nova

*squeezes fist*

Anon, Kusanagi only said Su-Won had no significant reason to give the pin on Yona's birthday. That's not the same as saying the hairpin itself has no narrative importance. Lili explicitly declares she will buy it from Ogi in exchange for information about Su-Won. What happened to that setup?? We never saw her actually follow through on that! It just disappeared without a single resolution.

Why even have Lili make that declaration if it's irrelevant? Why did Lili even want it in the first place, if it never mattered in the story? And not to mention, Lili does not even get a single cameo this chapter!

Anon, Kusanagi only said Su-Won had no significant reason to give the pin on Yona's birthday. That's not the same as saying the hairpin itself has no narrative importance. Lili explicitly declares she will buy it from Ogi in exchange for information about Su-Won. What happened to that setup?? We never saw her actually follow through on that! It just disappeared without a single resolution.

Why even have Lili make that declaration if it's irrelevant? Why did Lili even want it in the first place, if it never mattered in the story? And not to mention, Lili does not even get a single cameo this chapter!

Lili literally saw what state Soo-won was in when she ignored him bleeding out on the floor in Yona’s favor, he was literally two steps away. Unless she’s secretly blind like her father I don’t think she missed that.

So you’re telling me after seeing him like that she didn’t worry, didn’t stay to check on him or anything and just left home, and then when Joon-gi tells her he gave up the throne she’s suddenly all worried and legit asking “is he in bad health?”. I’m sorry what?

In this case really in the literal sense. Lily, like everybody else, thinks Soo Won can take it. Whatever it is. Hak thought that Soo Won can win against the gods. Mei Nyan also thinks, that he somehow manages.

Zeno looked like a mess, too.

Yeah but Yona Lili noticed instantly and ran to her specifically, ignoring Soo-won covered in blood completely? Idk really…so bad. The plot holes are pulling on my nerves.

Additionally, Lily and Soo Won do not have such a bond like Yona and Lily. Not yet. And Soo Won did not make it easier for her either. When she showed him any concern, he basically treated her pretty coldly. Most likely she thought she was dumb for even caring in the first place. She cannot mind-read. And the mixed signals do not help.

When she showed him any concern, he basically treated her pretty coldly.

I get that. She ignored him while he was covered in blood and clearly went through hell, and just went home. No wonder he was surprised they’re friends and was suspicious of her intentions.

Both told each other, again and again, that they do not care for each other. Lily is basically a girl´s girl

That much is true, yes. They do have a less warm relationship than her with Yona (which is built on emotional connection first and foremost), while with him it was more neutral and distanced. And they kept insisting they’re not close. But since she apparently does care and worry for him I don’t get why was her reaction even “delayed” then. Thats why I suspect it’s a “mistake” or lack of space on pages, whatever cause it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Maybe they aren´t plot holes...

I get that. She ignored him while he was covered in blood and clearly went through hell, and just went home. No wonder he was surprised they’re friends and was suspicious of her intentions.

After having thought about it, I do think, the scene is consistent.

If your observation doesn´t fit the category you wished to put the character in, than the situation is more nuanced. The category does not 100 % fit you put the character in.

Previously I claimed Lily was rational? Right? I was partly wrong. She does have - consistent -irregularities in some fields. Lily is really Soo Won´s equal. Even in being a coward in romantic situations.

1. It was not a plot hole, that Lily did not run to Soo Won then.

2. Because she correctly wondered, if he was in bad health. How? If she had not seen him covered in blood, she would not know, that he had been hurt?!! (This was something we should have noticed! You did!)

3. Jon Gi did not tell her any reason, because he did - frankly - not care.

4. That is the reason Lily is so agitated. Because she had pretended not to see the last time. That is why she is in a daze. She realized that she has made a horrible mistake.

(You are right. You are so right. Do you have a good intuition? May I ask? Do you see visions, too? Not in the way, that you see angels...but do you "know" things without really being able to explain it? This is for me so...I "see" some things, I come to conclusions because I can already see nearly the whole picture, but I struggle with taking the single steps. That is why I cannot really explain, what I mean.)

5. Lily felt guilty, when she came to him. She felt guilty, because she had ignored it before. So she showed him this time that she cared. (Lily acted a little strange in front of him. A lot more timid than she is - usually.) Lily has to become loud again!

6. Soo Won does - for the first time show that he is hurt. Badly hurt by her behaviour. He does not want to see her.

Soo Won frankly feels like crap, very weak and Lily is the last person he wants to see. I think it must be also shameful for him, that people see him like this. Now he does not want any kind of sympathy.

7. He questions her, if they are really friends. And why she would worry for him. (I think, he is more cranky about Xing, than her not running to him. As I am not even sure, if he saw, that she was there in the first place. He was still in a daze, after all.

Soo Won had been hurt since the Xing Arc. He hasn´t treated her like his friend since then.

8. He does rebuff her and Lily appears to be slighly taken aback. (It is from Shin ha, not me. Absolutely not from her.) The snail is back in her house.

9. Lily does not appear to visit him ever, but completely pushes herself onto Yona. Questioning about "HER LOVE LIFE". She needs to badly to know it, that she basically invites herself into Yona´s room.

The way it is framed it appears that Lily is trying to "sleep" with Yona. So there is some romantic allusion. Keishuk cannot hinder Lily anymore.

10. Lily is really not alright. She has lost General Geuntae and her significant other does not appear to like her at all. He hardly wants to be her friend.

Have mercy! Lily has lost her father!

11. Trauma

Once upon a time there was Nene, who became strong after her husband has betrayed her. She did it for her daughter. The daughter she loved so much and Lily knew, how much her mother loved her.

It is not unlikely, when her husband has betrayed her, that she wished to kill herself. But she didn´t do it. She loved Lily too much. So she became strong for Lily´s sake and Lily, too, wished to be strong for her mother. So she went out to learn her father´s occupation. In order to become her mother´s strength...

She wouldn´t forgive her father. Even after her mother would have died. She vowed.

But Lily had seen it, that her mother was at her end. Nearly she would have lost her mother.

She will become her mother´s sword, her protector.

Lily has to rescue her naive mother, who was badly hurt by a man again.

"Do not marry a man who is like your father," her mother adviced her daughter.

"Marry somebody, who loves his wife and is a trusthworthy man."

Who could be more ideal, than General Geuntae?

His wife Yun ho, Lily liked, too.

Lily would have married Yun ho, if she was a man.

Yun ho was just so dear to General Geuntae...

(Certainly not the guy, whom even grown-up men considered cute.)

Incredible kind and cute...Who could possibly resemble Yun ho? Dunno?

A guy who is very cute and kind...Hmmm

And then she met Soo Won - a delicate man with long hair. They both clicked instantly.

She had not to pretend to be any different in front of him.

Everytime he threw her off...

Actually...it was too late anyway...

"Though it was pretty clear, that he was not exactly into her,"Lily thought.

Since there was "no way!"...

Until the story ends I guess it would be more correct to call them “loose ends”. But they’re sooo not getting tied up in one chap anyway.

Because she correctly wondered, if he was in bad health. How? If she had not seen him covered in blood, she would not know, that he had been hurt?!! (This was something we should have noticed! You did!)

The plot hole is not her wondering about his health (but actually after seeing him hurt, covered in blood, how is bad health even a question, of course he is). The plot hole is her paying him zero attention when she seemed worried for him before he went in the mausoleum and days after. But not in the moment. Feelings aside, even on a human level anyone would be concerned. Even the dragons were more concerned about Soo-won than Lili was there🤷‍♀️. And she just went home.

How a person she claims to care about looking like that did not concern her and what on earth made her think he’s fine?

Questioning about "HER LOVE LIFE". She needs to badly to know it, that she basically invites herself into Yona´s room.

Yes maybe it is so. Lili too has “relationship problems”, I think she maybe wanted to discuss something of her own with Yona, not just listen to Yona’s problems. With Geun-tae Lili seems to be done after all, and as she doesn’t want to visit Soo-won, maybe rant about him being mean to her or smth. While Yona now knows Soo-won very much wanted to see her in fact.

Do not marry a man who is like your father," her mother adviced her daughter.

Yep, that’s what I speculate too. Lili’s mother must have been so hurt by what Joon-gi did that she told Lili to not marry a “youngster” (as Joon-gi was most likely young when they married, he looks not much older than Geun-tae now), and as Lili herself was hurt by what her father did, she instinctively went for a type completely opposite to her father - Geun-tae (wild, loud, older men).

Incredible kind and cute...Who could possibly resemble Yun ho? Dunno?

I actually meant it that way. We do not know, what she thought back then. But she knew that he was hurt, but had for a reason not reacted.

She obviously appeared shocked... Lily must therefore perceive him as so strong, unfortunately. I actually think, she did not even know, that she cared for him outside of him being a good king. I mean this with being delusional.

In chapter 181 it appeared as if she was already jealous, that Soo Won could maybe marry Yona. She, however, justified it in front of herself as if she was merely concerned for Yona´s sake.

I think her mother would most likely flip out, if her daughter fell in love with a guy, who looks basically like a younger version of her father. (We just have to think, what she made with Jae ha when this guy complimented her.)

Lily thought - that is her perception flaw - she merely cared for him as king. Soo Won was somebody that strong in her eyes.

In a way it demonstrates that Lily is a lil bit delusional regarding this part. Most likely due to her parents.

How a person she claims to care about looking like that did not concern her and what on earth made her think he’s fine?

I think, our perception flaw is that we do think, she knows, that she cares.

I make the claim, that until this moment she tried to persuade herself, that she did not care for him outside of being a king.

Lily didn´t know.

I remembered how easily both Hak and Yona both tend to fall for the same illusions. I wondered, if the same can be applied to their equivalents - Soo Won and Lily.

Soo Won, too, tried to persuade himself that he did not care likely. And now he is heartbroken, because of it. Idiot.

Yes maybe it is so. Lili too has “relationship problems”, I think she maybe wanted to discuss something of her own with Yona, not just listen to Yona’s problems. With Geun-tae Lili seems to be done after all, and as she doesn’t want to visit Soo-won, maybe rant about him being mean to her or smth. While Yona now knows Soo-won very much wanted to see her in fact.

Idk really what was going on in her head. I think as she instinctively already liked him as a person, worry should have been instinctive too as he appeared in a critical condition so idk what glitched in her, a few days later she directly told him she worried so I’m not quite sure what stopped her before. She yelled for him when he ran into the crumbling mausoleum but him half-dead was not concerning? Imo the most normal human reaction upon seeing him like that should’ve been “holy shit, he looks like he went through hell and back”, not “oh, he must be ok, I’ll go home”😅

I’m happy she reconsidered when she learned he’s actually not ok but yeah I’m confuzzled.

In chapter 181 it appeared as if she was already jealous, that Soo Won could maybe marry Yona. She, however, justified it in front of herself as if she was merely concerned for Yona´s sake.

Can’t say for sure but I don’t think she was jealous as at that time Lili was still into Geun-tae (for the last time), so I think it was concern for Yona there. But can’t deny that if she started feeling stuff for Soo-won, it was subconscious, so who knows.

I make the claim, that until this moment she tried to persuade herself, that she did not care for him outside of being a king.

Could be, can’t deny. She saw him as the perfect king, an interesting tofu-face (lol) guy, and had mixed feelings about what he did to Yona and Hak. Anything else could have been developing unbeknownst to her, subconsciously.

That would be like the "girl´s chapter", right?

Instinctivley`? I believe in regard to relationships, Lily might be as delusional as Hak. I mean, she justified it with being worried for Yona in her thoughts. There was nobody criticizing her for liking Soo Won in chapter 181. But her. But she still forbid it herself so heavily. Just like Soo Won, who is so blind, that he did not even understand, that he felt like dying.

It truly appears to be such a no-go. And since Lily has somehow a deep fear to lose Yona...and yes, I do think, that sweet and kind Yona is a replacement for her mother.

How often do you think, did Lily see her mother, when she often travels from town to town? Most likely Nene doesn´t bring her daughter often along. We saw burglars are a thing.

Maybe Lily is more similar to Soo Won as we believe. I understand her, as I had a very dominant mother myself, who persuaded me I was heterosexual my whole life. I´ve been there being delusional about myself. Especially if you are really tight with your mother. Like it was in my case. My father was such a disappointment for my mother.

Can’t say for sure but I don’t think she was jealous as at that time Lili was still into Geun-tae (for the last time), so I think it was concern for Yona there. But can’t deny that if she started feeling stuff for Soo-won, it was subconscious, so who knows.

The thing with this manga, Kusanagi merely hints at so much important developments. We don´t know...Right? We are not sure. Not at all. We are all unsure, when something happened or in this case even "if" it even happened. Because outside of "Yona" so much lands under the table.

So you sit on your stool and wait until the last chapter drops....Quite exciting...but well, that is the way she seems to tell her story.

Could be, can’t deny. She saw him as the perfect king, an interesting tofu-face (lol) guy, and had mixed feelings about what he did to Yona and Hak. Anything else could have been developing unbeknownst to her, subconsciously.

I think, it could even be that the bishies were her real home turf. After all, I laugh myself silly, that Yun ho basically is a "female Soo Won".

