This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.
It’s not difficult to acknowledge Sung Jin-Woo as the strongest hunter in Solo Leveling. With his powers as the Shadow Monarch, his dominance is unquestionable, making it easy to put him at the top of the rankings. No hunter comes close to Jin-Woo in all respects, whether in versatility, speed, tactical intelligence, or destructive capability.
While Solo Leveling has long-established that Jin-Woo is the strongest hunter, the title of second strongest remains up for debate. However, once Solo Leveling Season 3 premieres and covers the most exciting story arcs from the manhwa, the second strongest hunter after Jin-Woo may finally be revealed.
Sung Jin-Woo’s Powers Make Him the Strongest Hunter
Jin-Woo Stands Above All Hunters
- Sung Jin-Woo is on his way to becoming the strongest being.
- Sung Jin-Woo's Shadow Monarch powers are unmatched.
Sung Jin-Woo isn’t at his best form yet, but he already stands as the strongest hunter in Korea following his phenomenal display of power in the fourth Jeju Ant raid. Clearing the S-level dungeon break by himself is already proof that his strength far surpasses that of any other active Korean hunter. It’s not even an exaggeration to consider Jin-Woo as a national-level hunter at this point, knowing he cleared Jeju Island.
Moreover, Jin-Woo has just reached level 100 and has acquired a general-grade shadow, making him an absolute force of nature. He is quickly gaining power, and there’s no stopping him from becoming the strongest in the world. It’s his destiny to become a godlike being whose strength transcends that of ordinary hunters. If no one stops him from continuing his rapid rise to power, he could soon change the course of the world.
Being the Shadow Monarch has given Jin-Woo exceptional abilities, which could come off as unfair to other hunters, as his powers far exceed anything seen in the world. From summoning an army of formidable shadows to enhancing his own strength, speed, and durability, Jin-Woo operates on a level that makes ordinary hunters or even S-rank and national-level hunters seem almost powerless in comparison.
Sung Il-Hwan Is the Second Strongest Hunter After Jin-Woo
Sung Il-Hwan Fights Monarchs
While Sung Jin-Woo is set to be the strongest hunter in the world, the second spot belongs to his father, Sung Il-Hwan. For more context, Sung Il-Hwan was a former firefighter who awakened as one of the strongest hunters in Korea, even though his rank remains unclear to this day. Baek Yoon-Ho of the White Tiger Guild looks up to him, while Hwang Dong-Soo of the Scavengers Guild detests him.
The title of the second strongest hunter in Solo Leveling has been awarded by fans to either Sung Il-Hwan or Thomas Andre. In this article, however, the title belongs to Sung Il-Hwan, considering his remarkable feats in the upcoming story arcs. While he destroyed Dong-Soo in the blink of an eye in the past, he is set to show off even greater power in Solo Leveling Season 3.
You will never rest in peace, even in death.—Sung Il-Hwan
Unlike other hunters who can only fight magical beasts and still lose, Sung Il-Hwan can fight two powerful Monarchs at the same time. Most surprisingly, he is more than determined to take them down, intentionally drawing them into an intense battle where he confidently controls the pace of the fight. By leaving traces of his power, he basically mocks his opponents just to protect his son.
Sung Il-Hwan Is Crucial to Jin-Woo's Full Awakening
Sung Il-Hwan Is Jin-Woo's Protector
Sung Jin-Woo has been through a lot since Sung Il-Hwan disappeared. He went through so many life-or-death situations, but he remains alive and kicking even to this day. This may seem like he doesn’t need Sung Il-Hwan back, but in reality, having his father by his side would give him a better tactical advantage against stronger opponents. With his father’s combat experience and knowledge of higher beings, he is the best person who could help Jin-Woo in the most dangerous battles.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Sung Il-Hwan has a crucial role to play in Jin-Woo's full awakening as the Shadow Monarch in Solo Leveling Season 3 or later installments. As the strongest hunter’s father, it’s his responsibility to help and protect Jin-Woo from overwhelming threats and ensure that his awakening proceeds smoothly. For now, fans have all the reasons to anticipate Sung Il-Hwan's return, as his presence in Solo Leveling Season 3 could dramatically help Jin-Woo.
- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
- Tatsuya Sasaki, Toru Hamasaki
- Writers
- Shigeru Murakoshi, Shingo Irie, Fuka Ishii








Cast
-
Taito BanSung Jin-woo -
Genta NakamuraYoo Jin-ho
A-1 Pictures' Solo Leveling is an anime based on Chugong's popular web novel. Set in an unforgiving fantasy world where hunters explore dungeons filled with monsters, the vulnerable Sung Jinwoo gains a significant power boost after he is picked to be a solo player by the System.
- Creator(s)
- Chugong
- Number of Episodes
- 25
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.28 (Season 1); 8.86 (Season 2)
- Where To Watch
- Crunchyroll