Solo Leveling stands as a distinguished series in the fantasy genre, particularly praised for its compelling characters striving to conquer formidable challenges. Central to this narrative are the Hunters, particularly those hailing from Korea, who are among the mightiest individuals in the storyline. While the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, takes center stage as a formidable force, there exists a diverse collection of other exceptionally powerful Hunters from the region. Although ranking these individuals based on their strength is a nuanced endeavor, some certainly outshine the rest.
In fact, many of Korea’s most robust Hunters actively contribute to their local guilds, earning reputation and monetary rewards as they protect their homeland. Notably, two of these elite Hunters chose to pursue their paths abroad, each for vastly different reasons. Regardless of their motivations, both stand among the strongest Hunters depicted in the series. Their varied skills ensure a fierce challenge for any adversaries who dare to confront them, reinforcing the notion that their enemies tend to dread the showdown.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Solo Leveling that extend beyond the anime adaptation.
11 Eunseok
Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding This Fallen S-Rank Hunter
Among the S-Rank Hunters featured in Solo Leveling, Eunseok is somewhat of an enigma, primarily appearing in flashbacks throughout the series. Despite his impressive strength, significant details about his capabilities remain elusive due to his untimely demise prior to the main events of the narrative. His death profoundly impacts the Jeju Island Arc, establishing a critical backdrop for the unfolding drama.
While Eunseok’s true power is shrouded in mystery—having perished during the Third Jeju Island Raid—his legacy resonates deeply among fellow Hunters, particularly his close friends, Min Byung-Gyu and Baek Yoonho, who shared in the last moments of his final dungeon raid.
10 Ma Dongwook
Leader of the Renowned Fame Guild
Ma Dongwook stands out as one of the most vibrant characters in the Solo Leveling universe. As the Guild Master of the Fame Guild, he is characterized by his loud demeanor, immense stature, and exceptional capabilities as a Tanker. His remarkable strength was pivotal during the Fourth Jeju Island Raid, where he played an essential role in securing a victory against the Ant Queen.
Despite shares of his prowess, translator Hanekawa suggests that Ma Dongwook might not measure up to the other S-Rank Hunters, especially when comparing sparring results with rivals like Baek Yoonho. Such reflections pose questions about his abilities, including whether he could withstand a serious fight with top-tier adversaries.
9 Lim Tae-Gyu
Leading the Fiend (Reaper) Guild
As a distinctive Ranger-type Hunter, Lim Tae-Gyu brings a unique flair to the battlefield with his remarkable skills using the bow and arrow. As the leader of the Fiend Guild, he showcases his strengths particularly during critical encounters on Jeju Island. His performance illustrates why he’s among Korea’s elite Hunters.
However, despite his talents, Lim Tae-Gyu faces substantial challenges, especially against formidable foes like the Ant King, who ultimately proves too overwhelming for him and his guild.
8 Min Byung-Gyu
A Rare Healer Among S-Rank Hunters
Min Byung-Gyu carries a poignant backstory within the Solo Leveling realm. As one of the few S-Rank healers, he grapples with the heartbreaking loss of his friend Eunseok in the Third Jeju Island Raid. Despite this tragedy, he valiantly continues his path as a Hunter, only to face his own demise against the powerful Ant King.
His exceptional healing magic once saved numerous Hunters from the brink of death, substantiating his significance in battles. However, he also demonstrated exceptional strength in combat, matching that of A-Rank Hunters, contributing to his legacy within the story.
7 Chairman Go Gunhee
A Prominent Figure Struggling with Power Limitations
Once heralded as Korea’s strongest Hunter, Chairman Go Gunhee finds himself constrained by the physical limitations of age. In the initial chaos of awakening powers, he was a formidable force; however, years later, he transitioned into a leadership role to assist and guide other Hunters.
In the climactic moments of the series, Go Gunhee showcases glimpses of his former power while contending against the Monarch of Frost, revealing his enduring strength even as his body falters. His fate ultimately encapsulates the tragic cost of overwhelming power.
6 Choi Jong-In
Championing the Hunters Guild
Choi Jong-In, recognized as the Ultimate Soldier, leads one of the planet’s most formidable guilds, showcasing unparalleled prowess on the battlefield through his mastery of fire magic. While he has attained significant prestige, current developments reveal he may not hold the top rank even in his own guild.
His devastating magic provides a tactical advantage against the Ant invasion; however, Choi Jong-In’s combat limitations in close quarters expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited in fierce encounters.
5 Baek Yoonho
Leader of the Esteemed White Tiger Guild
Baek Yoonho commands significant respect as the Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild, a title reflective of his formidable transformation abilities. When unleashed, his power soars, emasculating most bystanders in confrontation. His character evolves throughout the series, presenting a fascinating arc tied to his interactions with Jinwoo and the sacrifices of his friends.
His transformation scenes not only serve as breathtaking visuals but also reinforce Baek Yoonho as a figure of immense strength and depth, making his role pivotal in the unfolding drama.
4 Hwang Dongsoo
Pursuing Power Across Borders
Unlike his peers still operating in Korea, Hwang Dongsoo sought power enhancement by relocating to America, rebuffing the local Hunter dynamics. After striking a significant deal with the Federal Bureau of Hunters, he worked under Norma Selner, gaining a substantial boost in strength that redefined his standing among his colleagues.
However, his character is marked by a self-serving disposition, leading to anticipation of conflicts when he encounters others like Baek Yoonho, who view him with skepticism despite their similar power levels.
3 Cha Hae-In
A Rising Star in Competition
Cha Hae-In shines as one of the most dynamic S-Rank Hunters, adeptly employing her combat style inspired by dance. Her remarkable agility allows her to contest with top Japanese Hunters, providing a thrilling viewing experience in battle sequences. The tension heightens, however, when circumstances push Jinwoo to intervene during a critical moment against Atsushi Kumamoto.
Notably, her prowess becomes indisputable during the Jeju Island Raid, where she confronts the Ant Queen, embodying the distinction that sets her apart from her contemporaries.
2 Sung Il-Hwan
Second Strongest Character in Solo Leveling
Sung Il-Hwan, a character steeped in mystery, emerges as the father of the protagonist, Jinwoo, and gradually reveals himself to be a powerhouse within the series. His strength becomes apparent when he protects his family against adversaries like Hwang Dongsoo, demonstrating the force he commands.
Il-Hwan, akin to Go Gunhee, embodies the attributes of a Ruler’s vessel but suffers from constraints that prevent him from utilizing his full potential. As he faces multiple Monarchs to safeguard his son, it becomes evident that Sung Il-Hwan is a force to be reckoned with.
1 Sung Jinwoo
The Apex Hunter in Solo Leveling
Sung Jinwoo transcends the realm of Hunters, asserting himself as the unparalleled leader in Solo Leveling’s narrative. Debates swirl regarding his comparability to the Absolute Being, but his dominance as a Hunter is unquestionable. As the Second Shadow Monarch, he commands legions of Shadows, many of whom also rank high within the story.
Jinwoo’s evolution from the “Weakest Hunter of all Mankind”to an overpowered figure capable of rivaling even the strongest foes highlights the remarkable trajectory of his character growth.