Soo-Won
Soo-Won |
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| Kanji | スウォン |
| Rōmanji | Suwon |
| Aliase | Won |
| Statistics | |
| Occupation | King of Kouka Kingdom |
| Birthdate | February 3 (Aquarius) |
| Affiliations | Hiryuu Castle Sky Tribe |
| Hair | Dark Blond |
| Eyes | Sea Green/Blue |
| Relatives | Yu-Hon (Father, †) Yong-Hi (Mother, †) Emperor Il (Paternal Uncle, †) Kashi (Paternal Aunt in law, †) Yona (Paternal Cousin) Joo-Nam (Paternal Grandfather, †) Mei (Paternal Grandmother, †) King Hiryuu (Maternal Ancestor, †) Yak-Shi (Maternal Ancestor, †) Unnamed Maternal Grandfather (Deceased) Yoshino (Maternal Grandmother, †) Mei-Nyan (Maternal relative) |
| Debut | |
| Manga | Chapter 01 |
| Anime | Episode 01 |
| Actors | |
| Japanese | Yūsuke Kobayashi Nozomi Yamamoto (Child) |
| English | Micah Solusod |
Soo-Won (スウォン, Suwon) is the current King of Kouka Kingdom and the 11th ruler of the Sky Tribe. As a tritagonist in Akatsuki no Yona, Soo-Won’s actions serve as a pivotal turning point in the story. He is the son of General Yu-Hon and Lady Yong-Hi, the older cousin of Princess Yona, and the childhood friend of Hak.
Soo-Won’s quest for power begins when he murders Emperor Il, his uncle, to avenge the alleged murder of his father. Upon ascending the throne, Soo-Won dedicates himself to resolving the internal conflicts of Kouka Kingdom, aiming to restore its former strength and glory, reminiscent of its prosperous era under Emperor Joo-Nam, his grandfather. Despite the controversy surrounding his rise to power, Soo-Won exhibits remarkable leadership and political acumen, earning both admiration and disdain from those around him.
Appearance
Soo-Won standing with Yona, their shared past and complex relationship evident in the tension and unspoken emotions between them
Soo-Won is a tall and slender man, with wavy, light blond hair that falls to his shoulders and gentle golden eyes. His striking features, combined with his calm demeanor, give him an approachable and charismatic presence. Soo-Won’s attire reflects his royal status, typically consisting of elegant robes and the cloak of the Sky Tribe, symbolizing his authority as the King of Kouka.
Despite his regal appearance, Soo-Won’s expressions often conceal his true thoughts, lending him an enigmatic air. His ability to mask his emotions with an amicable smile makes him a complex and multifaceted character.
Personality
Soo-Won is known for his charming, easygoing, and intelligent nature, which makes him well-liked by his subjects and allies. Outwardly, he appears kind, warm, and approachable, often using humor and lightheartedness to put others at ease. However, beneath his cheerful exterior lies a calculating and determined strategist, capable of making difficult and morally ambiguous decisions for the greater good of the kingdom.
Despite his ruthless actions, such as murdering Emperor Il, Soo-Won’s motives stem from his deep love for Kouka Kingdom. He is willing to sacrifice his relationships and reputation to strengthen the nation, believing that a strong leader is necessary to protect its people. His betrayal of Yona and Hak, however, haunts him, as he still holds affection for his childhood friends but prioritizes his duty to the kingdom above personal bonds.
Role in the Story
The Assassination of Emperor Il
Soo-Won’s rise to power begins with the murder of Emperor Il, whom he believes killed his father, General Yu-Hon, in a bid to secure the throne. By assassinating Il, Soo-Won not only avenges his father but also eliminates what he perceives as weak leadership, paving the way for his vision of a stronger Kouka Kingdom.
Rebuilding Kouka
As king, Soo-Won takes measures to address the economic and military issues plaguing Kouka. He seeks to strengthen the kingdom’s alliances, fortify its borders, and unify the tribes under his rule. His reforms and leadership are effective, earning him the loyalty of many within the Sky Tribe and beyond. However, his controversial methods create a rift between him and those who question the morality of his actions, particularly Yona and Hak.
Relationship with Yona and Hak
Soo-Won’s relationships with Yona and Hak are deeply complicated. As children, the three shared a close bond, with Soo-Won often acting as a gentle and playful figure in their lives. His betrayal shatters this bond, leaving Yona devastated and forcing Hak to become Yona’s protector. Despite this, Soo-Won still cares for both of them, even ensuring their safety when opportunities arise.
Abilities
Strategic Intelligence
Soo-Won’s grea strength lies in his tactical mind and political acumen. He is a master strategist, capable of analyzing complex situations and devising effective solutions to strengthen the kingdom.
Swordsmanship
While not as skilled as Hak in combat, Soo-Won is proficient with a sword and can hold his own in battle when necessary.
Charisma and Leadership
Soo-Won’s charming and approachable demeanor earns him the loyalty of his subjects and allies, making him a respected and beloved ruler despite his controversial rise to power.
Relationships
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Yona: Soo-Won’s betrayal deeply wounds Yona, who initially struggles to reconcile the cousin she loved with the man who killed her father. Despite this, Soo-Won continues to care for Yona, though his actions make it impossible for them to reconcile.
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Hak: As Soo-Won’s former best friend, Hak feels both anger and betrayal over Soo-Won’s actions. The two share an unspoken tension whenever they cross paths, with Soo-Won often subtly showing his concern for Hak’s well-being.
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Sky Tribe: As the King of Kouka and leader of the Sky Tribe, Soo-Won commands immense respect and loyalty from his tribe, particularly from key figures like Geun-Tae and Joo-Doh.
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Yu-Hon and Lady Yong-Hi: Soo-Won holds deep admiration for his father, General Yu-Hon, and is motivated by his legacy. He also cares deeply for his mother, Lady Yong-Hi, who suffered due to her marriage to Yu-Hon.