8 Deaths in Solo Leveling That No One Saw Coming

This article contains major spoilers from the Solo Leveling anime and manhwa.

In the popular series Solo Leveling, deaths occur quite frequently and can often catch readers off guard due to their unpredictable nature. Unlike our protagonist Sung Jin-Woo who manages to survive his encounter with the colossal statues at the Cartenon Temple, other characters from Solo Leveling, particularly those involved in the hunter industry, find themselves confronted with premature fatalities in the afterlife and have no choice but to accept their untimely end.

In the thrilling world of ‘Solo Leveling’, absolutely nobody is invincible, including our protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo. Even the least powerful hunters tread a precarious path towards death, while the mightiest characters can fall just as unexpectedly as a sudden flash of light. So, let’s delve into some of the most startling and unforeseen deaths in ‘Solo Leveling’.

Goo Jun-Tae

Jin-Woo’s First Human Kill

Anime Appearance: Episode 5

Goo Jun-Tae is one of the characters known as the Lizards who picks trouble with Sung Jin-Woo and Yoo Jin-Ho during early dungeon missions in the TV series Solo Leveling. He doesn’t stand out in any way, but his behavior is downright unpleasant. Working alongside Hwang Dong-Suk, a D-rank hunter, and six other low-level comrades, Goo Jun-Tae joins in on the questionable dungeon expeditions.

Regrettably, Goo Jun-Tae met his end at the hands of Sung Jin-Woo. This tragic outcome was likely a result of Jun-Tae’s overconfidence and lack of prudence. With a casual motion, Jin-Woo used his dagger to inflict a deep wound on Jun-Tae’s neck, an action that seemed almost routine. The lesson here is clear: never underestimate someone like Sung Jin-Woo. His swift and decisive actions serve as a grim reminder of the consequences when overconfidence cloudes judgment.

Hwang Dong-Suk

Executed by Jin-Woo

Anime Appearance: Episode 5

The greatest regret of Hwang Dong-Suk’s life was inviting Jin-Woo to join him on a dungeon expedition. Rather than viewing Jin-Woo as an ally, he instead plotted to trap both Jin-Woo and Yoo Jin-Ho. Unfortunately for him, he met his end while fighting Jin-Woo, leaving Jin-Woo unscathed. His recklessness and overconfidence ultimately led to his downfall, much like Goo Jun-Tae.

Hwang Dong-Suk, not to be confused with the high-ranking S-class hunter Hwang Dong-Soo, is a C-rank hunter – a significant step below his powerful older sibling. Being a tank-type hunter, he often relies on the strength of his allies to defeat magical beasts. However, this gap in abilities has pushed him into a state of frustration, fueling an obsessive desire to surpass his brother in unconventional ways and validate his own self-worth.

Kim Chul

Impaled by Igris

Anime Appearance: Episode 13

Prior to his demise, Kim Chul was on the brink of becoming a major figure in the White Tiger Guild. He held an A-rank status as a hunter and boasted respectable fighting skills. Moreover, he had the admiration of the guild’s head, Baek Yoon-Ho. During the Red Gate Arc, Kim Chul bravely opted to confront the dungeon boss, fully aware of the risks involved. However, he demonstrated a selective leadership style, turning down offers for assistance from less capable hunters.

It’s clear that Kim Chul’s plan did not succeed as intended. His effort to eliminate both the dungeon boss and Sung Jin-Woo backfired dramatically. To make matters worse, he was defeated by Jin-Woo’s elite shadow soldier, Igris, ultimately forfeiting his life. In an instant, Jin-Woo summoned his shadow as if it were a slain mystical creature, thereby enslaving it to serve him.

Kang Tae Shik

Defeated by Jin-Woo

Solo Leveling Animation Partners

Anime Appearance: Episode 3

Kang Tae-Shik stands out among Solo Leveling’s hunters as one of the most relentless and merciless. Serving under the Korean Hunters Association at the rank of B, it’s not the honor or power associated with his position that drives him, but a dark inclination – he enjoys slaughtering fellow hunters, particularly those dubbed “rehabilitators” who are criminal in nature. On the battlefield, he is a formidable foe, making victory over him a challenging endeavor due to his exceptional combat skills.

