceived them most likely as a good couple.

From his reaction he was really very inexperienced and he was also very well protected. Ju do, Keishuk, Hiyoori kept a good watch over him.

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

Maybe his feelings changed.

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but…

Many people didn´t become old. There were infections of wounds, illnesses, hunger, catastrophes ect...Keishuk and co. knew, that Soo Won would likely stand on a battlefield and that he could die easily. Having soon an heir wouldn´t be a bad thing.

Yeah I think there could have been an interesting narrative had Su-Won fallen for Yona too, and under different circumstances, if their best traits were allowed to shine, they could have been good rulers together. And ngl I'd actually be way more invested in an "it's too late, Su-Won" angle that actually explored the tragedy of an almost-romance between them over watching like 5 guys orbit around the same oblivious girl, at any rate. Never liked the harem angle.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Eh well, the fanbook's word is final, so I believe he didn't see Yona that way. Though, if it weren't for that, I'll say the most non-brotherly "evidence", if that possibility ever existed, would be the first arc, then Water, Sei and Xing arcs. After that, in the castle arc despite proximity, there's no concrete "attraction" on either Yona or Su-Won's end.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's necessarily about how feminine or strong a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

A possiblilty only given if this girl had not been NOT been spoiled rotten. Only in a universe Kashi had lived and was appreciated by her husband. When Yu hon has chosen a wife, who resembled his brother. Whom has King Il chosen? Maybe she would have developed differently. After all, Yona does have bite in contrast to good King Il.

Yona is selfish and has a tendency to fall for illusions, because she is pretty much satisfied if nobody she loves is in any danger. Like she cares for people, but she is the least self-sacrificial person in the whole work.

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yona became queen in a way, that made even the former dragon warriors speechless. Like Yoon expressed it nicely, as if it was nothing special. I think, even Kija wondered, if this was a good development. And this was spectacular, after all, was this guy not one of her greatest supporters?

Merely if Yona had been raised to be more responsible and self-aware would have been this romance between Yona and Soo Won possible. I think, they would have been alright. Then Yona would have more likely accepted that Soo Won is a little wilder than she thought he was.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman. But he would never express it so easily. If nothing happens, she would marry ten times somebody different.

This guy surpressed his feelings and I guess, that because of the way he chose, a romantic interest would have been a little nonsensical. If he does intend to make always the best decision for the country, regardless of personal feelings...then a romance might not fit exactly in, I guess.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her:

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

And I guess trying to kill or hurt Yona was not too appealing to him. After all, he claimed he felt for her like a little sister. And I tend to believe this.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's about how feminine or non-feminine a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. And being blunt and straightfoward was mostly not exactly the ideal. Guys were supposed to be like this. We can even see in the first chapter of this manga, that Yona tried to be a lil bit sweeter with Soo Won as with Hak.

Additionally Soo Won did not seem to notice, if a woman has put on any make-up on.

But yes, I doubt Soo Won has the same interest in butches as I have. ^^ Lily is still very beautiful and has long flowing hair. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

But when it comes to romantic tastes, I don't necessarily think he has developed a preference at all. He was simply not socialized to think about preferences. Even his approval towards Lili, was as a leader of the Water Tribe, not a love interest. So honestly, who knows what he prefers.

Don´t worry. Soo Won is still a human being and was socialised like any normal guy. Just that his tastes were a lil bit influenced that mostly men were around him. Even the guy he likely perceives as a mother.

Yeah, IF raised differently. The thing is, Yona's love for Su-Won was actually a lot akin to Hak's unrequited love. She didn't have much hope and resigned herself to thinking it was fine even if one-sided. I think she was raised spoiled but not selfish towards him specifically. She was genuinely worried that if together, he'd be in danger. The potential to learn more about him was there, so I think her real fault was passivity. She even assumes casually in chapter 1 that he already had countless women at his residence. She had so little confidence in herself, she made no move on him for 10 years.

I actually wonder... when Yona first heard his father died, how did she react? Did she ever offer him condolences? I mean, he was there for her when she lost his mother. But did she ever try to comfort him too? There's no insight into this part of the past unfortunately. Too many gaps. I also wonder how Hak reacted to this news. What did Su-Won even tell them about Yu-Hon's 'accident'?

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

I agree, Yona wasn't proactive for 10 years, which is where she and Lili differ. Lili's nature is to be proactive and open, which Su-Won admired. Although his preferences in women are not clear, I can at least say that he is NOT impressed by passive people (Il for one).

Lili herself, likes grounded, steady men... even Su-Won's looks, while not her type, were shadowed by his personality.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yeah agreed, that's a whole other matter and has to do with the bad writing of that final arc... the writers did not care to get into it.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

Mmm... let's wait and see. I agree he clearly likes her openness and liveliness, as well as respects her as a leader, but is there romantic attraction or tension? The moments where she startles by punching a wall is just Lili being chaotic, she's never got him flustered or blushing or anything. The fact that he feels no tension is a sign of no interest as well (he even considered her a beard to stop marriage rumors). Now, if he started getting jealous of that new general from the Earth tribe, then yeah, there's finally something interesting to work with.

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

Hmm... Su-Won was not very surprised by that change in speech. Also Mei-nyan's whole introduction and arc was also handled poorly in the story. I don't remember him ever properly finding out or consciously registering that she was/sounded like a general (he believed she was Chagol's concubine), and I actually think it should have been made a bigger deal than it was, honestly. Virtually no women in court speak like Mei-nyan does. When she changed her mannerism she no longer sounded like a regular noblewoman but a general barking orders (which she was).

A guy, who surpressed his feelings to the point, where he falls ill, might not get right from the start, that he likes her.

