About “Yona of the Dawn” in a few words:

Yona of the Dawn is an anime series following the story of Princess Yona, who is forced to flee her kingdom after her father is killed by her childhood friend, Su-won. Along with her protector and childhood friend, Hak, Yona embarks on a journey to reclaim her rightful place as the ruler of the Kouka Kingdom. Throughout the series, Yona faces many challenges and obstacles, but with the help of her companions, she slowly becomes stronger and more determined in her quest for justice.

Meet the characters from Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona)

Yona

Okay, Yona is the absolute heart of the story — princess-turned-warrior who somehow manages to be both adorably clumsy and terrifyingly determined (yes both). She starts off as this sheltered, bubble-gum pink-haired royal who cries at everything but then learns to hunt, fight, and boss people around like a pro — like, scary efficiency mixed with a forever-optimistic smile. She hoards red things for no good reason and will insist on dramatic declarations even while she’s terrible at maps (but remembers ancient legends perfectly, go figure). Honestly she’s the sort of person who’ll make a weird soup for everyone by accident and it ends up being the entire group’s secret comfort food.

Son Hak

Hak is the gruff, hot-tempered bodyguard who lives in boots and sarcasm — equal parts thunderous battle machine and grumpy dad, seriously. He swears a lot, throws people over his shoulder when necessary, and will protect Yona like it’s his entire personality (which it kind of is), but he also does this ridiculous soft sigh when she finally stands up for herself. He’s an unstoppable fighter with terrible small talk skills and occasionally cooks rice that’s somehow both burned and perfect, I don’t know how. Also, he refuses to wear formal clothes properly and will glare at anyone who calls him “handsome,” then blush for a solid five minutes.

Yoon

Yoon is the quiet, almost unreadable type who actually notices every little thing (you think he’s aloof, but nope, he catalogues your life like a rare book). He’s calm, analytical, and sneaks around with this mild, knowing smile that makes you wonder what tiny plan he’s brewing — spy-energy but softer, like a library spy? He drinks tea with an intensity that borders on ritual and sometimes doodles stars in the margins of official documents (which is either adorable or suspiciously poetic). He’ll correct your history facts in a whisper and then awkwardly offer you a cookie, so yeah, complex cinnamon roll but also possibly plotting.

Soo-won

Ugh, Soo-won is such a heart-breaker — charming, brilliant, and devastatingly complicated; you love and hate him in the same breath. He’s the childhood friend who becomes king (and betrayer) — charismatic, strategic, and always a little too composed, which makes you trust him and then not trust him at all (it’s infuriating). He collects small tokens from significant moments like some tragic romantic, and he’s forever perfectly dressed, but rumor has it he secretly hums old lullabies when he’s alone (totally believable, right?). Honestly he’s the kind of villain who makes you pause and reassess everything, then cry into your cereal — in a good way (if that’s a thing).

Shin-Ah

Shin-Ah is the Blue Dragon and oh my gosh quietly terrifying in the best way — shy, soft-spoken, but when his dragon eyes flash it’s like the whole world freezes (literal goosebumps). He’s gentle, awkward around people (especially anyone who isn’t Yona) and kind of like a haunted child who also owns twelve stuffed animals and a perfectly serious murderous glare. He wears that weird mask thing sometimes and collects tiny, very specific things (feathers? buttons?), and he’s often petting something invisible in the corner — I swear. He’s loyal to a fault and the sweetest silent boy you’ll ever want to protect, even though he could also accidentally end a war if annoyed.

Kija

Kija, the White Dragon, is all about devotion and honor with a dash of funny stubbornness — like if a noble knight bred with someone who loves mash potatoes. He’s blunt, very literal, and extremely possessive of the people he cares about (in a protective, slightly dramatic way), plus he has that big claw and intense loyalty that makes him feel like a living shield. He’s allergic to pretension but maybe secretly enjoys fancy tea ceremonies; he’ll deny this fiercely while wearing an impeccably pressed sleeve. Honestly he’s the steady, slightly cantankerous friend who gives the best, awkwardly-worded pep talks you didn’t know you needed.

Zeno

Zeno is the Yellow Dragon and the absolute mood — he’s goofy, anciently wise, tiny and chaotic all at once, like a tumbleweed with tea. He’s playful and jokes constantly (and I mean CONSTANTLY), but then he’ll drop this unbelievably old-man insight that makes you rethink time and snack choices simultaneously — very confusing and delightful. He’s obsessed with weird little crafts and also claims to be centuries old but looks like a kid, which leads to him insisting on bedtime stories while plotting battle strategy, so pick a lane, Zeno. He’ll also steal your blanket and wink, so consider yourself both annoyed and wholly charmed forever.

Jae-Ha

Jae-Ha is the Green Dragon and the free spirit of the group — flirtatious, flight-obsessed (literally), and annoyingly carefree in a way that makes you want to both punch him and join his picnic. He loves freedom more than rules and will crack a joke in the middle of tense political drama, flinging a metaphorical (or literal) candy at your face, but he’s also hiding a very real longing for belonging under all that bravado. He’s into mushrooms? Maybe pickled plums? (I can’t remember, but he definitely eats something weird with enormous pleasure.) Anyway, he’s wild, kind, and the sort of person who’ll teach you to laugh mid-battle and then ask you to spar for fun afterward.