(Most likely I see myself to much in Lily, too. I know, how it is, when you are attracted to somebody, but you just cannot admit it. You make the most silly excuses to yourself. But deep down you know, that this is all wrong. Just that your whole world completely collapses, when you admit it. It is like already been there. I was a grown-up, when I finally realized, that the guy who had shamed me in school had been right. Others tend to see it far sooner. I laughed myself silly, when more and more people realized that Soo Won and Lily were in love. With the exception of those two, of course.)

And Lily likes Yun ho, too. (Kind and cute...Soo Won was like this, when he made the greatest impression on her. He understood her perspective. Soo Won tried to mend her relationship with her father. Telling her, that he understood her father. But he also understood her. Soo Won was so awfully sweet in that moment.)

Lily and Soo Won had the same stand-in as a guy. The one thought of Geuntae as his father, the other as her lover.

Unflattering comparison😅

I don’t know what to say really. To me it just seems weird that Lili didn’t care about him in the most obvious situation where it was most naturally appropriate. When she saw him run to the crumbling mausoleum, she clearly worried and didn’t hide it. Even tried to stop him even though her precious Yona was in danger. When her father told her he’s resigning, she worried too, didn’t hide it and even told Soo-won openly.

Im just unsure why him resigning was more worrisome to her than him looking like a chunk of meat. I don’t think she ever thought him physically invincible (too bad she didn’t see him fight literal gods duh).

You think? If she has Hak´s good points (she is pretty honest and direct, wishes to protect people and would go for some people through the fire), she likely has his bad points as well (delusions playing into the fact, that Lily was likely very lonely in her childhood. Her father worked and her mother was a merchant traveling around. She likely could not take small Lily with her (It was dangerous). I wonder, if Nene is from the Earth Tribe, actually...Jae ha met her in Awa?)

It would fit Jon Gi this big liar, that he would despise the Earth Tribe, because his wife orginated there (and he might be hurt, too. That she separated.)

But well, all the characters in this shows have heavy problems with their parents. The main cast are basically all orphans.

I don’t know what to say really. To me it just seems weird that Lili didn’t care about him in the most obvious situation where it was most naturally appropriate.

No, you have a point. This part was a "disturbance", we should notice.

When she saw him run to the crumbling mausoleum, she clearly worried and didn’t hide it. Even tried to stop him even though her precious Yona was in danger.

Yes, but "her mother" wasn´t there. Yona was absent then. Lily hasn´t - very likely - to this day told Yona anything about the little fact, Soo Won and she had spent a good amount of time together in Hiryuu Castle.

Like @thoughtfulstudentsalad23 mentioned, when I remember correctly, their relationship - Yona and Lily - is not exactly the one between equals, right? Just like with Hak and Yona, right?

Something is not right with Yona and both of her closest relationships. Yona appears to be held on some sort of pedastral. Maybe this is not an accident?

Like if I got a penny, for everytime somebody mentioned, how he cannot tell Hak and Yona something, we would have not such a small amount of money.

Im just unsure why him resigning was more worrisome to her than him looking like a chunk of meat. I don’t think she ever thought him physically invincible (too bad she didn’t see him fight literal gods duh).

I think, she needs to think of him like this. Partly it is also Soo Won´s fault. He created the illusion, that he does not need any kind of help. And when she - in fact - asked about his health, he just does answers that his head is fine.

She idolizes him in some way, but in the other, she just is nearer to him than hardly any other person. I think, as long as he was king, she could "justify" her interest in him. (I actually celebrated, when it was clear, that Lily had to show, that she was interested in him personally.)

But now, she has no reason anymore and still cares...bad for her.

The manga seems to be ending on them neither a couple, nor even good friends. Apparently Lili did not serve any purpose, not with the hairpin, not with Ogi, not the mausoleum, not with Soo-won. Nothing. What an utter shame

Lili did call him her good friend, and I do think that the hairpin (what with Hak and Su-Won in the mix) is more likely to come up.

Lily hasn´t - very likely - to this day told Yona anything about the little fact, Soo Won and she had spent a good amount of time together in Hiryuu Castle.

Honestly, I wanted to see Yona's reaction to learning that. I feel like that would have been potentially interesting to include in the story. But ah well.

Like @thoughtfulstudentsalad23 mentioned, when I remember correctly, their relationship - Yona and Lily - is not exactly the one between equals, right? Just like with Hak and Yona, right? Something is not right with Yona and both of her closest relationships. Yona appears to be held on some sort of pedastral. Maybe this is not an accident?

Yep. Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being... Hak, her lover, is still a victim of this.

I think, she needs to think of him like this. Partly it is also Soo Won´s fault. He created the illusion, that he does not need any kind of help.

Agreed. Su-Won never allowed Lili to see his vulnerable side. The one time she senses it is when she asks Su-Won if he wants Yona to live, and then, Su-Won instantly shuts her down and tells her he will not tell her. He is the one who shut her out.

Look at Lili, she looks emotional too as she starts yelling out...

But I do wish Lili showed more curiosity... like that man was clearly hiding shit. She should be actively trying to push through it... but I think, it may get very awkward for her if she tries. She may fear rejection or even him no longer speaking to her at all.

She was frozen watching him leave like that....

She called him just a friend, it’s already progress but for the moment personally I can’t call them good friends. They don’t even see e/o often or communicate properly, not to mention never shared anything with each other. Honestly just as Yona/Hak/Soo-won were never really good friends, they hardly knew anything about each other too.

With Lili and Soo-won it already goes deeper than that since she chose him as a friend despite knowing his darkest side. They have a healthier kind of relationship but tbh Lili generally still knows nothing about Soo-won, his past, his pov in this conflict, etc. She until now only judged him by what she saw in the present.

I dunno if we’re even seeing them next chap. Same for the hairpin and the Soo-won Hak talk.

Honestly, I wanted to see Yona's reaction to learning that. I feel like that would have been potentially interesting to include in the story. But ah well.

I can’t believe Yona still has NO IDEA Soo-won and Lili are friends lmao. And won’t ever know now Ig? I bet it would be fairly conflicting for her (and Lili).

Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being

Lili generally still knows nothing about Soo-won, his past, his pov in this conflict, etc. She until now only judged him by what she saw in the present. I dunno if we’re even seeing them next chap. Same for the hairpin and the Soo-won Hak talk.

I think it's the most likely conclusion. I mean yeah the ending did not tie up so many loose ends but with Gulfan's appearance and Lili at Ogi's it seems the points mentioned above at least will all converge somehow.

As for whether it will be written well? Dunno. But we may get something, I just hope it won't make things worse.

I can’t believe Yona still has NO IDEA Soo-won and Lili are friends lmao. And won’t ever know now Ig? I bet it would be fairly conflicting for her (and Lili).

100%, I think Yona should have found out during the castle arc. It could have been a great point for conflict and eventual resolution between her and Lili (like @starnovana said we need more female friendship drama). Besides, at the end of the Sei arc, Lili also vowed to get more info on Su-Won for Yona's sake.

I mean there were already signs that Yona was wary about Su-Won's intentions with her friend as well.

I also remember a theory floating around back during the Xing arc that Lili would somehow end up being arranged to marry Su-Won (because of Joon-gi, and maybe new political conditions would make Su-Won accept). Yona would have been shook lol. But that drama could have also put her in a weirder spot and dragged up all her past feelings for him and the hairpin again, which I know people may not want to revisit...

I didn’t notice Lili treat Yona any different, she doesn’t even bother call her “your majesty”, still just Yona.

That's true. Which... I have mixed feelings actually. Either Lili primarily still thinks of Su-Won as the king and can't bring herself to call him by name (might feel too intimate?) or it's sexism (unintentional).

Either way, the pacing wasn't good. I wish Lili and Yona had a moment to themselves to just talk. A scene where Lili gives a teasing little bow like, "oh, so you've become the new queen, huh? Mind telling me how that even happened?" Then Yona could laugh and at last fill her in on everything that happened during the castle arc, especially because Su-Won isn't the type to tell shit, and Yona has in the past told Lili she wanted to figure things out. It'd just be a good callback and way to catch Lili up on things, instead of it boiling to "tell me how far you've gone with Hak!"

Honestly, I loved this analysis and everything you guys said. The problem with both Soo-won and Lily is that they're very similar when it comes to emotions. They're both too cowardly to express or truly "understand" what they feel. Lily is afraid of rejection, as you said, or of not being able to talk to him again because Soo-won set boundaries from the beginning (not emotionally, but generally). This, in turn, has pushed many people away from him, especially those trying to get close to him and understand him. (Because Lily was trying to understand him for yona, now she's trying to understand him for herself, but she'll only realize this too late.) And she certainly won't try harder because she still has trauma from her mother's relationship with her father. She'll definitely grow up to be very cautious in relationships, whether friendship or romantic. We all know that the best kind of hetships is one where the man is the one who initiates and is the one who's pinning, because it becomes annoying if the girl is the one who puts in more effort to try to understand and build the relationship. But the situation with Soo-won and Lili is a little different because Soowon isn't trying to push Lily away to humiliate her. But firstly, because he's emotionally unintelligent (and I'm still sure he really loves her (sometimes i think that he's the one who's kinda pinning more here, but he doesn't understand the nature of these new feelings in the first place), and secondly, because before it was due to his illness, and now it's becoming increasingly clear that he's still hurt by what happened before when she tried to defend Yona, you could say the situation is reversed on this ship, & they definitely still holds e/o unintentionally in a strong chockholds, that's what makes them appealing, we're all curious on how it will end up with them

Hak is also likely going to meet with Su-Won and no longer thinks of him as his best friend, likely they will have a chat that leaves Su-Won devastated in some way. There will be some sort of resolution. Lili could be there to see that side of Su-Won at last.

I kind of like the metaphor that says Soowon's arm is Hak and that when the relationship with him ended, Soowon lost his arm. What if Lili compensated for that loss and, in a somewhat fantastical and in a metaphorical way, he was able to move it again? (I want to write about the reason of that injury, even though it is clearly spiritual, but I want to bring modern-day illnesses into the subject, but I am not sure, that is another topic.)

(Kurif could be or could have been a potential rival)

I like the random addition of Kurif at the end of the story. And since Kusanagi said she'll be writing more side stories in the future, I'm almost certain he'll become a rival to Soo-won for who Lily's closest male friend is ( that, if she wrote anything about them).

100%, I think Yona should have found out during the castle arc. It could have been a great point for conflict and eventual resolution between her and Lili (like @starnovana said we need more female friendship drama). said we need more female friendship drama). Besides, at the end of the Sei arc, Lili also vowed to get more info on Su-Won for Yona's sake. I mean there were already signs that Yona was wary about Su-Won's intentions with her friend as well

While I would like to see conflict between Yona and Lily because it would be more enjoyable for me in a shoujo/josei story that is mostly about females, and because I would relate more than whatever is happening between s&h, I would prefer if the situation were more about how much Yona neglects Lily and their friendship, rather than it seeming that their problem is about a man, Would that make Lily seem eccentric and obsessive? I don't know, but it would make more sense to write something like that about their relationship since Lily is clearly willing to sacrifice herself for Yona. Would Yona do the same? I think so (another topic). But the point/situation here is different. Soowon isn't any man but the idea that Yona will suddenly find out that Lily is friends with her father's killer... I'm really excited about it. Even though things between Yona and Soowon have calmed down and changed a bit, and Yona seems to be the peaceful type by nature and saw how willing Soo-won was to sacrifice himself for her and Hak, I don't think she'll object much to their relationship, especially since the reason of caution around Soo-won and the danger to Lili has somewhat changed. But what's scary about Soowon isn't the idea of him killing Lili to hurt her; the emotional damage he would inflict on her is greater (Yona knows that Soowon is charming for any woman, she was there before). He's still very emotionally naive but this only we readers know ( and lili, lol) . Lili is currently similar to the Yona she was with Soowon in the early chapters, the only difference is that she has more boundaries and is more socially intelligent (and she has a healthier way of approaching Soo-won because she now knows his dark past, so their relationship is a healthier one). It's impossible for her to repeat the same pinning scenario she had with Guen Tae. I know. It's an inappropriate analogy, but it's the closest one right now. The crux of the matter is that Soowon should try to make an effort to get closer to Lili or at least make her feel safe and not rejected everytime she approche him in the first place. Perhaps, as I mentioned in previous posts, Yona will be the link that connects them both. She won't tolerate the idea of Soo-won remaining hidden and helping her in this way without being seen. Therefore, from Yona's perspective, the "current queen" with her diplomatic mindset, it will be more beneficial to have people like Lili and Soowon being together by her side. She won't object to their getting closer if she knows that Lily has that kind of relationship with Soo-won, whether as a friendship or even a romantic one.

- That's true. Which... I have mixed feelings actually. Either Lili primarily still thinks of Su-Won as the king and can't bring herself to call him by name (might feel too intimate?) or it's sexism (unintentional). - Yep. Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being... Hak, her lover, is still a victim of this. - Well Hak is no surprise, he’d treat Yona as a superior being no matter her occupation.