If seriously, here I’d say it was still too early for either of them to fall in love. They barely know each other here and neither of them are people to fall in love “instantly”, taking into consideration their situations.

Secondly there’s the fact that Soo-won is a very good actor, his emotions rarely show on his face, especially if he wants to suppress them. He was strictly against any attachments or marriages here, so I bet he’d convince himself not to feel anything, that he is very capable of as we saw.

Plus Lili here is in love with Geun-tae which Soo-won was very much aware of. And on top Lili showed “disgust” when thinking about marrying him right in his face, I think he couldn’t have not taken it into consideration. From his pov he has no chance with her.

Only now that they’re friends, Soo-won is healing emotionally and Lili is over Geun-tae they may have had a chance (but with 1 chap left I guess not).

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

First Soo-won must’ve been grossed out by her stupid attempt to seduce him by acting a feminine fool, it says a lot about what kind of person she is and he was most definitely not impressed. And then, when she started speaking normally (with her general rough language) I think what matters most is not how she was speaking but rather what she was saying. Praising and wishing for the power of the dragon gods that Soo-won despised his whole life? Thats like the biggest turn off for Soo-won I believe, basically that’s the one argument you should not use with him😂. After she said it he had the same reaction to her as he had to Gobi.

Evidently yes. Soo Won does not like people, who basically just act on self-interest alone. His explanation why he was friends with Ogi and his people was "They are good people". This appeared therefore a very important aspect for him.

Additionally, I guess hurting Yona again was also a big "No-No".

Only now that they’re friends, Soo-won is healing emotionally and Lili is over Geun-tae they may have had a chance (but with 1 chap left I guess not).

Well, let´s wait and see. There is now less than a weak left...if I am not mistaken.

Two times she talked to him and two times she made a fool out of herself in front of him, so there’s nothing he’d be impressed about in her. But tbh it’s a shame they didn’t become allies or interacted more, they’re of the same blood, had similar problems and in some way feelings but it never played out. All for the sake of Meinyan’s dumb love tragedies and becoming Yona’s…whatever she is now.

1. Now it is officially confirmed Yona had no chance with Soo-won, he only loved her as a sister

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona

Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

3. Hairpin has no meaning

It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it.

The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him. It’s only ironic that it was so important to Yona and Hak while it possessed no meaning to Soo-won, the one who gifted it. Since gifting a hairpin is a move of love, both Hak and Yona must have thought the hairpin was gifted because Soo-won did love Yona. In the end, Yona clung onto it as to the remnant of her feelings and past life, while Hak kept wondering why Soo-won gave it to her and hated it. Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

I would have preferred a deeper meaning but I’m not too disappointed.

I actually considered that he either knew, or he didn't know about Hak's feelings because he just has no interest or understanding of those things. Guess that the latter theory of mine was proven right.

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています"

meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other"

So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like... bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

Turns out Soo-won just gifted it to his sister and was surprised she was emotional about it.

Yeah. But I just wish Hak actually KNEW THIS!! Hak thinks Su-Won didn't see Yona as an equal or didn't give a fuck about her and that was the issue—but that wasn't the issue! Even if Su-Won saw Yona as his equal or grown up, he still would only love Yona as his sister! As a sister and NOT lover!

A marriage couldn't have worked out, because Su-Won's just not into incest lmao! And Hak should know that! He should know Su-Won grew up loving Yona as a sister while he constantly hoped and thought Su-Won would be romantic and marry—and tbh I don't know if Hak knows! He interpreted the hairpin through a romantic lens, then he interpreted it as Su-Won being absolutely heartless—he misunderstands that there is a middle ground: it was clueless and insensitive to romance, yes, but nevertheless familial.

It's very disappointing if he never learns that imo. Hak never gets told anything and is always kept in the dark and tortured over it, it's really annoying and sad to see him suffer for no good reason... poor guy.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Yeah, I'm honestly not sure if it's going to come up in the story. Why would this be only answered so openly in a fanbook side note and not the actual story? I don't see a point of repeating the same explanation again in the Gaiden....

Wait wait... So this is interesting.. I see this as SW being sour about Hak being devoted to yona as a friend or a subordinate. Like he thinks Hak could never be loyal to him like he is with yona and that's why SW said ' Hak I want you' like as a a a valuable aide or something. That'd be hilarious lollllll

Aaskdfjfbiensodn.

I'm running with this idea.

No wonder he was so sour, who me?? You came to see me??? Friends?? Us? You don't say..

Please let him have some hope or let us see him watching Lili and yona from his balcony or some pillar and being unable to watch....but Lili notices his presence. We know she does...she recognizes 'his stupid tofu face anywhere'

Not surprised, I was like 90% sure it was this way though I had doubts. Glad it’s confirmed.

I second this. However, isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe.

I don´t really understand it. If it was his blood, I could accept it.

That she had no chance - yes, this much was evident...but that he had 0 romantic feelings towards her? At least at the beginning. The text and pictures show something different.

2. Soo-won had no idea about Hak’s love for Yona Honestly this is what surprised me, I thought he did know or at least suspect. I even used to think Soo-won didn’t look at Yona romantically because he knew Hak was into her, so he didn’t even care to think of her that way. The author explains it by him being oblivious/insensitive to romance. Lowkey now I’m again kinda doubting if Soo-won will get together with Lili at all if “not being into romance” is such an important characteristic of his.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

What I consider a little weird, regarding this, that he knew even in Awa, that Hak would give his everything to protect Yona. Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

But the Japanese answer does say: "少しだなぁとは思っていましたが今、ハクと ヨナがお互いを大事に思っていること は理解しています" meaning "he did notice something was slightly unusual (about Hak's devotion), but now he understands that Hak and Yona care deeply for each other" So he did at some point, whether pre-coup or post-coup pick up on the romantic vibes on Hak's end, maybe slightly wondered if there was something there, but never really cared much. As of now, he definitely understands. I think after seeing Yona cry for Hak when he was missing in the flood and then seeing Hak scream at him for not recognizing Yona's potential, Su-Won got the memo.

