Kahn Family

[Lena]

The Ahn family were South Korean purebloods with a long history and many secrets. The last of their magical Ahn line is the Grandmother, referred to only as such -- as if her family title is also her name. Following an incident and attack on their home in South Korea, Grandmother disowned her three sons -- freeing them (and their children) to begin anew in the UK, and adopt the surname "Kahn".

The eldest brother, Hyo, new head of the Kahn family, is still regarded as one of the best Curse-Breakers the Academy has ever produced -- however, in South Korea he is considered disgraced and no longer worthy of any such titles. The details behind this remain a secret he keeps, even from his brothers.

Those outside South Korea are more forgiving, perhaps from only getting the footnotes version of what happened. Hyo Kahn is a name synonymous with Curse-Breaking, having long established himself as possessing skills beyond natural talent. Although technically off-duty and (supposedly) not working in the field as much anymore, Hyo remains freelance and will often help or teach in times of need.

The middle brother, Hwan, is a Hunter who operates on a global scale. As with all South Korean Hunters, he was also trained with traditional swords to some degree -- though the Kahn family have personally mastered it, and Korean Archery. Since relocation, he's being actively recruited by the British Ministry for Magic, and often does odd jobs for them as means of gaining reputation.

Nam is the youngest brother, and a new scholar at the Academy. To many, he appears aimless in his aspirations yet mysterious in the extent of his skills. With such formidable brothers who fulfilled their duties from a young age, Nam was afforded the luxury of free choice and the opportunity to simply wander. A matter his brothers regard negatively, as his aimless nature does not assist their family.

However impressive their skills and high achievements, the brothers (and their children) are prone to being dramatic, sometimes sulky, and may overreact outside of serious or dire situations. When focused, they are fiercely capable -- but when bored, tired, or in a safe setting, then they are just as uncoordinated, playful, or at times a bit dense as anyone else.

The Kahn children still consider South Korea their home, though have adapted to their UK home and Western way of life. Having been tutored (never attended Muggle school) from a young age, they were able to blend in the best they could. Their English is as good as their British peers, and they have found Hogwarts to be a wonderful place.

Raised well by their family, the children are exceptionally well-mannered -- and are generally just good kids. And yet, for as adaptable as they are, they're also torn between two different worlds. Hogwarts was their saving grace -- allowing them to begin healing from the past, while also being a neutral place to merge their South Korean and British lives.

However, they never let their South Korean side be outweighed -- still speaking Korean at home, and always having some key ingredients in their Hogwarts meals; kimchi, rice, bean sprouts, and sesame oil -- for that taste of home. They've found balance at Hogwarts, though still bow as show of respect or have to remind themselves to keep their shoes (not slippers) on indoors. 

Their kind and polite natures can, at times, be deceptive. The Kahn children are considerate and always strive to be the best version of themselves, but they are not naïve or as innocent as they may appear. They were brought up aware of the darker side of life -- the adults never sheltered them from that, as to ensure they understood that magic is merely power; the true purpose of magic comes from those who wield it. 

Since their birth, Hyo has always instilled the most important lesson a Kahn could ever learn: to always be prepared -- for if one is prepared to face something, then they need not fear it. Being prepared does not guarantee an outcome, but speaks to one's capability in facing the challenge or threat.

A Kahn's life is rarely peaceful. It's wrought with danger and unpredictability. This means they're always training. Despite a nearly non-existent exposure to the Muggle world, the Kahn children have learned hand-to-hand combat -- including the basics of Korean Archery, fencing, and are excellent swimmers.

On the surface, they appear capable -- but their skills were born out of necessity and the dominance of an overbearing Grandmother. A secret the four kids share only with each other is the wonder of Hogwarts -- allowing them a safe place to explore personal interests and their magical education in a more adventurous or playful way. Hogwarts is their gift for having survived a harsh beginning.

While the children get along reasonably enough, the three brothers are constantly at odds or in disagreement of how to handle things. Hyo and Hwan regularly debate, and even fight, with each other -- but as unpleasant as it is, the children know they'd never truly hate each other or leave.

They too are adapting -- their discord stems from a brutal and controlled childhood, of which Grandmother did not allow her sons to bond or find common interests.

No matter what life throws at them, the Kahn children know one thing for certain: they are loved by their father, mother, and uncles. Their shared experience has brought them closer, though Insu struggles to find his place among them -- as he was kept on the outside during their time in South Korea.