Isn't it similar to what happened with Hak? The "Let's fall in love with Their Majesties and call them by their Royal titles to set boundaries for the relationship because weren't allowed to love them from the start." Duo, for me i think This is their only way of coping. Hak's reason from the beginning was that Yona had prevented him from calling her by her real name (although Yona's intention wasn't to insult him or not want him close to her, but rather for him to he the only one who wouldn't forget her true identity). Unfortunately, at the very moment Hak was about to break free from the bondage he felt towards Yona, and now that they are lovers, that conversation that took place between them is still stuck in his mind and has affected him in a way that makes it impossible for him to see himself and Yona on the same level, i think they both need to talk about this. As for Lili? She basically sees her relationship with Soowon as forbidden, not to mention the fact that he rejected her more than once even from the idea of getting close to him and that he doesn't intend to marry in the first place which was the same for her too toward him at first ( we know sw's reasons too) , How can she possibly love her friend's enemy? So, for me, it's a method they use to ensure they don't exceed the permissible limit that both Yona and Soowon unintentionally set , and even hak and Lili themselves set ( especially lili)

and Yona has in the past told Lili she wanted to figure things out. It'd just be a good callback and way to catch Lili up on things, instead of it boiling to "tell me how far you've gone with Hak!" Lili and Su-Won's dynamic is important but Lili and Yona's should be too. Those girls deserved alone time. Give them the SuHak treatment.

I wouldn’t agree that Lili only wanted to understand him for Yona initially and only now for herself. She said even though he’s Yona’s enemy, she doesn’t want to reject him without knowing circumstances, first she wants to understand him. For Yona’s sake too, that’s additional. I think maybe it was her way of justifying herself in her mind, convincing herself that she’s doing it for Yona when it wasn’t really just that. All this time she was also figuring out what kind of person he is for herself, thus after everything she saw she calls him her friend without asking Yona for permission (or relating it to Yona in any way)

Lily is afraid of rejection, as you said, or of not being able to talk to him again because Soo-won set boundaries from the beginning (not emotionally, but generally). This, in turn, has pushed many people away from him, especially those trying to get close to him and understand him.

100%. She made the first step towards him, now and always in the past too. I must admit that he did treat her quite indifferently and even coldly recently so now, if (as) he wants to see her, it’s his turn to take the step towards her.

What if Lili compensated for that loss and, in a somewhat fantastical and in a metaphorical way, he was able to move it again?

Omg I thought about it too even though it’s unlikely. The wound is really more symbolical than physical, so if Lili becomes his new best friend (or lover) it would only be fitting that she “heals” him, at least partially if not fully.

Yona will be the link that connects them both

Before I actually hoped that Yona wouldn’t interfere in this but on the other hand Soo-won being as dense (if not more which is more probable) as Yona maybe needs an advice/push from someone, just like Yona back in the day (like when the dragons made her realize she was being mean to Hak). So Yona may come in handy here with her experience.

What took me aback is that Yona did notice that Soo-won waited for Lili but for some reason she was way more surprised that he asked about Hak. Like sorry, does she not know that Soo-won cares for Hak a lot, she witnessed it multiple times, why does it still surprise her? Did she not find him waiting for Lili more surprising as she doesn’t even know they’re friends?😅

Unfortunately, at the very moment Hak was about to break free from the bondage he felt towards Yona, and now that they are lovers, that conversation that took place between them is still stuck in his mind and has affected him in a way that makes it impossible for him to see himself and Yona on the same level, i think they both need to talk about this

Well, at least Soowon got lucky here, at least he has someone like Lily who's actually trying to understand him this time.

it’s his turn to take the step towards her.

Yes, I think it's clear now, especially since the last chapter. He's the one who wants to see her now, not the other way around, especially after refusing to meet her several times. I think Lily's role in trying is over, and things won't develop between them if he doesn't try.

so if Lili becomes his new best friend (or lover) it would only be fitting that she “heals” him, at least partially if not fully.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant, haha. If it's spiritual, then why can't Lily replace Hak for Soo-won? All Soo-won needs right now is someone like Lily.

but on the other hand Soo-won being as dense

Yes, dense, hahaha, thank you that's the word I was looking for to describe Soo-won's situation here. He's exactly like Yona was with Hak before, Yona is the key.

Like sorry, does she not know that Soo-won cares for Hak a lot, she witnessed it multiple times, why does it still surprise her? Did she not find him waiting for Lili more surprising as she doesn’t even know they’re friends?

I think it has to do with how attached Yona was to hak& soowon ' friendship, and how convinced she was that it would be impossible for them to ever want to see each other again now. For her Soowon is still the same person who drove Hak out of the castle that night. She probably still believes that soowon doesn't want to see him, especially since he's been avoiding them all this time, so it's still surprising to herBut she was definitely shocked when she found out that he had been waiting for Lily, Strange, isn't it?

I don’t see anything cute about it, it’s kinda tragic.

.………What?

Honestly, those two barely talked ENOUGH as it is. The final arc and ending is already not good imo (still appreciate the series but yeah) but it would have sucked a thousand times worse if even that tiny interaction between them wasn't there.

Bro... what was the 'original' end?? Did she plan to kill him off? Or did Kusanagi plan to make Su-Won Yona's advisor without a single apology? Genuinely baffled, because a story needs some emotional resolution. What do you mean an apology was a major change? That’s the bare minimum lmao!

Like Yona largely functioned as a damsel throughout the series. While she did undergo character development, it never reached the level where she could convincingly be considered fit to lead, govern, or command authority. Everything was ultimately handed to her, and her ascension to the monarchy was rationalized primarily by Soowon’s downfall. Yona didn’t merit all she attained. If only it were that simple. I had hoped it would live up to its billing as a "historical thriller" what a disappointment. It leaves a sour impression to realize it set a poor demonstration for female leadership, that it’s only attainable when others debase themselves and offer it to you. That’s hardly a feminist perspective. Then it probably struck the author, the protagonist was intended to be a formidable feminist leader. Oh, No. Let's Fix that up

I can't remember who originally brought up this point about yona & Lili in the past, but I know I'm not the only one who has noticed it over the years, and I'm glad others have as well. That said, I wish Kusanagi had been more conscious of it earlier on.

.………What?

Honestly, those two barely talked ENOUGH as it is. The final arc and ending is already not good imo (still appreciate the series but yeah) but it would have sucked a thousand times worse if even that tiny interaction between them wasn't there.

Bro... what was the 'original' end?? Did she plan to kill him off? Or did Kusanagi plan to make Su-Won Yona's advisor without a single apology? Genuinely baffled, because a story needs some emotional resolution. What do you mean an apology was a major change? That’s the bare minimum lmao!

.………What?

Honestly, those two barely talked ENOUGH as it is. The final arc and ending is already not good imo (still appreciate the series but yeah) but it would have sucked a thousand times worse if even that tiny interaction between them wasn't there.

Bro... what was the 'original' end?? Did she plan to kill him off? Or did Kusanagi plan to make Su-Won Yona's advisor without a single apology? Genuinely baffled, because a story needs some emotional resolution. What do you mean an apology was a major change? That’s the bare minimum lmao!

Lili literally saw what state Soo-won was in when she ignored him bleeding out on the floor in Yona’s favor, he was literally two steps away. Unless she’s secretly blind like her father I don’t think she missed that.

So you’re telling me after seeing him like that she didn’t worry, didn’t stay to check on him or anything and just left home, and then when Joon-gi tells her he gave up the throne she’s suddenly all worried and legit asking “is he in bad health?”. I’m sorry what?

In this case really in the literal sense. Lily, like everybody else, thinks Soo Won can take it. Whatever it is. Hak thought that Soo Won can win against the gods. Mei Nyan also thinks, that he somehow manages.

Zeno looked like a mess, too.

Yeah but Yona Lili noticed instantly and ran to her specifically, ignoring Soo-won covered in blood completely? Idk really…so bad. The plot holes are pulling on my nerves.

Additionally, Lily and Soo Won do not have such a bond like Yona and Lily. Not yet. And Soo Won did not make it easier for her either. When she showed him any concern, he basically treated her pretty coldly. Most likely she thought she was dumb for even caring in the first place. She cannot mind-read. And the mixed signals do not help.

When she showed him any concern, he basically treated her pretty coldly.

I get that. She ignored him while he was covered in blood and clearly went through hell, and just went home. No wonder he was surprised they’re friends and was suspicious of her intentions.

Both told each other, again and again, that they do not care for each other. Lily is basically a girl´s girl

That much is true, yes. They do have a less warm relationship than her with Yona (which is built on emotional connection first and foremost), while with him it was more neutral and distanced. And they kept insisting they’re not close. But since she apparently does care and worry for him I don’t get why was her reaction even “delayed” then. Thats why I suspect it’s a “mistake” or lack of space on pages, whatever cause it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Maybe they aren´t plot holes...

I get that. She ignored him while he was covered in blood and clearly went through hell, and just went home. No wonder he was surprised they’re friends and was suspicious of her intentions.

After having thought about it, I do think, the scene is consistent.

If your observation doesn´t fit the category you wished to put the character in, than the situation is more nuanced. The category does not 100 % fit you put the character in.

Previously I claimed Lily was rational? Right? I was partly wrong. She does have - consistent -irregularities in some fields. Lily is really Soo Won´s equal. Even in being a coward in romantic situations.

1. It was not a plot hole, that Lily did not run to Soo Won then.

2. Because she correctly wondered, if he was in bad health. How? If she had not seen him covered in blood, she would not know, that he had been hurt?!! (This was something we should have noticed! You did!)

3. Jon Gi did not tell her any reason, because he did - frankly - not care.

4. That is the reason Lily is so agitated. Because she had pretended not to see the last time. That is why she is in a daze. She realized that she has made a horrible mistake.

(You are right. You are so right. Do you have a good intuition? May I ask? Do you see visions, too? Not in the way, that you see angels...but do you "know" things without really being able to explain it? This is for me so...I "see" some things, I come to conclusions because I can already see nearly the whole picture, but I struggle with taking the single steps. That is why I cannot really explain, what I mean.)

5. Lily felt guilty, when she came to him. She felt guilty, because she had ignored it before. So she showed him this time that she cared. (Lily acted a little strange in front of him. A lot more timid than she is - usually.) Lily has to become loud again!

6. Soo Won does - for the first time show that he is hurt. Badly hurt by her behaviour. He does not want to see her.

Soo Won frankly feels like crap, very weak and Lily is the last person he wants to see. I think it must be also shameful for him, that people see him like this. Now he does not want any kind of sympathy.

7. He questions her, if they are really friends. And why she would worry for him. (I think, he is more cranky about Xing, than her not running to him. As I am not even sure, if he saw, that she was there in the first place. He was still in a daze, after all.

Soo Won had been hurt since the Xing Arc. He hasn´t treated her like his friend since then.

8. He does rebuff her and Lily appears to be slighly taken aback. (It is from Shin ha, not me. Absolutely not from her.) The snail is back in her house.

9. Lily does not appear to visit him ever, but completely pushes herself onto Yona. Questioning about "HER LOVE LIFE". She needs to badly to know it, that she basically invites herself into Yona´s room.

The way it is framed it appears that Lily is trying to "sleep" with Yona. So there is some romantic allusion. Keishuk cannot hinder Lily anymore.

10. Lily is really not alright. She has lost General Geuntae and her significant other does not appear to like her at all. He hardly wants to be her friend.

Have mercy! Lily has lost her father!

11. Trauma

Once upon a time there was Nene, who became strong after her husband has betrayed her. She did it for her daughter. The daughter she loved so much and Lily knew, how much her mother loved her.

It is not unlikely, when her husband has betrayed her, that she wished to kill herself. But she didn´t do it. She loved Lily too much. So she became strong for Lily´s sake and Lily, too, wished to be strong for her mother. So she went out to learn her father´s occupation. In order to become her mother´s strength...

She wouldn´t forgive her father. Even after her mother would have died. She vowed.

But Lily had seen it, that her mother was at her end. Nearly she would have lost her mother.

She will become her mother´s sword, her protector.

Lily has to rescue her naive mother, who was badly hurt by a man again.

"Do not marry a man who is like your father," her mother adviced her daughter.

"Marry somebody, who loves his wife and is a trusthworthy man."

Who could be more ideal, than General Geuntae?

His wife Yun ho, Lily liked, too.

Lily would have married Yun ho, if she was a man.

Yun ho was just so dear to General Geuntae...

(Certainly not the guy, whom even grown-up men considered cute.)

Incredible kind and cute...Who could possibly resemble Yun ho? Dunno?

A guy who is very cute and kind...Hmmm

And then she met Soo Won - a delicate man with long hair. They both clicked instantly.

She had not to pretend to be any different in front of him.

Everytime he threw her off...

Actually...it was too late anyway...

"Though it was pretty clear, that he was not exactly into her,"Lily thought.

Since there was "no way!"...

Until the story ends I guess it would be more correct to call them “loose ends”. But they’re sooo not getting tied up in one chap anyway.

Because she correctly wondered, if he was in bad health. How? If she had not seen him covered in blood, she would not know, that he had been hurt?!! (This was something we should have noticed! You did!)

The plot hole is not her wondering about his health (but actually after seeing him hurt, covered in blood, how is bad health even a question, of course he is). The plot hole is her paying him zero attention when she seemed worried for him before he went in the mausoleum and days after. But not in the moment. Feelings aside, even on a human level anyone would be concerned. Even the dragons were more concerned about Soo-won than Lili was there🤷‍♀️. And she just went home.