Far better. An answer I can accept at least.

3. Hairpin has no meaning It’s surprising I must say. I have mixed feelings about it. The main reason it could have had any meaning was Soo-won’s hidden/suppressed feelings for Yona, personally happy it’s not the case.

I don´t believe it yet. This does not make any sense. Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

Soo Won could have told Lily, that it had no meaning whatsoever.

The other reason could be that he intended to make a move towards Yona to marry her after killing her father (if she didn’t walk into that room that night). This way Soo-won would stay with Yona and Hak just like he wanted. But tbf it’s kind of a gross move, so I’m not liking that much either.

I would prefer it, as it would fit his character. He would have wanted to keep Yona and Hak. It would also make sense, that King Il refused the marriage so greatly, if there was another reason than just Soo Won being Yu hon´s son. I still don´t believe in a straight answer.

Soo-won gifting Yona a pretty hairpin (which is a symbol of romantic interest in their culture) while completely oblivious/uncaring of the romantic meaning this gift holds sounds like something in character for him.

What I consider a little weird - apparently Soo Won has never given Yona a hairpin before, or Hak would have not misunderstood the intent. So why bother giving it now?

What is also a little weird. Soo Won usually considered the implication of his moves under normal circumstances. I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love, if he saw it around him.

He could also "use it" to his benefit in regard to General Geuntae and Yun ho. Soo Won must have counted that Geuntae would not bother with his appearance in the Earth Tribe Arc, when his wife was happy about it. He even made fun of General Geuntae, that he was weak in regard to his wife.

What I want is for this hairpin to return since Lili took it, I do hope it’s not for nothing. The hairpin doesn’t need to have a deep meaning for her to ask Soo-won about it or something. It could be the reason for her to start the conversation but at this rate I’m unsure it’s happening at all.

Kusanagi could "solve" with the hairpin so many issues in one swoop. The hairpin is also connected with the murder of King Il, Soo Won´s father and even Kashi. All in one go. Please let us get "clear answers" at least.

Yeah agreed. I'm now like… bruh, this guy seems so content with being single lmao. He's so emotionally obtuse of a character, he didn't think Lili and him were friends. I'm not even sure if he will ever be the one to fall for Lili first, if at all anymore lol.

That’s exactly why I never thought he’s aromantic. Why is he always blushing at the thought of him in love if he doesn’t care for love? When Yona confessed, when Ju-do recalled the Awa incident. When Lili asked him about “dirty” information, implying salaciousness? Wouldn’t a person indifferent to love react indifferently rather than get this flustered? Soo-won even said he wouldn’t be able to lay in one bed with Yona now that he knows about her feelings and being a “woman”. Why’s that if he doesn’t care for romance?

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Why did he then think, Hak would do this? Only out of obligation? Friendship? Or loyalty to King Il?

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

If he did not understand it then, it does not mean, that Soo Won does not understand it now.

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

I cannot believe, that this guy has run through the world completely oblivious regarding romantic love,

The mangaka can tell, whatever she wants, but Soo Won did not strike me as somebody, who does not - at least - understand theoretically, how it works, with the "flowers and the bees".

Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1. So was this guy really that unaware of Hak´s feelings or is this just a very fat plot hole?

His whole behaviour did - very evidently imply - that Soo Won was not that clueless what happened between a woman and a man and that he was - not that cold - towards it either.

So yes, a romance between him and a woman does seem very possible.

We know that he didn’t love Yona but his reactions to the idea of love hint more to him being just oblivious (dork) rather than asexual or whatever. It was just never his priority, he was too occupied with his multiple plans and then the knowledge of soon death to have time to feel such things.

Zeno for example also never seemed a romantic person, he only had one girl in 2k years. Because of his curse. Soo-won until now was also distracted by his duties. Now though? No grand goals, no illness, less duties.

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all.

That’s why I was sure he suspected his feelings for her. Did he really think Hak protected Yona this fiercely only because she was a friend? Soo-won was not a tad surprised that Hak and Yona got engaged in chapter one. How could he have not suspected something prior to that if he had such a casual reaction? Or did he really not care at all lol.

But did Soo Won not appear, as if he felt a little "left out", when Yona told him about her engagement to Hak? He didn´t seem to be too happy about it, from my perspective at least.

Theoretically, Soo Won did really know, that - at their age- a too tight platonic relationship with Yona would be difficult. (I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple!

Not sure if anything happened yet to have changed his opinion yet. Though I must say there’s a lot of nuance to it. The only girl with whom he was especially close with was Yona and he didn’t love her, so how could he possibly know what love is if he never experienced it? Doesn’t mean he’ll never love at all. He’s been wrong before after all.

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least. And I really want to know, why he suddenly understood, that his opinion was "careless". Soo Won is royalty. His partner would have been never " a nobody", but very likely also from an influential family or a good political match.

So there was never the question for him that "anyone would do so long as they were a woman".

I think, he rather meant, that as long as the other party was beneficial for him, the woman - in and itself - did not matter. But now, he does think differently.

And for somebody, who was so eager to be the ideal king, Soo Won stopped at marriage. And even before he fell ill. Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line. Since he did not appear much younger than now - I would say, he was at least 16 years old. (He had it also with Lily, who was completely unaware at that time. Unbelievable - think about it: Lily did not even know, that her father had tried to marry her off at the ripe age of 15 years.)

