Overview
- Sung II-Hwan emerged as the most formidable Hunter in Korea, likely the first S-Rank Hunter.
- Upon his introduction, II-Hwan surpassed his son Jinwoo in strength.
- During the Monarch War Arc, Jinwoo outstrips his father’s abilities, ascending to become the mightiest being in the universe.
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The second season of Solo Leveling has captivated audiences with its thrilling action sequences and stunning animation courtesy of A-1 Pictures. This new season has also reintroduced us to intriguing characters, notably the father of the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo—Sung II-Hwan.
Once a Hunter, Sung II-Hwan mysteriously vanished during a Dungeon raid long before the current storyline. His disappearance led many to believe all participants had perished in that ill-fated raid. However, II-Hwan miraculously returned to Earth via a Gate that manifested in America. His immediate display of strength—defeating the S-Rank Hunter Hwang Dongsoo—ignited speculation about the power dynamics between him and his son, Jinwoo.
WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for the Solo Leveling manhwa.
Sung II-Hwan’s Strength at His First Appearance
Definitively Stronger than Jinwoo at His Introduction
Sung II-Hwan transitioned from being a firefighter to becoming a Hunter following the emergence of enigmatic Gates. At the time, there were no established metrics for gauging a Hunter’s strength, yet the narrative consistently suggests his dominance as possibly the first S-Rank Hunter in Korea.
Despite his impressive capabilities, II-Hwan was ultimately unable to escape the deprivation of being trapped within a Dungeon. When faced with death, a Ruler intervened, offering to save him under one condition—he must kill the newly arising Shadow Monarch. Unbeknownst to him, that Shadow Monarch would be his own son.
Many wonder if Sung II-Hwan possessed the strength necessary to defeat Jinwoo at that time. The answer leans towards yes. Hwang Dongsoo, who previously underestimated him, remarked on II-Hwan’s power level, equating it with that of a monster.
“Don’t you ever set foot in Korea. I’m not saying this for my son’s sake; I’m saying it for yours. You will never rest in peace, even in death.” – Sung II-Hwan to Hwang Dongsoo
While Jinwoo was indeed one of Korea’s strongest Hunters, II-Hwan wielded the formidable powers of a Ruler. Although Jinwoo had The System and commanded an army of shadows, this arsenal wasn’t sufficient to challenge a Ruler’s might. Recognizing Jinwoo’s critical role in the conflict against the Monarchs, the Rulers chose to spare him by withdrawing II-Hwan from the mission, averting a potential fatality.
Jinwoo Surpasses Sung II-Hwan During the Monarch War Arc
The Awakening of the Shadow Monarch’s True Power
The Monarch War Arc marks a pivotal shift in Solo Leveling. Previously, the looming threat was Jeju Island, where Jinwoo emerged as a reluctant hero. However, with the introduction of the Monarchs, the stakes escalated dramatically, as they came to Earth with the express purpose of exterminating any Ruler’s vessels. Inadvertently, Jinwoo found himself on their radar as a target.
Initially feeling outmatched, Jinwoo faced dire consequences against the Frost and Beast Monarchs. Concurrently, his father, II-Hwan, displayed remarkable strength, contending effectively against two Monarchs simultaneously. The pivotal moment arose when the entity Ashborn chose to transfer his powers to Jinwoo, reviving him amidst certain death. While II-Hwan withstood attacks to protect Jinwoo, the latter awakened Ashborn’s powers.
“I Am The Record Of Your Struggles, The Evidence Of Your Resistance, And The Reward Of Your Sufferings. I Am Death, I Am Eternal Rest, I Am Terror.” – Ashborn to Jinwoo
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