Their family ties are the strongest and most important connection they have -- which must be protected, nourished, and allowed to endure. The children are the new roots of the Kahn family, having broken away from Grandmother's hold over them. And yet she remains a fixture in their lives during visits to South Korea, where they must remain strong in her presence as to withstand it.

They are all too aware of how fragile life can be -- having witnessed death from a young age (thus can all see Thestrals and know about them), and with the reality of the dangerous paths their family remain on.

The future of the Kahn bloodline comes down to these four children. Starting anew, it will be them who determines its fate -- and what kind of an impact they will have on the world for generations to come. 

Family Backstory

Although the Ahn clan are well-recorded in history, there remains no trace of the magical branch in Muggle texts or records. Through magical historical texts it is confirmed that, in the earliest days, there was an illegitimate daughter who gave birth to a magical son.

She adored her son's magic; believed it to be a beautiful gift bestowed upon their family. Yet their Muggle neighbours and family members did not agree -- growing fearful, and shunning her for birthing such wickedness. As fear turned to violence, she fled with her young son.

With no supplies or safe destination, things were dire. As legend says, the mother and child collapsed by a river -- to be found by a Dragon who sensed their pain, and led them to safety. According to old diaries believed to be hers, they were saved by magic and given a place to thrive. Over time there, the magical branch of the Ahn family grew -- and were, just as their Muggle counterparts, remembered as those of high power and noble status.

Yonghanul, located in North Gyeongsang, remains a place that honours their rich history with Dragons. There were four Dragons who inhabited that land, and bestowed unique magical gifts on those with the most potential. Each generation of the main families, which includes the Ahns, a child was born with an affinity for one of the Dragon's main magics.

The dragons of the River, Forest, Flame, and Light were said to have left behind those magics as to foretell a path one might take if they maximised their potential -- though many believed that affinity also granted special powers, despite no evidence of such.

Yet in time, the meaning and lessons behind them morphed into superstitions. Such as an omen that a child born of Flame had the most potential to be destructive, like Grandmother was.

Much of it remains a mystery, but Hyo (with his affinity for River) always impressed on the Kahn children that it does not grant them anything special -- it's merely a part of them and their magic. Hwan, with his affinity for Light, puts far less stock in the legend -- whereas Nam, with his affinity for Flame, and an exceptional ability to conjure fire with his hands, believes there must be a purpose behind them.

Yonghanul (meaning "dragon by a starry sea") is a seaside village in the shadow of a mountain, with lush forests and a rich history. It is one of the three most famous all-magical villages in the Wizarding World -- ranked with Hogsmeade in Scotland, and Flortelara in Italy. It is where the Kahn children spent their earliest years, in a large Hanok (traditional Korean) house.

Each brother had their own section, allowing them to keep peace from each other. Unlike their own children, the brothers' childhoods were lonely and harsh -- under strict training and immense pressure. Their mother's sole goal is to maintain absolute power. Although she claimed to raise them as the future of the Ahn bloodline, they never had the impression that she'd ever step down and relinquish such status or wealth, even to them.

Their father died of mysterious circumstances shortly after Nam was born, though they'd barely gotten to know him anyway. Others around their family also suffered ill fates, should they ever oppose Grandmother or threaten her position in their community. To others, she was a respectable leader, but her sons and those who worked with her knew her to be a deadly force if crossed. 

As such, the Ahn wealth, not only in literal riches but also in their deep inner knowledge of magic and everything that goes on, was known to tempt the more daring and nefarious folk. Grandmother had many spies and informants -- making her well-informed of any threats to their family, while also restricting those her sons could trust in their desire to escape such a life.

When Hyo came of age at 19, he was reluctant to begin his studies at the Academy -- thus leaving his brother behind under the rule of their mother. In the end, he went. A few years later, Hwan did the same. Then after graduation, their work allowed them time away from home. Consequently, Nam mostly grew up without them. 

Hyo and Hwan chose their careers from a young age, as Grandmother required them to have a certain skillset. The daily tutoring and training of their youth was also an outlet, which they now believe helped keep them focused -- despite fear of their mother, and the things they had witnessed.