Another thing is that Soo-won does react suspiciously uniquely to Lili, I still can’t grasp why that is. Since Yona was only a friend/sister, then we can see that their interactions were completely different from his dynamic with Lili. Sooo…I don’t know how can this be explained if he views her purely platonically just like Hak and Yona.

It is because he doesn´t perceive her "just as a friend", but he would most likely not even be aware, why this "friendship" with Lily is special. Soo Won suppresses feelings he is not supposed to have, after all.

Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae...and him and General Geuntae are not that similar in his eyes, most likely.

What I can’t understand either…did Soo-won really not know the symbolism behind giving a girl a hairpin. He is very knowledgeable, how could he have not known? And he gifted it right after her confession. Did he not understand how it looked from the pov of the girl who loved him?

Haha exactly. He did manage to gather romance instantly when he saw Lili with Geun-tae and like the dynamic between Geun-tae and his wife. But with Hak and Yona he was non-understanding/indifferent?

It did not seem strange in Soo Won´ s eyes, that Hak and Yona were a couple, even in chapter 1.

This is what throws me off the most, if he had no idea about feelings being involved there, why was he not surprised? Kusanagi also mentioned that he didn’t really care…I’m sorry but what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

Soo Won has got to know Lily, at least.

Exactly, it was natural for Soo-won to be indifferent to romance if the only girl he was ever close to, Yona, was no more than family to him. Lili is the second girl he befriended and like I said from what we see, his reaction and behavior with her is completely different from the way he acted with Yona. That’s curious.

Soo Won had his first engagement meeting several years before this time line.

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything.

So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Yes, yes, yes! Oblivious or occupied or suppressed. His strong reactions towards Lily do imply, that he feels more than a little bit for her - at least. If he did not care more for her, he would have just nodded to her "polite visit". But no, he did not even want to see her, at all. Right now, he is more sensitive and does suppress less than before, since he feels very down. And Soo Won also knows, that Lily is into General Geuntae

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant.

We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else.

He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

But he knew the hairpin instantly, when he saw it in Sei.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? And Soo Won did care at least enough to react negatively to the situation, when he was alone with Yona. Like Soo Won was not joking here. Instead he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. Or somebody who would not care that two of the people he loved the most would become a couple?! Like excuse me, has she forgotten the beginning of her own manga?

Yes! I was also a bit baffled by his negative reaction here. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

If there were three friends and two of these people become a couple, than naturally the third one is the third wheel. But for this conclusion, Soo Won must be aware, what it means to be a couple.

Like this guy is a genius and you tell me, he was completely - only - dumb in regard to romance? Honestly?

Oh. Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. If it were merely one joke thrown by Joon-gi, so nothing serious, why would he bring it up in front of Yona in chapter 1? He said nothing is decided yet, so it was something he was actually considering? Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? Then suddenly after his coronation he stopped all talks of that sort.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

So yes, Soo Won was forced - out of obligation to his followers and the country - to consider marriage. (But look how happy he was, when he could finally ditch this responsibility. Soo Won appeared nearly serene, when he could finally tell everybody that he did not intend to marry, but would name a heir himself.)

By the way. If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, in any case not that we’ve heard. When Soo-won wondered about the crimson illness, he referred to his mother’s diary, not her words or anything. So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy. Even before he killed King Il, he did not appear to happy about the conversation about his engagement, right? Even years before with Jon Gi Soo Won shows this smile, that points to him feeling uncomfortable.

And yes, the Crimson Illness was the reason, why he hesitated, but the illness also freed Soo Won from the responsibility of marriage.

Soo Won has not wanted to marry a person, he did not love. (While I do believe, that Soo Won´s intention to throw away his personal attachments had been always present, due to the system of his father, the diary did - of course - drive the point of his conviction even more home . Ju do told us this by reminding Soo Won, that he had wanted "to throw everything away". Ju do followed Soo Won relatively soon. When Yon hi told us about the people that followed Soo Won, Ju do has been already present. Yon hi must have died not too long after the murder of Yu hon.)

I know, that I go against Kusanagi´s interpretation, but I have no other explanation for Soo Won happiness in regard to Geuntae and Yun ho. Yes, they resemble his parents, but this is the point: Soo Won was a child born from love.

Yon hi and Yu hon loved each other - this is at least confirmed and sure.

As a king and at least after reading the diary, where Soo Won has read about the catastrophe his father caused due to the existence of the love of his parents, Soo Won forbid himself personal feelings.

So a deep fullfilling love was impossible for him. But a loveless marriage was also not to his taste, that is - in my opinion - the reason Soo Won DID NOT WANT TO MARRY .

And this would be even within Kusanagi´s interpretation. Indeed politics were more important to him than romance, but this did not mean, that Soo Won was alright with being "sold" or having to bind himself to a person, he did not like.

In fact, Soo Won does react very strongly to people he dislikes.

Meinyan can tell a story about it. He really couldn´t stand her - her point of view, her selfishness and above all, she even threathened Yona. And she had hit a wound point. I do believe, Soo Won was jealous of Yona, but he did not want to react to this. Even with heavy jealousy due to her being always the special one, Soo Won did not want to give in.

Exactly. Hopefully oblivious is what the author meant. We know that with most people he is polite, superficial and bubbly. With Yona he was also like that, with Hak a tad more honest. With Lili he is not like his usual self at all, talks and behaves with her like with no one else. He was sure Lili was on Yona’s side, plus he knows she loves Geun-tae. But why kick her out if he doesn’t care how she sees him? He might not even under it himself, you’re right.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. It reminds me so much of Wuthering Heights in that aspect. "(S)he is more myself, than I am". Lily is more like his original young self, that might still live in him. During a time Soo Won was just kind, curious and wanted to know so much, wishing to connect with people, bubbling like a river, when he was excited.

