Summary
- Hwang Dong-Soo seeks vengeance for his brother’s death at Jin-Woo’s hands, leading to dire consequences.
- Despite his vengeful plans, Dong-Soo is defeated by Jin-Woo and transformed into his loyal servant, known as Greed.
- This defeat serves as a cautionary tale for hunters about the dangers of crossing Jin-Woo and his allies.
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Sung Jin-Woo has gained immense recognition following the dramatic events of the Jeju Island storyline in Solo Leveling. While many celebrate his extraordinary powers, there are those, like the sinister Hwang Dong-Soo, who harbour deadly intentions against him. Hwang has been consumed by a need for revenge ever since Jin-Woo entered his life, prompting a dangerous obsession that he pursues despite knowing the futility of his endeavors.
In the context of the story, confronting Jin-Woo is perhaps one of the gravest mistakes any hunter can make. Those who challenge him risk not only their pride but also their lives. While Jin-Woo may be reluctant to cause harm, the vengeful nature of the system compels him to act against those who threaten his existence, creating a tragic cycle for those unaware of his capabilities and the dire consequences they entail.
Hwang Dong-Soo’s Grudge Against Jin-Woo
The Younger Hwang Takes Matters into His Own Hands
- First Anime Appearance: Episode 7
- First Webtoon Appearance: Chapter 24
- Hunter Rank: S-Rank
- Hunter Guild: Scavenger Guild
Hwang Dong-Soo is notorious for being the S-rank hunter who abandoned his homeland of Korea in favor of the Scavenger Guild in America. He is the younger sibling of Hwang Dong-Suk, a C-rank hunter known for his eclectic team. Their fraught relationship starkly contrasts Dong-Soo’s unyielding desire to seek retribution for his brother’s untimely demise at the hands of Jin-Woo and his ally, Jin-Ho.
“Did I have a bad dream? My eyes are wet.”—Hwang Dong-Soo
The moment Dong-Soo hears about Jin-Woo’s triumphs, he cannot contain his rage. He promptly returns to Korea, eager to confront Jin-Woo, but their anticipated encounter is thwarted when Jin-Woo finds himself embroiled in a fierce battle against ice elves and ice bears in the Red Gate. This unplanned distraction saves Jin-Woo from a confrontation that could have changed everything.
This summary includes spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.
Hwang Dong-Soo’s Revenge Plot
Even Thomas Andre Can’t Stop Him
As tensions mount, Dong-Soo’s resentment toward Jin-Woo escalates further after he suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of Jin-Woo’s father, Sung Il-Hwan. Unyielding in his pursuit, Dong-Soo continues to plot revenge despite stern warnings from Thomas Andre—the most powerful national-level hunter. His determination makes it clear that Dong-Soo is resolutely fixated on making Jin-Woo pay.
“They’re truly brothers bound by blood.”—Woo Jin-Chul to Hwang Brothers
Prior to the fourth raid on Jeju Island, Dong-Soo tries to join the raid party under the pretext of defeating the Ant Queen, but his true intention is revenge against Jin-Woo. However, Thomas Andre and Go Gun-Hee are both perceptive to his hidden agenda and forbid his return to Korea, intensifying Dong-Soo’s frustrations. Regardless, Dong-Soo devises a new plan as he receives news of Jin-Woo’s visit to the United States.
Hwang Dong-Soo Tries Again
During the International Guild Conference in America, the Ahjin guild, led by Jin-Woo and Jin-Ho, unwittingly provides Dong-Soo with the perfect opportunity to enact his revenge. Dismissing Thomas Andre’s warnings, Dong-Soo believes he can draw in Jin-Woo and force Thomas to intervene on his behalf. His arrogance blinds him to the reality of the situation.
In a desperate act, Dong-Soo kidnaps Jin-Ho, intending to extract information about his brother. However, his efforts are futile as Jin-Ho remains steadfast under torture. The long-awaited confrontation occurs when Jin-Woo appears just in time to confront Dong-Soo, leading to an explosive showdown fueled by rage and resolution.
“I knew it. You’re the one who killed my brother, Hwang Dong-Suk. Isn’t that right?”—Dong-Soo to Jin-Woo
Hwang Dong-Soo vs. Sung Jin-Woo
The Obvious Winner
Both S-rank hunters, Hwang Dong-Soo and Jin-Woo face off; however, the disparity in their power levels is monumental. Fans of Solo Leveling have even jestingly dubbed Dong-Soo as the “punching bag of the Sung family,”reflecting his repeated and brutal defeats at the hands of Jin-Woo and his father, Il-Hwan. Ultimately, Dong-Soo’s quest for vengeance leads to catastrophic consequences, resulting in his demise while trying to destroy Jin-Woo.
Yet, Jin-Woo’s actions do not end there. Utilizing Shadow Extraction, he resurrects Dong-Soo, who is transformed into his loyal servant, Greed. This dramatic turn of events serves as a poignant reminder to other hunters of the dire repercussions for daring to oppose the Shadow Monarch and those he cares about.