The phenomenon of Solo Leveling has captured global attention, especially with the highly anticipated second season of the anime. The spotlight was on the Jeju Island Arc, bringing to life one of Jinwoo’s most exhilarating battles in spectacular detail. Additionally, the animation studio made commendable efforts to expand on the supporting characters, enhancing the overall coherence and depth of the series.
Among the characters presented in this season, the focus has shifted to Go Gunhee, the esteemed Chairman of the Hunters Association. Throughout the storyline, Jinwoo noted Go’s intimidating presence, which hinted at hidden strength behind his amiable demeanor. This has sparked discussions about the intriguing question: “What if Jinwoo were to turn Gunhee into a Shadow Soldier?”
Simply put, while Gunhee would possess noteworthy power as a Shadow Soldier, it wouldn’t compare to the full extent of his abilities when he was alive and at his peak.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa and represents the author’s perspective.
Exploring Go Gunhee’s Potential as a Shadow Soldier
Despite what some fans might believe, Go Gunhee’s existence as a Shadow Soldier wouldn’t embody the overwhelming strength many anticipate. The rationale is sound: although Chairman Go is recognized as one of the world’s strongest Hunters, the limitations imposed by age hindered him from fully realizing his potential.
In the Solo Leveling manhwa, it’s established that Go Gunhee served as a vessel for a Ruler. However, due to the toll of aging, he was unable to harness that formidable power for prolonged combat. While he remained an S-Rank Hunter and among Korea’s elite, these factors undoubtedly made him substantially weaker compared to other vessels of Rulers.
Addressing the core of the argument, the dynamics of being a vessel ultimately mean that Go Gunhee would lack strength if he were to be resurrected as a Shadow Soldier. When vessels perish, they forfeit the powers granted to them by the Rulers, reverting to their inherent strength level—whatever that may be. Thus, if resurrected, Gunhee’s Shadow form would certainly be strong but would not reflect his true potential.

This concept also relates to why Jinwoo is unable to use Shadow Extraction on Monarchs or Rulers; their very essence comprises Mana. Upon their death, this Mana dissipates, making resurrection or extraction impossible.
Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that Jinwoo never attempted Shadow Extraction on Gunhee. Despite Gunhee’s valiant engagement against the Frost Monarch, Sillad, he incurred significant injuries and ultimately declined Jinwoo’s offer of the Holy Water of Life for healing, leading to his demise.
However, one can speculate that had Jinwoo opted for Shadow Extraction, the outcome might have paralleled what transpired with Kim Chul. Just as Kim Chul returned as Iron, Gunhee could have emerged as a formidable shadow, likely surpassing Iron’s power given his status as an S-Rank Hunter compared to Kim Chul’s A-Rank. While this scenario is compelling, one must recognize that Jinwoo likely refrained from exercising this option out of respect for Gunhee’s legacy.
Concluding Insights

In summary, the concept of Go Gunhee becoming a Shadow Soldier is fascinating; however, it is essential to recognize that his potential would not align with fans’ expectations. His prowess as a Hunter was inherently linked to his role as a vessel for a Ruler, a capacity that vanished upon his passing. This is consistent with the established lore of Solo Leveling, where beings of Mana, such as Monarchs and Rulers, cannot return as Shadow Soldiers.
Moreover, Jinwoo’s decision not to attempt Shadow Extraction on Gunhee likely stemmed from deep respect for him and the nature of his powers. If brought back, Gunhee would likely rank among the mightiest of Jinwoo’s Shadow Soldiers, yet he would still fall short of the extraordinary strength he could have exhibited if not limited by age. Ultimately, the enduring legacy of Gunhee significantly influenced Jinwoo, overshadowing the hypothetical scenario of him becoming a Shadow Soldier.