Of course, their relationship is not as tragic as the one in the book. But everytime I see Lily and Soo Won I think this: Lily is more himself than he is right now.

I do agree with you. But ok let’s consider that Soo-won not getting Hak’s feelings was only before Yona lied about her engagement. After all Yona also didn’t get Hak’s feelings even though he was always behaving strangely with her, even after loosing Soo-won it took her a lot of time to understand Hak loves her. Tbf he literally had to scream it out for her to understand, if he didn’t I’m sure she’d still be second guessing. That’s doesn’t make her aromantic though, just oblivious. So I think it’s Soo-won’s case too, I guess (hope) that’s what the author meant.

Besides, is this really the way a person uninterested in romance would react like after a girl’s love confession?:

C’mon. Why is he blushing, why is he “bothered” and why would he be nervous to fall asleep with her around. And he doesn’t even love Yona from what we know but the mere thought makes him nervous. I do believe an asexual or whatever person would just react calmly or laugh it off.

I think as royalty it would be not unheard to be engaged soon. He needed a heir as a king. Soo Won could hardly tell Keishuk, Ju do and his other followers that he actually is not so into marriage...

Yeah I guess so.

My interpretation is the following: Soo Won has never been to eager to marry. I think, that a marriage purely out of obligation did not exactly make him too happy.

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it. If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love. Somehow, Soo-won would manage to marry Yona if he really wanted to. Yet he didn’t. Because he didn’t love Yona. Why was that important to him if he doesn’t care for love?

Then like you said, his illness also played a role and in a weird, twisted way helped him out. He now had a good excuse not to get married, one he could explain. Normally, like he told Lili, joining Xing kingdom through his marriage to one of the princesses should have been a good idea, yet he didn’t really think seriously about it, did he. Yes he now knew he’d die young but why would he care if that’s still very beneficial for Kouka? He could still choose any successor like he wanted, so what stopped him?

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason.

Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

Soo Won is blunt, like his child-self used to be. Like Lily herself is. And Soo Won loves this so much about her. And the other way, too. It was Soo Won who trusted Lily - above even Yona and everybody else.

Exactly, why show him being all flustered time and time again?

So actually. Now that I’m thinking about it, him not wanting to marry “just anyone” also kind of goes against the argument that he is asexual. If he didn’t care for his own feelings and really only thought about benefit when considering marriage, then indeed any girl should’ve been ok for him as long as there’s a benefit. Yona should have been the perfect candidate in his eyes, he’d get to avoid murder and losing his friends, yet he never even considered it

I am still not sure, if Soo Won has never considered it. On one hand, I would be glad, as he did - in fact - not sacrifice himself so much, that he would force himself to sleep with somebody he considered more a sister than a wife. On the other hand, I am not so sure, if he truly has never considered it and merely got away, because King Il was absolutely against a marriage between Soo Won and Yona.

If he was a person uninterested in love and didn’t care about his and Yona’s happiness in love (and didn’t understand or care for the concept in general), he’d most likely do what Griffith did to Charlotte in Berserk. Griffith is the perfect example of a person that doesn’t know much or care about love.

Undoubtly there is a certain analogy between Griffith and Soo Won.

If he is not capable of love, then he wouldn’t care for his feelings, he’d be only thinking about the benefits. And he does claim it’s all about a benefit to him, yet whenever it came to marriage, he could never make the most beneficial choice for some unknown reason. Dunno if what I said makes sense haha.

isn´t it weird, that this guy then became redder than red, in chapter "When it goes around, comes around"? Why have him staring at her in Sensui? Or even in the Fire Tribe. The text and pictures show something different.

Yeah Imma be honest, if it wasn't confirmed in the new fanbook that Su-Won sees Yona as a mere sister I would still be a bit confused, because again, what guy reacts to his sister like this?

The panels don't exactly make me think "brotherly". Why is he blushing that hard? To this day this is the most 'romantic-coded' reaction we've ever seen from this guy. At most, it implies he's not asexual. At worst, it implies he has some feelings towards someone who he claims is like his sister..... like what....

Then scenes like this… he's never done this much staring with even Lili.

Maybe something was planned but later dropped, idk. Or maybe I'm likely reading too much into it and he's just stunned at Yona's growth and how she's carrying weapons.

Again the only person it actually makes sense for him to end up with is Lili, but with one chapter left, that too is likely going to be rushed. Lili and Su-Won don't act like a couple even now, let alone best friends.

It's true, if Hak breaks it off with Su-Won next chapter, then Lili might enter the picture, but we may not see it in depth.

Would it not have been better, if Yona had lost it one day or it was stolen - it is a valuable item. Or they did not find it again in Sei. Why drag this hairpin until chapter 154 and let it be bought by Lily of all people. Ogi could have also sold it. Surely he would have found somebody, who would have bought it. Would have been so funny, if Yona and co had seen it at her coronation in the hair of a different woman.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least:

Where he even got it

Why he had to give it on her birthday

And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

Exactly. Did the person that always told Hak, that Yona liked him, really not get Hak´s feelings? Soo Won also told Yona, that Hak would have something against them - Yona and Soo Won - being together. Yona had told him, that she was engaged with Hak, after all.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

(I am sorry, but this whole picture strikes me as Soo Won feeling "left out"). And yes, absolutely did Soo Won not doubt, that Hak and Yona were a couple! he moves immediately away from her, because Hak "could misunderstand"...misunderstand what? Would a person, that is 100 % clueless about romance really react like this. In the past I used to suspect Soo-won was indeed a bit jealous here but if he really saw Yona as a sister then what’s this grim posture?

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

what kind of friend Soo-won is then if he didn’t care for his best friend’s engagement with his sister? Did he not ask Hak about it?