While at the Academy, training to be a Hunter, Hwan befriended another scholar from South Korea -- Nari. Just as her name meant lily flower, so did she love flowers -- and Hwan often collected them for her in his travels. When he graduated top of his class, he and Nari remained close; she even moved to Yonghanul to keep him company.

One story the Kahn children knew so well was the love story between Hyo and a Hunter named Soonbok. They were young and new to their careers, yet no one else was able to keep up with them. They challenged each other, and became very close.

Confessing their love, the pair began sneaking off to see each other at every opportunity. Then one night, meeting by the river where they met, Soonbok broke down in tears -- revealing the truth of their meeting; that her parents (residing in a village not far from Yonghanul) considered Grandmother and the Ahn family a threat.

Her parents forced her to spy on them, and uncover their weaknesses. She was supposed to infiltrate and dismantle the Ahn family, by any means necessary. And instead, she'd fallen in love with Hyo. She begged him to forgive her, but Hyo did not waver. He knew all along that she was a spy -- as the only daughter of a powerful family, who Grandmother also planned to remove as a threat.

But he didn't care, because he'd fallen for her too. To buy time, Hyo and Soonbok married -- forcing their families to regroup. Knowing that eventually Soonbok would be ordered to kill Hyo and his brothers, it was the first time that the Ahn brothers came together to plan for their freedom. 

Yet the orders never came.

Nari and Hwan accidentally became young parents to a baby boy, of which Grandmother was not pleased. Yet it solidified her title as Grandmother, and she enjoyed boasting of this. Hwan was most reluctant at first, but Insu was his and Nari's little miracle. His son became his compass.

Soonbok and Hyo also welcomed their first child -- a daughter who was their shining light during dark times, and soon followed by two boys. Yet never did they rest; the Ahn brothers, and in time their children too, knew that one day they would have to flee.

The children were tutored under kinder conditions; Hwan and Hyo refused to let them grow up as they did. Grandmother became increasingly annoyed, but allowed it under the condition that they continued to work for her.

It was when Dakho turned two that Hwan came up with a plan that would seal their fate. During this time, Hyo also faced his own troubles as a Curse-Breaker -- his freelancing becoming ever-branching, and his morals were being tested as he was sent on on stranger and more extreme jobs. To protect their family, Soonbok risked her life to confess to Grandmother of her parents' plans. For that, she and Hyo suffered greatly at her hand and magic. 

By the time Insu and Dalmi were nine (Siwoo, seven / Dakho, five), they were prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Their childhoods were always tense and dangerous, with a few attempts on their lives by various enemies -- like the time Dakho was poisoned and the other kids had to make him spit out his food, or when Siwoo was snatched from his bed and Insu happened to be restlessly awake so sent for help. 

Then it finally happened; the incident. They don't really know what was the final straw, only that something happened with Hyo refusing a certain job, and the violent revenge that followed. Hyo stood by his morals, backed up by his brothers, and all hell broke loose.

Late at night, their home was attacked by raiders. It happened so fast, but Insu recalled being yanked from his bed by his mother, who led him outside while his father fought off raiders with impressive skill -- combining a sword and wand. 

Everything was in flames and destroyed. Nam had woken Dalmi and Siwoo, tasking them with looking after Dakho while fleeing. Hyo and Soonbok were at the front lines, keeping the worst of the raiders out.

The children remembered everything on fire -- the shouting, and the fighting. Most of it was a blur now. Nari and Insu were separated from the group by part of the house crashing onto their path. Faced with raiders, Nari died while protecting her son. Insu was able to escape on his own by sheer luck shortly after. He just ran and hid, until his father found him.

The fighting ended at dawn. They'd hidden in the forest, where the family gradually regrouped. Nothing else made sense -- not even Grandmother's plan to resolve what happened, by publically disowning her sons later that morning. It allowed them their freedom to leave and start over. She told the children she was still their Grandmother, but the family were on their own now.

Hyo and Hwan suspected she had a part to play that night, which was not to be trusted. And that her disowning of them was not a way to spare them, but because Grandmother had no desire of giving up her power and status.

But their freedom from her came at a cost. Grandmother's distrust in Soonbok made her insist she remain to work for her and prove herself. Hyo refused, not even trusting that was all there was to it, but Soonbok convinced him.

They moved to the UK that day, left the pick up the pieces. Though out from under a dangerous shadow, the cost of it was almost worse. Following the loss of Nari, Soonbok's absence was also felt deeply -- yet Hyo held onto hope that a solution would be found.

