Unraveling the Mystery: Sung Il-Hwan, Jin-Woo’s Father in Solo Leveling

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Summary

  • In Solo Leveling, Sung II-Hwan is a powerful S-Rank Hunter and Sung Jin-Woo’s father.
  • Sung II-Hwan was trapped in a dungeon for ten years and was saved by the Rulers.
  • The S-Rank Hunter refused to kill the Shadow Monarch upon his return from the dungeon.

The second season of Solo Leveling has been consistently delivering high-quality episodes each week, leaving viewers in awe. Nonetheless, a few fans have expressed their dissatisfaction since the creators are bypassing certain dialogue moments from the comic to accelerate the plot. However, any such omissions might be easily overlooked if they manage to keep the fight scenes intact without errors.

As Jin-Woo captivates high-tier Hunters in the series, we are getting acquainted with some of its strongest characters. One of these powerful figures, Sung II-Hwan, was initially introduced in the third episode of the anime. Although the fight between him and Hwang Dongsoo occurred off-screen, it’s clear that Sung II-Hwan effortlessly defeated Hwang. The intrigue surrounding this character mainly stems from his connection to Sung Jin-Woo, making fans eager for more details about him.

Warning: This post contains SPOILERS for the Solo Leveling manhwa.

Sung II-Hwan Was Korea’s Very First S-Rank Hunter

The Strongest Hunter In The Manhwa Series After Jin-Woo

Sung II-Hwan was a diligent and honorable individual who served as a firefighter, a role that seemed perfect for him because he had always aspired to save lives. During his career, he found love with Park Kyung-Hye and together they had two children, Sung Jin-Woo and Jinah. Life was like a beautiful fairy tale for the family until one day, unexpectedly, gates appeared. Unable to turn a blind eye to the danger that endangered humanity, Sung II-Hwan made the decision to quit his firefighter job and transitioned into becoming a hunter. He wasn’t just any ordinary hunter; he was the first S-Rank Hunter ever produced in Korea.

Despite achieving the title of Korea’s first S-Rank Hunter, Sung II-Hwan didn’t reap any significant financial benefits from it, given that there was no Hunter Association at the time, meaning no ranking system in place. Consequently, as nobody recognized him as an S-Rank Hunter, he missed out on the advantages and perks associated with this rank in today’s context. Despite being Korea’s strongest Hunter, he struggled to secure a decent income for his family. This is the reason Jin-Woo risked his life to cover his mother’s medical expenses after Sung II-Hwan vanished.

Sung II-Hwan Disappeared While On A Dungeon Raid

He Was Trapped Inside The Dungeon For Ten Years

For several years, Sung II-Hwan participated in dungeon raids, but one raid didn’t turn out as planned. Approximately ten years before the current timeline, Sung II-Hwan found himself trapped within a dungeon. Despite his full strength at the time, II-Hwan was unable to locate an escape route back to the human world. Regrettably, from the outside, there was no means of saving Sung II-Hwan, and thus it was widely believed that he had perished.

In a different turn of phrase: Sung II-Hwan triumphed over every monster, yet the Hunter was unable to combat starvation. Nevertheless, just when he seemed on the brink of famine-induced death, Sung II-Hwan was discovered. The rulers chose to aid him and bestow their powers upon him, but with a single stipulation — Sung II-Hwan would be obliged to eliminate the new Shadow Monarch whenever it was necessary. After nearly a decade, the S-rank Hunter emerged within an American Dungeon.

Over the years, hunters have encountered numerous Dungeons and a variety of monsters within them, but never before had they found a human inside one. Despite appearing human, A-Rank Hunters regarded Sung II-Hwan as a monster disguised in human form. Since Sung II-Hwan was only fluent in Korean, it was decided to call upon Hwang Dongsoo by the higher-ups to gather some information from him.

In an instant, in the blink of an eye, Mr. Hwang was defeated. He lost before the disaster spread.

The dialogue was expected to be ordinary between the two Hunters, Sung II-Hwan and Hwang Dongsoo, but things took a turn for the worse when Sung II-Hwan picked up on Hwang Dongsoo’s desire to harm Jin-Woo. In response, Hwang Dongsoo revealed that his son was already deceased, prompting Sung II-Hwan to understand that Hwang Dongsoo sought revenge against Jin-Woo. Consequently, Sung II-Hwan displayed his abilities, and while the fight itself wasn’t shown, we were informed that Jin-Woo’s father, an S-Rank Hunter, subdued Hwang Dongsoo effortlessly without exerting much energy.

Sung II-Hwan Has Returned To Fulfill His End Of The Bargain

The Rulers Send Sung II-Hwan To Kill His Own Son

Following Sung II-Hwan’s arrival back on Earth, the Leaders unveil an S-Rank gate within Japan and convey to II-Hwan that his objective, the upcoming Shadow Monarch, is residing in the nation. However, it soon becomes apparent to II-Hwan that his child has assumed the role of the new Shadow Monarch. Given the circumstances, it’s no surprise that he balks at the idea of eliminating his own cherished offspring. Typically, the Leaders would have eliminated Sung II-Hwan for disobeying their commands and found another to kill Jin-Woo. However, during the Japan Crisis Arc, the Leaders observe Jin-Woo slaying Legia, the Monarch of the Origin.

For centuries, Kings have clashed with Leaders, but when they discover that Jin-Woo has slain a King, they comprehend that the Mysterious Monarch is not an adversary, but an ally. Consequently, the Leaders request II-Hwan to safeguard Jin-Woo rather than confront him. II-Hwan agrees to his new assignment and continues to watch over Jin-Woo discreetly from behind the scenes.

Role Of Jin-Woo’s Father In Solo Leveling

He Will Be An Important Ally Of Sung Jin-Woo

In the narrative, Sung II-Hwan plays a significant part, particularly during the Monarchs War Arc. From afar, he watches as Jin-Woo battles numerous foes. However, when Querehsha and Rakan pose a threat to his son, Sung II-Hwan intervenes. Jin-Woo engages in combat with Querehsha alone and emerges victorious, but falls to Rakan, the Monarch of Fangs. On the brink of defeat, Jin-Woo’s heart miraculously resumes beating. At this critical juncture, Ashborn transfers his full powers to Jin-Woo, enabling him to be resurrected. Moved by this, Sung II-Hwan rushes to rescue his son from Rakan and the remaining Monarchs.

I’m sorry…..that I couldn’t be a great Father – Sung II-Hwan to Jin-Woo

In the time when Jin-Woo lay unconscious, it was Sung II-Hwan who valiantly battled both Rakan and Sillad without any backup. He managed to keep them occupied for a sufficient duration, allowing Jin-Woo to come back to his senses. Regrettably, Sung II-Hwan suffered the loss of an arm during this struggle, after which he swiftly departed when it was Jin-Woo’s turn to engage in combat.

As Sung II-Hwan prepares for a solitary end, Jin-Woo unexpectedly appears and confronts his father. After long years of anticipation, Jin-Woo gets the answers about his father’s fate. However, their emotional meeting is brief as, upon finishing his story, II-Hwan transforms into dust and radiant light.

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2025-01-23 17:55