This is what I've always wondered too. He hears Yona say that she's engaged to Hak in chapter one, so why doesn't he ever confront Hak on the "engagement" before the coup???

Like, "okay Hak, does this mean you're going to be the next king of Kouka?" or anything! Maybe Su-Won did ask Hak, and we haven't seen it, but I keep wondering if anyone ever told him that Yona and Hak's "engagement" in chapter 1 was actually a lie. Did that misunderstanding influence the timing of his coup at all?

Actually you’re onto something there. Why would he even go to engagement meetings years before his coronation. Why would he even be discussing such things before he’s king? Wouldn’t it be more logical to pick a wife once he’s king? If Soo-won read his mother’s diary only after his coronation, doesn’t it mean that he was unaware of the crimson illness? I don’t think his mother told him anything, So…was it in fact his illness that made him reconsider and sing his “I won’t marry” songs to Keishuk and the generals?

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but...

I think, that there was a possibility, that Soo Won and Yona could have loved each other. From their characters, they would have been a good couple. Each one had a strong parent and a weak parent. (Yona´s weak parent was her father).

But their experiences differed. Their circumstances tore them apart. At one point Soo Won had lost the tie to Yona, because looking at her must have been painful.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature.

Everybody saw it correctly, but Soo Won denied it. I interpret it like this, too. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Before he had the picture of a grown-up Yona with the hairpin. But then after Xing it stopped. He merely saw Yona and himself as children in the Castle Arc.

I mean this guy has put his head on her literal chest in the Castle Arc, but NO REACTION! He was merely ashamed of the nonsense he had talked about.

Of course, When Yona showed him finally, that she was strong, Soo Won was in a daze.

It is so funny. Soo Won is most likely only interested in "strong women", because his mother was a literal "Dragon".

We have seen his mother. She always worries if her son is save. She snapped at him, when he puts himself in danger. She tried to marry him with a good woman, but he was not really interested. Because the woman was not like his mother, he thought.

Yona wondered, why Soo Won did not interfer more, when this person made decision on her own. He could hardly tell her.

His mother stayed at the castle, when Soo Won was out and only showed herself on the battlefield, when he was too sick to go. Since Soo Won has a tendency to run from his mother, even when Yon hi was still alive. (Yon hi did not treat her son very gentle herself after all, as well. She mostly perceived him as too loud and difficult.)

His mother will kill anybody - even Lily and Yona and the dragon warriors- if they are a danger to her son.

Yona understood this, since she had "found family in her brain". She realized, who this guy was and why he was so snappy, whenever Soo Won was in danger.

Because Soo Won´s mother was a guy- Keishuk.

Jokes aside, but I do think, this might have been the reason, Yona had made the connection. I mean, they had "Yoon" as a mother as well. So Yona would likely interpret it like this.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I mean the hairpin itself is either appearing in the Gaiden this July, or never, and if it does, I'm inclined it will be in Lili's hands. It was revealed it really had no deeper or romantic meaning. Besides that, I think Hak is likely to ask him at least: Where he even got it Why he had to give it on her birthday And maybe we'll get some answers about how he designed the coup.

I hope so, as well.

That's the thing... if Su-Won really never knew that Hak held a torch for Yona since childhood, why think that Hak would be ANGRY? That's a really strong word to say, especially considering that Su-Won didn't even intend anything weird with Yona.

My interpretation is the following: Yona and Hak resemble his parents. Therefore he perceived them most likely as a good couple.

From his reaction he was really very inexperienced and he was also very well protected. Ju do, Keishuk, Hiyoori kept a good watch over him.

I also thought he felt left out, the way a friend in a friend group may feel like a third wheel. But then again, does that imply jealousy? Like why be grim about Yona being with Hak, and not him? But apparently not?

Maybe his feelings changed.

Seriously, from what age was he receiving proposals anyhow? And he didn't even read Yon-hi's memoir until after he became king, so he likely never even knew that he would have a short life for many years. What was with the whole avoidance? I guess like the fanbook said, he was more concerned with politics than marriage, but…

Many people didn´t become old. There were infections of wounds, illnesses, hunger, catastrophes ect...Keishuk and co. knew, that Soo Won would likely stand on a battlefield and that he could die easily. Having soon an heir wouldn´t be a bad thing.

Yeah I think there could have been an interesting narrative had Su-Won fallen for Yona too, and under different circumstances, if their best traits were allowed to shine, they could have been good rulers together. And ngl I'd actually be way more invested in an "it's too late, Su-Won" angle that actually explored the tragedy of an almost-romance between them over watching like 5 guys orbit around the same oblivious girl, at any rate. Never liked the harem angle.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Yes, this reaction shows, there was an attraction of a sexual, romantic nature. Soo Won was attracted to Yona up until Xing, but then it suddenly changed.

Eh well, the fanbook's word is final, so I believe he didn't see Yona that way. Though, if it weren't for that, I'll say the most non-brotherly "evidence", if that possibility ever existed, would be the first arc, then Water, Sei and Xing arcs. After that, in the castle arc despite proximity, there's no concrete "attraction" on either Yona or Su-Won's end.

I think, that Soo Won is absolutely uninterested in feminine woman, because of this socialisation. Lily showed him her strength from the beginning. She became his hero.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's necessarily about how feminine or strong a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

A possiblilty only given if this girl had not been NOT been spoiled rotten. Only in a universe Kashi had lived and was appreciated by her husband. When Yu hon has chosen a wife, who resembled his brother. Whom has King Il chosen? Maybe she would have developed differently. After all, Yona does have bite in contrast to good King Il.

Yona is selfish and has a tendency to fall for illusions, because she is pretty much satisfied if nobody she loves is in any danger. Like she cares for people, but she is the least self-sacrificial person in the whole work.