The eldest children started Hogwarts, which was another huge adjustment. The Kahn family settled into their new home that didn't quite feel like home. Soonbok was in touch as much as she could, and they still saw her or Grandmother on visits to South Korea. Siwoo secretly suspects his parents still find ways to sneak off and see each other, like they used to.

Whatever happened that night might be resolved, but it wasn't the only shadow in their lives. The Kahns knew deep down that their fight was far from over. In some ways, it was only just beginning.

Extra Notes

They are aware and mindful of personal space, especially as their upbringing taught a healthy wariness of strangers. Yet for friends and family, they have close physical contact (gender isn't relevant) -- holding hands, hugging, and even snuggling with them.

It's also a way the children bond; a safety net in knowing they're okay. Insu was deprived of this before leaving South Korea, but finds it healing now -- and they remind themselves to include him too.

When moving to Pinedew Hollow, they lived in a magical tent while the brothers built their cottage themselves. It's mostly a modern style, as one might expect for an all-magical family, though they maintain some Korean touches -- such as all traditional sliding doors, and their main meal table being low, for cushions instead of chairs. Despite familiar comforts, the children adore the huge and cozy new sofa that easily fits ten people.

Everyone lives together in the cottage, with the brothers having their own room -- although Nam's room is rarely touched, as he is away at the Academy most of the time and has accommodation there. Insu and Siwoo share a room, while Dalmi and Dakho share.

Hwan works a lot; he might leave at a moment's notice, but makes an effort to treasure the brief times he's there for Insu. Everyone believes Hwan needs to make more time for his son, and feel sorry for Insu always missing his father.

However, Hwan and Insu share a special bond that doesn't always need words or reassurance; Insu knows his father loves him and will be there for the times that matter most. They are somewhat the outsiders of the family -- Hwan, with his different view on things compared to his brothers, and Insu for having not really been around his cousins until the move.

Hyo is a bit of a mystery, as he seems to always be home and taking care of the children -- and yet also works a lot, and has many things to handle. He and Hwan have high expectations for the children, particularly with their magical education and grades -- but Hyo's methods are preferred, as he also praises and rewards them. Hwan's personality comes across as colder or less concerned, which can be frustrating to young children.

Hwan and Hyo have two sides. At home, they are relaxed and playful (when not arguing with each other or having a rough day) -- but when working, they become intimidating and fierce, even to their own children. Nam is the "cool Uncle" who sometimes comes across as an older brother, especially as his age is that much closer to theirs. He's always dressed in black, and can be a bad influence on Dalmi and Dakho when it comes to mischief.

At Hogwarts, the children check on each other from time to time -- and at least have Breakfast together most days. When the Minister of Education came to visit in RPG2, and announced the new Clubs, the Kahn children immediately received an owl from Hwan stating they had to join the Archery Club as soon as possible.

They're expected to keep their Duelling skills sharp, and must take an elective class. While they may be allowed a small pet, Quidditch is a no... or so they say. Special circumstances may sway this possibility, particularly with Insu and Dakho. None of the Kahns have an interest in Quidditch itself, nor follow any teams, but do occasionally play in the backyard as a fun hobby or because it's a sport.

Exams and studying are a serious matter, as getting into the Academy is not optional. This is normal to them; raised with good study habits, and that their magical education is not to be taken lightly -- regardless of how they may feel about it, or the pressure it adds for them to do well. 

No matter the constant reminders of how dangerous the world can be, the Kahn children feel completely safe at home; especially with their father or uncle around. There is a degree of hero worship since the incident and having seen them in action, but also as Hyo constantly reminds them that being prepared for bad times is the best way to not fear it.

With how they were raised, the Kahn children are also very emotive and expressive. They cry openly, and often get over-excited about interests they enjoy or exciting achievements. They are good kids with a dark past, yet have an awareness beyond their years that not everything is as it seems nor is safe. It's all about balance. And despite everything, they are quite flawed -- an extraordinary upbringing, yet with ordinary kids.