How a person she claims to care about looking like that did not concern her and what on earth made her think he’s fine?

Questioning about "HER LOVE LIFE". She needs to badly to know it, that she basically invites herself into Yona´s room.

Yes maybe it is so. Lili too has “relationship problems”, I think she maybe wanted to discuss something of her own with Yona, not just listen to Yona’s problems. With Geun-tae Lili seems to be done after all, and as she doesn’t want to visit Soo-won, maybe rant about him being mean to her or smth. While Yona now knows Soo-won very much wanted to see her in fact.

Do not marry a man who is like your father," her mother adviced her daughter.

Yep, that’s what I speculate too. Lili’s mother must have been so hurt by what Joon-gi did that she told Lili to not marry a “youngster” (as Joon-gi was most likely young when they married, he looks not much older than Geun-tae now), and as Lili herself was hurt by what her father did, she instinctively went for a type completely opposite to her father - Geun-tae (wild, loud, older men).

Incredible kind and cute...Who could possibly resemble Yun ho? Dunno?

I actually meant it that way. We do not know, what she thought back then. But she knew that he was hurt, but had for a reason not reacted.

She obviously appeared shocked... Lily must therefore perceive him as so strong, unfortunately. I actually think, she did not even know, that she cared for him outside of him being a good king. I mean this with being delusional.

In chapter 181 it appeared as if she was already jealous, that Soo Won could maybe marry Yona. She, however, justified it in front of herself as if she was merely concerned for Yona´s sake.

I think her mother would most likely flip out, if her daughter fell in love with a guy, who looks basically like a younger version of her father. (We just have to think, what she made with Jae ha when this guy complimented her.)

Lily thought - that is her perception flaw - she merely cared for him as king. Soo Won was somebody that strong in her eyes.

In a way it demonstrates that Lily is a lil bit delusional regarding this part. Most likely due to her parents.

How a person she claims to care about looking like that did not concern her and what on earth made her think he’s fine?

I think, our perception flaw is that we do think, she knows, that she cares.

I make the claim, that until this moment she tried to persuade herself, that she did not care for him outside of being a king.

Lily didn´t know.

I remembered how easily both Hak and Yona both tend to fall for the same illusions. I wondered, if the same can be applied to their equivalents - Soo Won and Lily.

Soo Won, too, tried to persuade himself that he did not care likely. And now he is heartbroken, because of it. Idiot.

Yes maybe it is so. Lili too has “relationship problems”, I think she maybe wanted to discuss something of her own with Yona, not just listen to Yona’s problems. With Geun-tae Lili seems to be done after all, and as she doesn’t want to visit Soo-won, maybe rant about him being mean to her or smth. While Yona now knows Soo-won very much wanted to see her in fact.

Idk really what was going on in her head. I think as she instinctively already liked him as a person, worry should have been instinctive too as he appeared in a critical condition so idk what glitched in her, a few days later she directly told him she worried so I’m not quite sure what stopped her before. She yelled for him when he ran into the crumbling mausoleum but him half-dead was not concerning? Imo the most normal human reaction upon seeing him like that should’ve been “holy shit, he looks like he went through hell and back”, not “oh, he must be ok, I’ll go home”😅

I’m happy she reconsidered when she learned he’s actually not ok but yeah I’m confuzzled.

In chapter 181 it appeared as if she was already jealous, that Soo Won could maybe marry Yona. She, however, justified it in front of herself as if she was merely concerned for Yona´s sake.

Can’t say for sure but I don’t think she was jealous as at that time Lili was still into Geun-tae (for the last time), so I think it was concern for Yona there. But can’t deny that if she started feeling stuff for Soo-won, it was subconscious, so who knows.

I make the claim, that until this moment she tried to persuade herself, that she did not care for him outside of being a king.

Could be, can’t deny. She saw him as the perfect king, an interesting tofu-face (lol) guy, and had mixed feelings about what he did to Yona and Hak. Anything else could have been developing unbeknownst to her, subconsciously.

That would be like the "girl´s chapter", right?

Instinctivley`? I believe in regard to relationships, Lily might be as delusional as Hak. I mean, she justified it with being worried for Yona in her thoughts. There was nobody criticizing her for liking Soo Won in chapter 181. But her. But she still forbid it herself so heavily. Just like Soo Won, who is so blind, that he did not even understand, that he felt like dying.

It truly appears to be such a no-go. And since Lily has somehow a deep fear to lose Yona...and yes, I do think, that sweet and kind Yona is a replacement for her mother.

How often do you think, did Lily see her mother, when she often travels from town to town? Most likely Nene doesn´t bring her daughter often along. We saw burglars are a thing.

Maybe Lily is more similar to Soo Won as we believe. I understand her, as I had a very dominant mother myself, who persuaded me I was heterosexual my whole life. I´ve been there being delusional about myself. Especially if you are really tight with your mother. Like it was in my case. My father was such a disappointment for my mother.

Can’t say for sure but I don’t think she was jealous as at that time Lili was still into Geun-tae (for the last time), so I think it was concern for Yona there. But can’t deny that if she started feeling stuff for Soo-won, it was subconscious, so who knows.

The thing with this manga, Kusanagi merely hints at so much important developments. We don´t know...Right? We are not sure. Not at all. We are all unsure, when something happened or in this case even "if" it even happened. Because outside of "Yona" so much lands under the table.

So you sit on your stool and wait until the last chapter drops....Quite exciting...but well, that is the way she seems to tell her story.

Could be, can’t deny. She saw him as the perfect king, an interesting tofu-face (lol) guy, and had mixed feelings about what he did to Yona and Hak. Anything else could have been developing unbeknownst to her, subconsciously.

I think, it could even be that the bishies were her real home turf. After all, I laugh myself silly, that Yun ho basically is a "female Soo Won".

(Most likely I see myself to much in Lily, too. I know, how it is, when you are attracted to somebody, but you just cannot admit it. You make the most silly excuses to yourself. But deep down you know, that this is all wrong. Just that your whole world completely collapses, when you admit it. It is like already been there. I was a grown-up, when I finally realized, that the guy who had shamed me in school had been right. Others tend to see it far sooner. I laughed myself silly, when more and more people realized that Soo Won and Lily were in love. With the exception of those two, of course.)

And Lily likes Yun ho, too. (Kind and cute...Soo Won was like this, when he made the greatest impression on her. He understood her perspective. Soo Won tried to mend her relationship with her father. Telling her, that he understood her father. But he also understood her. Soo Won was so awfully sweet in that moment.)

Lily and Soo Won had the same stand-in as a guy. The one thought of Geuntae as his father, the other as her lover.

Unflattering comparison😅

I don’t know what to say really. To me it just seems weird that Lili didn’t care about him in the most obvious situation where it was most naturally appropriate. When she saw him run to the crumbling mausoleum, she clearly worried and didn’t hide it. Even tried to stop him even though her precious Yona was in danger. When her father told her he’s resigning, she worried too, didn’t hide it and even told Soo-won openly.

Im just unsure why him resigning was more worrisome to her than him looking like a chunk of meat. I don’t think she ever thought him physically invincible (too bad she didn’t see him fight literal gods duh).

You think? If she has Hak´s good points (she is pretty honest and direct, wishes to protect people and would go for some people through the fire), she likely has his bad points as well (delusions playing into the fact, that Lily was likely very lonely in her childhood. Her father worked and her mother was a merchant traveling around. She likely could not take small Lily with her (It was dangerous). I wonder, if Nene is from the Earth Tribe, actually...Jae ha met her in Awa?)

It would fit Jon Gi this big liar, that he would despise the Earth Tribe, because his wife orginated there (and he might be hurt, too. That she separated.)

But well, all the characters in this shows have heavy problems with their parents. The main cast are basically all orphans.

I don’t know what to say really. To me it just seems weird that Lili didn’t care about him in the most obvious situation where it was most naturally appropriate.

No, you have a point. This part was a "disturbance", we should notice.

When she saw him run to the crumbling mausoleum, she clearly worried and didn’t hide it. Even tried to stop him even though her precious Yona was in danger.

Yes, but "her mother" wasn´t there. Yona was absent then. Lily hasn´t - very likely - to this day told Yona anything about the little fact, Soo Won and she had spent a good amount of time together in Hiryuu Castle.

Like @thoughtfulstudentsalad23 mentioned, when I remember correctly, their relationship - Yona and Lily - is not exactly the one between equals, right? Just like with Hak and Yona, right?

Something is not right with Yona and both of her closest relationships. Yona appears to be held on some sort of pedastral. Maybe this is not an accident?

Like if I got a penny, for everytime somebody mentioned, how he cannot tell Hak and Yona something, we would have not such a small amount of money.

Im just unsure why him resigning was more worrisome to her than him looking like a chunk of meat. I don’t think she ever thought him physically invincible (too bad she didn’t see him fight literal gods duh).

I think, she needs to think of him like this. Partly it is also Soo Won´s fault. He created the illusion, that he does not need any kind of help. And when she - in fact - asked about his health, he just does answers that his head is fine.

She idolizes him in some way, but in the other, she just is nearer to him than hardly any other person. I think, as long as he was king, she could "justify" her interest in him. (I actually celebrated, when it was clear, that Lily had to show, that she was interested in him personally.)

But now, she has no reason anymore and still cares...bad for her.

The manga seems to be ending on them neither a couple, nor even good friends. Apparently Lili did not serve any purpose, not with the hairpin, not with Ogi, not the mausoleum, not with Soo-won. Nothing. What an utter shame

Lili did call him her good friend, and I do think that the hairpin (what with Hak and Su-Won in the mix) is more likely to come up.

Lily hasn´t - very likely - to this day told Yona anything about the little fact, Soo Won and she had spent a good amount of time together in Hiryuu Castle.

Honestly, I wanted to see Yona's reaction to learning that. I feel like that would have been potentially interesting to include in the story. But ah well.

Like @thoughtfulstudentsalad23 mentioned, when I remember correctly, their relationship - Yona and Lily - is not exactly the one between equals, right? Just like with Hak and Yona, right? Something is not right with Yona and both of her closest relationships. Yona appears to be held on some sort of pedastral. Maybe this is not an accident?

Yep. Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being... Hak, her lover, is still a victim of this.

I think, she needs to think of him like this. Partly it is also Soo Won´s fault. He created the illusion, that he does not need any kind of help.

Agreed. Su-Won never allowed Lili to see his vulnerable side. The one time she senses it is when she asks Su-Won if he wants Yona to live, and then, Su-Won instantly shuts her down and tells her he will not tell her. He is the one who shut her out.

Look at Lili, she looks emotional too as she starts yelling out...

But I do wish Lili showed more curiosity... like that man was clearly hiding shit. She should be actively trying to push through it... but I think, it may get very awkward for her if she tries. She may fear rejection or even him no longer speaking to her at all.

She was frozen watching him leave like that....

She called him just a friend, it’s already progress but for the moment personally I can’t call them good friends. They don’t even see e/o often or communicate properly, not to mention never shared anything with each other. Honestly just as Yona/Hak/Soo-won were never really good friends, they hardly knew anything about each other too.

With Lili and Soo-won it already goes deeper than that since she chose him as a friend despite knowing his darkest side. They have a healthier kind of relationship but tbh Lili generally still knows nothing about Soo-won, his past, his pov in this conflict, etc. She until now only judged him by what she saw in the present.

I dunno if we’re even seeing them next chap. Same for the hairpin and the Soo-won Hak talk.

Honestly, I wanted to see Yona's reaction to learning that. I feel like that would have been potentially interesting to include in the story. But ah well.

I can’t believe Yona still has NO IDEA Soo-won and Lili are friends lmao. And won’t ever know now Ig? I bet it would be fairly conflicting for her (and Lili).

Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being

Lili generally still knows nothing about Soo-won, his past, his pov in this conflict, etc. She until now only judged him by what she saw in the present. I dunno if we’re even seeing them next chap. Same for the hairpin and the Soo-won Hak talk.

I think it's the most likely conclusion. I mean yeah the ending did not tie up so many loose ends but with Gulfan's appearance and Lili at Ogi's it seems the points mentioned above at least will all converge somehow.

As for whether it will be written well? Dunno. But we may get something, I just hope it won't make things worse.

I can’t believe Yona still has NO IDEA Soo-won and Lili are friends lmao. And won’t ever know now Ig? I bet it would be fairly conflicting for her (and Lili).

100%, I think Yona should have found out during the castle arc. It could have been a great point for conflict and eventual resolution between her and Lili (like @starnovana said we need more female friendship drama). Besides, at the end of the Sei arc, Lili also vowed to get more info on Su-Won for Yona's sake.

I mean there were already signs that Yona was wary about Su-Won's intentions with her friend as well.

I also remember a theory floating around back during the Xing arc that Lili would somehow end up being arranged to marry Su-Won (because of Joon-gi, and maybe new political conditions would make Su-Won accept). Yona would have been shook lol. But that drama could have also put her in a weirder spot and dragged up all her past feelings for him and the hairpin again, which I know people may not want to revisit...

I didn’t notice Lili treat Yona any different, she doesn’t even bother call her “your majesty”, still just Yona.