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yona became queen in a way, that made even the former dragon warriors speechless. Like Yoon expressed it nicely, as if it was nothing special. I think, even Kija wondered, if this was a good development. And this was spectacular, after all, was this guy not one of her greatest supporters?

Merely if Yona had been raised to be more responsible and self-aware would have been this romance between Yona and Soo Won possible. I think, they would have been alright. Then Yona would have more likely accepted that Soo Won is a little wilder than she thought he was.

Not to mention I'm also frustrated that Su-Won has shown zero romantic interest in anyone across the entire series. Such a static character. The only scenes where something remotely resembling any attraction was honestly with Yona in the earlier chapters. Given the manga started in 2009, maybe there was in fact a love triangle subplot that was scraped early, who knows. The main candidate it makes sense for him to be with is really Lili, yet even with Lili, Su-Won barely showed any concrete, deep affection or tenderness.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman. But he would never express it so easily. If nothing happens, she would marry ten times somebody different.

This guy surpressed his feelings and I guess, that because of the way he chose, a romantic interest would have been a little nonsensical. If he does intend to make always the best decision for the country, regardless of personal feelings...then a romance might not fit exactly in, I guess.

I am actually not sure that tracks. Mei-nyan tried to appeal to him and notably used VERY rough, masculine, general-like language (Geun-tae) in Japanese. Unusually so, I realized, no female character in the series spoke quite like her:

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

And I guess trying to kill or hurt Yona was not too appealing to him. After all, he claimed he felt for her like a little sister. And I tend to believe this.

But Su-Won was not impressed or attracted in the slightest. I don't think it's about how feminine or non-feminine a woman is. He seems very infatuated with masculine men, like Yu-Hon, Hak, Geun-tae... that's where his genuine emotional investment is. His father above all.

He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. And being blunt and straightfoward was mostly not exactly the ideal. Guys were supposed to be like this. We can even see in the first chapter of this manga, that Yona tried to be a lil bit sweeter with Soo Won as with Hak.

Additionally Soo Won did not seem to notice, if a woman has put on any make-up on.

But yes, I doubt Soo Won has the same interest in butches as I have. ^^ Lily is still very beautiful and has long flowing hair. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

But when it comes to romantic tastes, I don't necessarily think he has developed a preference at all. He was simply not socialized to think about preferences. Even his approval towards Lili, was as a leader of the Water Tribe, not a love interest. So honestly, who knows what he prefers.

Don´t worry. Soo Won is still a human being and was socialised like any normal guy. Just that his tastes were a lil bit influenced that mostly men were around him. Even the guy he likely perceives as a mother.

Yeah, IF raised differently. The thing is, Yona's love for Su-Won was actually a lot akin to Hak's unrequited love. She didn't have much hope and resigned herself to thinking it was fine even if one-sided. I think she was raised spoiled but not selfish towards him specifically. She was genuinely worried that if together, he'd be in danger. The potential to learn more about him was there, so I think her real fault was passivity. She even assumes casually in chapter 1 that he already had countless women at his residence. She had so little confidence in herself, she made no move on him for 10 years.

I actually wonder... when Yona first heard his father died, how did she react? Did she ever offer him condolences? I mean, he was there for her when she lost his mother. But did she ever try to comfort him too? There's no insight into this part of the past unfortunately. Too many gaps. I also wonder how Hak reacted to this news. What did Su-Won even tell them about Yu-Hon's 'accident'?

Yona won´t move without Soo Won pushing her. The dragon gods always "giving her right" with every move she made and sparing her from any consequences till the last arc, was honestly not exactly good as she is still absolutely clueless about so much consequences of her own deeds.

I agree, Yona wasn't proactive for 10 years, which is where she and Lili differ. Lili's nature is to be proactive and open, which Su-Won admired. Although his preferences in women are not clear, I can at least say that he is NOT impressed by passive people (Il for one).

Lili herself, likes grounded, steady men... even Su-Won's looks, while not her type, were shadowed by his personality.

Like 2000 years of misery of the dragon warriors are nothing to her. The last events likely hurt tons of people and deaths that occured. She has not felt a pang of guilt. At least it does not appear so. Maybe she is also playing a role. I am not so sure with Yona, honestly. She is the character I can read the least.

Yeah agreed, that's a whole other matter and has to do with the bad writing of that final arc... the writers did not care to get into it.

Well, I would say he has a great interest in Lily, even as a woman He loved especially that Lily was loud and lively. And the girls of this time were taught to be more timid and sweet. But her whole character is not considered the feminine ideal of this country. Or her father would not remind her time and time again, that she should be quiet.

Mmm... let's wait and see. I agree he clearly likes her openness and liveliness, as well as respects her as a leader, but is there romantic attraction or tension? The moments where she startles by punching a wall is just Lili being chaotic, she's never got him flustered or blushing or anything. The fact that he feels no tension is a sign of no interest as well (he even considered her a beard to stop marriage rumors). Now, if he started getting jealous of that new general from the Earth tribe, then yeah, there's finally something interesting to work with.

Do you think, her speaking feminine is a manly way? She completely blew her cover afterwards and everybody was shocked by the crude way she spoke.

Hmm... Su-Won was not very surprised by that change in speech. Also Mei-nyan's whole introduction and arc was also handled poorly in the story. I don't remember him ever properly finding out or consciously registering that she was/sounded like a general (he believed she was Chagol's concubine), and I actually think it should have been made a bigger deal than it was, honestly. Virtually no women in court speak like Mei-nyan does. When she changed her mannerism she no longer sounded like a regular noblewoman but a general barking orders (which she was).