Insu Kahn
Gender: Male
Dragon affinity: Flame
Year at Hogwarts: 4th

 ID: Dalmi
Gender: Female
Dragon affinity: Light
Year at Hogwarts: 4th

• Conscious of good habits and well-being; nothing extreme, just always something healthy on her plate (and her brothers' or cousin's plates). Bit of an early bird / tries not to stay up too late. Attentive to weather hazards, etc. She always carries supplies or tools, just in case; be prepared, her dad said.
  
  
• A bit bossy, though with good intentions. Terrible at "reading the room" for people she isn't close to. Can come across as loud or annoying, as she often oversteps in her eagerness to be included or do well. Is easily discouraged when things go badly.

Siwoo Kahn
Gender: Male
Dragon affinity: River
Year at Hogwarts: 2nd

Dakho Kahn
Gender: Male
Dragon affinity: Forest
Year at Hogwarts: N/A -- 10 years old. Starts Hogwarts in RPG3. Claimed prior to summer, there's an opportunity to RP that unique pre-Hogwarts experience of his first wand, train ride, Sorting in present time etc.

Culture & Language

Although the Kahn children adapted to their British home, and have a reasonable grasp on the new culture, they still consider themselves Korean; it's a core part of their identity -- and how they are at home or when visiting South Korea / interacting with Koreans.

Therefore, at least a general understanding of Korean honorifics and etiquette are recommended for playing this Bloodline -- not for being required to use them in any strict sense, but to keep in mind subtle habits or ways in which they show their politeness / respect to others.

This includes to being respectful and formal with those older than them, whereas informal with those younger or the same age. Although more restrained, their bowing in greeting / farewell or to show respect is just too ingrained and feels wrong or rude not to do.

They also prefer to write in Hangul (written Korean) as opposed to English for letters, journals, or hasty notes -- but have to use English for schoolwork, as 11 year old Insu and Dalmi quickly informed their younger siblings, after a few spell mishaps proved their preference impractical.

While they've adapted terms like Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt etc -- the children always refer to their Dad as Appa and Mum as Omma, as to not switch between Korean and English. They will switch when being more formal, but generally use Appa and Omma as it is what they're used to and feel most comfortable with. Some things they simply don't want to change or lose.

They've also learned to call their classmates by their full names, but will generally avoid this with people wherever possible -- preferring to use titles such as Professor or Prefect etc, as it feels rude otherwise. Only close friends (and each other) are referred by their first name.

First language: Korean

Second language: English (fluent)

Others: Gobbledegook (basic)

Notes

Given their unique background and historical relevance, these characters have a preset name to be used -- please be willing to keep it. 

Their Korean names are used at home and in South Korea, which means surname comes first: Kahn Dal-mi. Moving to the UK, they adapted their names to Western style thus now legally "Dalmi Kahn". Please note that, as with everywhere on HAU, Korean names are written without dashes on profiles as per our naming format rules... but writing Korean names in RP or ooc are purely a matter of preference; Dalmi, Dal-mi, and Dal mi are all correct. 

Kahn family names are all listed here for reference. Korean names (usually two or three syllables) are chosen based on their culture and tradition; the process can be quite significant and meaningful. Syllables can have differing meanings depending how they're written in Hangul, and which the parents choose.

Certain combinations also have a chosen overall meaning. Such as Dak for powerful and Ho for dragon, but the name Dak-ho can mean a deep lake. Dalmi has no overall meaning, yet her parents may say her name means beautiful moonlight. Korean naming practices may be complex -- you don't need to understand it that deeply; this info is just to explain why it's written the way it is below.

When generally introducing themselves, the Kahn children will just say their name. When introducing themselves in Korean or to other Koreans / those with Korean knowledge, they'll likely include the syllable meanings, as Hyo and Hwan taught them.

Example: "Hi, I'm Dalmi. Dal as in moon. Mi as in beauty." 

Grandmother is referred as title by everyone (or Mother, by her sons), as if it's her name. The children have no idea what her real name is.

Eldest brother -- Hyo -- familial duty
Middle brother -- Hwan (bright)
Youngest brother -- Nam (South)
Wife of Hyo -- Soon-bok (gentle) (blessing) -- means one with a gentle soul.
In-Su's mother -- Nari (lily flower)

--

Cousin -- In-su (kind-hearted) (to protect) -- means preserving wisdom
Daughter -- Dal-mi (moon) (beauty)
First son -- Si-woo (begin) (rain)
Youngest son -- Dak-ho (powerful) (dragon) -- means deep lake

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