That's true. Which... I have mixed feelings actually. Either Lili primarily still thinks of Su-Won as the king and can't bring herself to call him by name (might feel too intimate?) or it's sexism (unintentional).

Either way, the pacing wasn't good. I wish Lili and Yona had a moment to themselves to just talk. A scene where Lili gives a teasing little bow like, "oh, so you've become the new queen, huh? Mind telling me how that even happened?" Then Yona could laugh and at last fill her in on everything that happened during the castle arc, especially because Su-Won isn't the type to tell shit, and Yona has in the past told Lili she wanted to figure things out. It'd just be a good callback and way to catch Lili up on things, instead of it boiling to "tell me how far you've gone with Hak!"

Honestly, I loved this analysis and everything you guys said. The problem with both Soo-won and Lily is that they're very similar when it comes to emotions. They're both too cowardly to express or truly "understand" what they feel. Lily is afraid of rejection, as you said, or of not being able to talk to him again because Soo-won set boundaries from the beginning (not emotionally, but generally). This, in turn, has pushed many people away from him, especially those trying to get close to him and understand him. (Because Lily was trying to understand him for yona, now she's trying to understand him for herself, but she'll only realize this too late.) And she certainly won't try harder because she still has trauma from her mother's relationship with her father. She'll definitely grow up to be very cautious in relationships, whether friendship or romantic. We all know that the best kind of hetships is one where the man is the one who initiates and is the one who's pinning, because it becomes annoying if the girl is the one who puts in more effort to try to understand and build the relationship. But the situation with Soo-won and Lili is a little different because Soowon isn't trying to push Lily away to humiliate her. But firstly, because he's emotionally unintelligent (and I'm still sure he really loves her (sometimes i think that he's the one who's kinda pinning more here, but he doesn't understand the nature of these new feelings in the first place), and secondly, because before it was due to his illness, and now it's becoming increasingly clear that he's still hurt by what happened before when she tried to defend Yona, you could say the situation is reversed on this ship, & they definitely still holds e/o unintentionally in a strong chockholds, that's what makes them appealing, we're all curious on how it will end up with them

Hak is also likely going to meet with Su-Won and no longer thinks of him as his best friend, likely they will have a chat that leaves Su-Won devastated in some way. There will be some sort of resolution. Lili could be there to see that side of Su-Won at last.

I kind of like the metaphor that says Soowon's arm is Hak and that when the relationship with him ended, Soowon lost his arm. What if Lili compensated for that loss and, in a somewhat fantastical and in a metaphorical way, he was able to move it again? (I want to write about the reason of that injury, even though it is clearly spiritual, but I want to bring modern-day illnesses into the subject, but I am not sure, that is another topic.)

(Kurif could be or could have been a potential rival)

I like the random addition of Kurif at the end of the story. And since Kusanagi said she'll be writing more side stories in the future, I'm almost certain he'll become a rival to Soo-won for who Lily's closest male friend is ( that, if she wrote anything about them).

100%, I think Yona should have found out during the castle arc. It could have been a great point for conflict and eventual resolution between her and Lili (like @starnovana said we need more female friendship drama). said we need more female friendship drama). Besides, at the end of the Sei arc, Lili also vowed to get more info on Su-Won for Yona's sake. I mean there were already signs that Yona was wary about Su-Won's intentions with her friend as well

While I would like to see conflict between Yona and Lily because it would be more enjoyable for me in a shoujo/josei story that is mostly about females, and because I would relate more than whatever is happening between s&h, I would prefer if the situation were more about how much Yona neglects Lily and their friendship, rather than it seeming that their problem is about a man, Would that make Lily seem eccentric and obsessive? I don't know, but it would make more sense to write something like that about their relationship since Lily is clearly willing to sacrifice herself for Yona. Would Yona do the same? I think so (another topic). But the point/situation here is different. Soowon isn't any man but the idea that Yona will suddenly find out that Lily is friends with her father's killer... I'm really excited about it. Even though things between Yona and Soowon have calmed down and changed a bit, and Yona seems to be the peaceful type by nature and saw how willing Soo-won was to sacrifice himself for her and Hak, I don't think she'll object much to their relationship, especially since the reason of caution around Soo-won and the danger to Lili has somewhat changed. But what's scary about Soowon isn't the idea of him killing Lili to hurt her; the emotional damage he would inflict on her is greater (Yona knows that Soowon is charming for any woman, she was there before). He's still very emotionally naive but this only we readers know ( and lili, lol) . Lili is currently similar to the Yona she was with Soowon in the early chapters, the only difference is that she has more boundaries and is more socially intelligent (and she has a healthier way of approaching Soo-won because she now knows his dark past, so their relationship is a healthier one). It's impossible for her to repeat the same pinning scenario she had with Guen Tae. I know. It's an inappropriate analogy, but it's the closest one right now. The crux of the matter is that Soowon should try to make an effort to get closer to Lili or at least make her feel safe and not rejected everytime she approche him in the first place. Perhaps, as I mentioned in previous posts, Yona will be the link that connects them both. She won't tolerate the idea of Soo-won remaining hidden and helping her in this way without being seen. Therefore, from Yona's perspective, the "current queen" with her diplomatic mindset, it will be more beneficial to have people like Lili and Soowon being together by her side. She won't object to their getting closer if she knows that Lily has that kind of relationship with Soo-won, whether as a friendship or even a romantic one.

- That's true. Which... I have mixed feelings actually. Either Lili primarily still thinks of Su-Won as the king and can't bring herself to call him by name (might feel too intimate?) or it's sexism (unintentional). - Yep. Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being... Hak, her lover, is still a victim of this. - Well Hak is no surprise, he’d treat Yona as a superior being no matter her occupation.

Isn't it similar to what happened with Hak? The "Let's fall in love with Their Majesties and call them by their Royal titles to set boundaries for the relationship because weren't allowed to love them from the start." Duo, for me i think This is their only way of coping. Hak's reason from the beginning was that Yona had prevented him from calling her by her real name (although Yona's intention wasn't to insult him or not want him close to her, but rather for him to he the only one who wouldn't forget her true identity). Unfortunately, at the very moment Hak was about to break free from the bondage he felt towards Yona, and now that they are lovers, that conversation that took place between them is still stuck in his mind and has affected him in a way that makes it impossible for him to see himself and Yona on the same level, i think they both need to talk about this. As for Lili? She basically sees her relationship with Soowon as forbidden, not to mention the fact that he rejected her more than once even from the idea of getting close to him and that he doesn't intend to marry in the first place which was the same for her too toward him at first ( we know sw's reasons too) , How can she possibly love her friend's enemy? So, for me, it's a method they use to ensure they don't exceed the permissible limit that both Yona and Soowon unintentionally set , and even hak and Lili themselves set ( especially lili)

and Yona has in the past told Lili she wanted to figure things out. It'd just be a good callback and way to catch Lili up on things, instead of it boiling to "tell me how far you've gone with Hak!" Lili and Su-Won's dynamic is important but Lili and Yona's should be too. Those girls deserved alone time. Give them the SuHak treatment.

Yes, when it comes to people Lili loves, she's shy. With Yona, Joon-gi, even Su-Won, a bit.

We all know that the best kind of hetships is one where the man is the one who initiates and is the one who's pinning, because it becomes annoying if the girl is the one who puts in more effort to try to understand and build the relationship

Hmmm... with all due respect, I'd be inclined to disagree with this one. It's certainly annoying AF if a girl is pining and a man never returns her feelings (shounen is notorious for terrible writing like this), but the flip side is a man pining and the girl never returning as much (take Hak revolving around Yona). I think both can be annoying.

That said, I do think that in this case, or Lili to fall for Su-Won, he needs to be more manly and step up to the plate, be a dependable partner (aka not be like her father).

Like below, he proved that he wasn't a Joon-gi kind of character, he gave her strength.

What if Lili compensated for that loss and, in a somewhat fantastical and in a metaphorical way, he was able to move it again?

This is a good idea, but... physically, I don't know if this could work. The dragon gods took it away, Lili cannot go against them. Of course I'd rather he never lost his arm, but... it's not like she has supernatural powers.

since Kusanagi said she'll be writing more side stories in the future, I'm almost certain he'll become a rival to Soo-won for who Lily's closest male friend is ( that, if she wrote anything about them).

OMG, where did she say that she's going to write more side stories??? I didn't see that in the interview...

I would prefer if the situation were more about how much Yona neglects Lily and their friendship, rather than it seeming that their problem is about a man But the point/situation here is different. Soowon isn't any man but the idea that Yona will suddenly find out that Lily is friends with her father's killer... I'm really excited about it

Exactly, I usually would not be keen on wedging a man between Yona and Lili either, it's just that it's Yona's father's killer that's being dealt.

Soowon should try to make an effort to get closer to Lili or at least make her feel safe and not rejected everytime she approche him in the first place. Perhaps, as I mentioned in previous posts, Yona will be the link that connects them both. She won't tolerate the idea of Soo-won remaining hidden and helping her in this way without being seen

I agree, I do see Yona telling Su-Won to deal with Lili properly. I fear that as Su-Won is the type who is emotionally unintelligent, he will seem flaky and unreliable, and it is his job to prove that he isn't to Lili (and probably her mother).

he rejected her more than once even from the idea of getting close to him and that he doesn't intend to marry in the first place which was the same for her too toward him at first ( we know sw's reasons too) , How can she possibly love her friend's enemy?

Exactly. I wonder how the ice will be broken... (if Kusanagi ever writes it)

Instead of making Lily seems cautious every time she speaks to Yona, as if there's.... some strange barrier between them

I never saw a barrier between them, except probably when it comes to topics like Il and Su-Won, for sure.

I would say it's the most important relationship right now, fundamentally. Many things would have been resolved if Lily and Yona had met more often and discussed the various topics that concern them both,

Agreed. I don't know if Kusanagi sees it as the most important relationship, but certainly it would help the plot run smoothly and be more interesting. At least to us it's the most important lol.

Lili is currently similar to the Yona she was with Soowon in the early chapters, the only difference is that she has more boundaries and is more socially intelligent (and she has a healthier way of approaching Soo-won because she now knows his dark past, so their relationship is a healthier one)

Wait isn't this exactly what i said? <the man is the one who initiates and is the one who's pining> like literally i love when the man is so miserable for his girl to get her attention or for her to reciprocate his feelings, cs as u said it's annoying af if it's the other way around, that's what i want for sulili honestly, and for me, i see that soowon is the one who's pinning from the start, but he didn't try due to circumstances we all know

(shounen is notorious for terrible writing like this),

And this is honestly a big part of why I rarely like any hetships in shonen. However, most of those who write about these relationships are men who don't understand the true feelings of women or women in general, and their view of romantic relationships is limited to them self inserting themselves into the main character and their love of imagining a girl chasing after them. (A large part of it contains sexism in a direct or indirect way due to their lack of awareness on the whole mater, and much of it is against feminism, which makes it difficult to like any relationship involving a girl and a boy unless the writer is a woman or a man who understands what he is writing without putting some of his misguided, distorted, and misogynistic ideas and portraying them as healthy in relationships. This is outside the topic but in the same context.)

> That said, I do think that in this case, or Lili to fall for Su-Won, he needs to be more manly and step up to the plate, be a dependable partner (aka not be like her father).

Yes, exactly, that's the point. Lily is currently more interested in Soo-won as a friend than a lover, or even if she's trying to get close to him for that reason. Since Soowon is the one who kinda wants to see her more now (I think that's obvious even if he's hiding it), he should be the one to make the first move. Not difficult, is it? For someone as charming as Soo-won and a girl as picky as Lily, whose taste seems completely the exact opposite of soowon himself right? (lol) One of Soowon's most attractive qualities in the story is definitely his cute-manly appearance, not in the sense of being like hak or muscular, but he has that unique way of attracting people that make him seems more manly.

And of course, to attract Lily, you must be a loyal person, aka the exact opposite of her father. If Lili takes an interest in him, she will keep an eye on him to see how loyal he is to the people close to him, and certainly to her as well if she finds out that he considers her a friend too. (It is possible that if she hears the story of his sacrifice for Hy from Yona herself, her view may change and she may understand him more, & she will clarify what she was trying to understand about him, especially since she is the person who has gathered the most information about Soo-won in this story.)

>This is a good idea, but... physically, I don't know if this could work. The dragon gods took it away, Lili cannot go against them. Of course I'd rather he never lost his arm, but... it's not like she has supernatural powers.

Oh, and this is a bit annoying. One of the most irritating things about this story is the spiritual illnesses and symptoms that some characters experienced, the cause of which wasn't explained at the end, except as being a punishment from the dragons. Like the Crimson Illness for Hiryuu's descendants and Soo-won's arm injury. I'd really like Kusanagi to explain the reason if she adds any more content in the future, because I know that even some spiritual illnesses in our time have a scientific explanation that modern medicine hasn't yet reached. And my comparison of Lily potentially replacing Hak was half a joke and not really realistic. I didn't mean that Lily would actually cure him, because the reason Soowon actually lost his arm wasn't because of his friendship breakup with Hak, but rather a punishment. But if the reason was spiritual, why wouldn't he be cured if he found a better arm than Hak's? Haha

OMG, where did she say that she's going to write more side stories??? I didn't see that in the interview...

