General Hak's Remnant Troops

Lore & Background

Following King Il's assassination by Soo-won and the subsequent coup, General Hak was gravely wounded by Kum-ji's arrow while protecting Princess Yona, but survived and was not executed. While many of his subordinates scattered or were killed, a dedicated core group managed to evade the Royal Guard's purge. They retreated deep into the rugged terrain near the capital, living in secrecy and mourning their fallen commander. These soldiers represent the conscience of the old kingdom, holding onto the belief that Hak was a hero rather than a traitor. When Yona stumbles upon their camp alone with the injured Hak, the troops immediately recognize her and come forward to help, offering shelter and supplies. However, they do not become a military force under Yona's command; their assistance is brief and limited.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the pine trees, carrying the scent of damp earth and woodsmoke. In the shadows of the cave entrance, a young soldier watched the firelight dance across the faces of his brothers-in-arms. They were few in number now, ghosts of the once-mighty Royal Army. A soft noise from the treeline broke their silence. It was not the clatter of boots or the rattle of armor that signaled the King's men; it was the hesitant step of a girl in tattered silk and a man with a sword too heavy for his frame. The soldier gripped his spear, his heart hammering against his ribs. Was this another trap? Then he saw her face—the same eyes as General Hak had described so often. He lowered his weapon slowly, tears mixing with the grime on his cheeks, realizing that their long wait in the dark was finally over.

Reader's Guide

The primary goal of these remnant troops is to honor General Hak's memory by protecting Princess Yona and eventually clearing his name. Structurally, they operate without a formal chain of command since their general is dead; instead, senior soldiers make collective decisions based on loyalty to the princess. Key members include veteran infantrymen who served directly under Hak, as well as younger recruits who idolized him. Their internal conflict stems from the trauma of betrayal and the fear that aiding Yona will lead to their deaths. Externally, they face constant threats from King Il's forces who view them as traitors or rebels. As the story progresses, this group evolves into the vanguard of Yona's army. They provide essential combat experience and discipline, teaching the princess how to lead soldiers rather than just being a figurehead. Their integration marks the beginning of Yona's transformation from a naive royal into a capable commander.

Did You Know?

• These troops immediately recognized Princess Yona when she arrived at their camp with the injured Hak, and came forward to help without hesitation.
• They lived in hiding for an extended period, surviving on minimal rations while avoiding detection by the Royal Guard.
• Their loyalty was so strong that they risked execution simply to offer Yona shelter and food.
• Yona's archery training was primarily with Ik-su and later with the Dragon Warriors, not these troops.