A guy, who surpressed his feelings to the point, where he falls ill, might not get right from the start, that he likes her.

Soo Won and Hak are the exception to the rule. Yona cares for the dragon warriors and other people, but if she had to choose, who should live or die, she would choose both Hak and Soo Won over every other person alive. Even if the rest of the world would die as a consequence.

And unfortunately, according to my own observation, Soo Won loves people who care very greatly for other people. Like all the people Soo Won has a great liking for, care for other people very much like Ogi (When Hak asked if they were thugs, Soo Won replied "They are good people") and some even extremely like Hak, Zeno or Lily. All these people tend to be good leaders themselves.

Soo Won claimed, that it would have been impossible with how Yona was in the past, that she could become queen. I do think, her tendency to care for others does play into this estimation. Soo Won did not see it.

The way Soo Won treated her in the gaiden I thought: "You were REALLY her "mother", Soo Won, right?

The reason, why Yona still cares so absolutely greatly for him, is simply because this guy "IS" her mother. But Yona confused him taking care for her like a child with romantic love.

Yona loves him (like a parent), but she does not love the real Soo Won. That is the thing. Soo Won surpresses features, that resembles his father the whole time in front of Yona.

Yona could not understand, why Soo Won was so absolutely sad for General Geuntae leaving in the second chapter Gaiden and Yona honestly didn´t wanted to listen. Like with his mother Soo Won tried to express it, but it failed. Yona had a problem, and Soo Won needed to listen. Sorry, but this is the behaviour of a child.

I am pretty sure, that Soo Won´s real character is a mix of "General Geuntae" and "Yun ho". This guy would be far more lively. But people like him unfortunately in a certain way and Soo Won always feels, when somebody would not like his real character.

The only four people he showed a lil bit more are Hak, Lily, Zeno and Keishuk. He is sometimes very blunt with Keishuk. Hiyoori could be maybe also a candidate.

I actually wonder… when Yona first heard his father died, how did she react? Did she ever offer him condolences? I mean, he was there for her when she lost his mother. But did she ever try to comfort him too? There's no insight into this part of the past unfortunately. Too many gaps. I also wonder how Hak reacted to this news. What did Su-Won even tell them about Yu-Hon's 'accident'?

I do think, this she might have tried. She tried to take him down the mausoleum once. Yona was most likely not good at taking care of others and tried it in her way. No clue, how Hak reacted? Did they go hunting?

In their ways they might have tried, but Soo Won did most likely not show much. He is Mr. Surpression.

Yeah agreed, that's a whole other matter and has to do with the bad writing of that final arc… the writers did not care to get into it.

Actually, I do think, this is part of Yona´s character. She cares for other people up to a certain degree, but not more. This feature of Yona is pretty consistent. She was not really greatly agitated, about what Zeno told her. Merely that Zeno was hurt and was leaving.

Like Yona showed a lot of features she had in the first chapter. She fell for illusions and above else cares for people she loves. She did not appear to feel any longer greatly responsible for the deeds of her father. And would have let the whole country suffer, if the people she cared for were alright. We live in darkness...sweetheart this would mean the death of countless people...

Additionally, Yona completely failed to realize, that the yellow dragon was Zeno´s slave master. She could not believe, that he actually attacked. And I thought: Sweetheart, this guy used Zeno for 2000 years and this guy broke out of isolation and loneliness.

Yona living at the castle means, she is again isolated by the real world, since she obviously tends to forget this. As we have seen in the latest chapter.

Sorry, but I see consistency here and not a mistake of the mangaka.

Mmm... let's wait and see. I agree he clearly likes her openness and liveliness, as well as respects her as a leader, but is there romantic attraction or tension? The moments where she startles by punching a wall is just Lili being chaotic, she's never got him flustered or blushing or anything. The fact that he feels no tension is a sign of no interest as well (he even considered her a beard to stop marriage rumors). Now, if he started getting jealous of that new general from the Earth tribe, then yeah, there's finally something interesting to work with.

I do think, that we will see that the "people were right". People around you see sometimes more than people, who don´t want to see it themselves.

Unfortunately, I have my own experience with an attraction that was clear to my classmates, who told it to my face.

I guess, we will see that everybody saw correctly: Soo Won is in love with Lily and vice versa.

Hmm… Su-Won was not very surprised by that change in speech. Also Mei-nyan's whole introduction and arc was also handled poorly in the story. I don't remember him ever properly finding out or consciously registering that she was/sounded like a general (he believed she was Chagol's concubine), and I actually think it should have been made a bigger deal than it was, honestly. Virtually no women in court speak like Mei-nyan does. When she changed her mannerism she no longer sounded like a regular noblewoman but a general barking orders (which she was).

It depends, what the mangaka intended actually. Maybe she had another intent.

No, he was not surprised. Soo Won knows that Mei-Nyan resembles him, after all. Soo Won denied it, because he was disgusted by it. In a way he did not wish to see the similarity of their feelings. The jealousy towards Yona, that Soo Won clearly also feels.

Mei-Nyan and the real Soo Won are very likely very similar. He is very likely also very blunt and would sometimes go wild, if his environment would not hate it. Like his mother and Yona. Like Mei-Nyan he would love to carouse with other people. I think, the "pretending" he showed with Jae ha and General Geuntae is actually "his real self". It resembled the self, he showed towards Lily and also Zeno. I think, it could happen, that we see a clear similarity between Mei-Nyan and Soo Won at the end.

Soo Won is like this, when he let´s lose. And I guess, that this is also a part of Yona, she dislikes in herself.

This could be the reason Mey-Nyan is still there.

It's true that if Su-Won falls in love, I don't think he'd realize it for a while. He's emotionally obtuse about his own feelings. We'll have to wait and see.