Here : https://www.tumblr.com/starnovana/820060177227202560/thank-you-very-much-since-there-are-still-side?source=share

i gave my two cents about it too, cs i wasn't sure myself but the way she repeated it multiple times makes it sounds like there is more sides stories than gaiden, i mean common, there is a lot of plot holes yet to fix and fit only in gaiden

Exactly, I usually would not be keen on wedging a man between Yona and Lili either, it's just that it's Yona's father's killer that's being dealt.

Yeah that's the point, But is it possible that the situation between Soowon and Yona has changed, and that this might affect her perspective? We don't know.

I agree, I do see Yona telling Su-Won to deal with Lili properly. I fear that as Su-Won is the type who is emotionally unintelligent, he will seem flaky and unreliable, and it is his job to prove that he isn't to Lili (and probably her mother).

Well, I said before that Lili learned a lesson or two from her experience with pining on guentae, right? What if Soowon learned his lesson too from Yona before? I mean, he had a similar situation with her before where he didn't understand that everything she was doing was out of admiration for him or at least interest in him. This will make him more attentive to Lili, observing her actions to protect her feelings instead of pushing her (i think here where Yona will intervene if she ever saw him pushing lili again). but, I feel it's impossible for him to repeat the same mistake he made with Yona with Lily, even if he knows that Lili doesn't have the same feelings yona had for him before. But he will become more attentive to her now, especially if he longs for her more (or him having a crush on her more).

Exactly. I wonder how the ice will be broken... (if Kusanagi ever writes it)

Sulili is the most versatile pairing Kusanagi could currently excel at if she wrote a story for them alone. It's incredibly easy and enjoyable, and any story writer can understand that, if she just focused on them (they're much more enjoyable in slow burn the same with hy, (dare i say better) because Hak and Yona were already childhood friends and Hak's loyalty was there from the beginning). If she can write for Hy, she can easily do the same for Sulili, if she just thinks about it a little.

I never saw a barrier between them, except probably when it comes to topics like Il and Su-Won, for sure.

Well, it's not a barrier, so to speak, but rather the kind of distance we previously criticized between them, which makes Lily the one who tries harder in the friendship.

Agreed. I don't know if Kusanagi sees it as the most important relationship, but certainly it would help the plot run smoothly and be more interesting. At least to us it's the most important lol.

Yes, and what could be better than two besties who confide in each other about everything and try to solve half of their problems and the kingdom's problems together, just over a cup of tea or a sleepover? This is the best scenario Kusa could possibly think of right now, but she knows her story best.

Yeppp. She's also more mature and proactive than castle-era Yona. Also helps that her father didn't kill his haha.

Lili literally saw what state Soo-won was in when she ignored him bleeding out on the floor in Yona’s favor, he was literally two steps away. Unless she’s secretly blind like her father I don’t think she missed that.

So you’re telling me after seeing him like that she didn’t worry, didn’t stay to check on him or anything and just left home, and then when Joon-gi tells her he gave up the throne she’s suddenly all worried and legit asking “is he in bad health?”. I’m sorry what?

In this case really in the literal sense. Lily, like everybody else, thinks Soo Won can take it. Whatever it is. Hak thought that Soo Won can win against the gods. Mei Nyan also thinks, that he somehow manages.

Zeno looked like a mess, too.

Yeah but Yona Lili noticed instantly and ran to her specifically, ignoring Soo-won covered in blood completely? Idk really…so bad. The plot holes are pulling on my nerves.

Additionally, Lily and Soo Won do not have such a bond like Yona and Lily. Not yet. And Soo Won did not make it easier for her either. When she showed him any concern, he basically treated her pretty coldly. Most likely she thought she was dumb for even caring in the first place. She cannot mind-read. And the mixed signals do not help.

When she showed him any concern, he basically treated her pretty coldly.

I get that. She ignored him while he was covered in blood and clearly went through hell, and just went home. No wonder he was surprised they’re friends and was suspicious of her intentions.

Both told each other, again and again, that they do not care for each other. Lily is basically a girl´s girl

That much is true, yes. They do have a less warm relationship than her with Yona (which is built on emotional connection first and foremost), while with him it was more neutral and distanced. And they kept insisting they’re not close. But since she apparently does care and worry for him I don’t get why was her reaction even “delayed” then. Thats why I suspect it’s a “mistake” or lack of space on pages, whatever cause it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Maybe they aren´t plot holes...

I get that. She ignored him while he was covered in blood and clearly went through hell, and just went home. No wonder he was surprised they’re friends and was suspicious of her intentions.

After having thought about it, I do think, the scene is consistent.

If your observation doesn´t fit the category you wished to put the character in, than the situation is more nuanced. The category does not 100 % fit you put the character in.

Previously I claimed Lily was rational? Right? I was partly wrong. She does have - consistent -irregularities in some fields. Lily is really Soo Won´s equal. Even in being a coward in romantic situations.

1. It was not a plot hole, that Lily did not run to Soo Won then.

2. Because she correctly wondered, if he was in bad health. How? If she had not seen him covered in blood, she would not know, that he had been hurt?!! (This was something we should have noticed! You did!)

3. Jon Gi did not tell her any reason, because he did - frankly - not care.

4. That is the reason Lily is so agitated. Because she had pretended not to see the last time. That is why she is in a daze. She realized that she has made a horrible mistake.

(You are right. You are so right. Do you have a good intuition? May I ask? Do you see visions, too? Not in the way, that you see angels...but do you "know" things without really being able to explain it? This is for me so...I "see" some things, I come to conclusions because I can already see nearly the whole picture, but I struggle with taking the single steps. That is why I cannot really explain, what I mean.)

5. Lily felt guilty, when she came to him. She felt guilty, because she had ignored it before. So she showed him this time that she cared. (Lily acted a little strange in front of him. A lot more timid than she is - usually.) Lily has to become loud again!

6. Soo Won does - for the first time show that he is hurt. Badly hurt by her behaviour. He does not want to see her.

Soo Won frankly feels like crap, very weak and Lily is the last person he wants to see. I think it must be also shameful for him, that people see him like this. Now he does not want any kind of sympathy.

7. He questions her, if they are really friends. And why she would worry for him. (I think, he is more cranky about Xing, than her not running to him. As I am not even sure, if he saw, that she was there in the first place. He was still in a daze, after all.

Soo Won had been hurt since the Xing Arc. He hasn´t treated her like his friend since then.

8. He does rebuff her and Lily appears to be slighly taken aback. (It is from Shin ha, not me. Absolutely not from her.) The snail is back in her house.

9. Lily does not appear to visit him ever, but completely pushes herself onto Yona. Questioning about "HER LOVE LIFE". She needs to badly to know it, that she basically invites herself into Yona´s room.

The way it is framed it appears that Lily is trying to "sleep" with Yona. So there is some romantic allusion. Keishuk cannot hinder Lily anymore.

10. Lily is really not alright. She has lost General Geuntae and her significant other does not appear to like her at all. He hardly wants to be her friend.

Have mercy! Lily has lost her father!

11. Trauma

Once upon a time there was Nene, who became strong after her husband has betrayed her. She did it for her daughter. The daughter she loved so much and Lily knew, how much her mother loved her.

It is not unlikely, when her husband has betrayed her, that she wished to kill herself. But she didn´t do it. She loved Lily too much. So she became strong for Lily´s sake and Lily, too, wished to be strong for her mother. So she went out to learn her father´s occupation. In order to become her mother´s strength...

She wouldn´t forgive her father. Even after her mother would have died. She vowed.

But Lily had seen it, that her mother was at her end. Nearly she would have lost her mother.

She will become her mother´s sword, her protector.

Lily has to rescue her naive mother, who was badly hurt by a man again.

"Do not marry a man who is like your father," her mother adviced her daughter.

"Marry somebody, who loves his wife and is a trusthworthy man."

Who could be more ideal, than General Geuntae?

His wife Yun ho, Lily liked, too.

Lily would have married Yun ho, if she was a man.

Yun ho was just so dear to General Geuntae...

(Certainly not the guy, whom even grown-up men considered cute.)

Incredible kind and cute...Who could possibly resemble Yun ho? Dunno?

A guy who is very cute and kind...Hmmm

And then she met Soo Won - a delicate man with long hair. They both clicked instantly.

She had not to pretend to be any different in front of him.

Everytime he threw her off...

Actually...it was too late anyway...

"Though it was pretty clear, that he was not exactly into her,"Lily thought.

Since there was "no way!"...

Until the story ends I guess it would be more correct to call them “loose ends”. But they’re sooo not getting tied up in one chap anyway.

Because she correctly wondered, if he was in bad health. How? If she had not seen him covered in blood, she would not know, that he had been hurt?!! (This was something we should have noticed! You did!)

The plot hole is not her wondering about his health (but actually after seeing him hurt, covered in blood, how is bad health even a question, of course he is). The plot hole is her paying him zero attention when she seemed worried for him before he went in the mausoleum and days after. But not in the moment. Feelings aside, even on a human level anyone would be concerned. Even the dragons were more concerned about Soo-won than Lili was there🤷‍♀️. And she just went home.

How a person she claims to care about looking like that did not concern her and what on earth made her think he’s fine?

Questioning about "HER LOVE LIFE". She needs to badly to know it, that she basically invites herself into Yona´s room.

Yes maybe it is so. Lili too has “relationship problems”, I think she maybe wanted to discuss something of her own with Yona, not just listen to Yona’s problems. With Geun-tae Lili seems to be done after all, and as she doesn’t want to visit Soo-won, maybe rant about him being mean to her or smth. While Yona now knows Soo-won very much wanted to see her in fact.

Do not marry a man who is like your father," her mother adviced her daughter.

Yep, that’s what I speculate too. Lili’s mother must have been so hurt by what Joon-gi did that she told Lili to not marry a “youngster” (as Joon-gi was most likely young when they married, he looks not much older than Geun-tae now), and as Lili herself was hurt by what her father did, she instinctively went for a type completely opposite to her father - Geun-tae (wild, loud, older men).

Incredible kind and cute...Who could possibly resemble Yun ho? Dunno?

I actually meant it that way. We do not know, what she thought back then. But she knew that he was hurt, but had for a reason not reacted.

She obviously appeared shocked... Lily must therefore perceive him as so strong, unfortunately. I actually think, she did not even know, that she cared for him outside of him being a good king. I mean this with being delusional.

In chapter 181 it appeared as if she was already jealous, that Soo Won could maybe marry Yona. She, however, justified it in front of herself as if she was merely concerned for Yona´s sake.

I think her mother would most likely flip out, if her daughter fell in love with a guy, who looks basically like a younger version of her father. (We just have to think, what she made with Jae ha when this guy complimented her.)

Lily thought - that is her perception flaw - she merely cared for him as king. Soo Won was somebody that strong in her eyes.

In a way it demonstrates that Lily is a lil bit delusional regarding this part. Most likely due to her parents.

How a person she claims to care about looking like that did not concern her and what on earth made her think he’s fine?

I think, our perception flaw is that we do think, she knows, that she cares.

I make the claim, that until this moment she tried to persuade herself, that she did not care for him outside of being a king.

Lily didn´t know.

I remembered how easily both Hak and Yona both tend to fall for the same illusions. I wondered, if the same can be applied to their equivalents - Soo Won and Lily.

Soo Won, too, tried to persuade himself that he did not care likely. And now he is heartbroken, because of it. Idiot.

Yes maybe it is so. Lili too has “relationship problems”, I think she maybe wanted to discuss something of her own with Yona, not just listen to Yona’s problems. With Geun-tae Lili seems to be done after all, and as she doesn’t want to visit Soo-won, maybe rant about him being mean to her or smth. While Yona now knows Soo-won very much wanted to see her in fact.

Idk really what was going on in her head. I think as she instinctively already liked him as a person, worry should have been instinctive too as he appeared in a critical condition so idk what glitched in her, a few days later she directly told him she worried so I’m not quite sure what stopped her before. She yelled for him when he ran into the crumbling mausoleum but him half-dead was not concerning? Imo the most normal human reaction upon seeing him like that should’ve been “holy shit, he looks like he went through hell and back”, not “oh, he must be ok, I’ll go home”😅

I’m happy she reconsidered when she learned he’s actually not ok but yeah I’m confuzzled.

In chapter 181 it appeared as if she was already jealous, that Soo Won could maybe marry Yona. She, however, justified it in front of herself as if she was merely concerned for Yona´s sake.

Can’t say for sure but I don’t think she was jealous as at that time Lili was still into Geun-tae (for the last time), so I think it was concern for Yona there. But can’t deny that if she started feeling stuff for Soo-won, it was subconscious, so who knows.

I make the claim, that until this moment she tried to persuade herself, that she did not care for him outside of being a king.

Could be, can’t deny. She saw him as the perfect king, an interesting tofu-face (lol) guy, and had mixed feelings about what he did to Yona and Hak. Anything else could have been developing unbeknownst to her, subconsciously.

That would be like the "girl´s chapter", right?

Instinctivley`? I believe in regard to relationships, Lily might be as delusional as Hak. I mean, she justified it with being worried for Yona in her thoughts. There was nobody criticizing her for liking Soo Won in chapter 181. But her. But she still forbid it herself so heavily. Just like Soo Won, who is so blind, that he did not even understand, that he felt like dying.