Kang Tae-Shik isn’t even close to Jin-Woo’s level of power. In contrast, Jin-Woo keeps getting stronger as he battles, while Kang Tae-Shik remains at his current strength. If only he could experience a second awakening, he might have become a more formidable hunter. The fight between them is particularly notable in Solo Leveling, occurring before the shadow soldiers make their appearance.

Akari Shimizu

Decapitated by Ant King

Solo Leveling Animation Partners

Anime Appearance: Episode 21

To this day, followers of Solo Leveling still mourn the untimely demise of Akari Shimizu. Her death was shockingly sudden, occurring when the Ant King beheaded her almost instantly. One instant she was engaged in conversation with another hunter, and the next, her headless body fell to the ground. Tragically, she didn’t have a chance to finish speaking her final words in the series.

Even though tragedy struck with the premature passing of Akari Shimizu, she is still one of Japan’s elite S-rank hunters, tasked with liberating ant-overrun Jeju Island. As a high-level healer, her magical healing powers are believed to be superior, although her specific abilities in the series have not been showcased extensively enough.

Goto Ryuji

Beheaded by Ant King

Anime Appearance: Episode 20

Ryuji from Solo Leveling is often disliked by fans, not just due to his unpleasant demeanor, but also because of his underwhelming showings against the Ant King during the Jeju Island Arc.

Ryuji in Solo Leveling is frequently criticized, as much for his abrasive character as for his lackluster battle against the Ant King in the Jeju Island storyline.

In a world where I’m renowned as the mightiest hunter Japan has ever seen, my final moments were a bittersweet blend of insignificance and fulfillment. Alas, even the indomitable spirit within me could not muster a feeble resistance against fate. My overconfidence and pride, my constant companions, ultimately led to my tragic undoing.

Yet, let it be known that my title as Japan’s strongest hunter stands tall, a testament to the strength I once wielded. Ah, but the Ant King, in his infinite wisdom, seems disinterested in engaging with the self-proclaimed human king. A pity, really.

Min Byung-Gu

Devoured by Ant King

Anime Appearance: Episode 1

I must say, Min Byung-Gu truly shone as the MVP on Jeju Island Arc. As a top-tier S-rank healer, his ability to support allies in the heat of battle was nothing short of extraordinary. In fact, it’s safe to assume that our team of Korean S-rank hunters might not have made it past the Ant King had it not been for Byung-Gu’s skills. It wasn’t until Jin-Woo ventured into the Ant Queen’s lair that we could breathe a sigh of relief, thanks to his timely intervention.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Min Byung-Gu met an unfortunate demise at the Ant King’s hands. His head was consumed, and his powers were seized. This loss deeply affected numerous fans who had hoped for his survival. Regardless, even in death, Min Byung-Gu remained true to his commitment to his teammates. He tended to Cha Hae-In’s wounds and entrusted a message to be delivered to Jin-Woo. In the end, Jin-Woo momentarily summoned his shadow but ultimately set him free as a gesture of respect and honor towards Min Byung-Gu.

Go Gun-Hee

Killed by Frost Monarch Sillad

Anime Appearance: Episode 1

Go Gun-Hee is an extraordinary individual, displaying immense power at his peak. His nickname, S-Rank Among the S-Ranks, underscores his exceptional hunting skills and destructive prowess that set him apart from most hunters during his era. Additionally, he possesses a unique ability as one of the vessels of the Rulers, granting him strength far surpassing human norms.

If only Go Gun-Hee were still in his prime, he could have fought alongside Sung Jin-Woo on the battlefield. Unfortunately, his advanced age and deteriorating health diminished his fighting capabilities, leaving him weakened. The Frost Monarch exploited this weakness, launching an attack on Go Gun-Hee right within the office of the Korean Hunters Association. In the end, Go Gun-Hee succumbed to Sillad’s formidable power, unable to withstand its might.

2025-09-01 17:07