It truly appears to be such a no-go. And since Lily has somehow a deep fear to lose Yona...and yes, I do think, that sweet and kind Yona is a replacement for her mother.

How often do you think, did Lily see her mother, when she often travels from town to town? Most likely Nene doesn´t bring her daughter often along. We saw burglars are a thing.

Maybe Lily is more similar to Soo Won as we believe. I understand her, as I had a very dominant mother myself, who persuaded me I was heterosexual my whole life. I´ve been there being delusional about myself. Especially if you are really tight with your mother. Like it was in my case. My father was such a disappointment for my mother.

Can’t say for sure but I don’t think she was jealous as at that time Lili was still into Geun-tae (for the last time), so I think it was concern for Yona there. But can’t deny that if she started feeling stuff for Soo-won, it was subconscious, so who knows.

The thing with this manga, Kusanagi merely hints at so much important developments. We don´t know...Right? We are not sure. Not at all. We are all unsure, when something happened or in this case even "if" it even happened. Because outside of "Yona" so much lands under the table.

So you sit on your stool and wait until the last chapter drops....Quite exciting...but well, that is the way she seems to tell her story.

Could be, can’t deny. She saw him as the perfect king, an interesting tofu-face (lol) guy, and had mixed feelings about what he did to Yona and Hak. Anything else could have been developing unbeknownst to her, subconsciously.

I think, it could even be that the bishies were her real home turf. After all, I laugh myself silly, that Yun ho basically is a "female Soo Won".

(Most likely I see myself to much in Lily, too. I know, how it is, when you are attracted to somebody, but you just cannot admit it. You make the most silly excuses to yourself. But deep down you know, that this is all wrong. Just that your whole world completely collapses, when you admit it. It is like already been there. I was a grown-up, when I finally realized, that the guy who had shamed me in school had been right. Others tend to see it far sooner. I laughed myself silly, when more and more people realized that Soo Won and Lily were in love. With the exception of those two, of course.)

And Lily likes Yun ho, too. (Kind and cute...Soo Won was like this, when he made the greatest impression on her. He understood her perspective. Soo Won tried to mend her relationship with her father. Telling her, that he understood her father. But he also understood her. Soo Won was so awfully sweet in that moment.)

Lily and Soo Won had the same stand-in as a guy. The one thought of Geuntae as his father, the other as her lover.

Unflattering comparison😅

I don’t know what to say really. To me it just seems weird that Lili didn’t care about him in the most obvious situation where it was most naturally appropriate. When she saw him run to the crumbling mausoleum, she clearly worried and didn’t hide it. Even tried to stop him even though her precious Yona was in danger. When her father told her he’s resigning, she worried too, didn’t hide it and even told Soo-won openly.

Im just unsure why him resigning was more worrisome to her than him looking like a chunk of meat. I don’t think she ever thought him physically invincible (too bad she didn’t see him fight literal gods duh).

You think? If she has Hak´s good points (she is pretty honest and direct, wishes to protect people and would go for some people through the fire), she likely has his bad points as well (delusions playing into the fact, that Lily was likely very lonely in her childhood. Her father worked and her mother was a merchant traveling around. She likely could not take small Lily with her (It was dangerous). I wonder, if Nene is from the Earth Tribe, actually...Jae ha met her in Awa?)

It would fit Jon Gi this big liar, that he would despise the Earth Tribe, because his wife orginated there (and he might be hurt, too. That she separated.)

But well, all the characters in this shows have heavy problems with their parents. The main cast are basically all orphans.

I don’t know what to say really. To me it just seems weird that Lili didn’t care about him in the most obvious situation where it was most naturally appropriate.

No, you have a point. This part was a "disturbance", we should notice.

When she saw him run to the crumbling mausoleum, she clearly worried and didn’t hide it. Even tried to stop him even though her precious Yona was in danger.

Yes, but "her mother" wasn´t there. Yona was absent then. Lily hasn´t - very likely - to this day told Yona anything about the little fact, Soo Won and she had spent a good amount of time together in Hiryuu Castle.

Like @thoughtfulstudentsalad23 mentioned, when I remember correctly, their relationship - Yona and Lily - is not exactly the one between equals, right? Just like with Hak and Yona, right?

Something is not right with Yona and both of her closest relationships. Yona appears to be held on some sort of pedastral. Maybe this is not an accident?

Like if I got a penny, for everytime somebody mentioned, how he cannot tell Hak and Yona something, we would have not such a small amount of money.

Im just unsure why him resigning was more worrisome to her than him looking like a chunk of meat. I don’t think she ever thought him physically invincible (too bad she didn’t see him fight literal gods duh).

I think, she needs to think of him like this. Partly it is also Soo Won´s fault. He created the illusion, that he does not need any kind of help. And when she - in fact - asked about his health, he just does answers that his head is fine.

She idolizes him in some way, but in the other, she just is nearer to him than hardly any other person. I think, as long as he was king, she could "justify" her interest in him. (I actually celebrated, when it was clear, that Lily had to show, that she was interested in him personally.)

But now, she has no reason anymore and still cares...bad for her.

The manga seems to be ending on them neither a couple, nor even good friends. Apparently Lili did not serve any purpose, not with the hairpin, not with Ogi, not the mausoleum, not with Soo-won. Nothing. What an utter shame

Lili did call him her good friend, and I do think that the hairpin (what with Hak and Su-Won in the mix) is more likely to come up.

Lily hasn´t - very likely - to this day told Yona anything about the little fact, Soo Won and she had spent a good amount of time together in Hiryuu Castle.

Honestly, I wanted to see Yona's reaction to learning that. I feel like that would have been potentially interesting to include in the story. But ah well.

Like @thoughtfulstudentsalad23 mentioned, when I remember correctly, their relationship - Yona and Lily - is not exactly the one between equals, right? Just like with Hak and Yona, right? Something is not right with Yona and both of her closest relationships. Yona appears to be held on some sort of pedastral. Maybe this is not an accident?

Yep. Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being... Hak, her lover, is still a victim of this.

I think, she needs to think of him like this. Partly it is also Soo Won´s fault. He created the illusion, that he does not need any kind of help.

Agreed. Su-Won never allowed Lili to see his vulnerable side. The one time she senses it is when she asks Su-Won if he wants Yona to live, and then, Su-Won instantly shuts her down and tells her he will not tell her. He is the one who shut her out.

Look at Lili, she looks emotional too as she starts yelling out...

But I do wish Lili showed more curiosity... like that man was clearly hiding shit. She should be actively trying to push through it... but I think, it may get very awkward for her if she tries. She may fear rejection or even him no longer speaking to her at all.

She was frozen watching him leave like that....

She called him just a friend, it’s already progress but for the moment personally I can’t call them good friends. They don’t even see e/o often or communicate properly, not to mention never shared anything with each other. Honestly just as Yona/Hak/Soo-won were never really good friends, they hardly knew anything about each other too.

With Lili and Soo-won it already goes deeper than that since she chose him as a friend despite knowing his darkest side. They have a healthier kind of relationship but tbh Lili generally still knows nothing about Soo-won, his past, his pov in this conflict, etc. She until now only judged him by what she saw in the present.

I dunno if we’re even seeing them next chap. Same for the hairpin and the Soo-won Hak talk.

Honestly, I wanted to see Yona's reaction to learning that. I feel like that would have been potentially interesting to include in the story. But ah well.

I can’t believe Yona still has NO IDEA Soo-won and Lili are friends lmao. And won’t ever know now Ig? I bet it would be fairly conflicting for her (and Lili).

Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being

Lili generally still knows nothing about Soo-won, his past, his pov in this conflict, etc. She until now only judged him by what she saw in the present. I dunno if we’re even seeing them next chap. Same for the hairpin and the Soo-won Hak talk.

I think it's the most likely conclusion. I mean yeah the ending did not tie up so many loose ends but with Gulfan's appearance and Lili at Ogi's it seems the points mentioned above at least will all converge somehow.

As for whether it will be written well? Dunno. But we may get something, I just hope it won't make things worse.

I can’t believe Yona still has NO IDEA Soo-won and Lili are friends lmao. And won’t ever know now Ig? I bet it would be fairly conflicting for her (and Lili).

100%, I think Yona should have found out during the castle arc. It could have been a great point for conflict and eventual resolution between her and Lili (like @starnovana said we need more female friendship drama). Besides, at the end of the Sei arc, Lili also vowed to get more info on Su-Won for Yona's sake.

I mean there were already signs that Yona was wary about Su-Won's intentions with her friend as well.

I also remember a theory floating around back during the Xing arc that Lili would somehow end up being arranged to marry Su-Won (because of Joon-gi, and maybe new political conditions would make Su-Won accept). Yona would have been shook lol. But that drama could have also put her in a weirder spot and dragged up all her past feelings for him and the hairpin again, which I know people may not want to revisit...

I didn’t notice Lili treat Yona any different, she doesn’t even bother call her “your majesty”, still just Yona.

That's true. Which... I have mixed feelings actually. Either Lili primarily still thinks of Su-Won as the king and can't bring herself to call him by name (might feel too intimate?) or it's sexism (unintentional).

Either way, the pacing wasn't good. I wish Lili and Yona had a moment to themselves to just talk. A scene where Lili gives a teasing little bow like, "oh, so you've become the new queen, huh? Mind telling me how that even happened?" Then Yona could laugh and at last fill her in on everything that happened during the castle arc, especially because Su-Won isn't the type to tell shit, and Yona has in the past told Lili she wanted to figure things out. It'd just be a good callback and way to catch Lili up on things, instead of it boiling to "tell me how far you've gone with Hak!"

Honestly, I loved this analysis and everything you guys said. The problem with both Soo-won and Lily is that they're very similar when it comes to emotions. They're both too cowardly to express or truly "understand" what they feel. Lily is afraid of rejection, as you said, or of not being able to talk to him again because Soo-won set boundaries from the beginning (not emotionally, but generally). This, in turn, has pushed many people away from him, especially those trying to get close to him and understand him. (Because Lily was trying to understand him for yona, now she's trying to understand him for herself, but she'll only realize this too late.) And she certainly won't try harder because she still has trauma from her mother's relationship with her father. She'll definitely grow up to be very cautious in relationships, whether friendship or romantic. We all know that the best kind of hetships is one where the man is the one who initiates and is the one who's pinning, because it becomes annoying if the girl is the one who puts in more effort to try to understand and build the relationship. But the situation with Soo-won and Lili is a little different because Soowon isn't trying to push Lily away to humiliate her. But firstly, because he's emotionally unintelligent (and I'm still sure he really loves her (sometimes i think that he's the one who's kinda pinning more here, but he doesn't understand the nature of these new feelings in the first place), and secondly, because before it was due to his illness, and now it's becoming increasingly clear that he's still hurt by what happened before when she tried to defend Yona, you could say the situation is reversed on this ship, & they definitely still holds e/o unintentionally in a strong chockholds, that's what makes them appealing, we're all curious on how it will end up with them

Hak is also likely going to meet with Su-Won and no longer thinks of him as his best friend, likely they will have a chat that leaves Su-Won devastated in some way. There will be some sort of resolution. Lili could be there to see that side of Su-Won at last.

I kind of like the metaphor that says Soowon's arm is Hak and that when the relationship with him ended, Soowon lost his arm. What if Lili compensated for that loss and, in a somewhat fantastical and in a metaphorical way, he was able to move it again? (I want to write about the reason of that injury, even though it is clearly spiritual, but I want to bring modern-day illnesses into the subject, but I am not sure, that is another topic.)

(Kurif could be or could have been a potential rival)

I like the random addition of Kurif at the end of the story. And since Kusanagi said she'll be writing more side stories in the future, I'm almost certain he'll become a rival to Soo-won for who Lily's closest male friend is ( that, if she wrote anything about them).

100%, I think Yona should have found out during the castle arc. It could have been a great point for conflict and eventual resolution between her and Lili (like @starnovana said we need more female friendship drama). said we need more female friendship drama). Besides, at the end of the Sei arc, Lili also vowed to get more info on Su-Won for Yona's sake. I mean there were already signs that Yona was wary about Su-Won's intentions with her friend as well

While I would like to see conflict between Yona and Lily because it would be more enjoyable for me in a shoujo/josei story that is mostly about females, and because I would relate more than whatever is happening between s&h, I would prefer if the situation were more about how much Yona neglects Lily and their friendship, rather than it seeming that their problem is about a man, Would that make Lily seem eccentric and obsessive? I don't know, but it would make more sense to write something like that about their relationship since Lily is clearly willing to sacrifice herself for Yona. Would Yona do the same? I think so (another topic). But the point/situation here is different. Soowon isn't any man but the idea that Yona will suddenly find out that Lily is friends with her father's killer... I'm really excited about it. Even though things between Yona and Soowon have calmed down and changed a bit, and Yona seems to be the peaceful type by nature and saw how willing Soo-won was to sacrifice himself for her and Hak, I don't think she'll object much to their relationship, especially since the reason of caution around Soo-won and the danger to Lili has somewhat changed. But what's scary about Soowon isn't the idea of him killing Lili to hurt her; the emotional damage he would inflict on her is greater (Yona knows that Soowon is charming for any woman, she was there before). He's still very emotionally naive but this only we readers know ( and lili, lol) . Lili is currently similar to the Yona she was with Soowon in the early chapters, the only difference is that she has more boundaries and is more socially intelligent (and she has a healthier way of approaching Soo-won because she now knows his dark past, so their relationship is a healthier one). It's impossible for her to repeat the same pinning scenario she had with Guen Tae. I know. It's an inappropriate analogy, but it's the closest one right now. The crux of the matter is that Soowon should try to make an effort to get closer to Lili or at least make her feel safe and not rejected everytime she approche him in the first place. Perhaps, as I mentioned in previous posts, Yona will be the link that connects them both. She won't tolerate the idea of Soo-won remaining hidden and helping her in this way without being seen. Therefore, from Yona's perspective, the "current queen" with her diplomatic mindset, it will be more beneficial to have people like Lili and Soowon being together by her side. She won't object to their getting closer if she knows that Lily has that kind of relationship with Soo-won, whether as a friendship or even a romantic one.

- That's true. Which... I have mixed feelings actually. Either Lili primarily still thinks of Su-Won as the king and can't bring herself to call him by name (might feel too intimate?) or it's sexism (unintentional). - Yep. Especially now that she's the queen, people are more bound to treat her like a higher being... Hak, her lover, is still a victim of this. - Well Hak is no surprise, he’d treat Yona as a superior being no matter her occupation.

Isn't it similar to what happened with Hak? The "Let's fall in love with Their Majesties and call them by their Royal titles to set boundaries for the relationship because weren't allowed to love them from the start." Duo, for me i think This is their only way of coping. Hak's reason from the beginning was that Yona had prevented him from calling her by her real name (although Yona's intention wasn't to insult him or not want him close to her, but rather for him to he the only one who wouldn't forget her true identity). Unfortunately, at the very moment Hak was about to break free from the bondage he felt towards Yona, and now that they are lovers, that conversation that took place between them is still stuck in his mind and has affected him in a way that makes it impossible for him to see himself and Yona on the same level, i think they both need to talk about this. As for Lili? She basically sees her relationship with Soowon as forbidden, not to mention the fact that he rejected her more than once even from the idea of getting close to him and that he doesn't intend to marry in the first place which was the same for her too toward him at first ( we know sw's reasons too) , How can she possibly love her friend's enemy? So, for me, it's a method they use to ensure they don't exceed the permissible limit that both Yona and Soowon unintentionally set , and even hak and Lili themselves set ( especially lili)

and Yona has in the past told Lili she wanted to figure things out. It'd just be a good callback and way to catch Lili up on things, instead of it boiling to "tell me how far you've gone with Hak!" Lili and Su-Won's dynamic is important but Lili and Yona's should be too. Those girls deserved alone time. Give them the SuHak treatment.

DMM Books Social Magazine – #HonTalk! Special Edition (June 2026)

For about 16 years, the epic fantasy Yona of the Dawn has continued to captivate readers. To celebrate the series' completion, as part of a special #HonTalk! feature, we conducted an exclusive interview with author Mizuho Kusanagi and her editor, Mr. Kurokawa.

Enjoy plenty of behind-the-scenes stories about Yona of the Dawn that you can only read here!

Interview with Author Mizuho Kusanagi

— Congratulations on the completion of Yona of the Dawn! It became a monumental work that ran for about 16 years. How did you feel after finishing the final chapter?

Mizuho Kusanagi:

Thank you very much. Since there are still side stories left, it honestly didn't feel like it was over at all.

More than anything, I was worried because there were episodes I simply couldn't fit into the available pages, so I felt the finale might not be substantial enough as a final chapter. Still, I managed to give shape to the ending I'd been struggling over for so long, so I think I was finally able to set down a huge burden

The episode I couldn't fit into the main story was eventually included in Side Story 1.

— Have your feelings changed between immediately after finishing it and now, with a little time having passed?

Mizuho Kusanagi:

To be honest, I'm still constantly working on Yona-related projects, so it almost feels strange, like, "Huh? Isn't it still going?"

I haven't really had the chance to feel lonely about it ending yet.

— Looking back on the entire story, were there any plot points or settings that changed from your original plans? Also, were there any characters who became more active or grew beyond what you initially expected?

Mizuho Kusanagi:

One major change was in the ending, where Soo-won acknowledges his own mistakes.

Soo-won was someone who was stubborn and unwavering, and he never regretted killing Il. Because of that, I never imagined him apologizing to Yona.

However, after Yona cared for the ailing Soo-won, Hak gave him the Senju Grass, and Soo-won himself fought risking his life for Yona and Hak, I felt that only then could he finally face Yona and truly talk with her.

For Soo-won, admitting his own mistakes became an enormous change.

He'll never be able to return to the relationship he once had with Yona and Hak, but I think it's enough if they're able to build a new kind of relationship moving forward.

As for characters who grew, I'd definitely say Yona and Tae-jun.

Tae-jun became someone who is genuinely considerate of others.

Yona underwent tremendous growth because she came to embrace the resolve to become king.

Readers often tell me that Shin-ah changed the most, but after the previous Blue Dragon passed away, Shin-ah basically survived alone, so he's always been capable of handling anything by himself.

What really changed was that spending time with Yona and the others greatly improved his social skills. (laughs)

— A princess raised in the palace sets out on a journey, taking up arms herself. The series depicts Yona's growth on an epic scale. What was the central theme you most wanted to explore through Yona of the Dawn?

Mizuho Kusanagi:

I didn't begin the series with one rigidly defined theme.

But while drawing Yona, I kept thinking about questions like:

How can someone find forgiveness after experiencing a sorrow so deep it feels impossible to keep living?

How do people accept and live alongside others who were born in different places and hold different values?

What I especially wanted to portray was the existence of many different communities.

I wanted the characters to belong to various communities.

For example, the Hungry Bunch are very close friends, but each of them also has family and other friends, where they show different sides of themselves.

In the future, they may make even more friends.

That doesn't mean the bond among the Hungry Bunch becomes weaker.

Rather than belonging to only one place, I want them to continue building connections through many different relationships.

— Finally, could you share a message with the fans who have supported Yona of the Dawn for so many years?

Mizuho Kusanagi:

Thank you so much for staying with this very long story!

I've received so many heartfelt comments that felt almost more than I deserved, and those became a huge source of motivation while creating the series.

I'm still working on various Yona-related projects, so if you feel like it, I'd be happy if you'd continue checking them out!

Interview with Editor Mr. Kurokawa

— Congratulations on the completion of Yona of the Dawn! What went through your mind when you read the manuscript for the final chapter?

Mr. Kurokawa:

I felt both a sense of satisfaction at having seen Yona's growth through to the end, and sadness because it was really coming to a close.

Personally, Yona's determination to carve out her own destiny always gave me courage, so I was happy to witness her journey all the way to its conclusion.

And the Hak–Yona moments were incredible, too...

At the same time, the feeling of "I won't be able to read Yona of the Dawn anymore!?" was overwhelming.

These days, the side stories are what's cheering me up. (laughs)

— We understand that you became the series' editor partway through its serialization. What impression did you have when you first saw Mizuho Kusanagi's manuscript?

Mr. Kurokawa:

I was so nervous I held my breath.

The manuscripts were drawn with such delicate lines and incredible attention to detail that looking at them felt like stepping directly into the world of the story itself.

Getting to see the original color illustrations every time is one of the greatest privileges of being the editor.

— You were in charge during a very important period as the story moved toward its conclusion. Was there anything in particular you kept in mind when working with Ms. Kusanagi?

Mr. Kurokawa:

Speaking practically, it was managing the deadlines.

As for the story itself, Ms. Kusanagi was the one guiding it, so my role was figuring out how to make sure she had as much time as possible to draw the manga.

In reality, I was usually the one being helped by Ms. Kusanagi's astonishing drawing speed.

Still, I'm glad we were able to publish every chapter right up through the finale without ever missing a manuscript deadline.

— As the editor, you've watched over Yona of the Dawn from closer than almost anyone. From that perspective, what do you think is the series' greatest strength?

Mr. Kurokawa:

There are many strengths, but if I had to choose just one, I'd say its portrayal of complex human relationships.

The relationship between Yona, Hak, and Soo-won is the clearest example.

Even though they can never return to the way things once were, each of them changes and makes decisions while carrying their positions, memories, and feelings for one another.

It's impossible not to become emotionally invested.

Personally, I especially love the "Yon-hi's Journal" arc.

That storyline begins because of the tragic misunderstanding between Il and Yu-hon.

Everyone has something they believe in, something they consider justice.

Watching how each person comes to terms with their own emotions and chooses how to relate to others is what makes this series so compelling to me.

— Lastly, would you like to leave a message for everyone who has followed Yona of the Dawn over the years?

Mr. Kurokawa:

Thank you to everyone who has supported Yona of the Dawn.

Although the main story has reached its conclusion, Yona of the Dawn will continue through the spin-off Yona of the Dawn Gaiden (Side Stories), as well as anime adaptation projects and more.

yes, we did it guys, we are getting more spinoffs in this incredible story

Honestly i don't know if they meant more sides stories aside from gaiden, but them saying more projects is so obvious its more than that , it also could mean more cd drama but it's obvious when she said more side stories

One major change was in the ending, where Soo-won acknowledges his own mistakes. Soo-won was someone who was stubborn and unwavering, and he never regretted killing Il. Because of that, I never imagined him apologizing to Yona.

Lili literally saw what state Soo-won was in when she ignored him bleeding out on the floor in Yona’s favor, he was literally two steps away. Unless she’s secretly blind like her father I don’t think she missed that.

So you’re telling me after seeing him like that she didn’t worry, didn’t stay to check on him or anything and just left home, and then when Joon-gi tells her he gave up the throne she’s suddenly all worried and legit asking “is he in bad health?”. I’m sorry what?

In this case really in the literal sense. Lily, like everybody else, thinks Soo Won can take it. Whatever it is. Hak thought that Soo Won can win against the gods. Mei Nyan also thinks, that he somehow manages.

Yeah let's ask Mr "i will be fine " Every time someone is concerned for his safety about who's fault is that

Lili literally saw what state Soo-won was in when she ignored him bleeding out on the floor in Yona’s favor, he was literally two steps away. Unless she’s secretly blind like her father I don’t think she missed that.

So you’re telling me after seeing him like that she didn’t worry, didn’t stay to check on him or anything and just left home, and then when Joon-gi tells her he gave up the throne she’s suddenly all worried and legit asking “is he in bad health?”. I’m sorry what?

I think Soowon was the first person Lily worried about before he went with Hak to rescue Yona. I think it was the chapter where we heard her call out to him the most, but he explained to her that she shouldn't worry too much about him and Hak (even though she was clearly only worried about him at that moment the most, lol). I'd say that in the chapters that came after, it was natural to see her paying more attention to Yona. I mean, Kusanagi is trying as much as possible to make Lili's character revolve around Yona because if she let her pay even a little more attention to Soowon, she'd overshadow her. (As someone who followed the Water Tribe arc back then when it first dropped and saw how Soowon and Lili had many scenes together, I can assure you that most fans shifted their focus from Yona to Lily suddenly, and consequently, a large group, including myself, started liking sulili more than hy, even though I used to be a hardcore hy shipper.) So don't be surprised because the whole thing is about the writing that somewhat aims to downplay Lily's role and make it revolve solely around Yona, cs she saw how lili overshadowed yona for a period of time when she gives her more individual shots, & more shots with sw , the "make her appear but only care about Yona and about yona" writing mentality is something deliberate from the beginning, even in the arrangement of the panels on the page, if you notice. "Lily came, but she cares more about Yona, It's up to the fans to imagine if she went to visit and see Soo won or not, but I won't draw that because it would make the biggest focus of the chapter on her and Soo-won." I mean, that's a reality, let's not lie. And even though I'm pretty sure Lili tried to visit him and went to inquire several times because she is Lily after all, she was always the one caring and pushing more. (I have an additional theory, and I'm fairly certain of it, which is that they kept her away from him so she wouldn't find out about his illness especially when he was in that state. So I expect two possibilities: either she tried to get close to see him too like she did with yona and they kept him away from her, especially Keishuk and Judo, who wouldn't let her know anything, or she knew from the beginning that they would keep her away because she'd been through it before, so she didn't get close at all.) This is a pivotal point in the difference between her relationship with Yona versus her relationship with Soowon. If we remove the writing bias in favor of Yona a little bit, we would see Lili treating Soowon the same way she treated Yona, except that firstly, he distanced himself from her several times due to his illness and because he didn't want her to know, and secondly, because of his position as king, which Lily didn't care much about. But being a king always meant being surrounded by people who either wanted them together or people who wanted to keep her away from him, including Keishuk whom he obviously didn't stand Lili or the idea of seeing them together

So you’re telling me after seeing him like that she didn’t worry, didn’t stay to check on him or anything and just left home, and then when Joon-gi tells her he gave up the throne she’s suddenly all worried and legit asking “is he in bad health?”. I’m sorry what?

Well, hey, I know they were friends, and I do like their comedic interactions. But damn Hak really called Jae-ha his best friend.

"My dear Hak"... the gay or bisexual energy is high here LMAO.