Solo Leveling isn’t merely about intense boss battles and overpowered abilities—it’s the characters that truly elevate it. From formidable Hunters to cherished sidekicks and unforgettable adversaries, each contributes something distinct. Here’s our viewpoint on the top 10 most iconic Solo Leveling characters—ranked according to power, personality, and memorability.
1. Jin-Woo Sung
Think of that kid in school who was always the last choice for teams. That was Jin-Woo at the beginning—an E-rank hunter just getting by. Then, unexpectedly, he acquires a powerful ability to evolve ceaselessly, transforming into a god-tier Hunter. Now, he’s not just immensely strong; he commands a shadow army and makes defeating bosses seem like a light exercise.
There’s something endlessly gratifying about witnessing an underdog rise to greatness—and with Jin-Woo’s likability, watching him progress and maximize his abilities feels completely satisfying.
2. Hae-In Chan
Hae-In isn’t merely the sole female S-rank hunter in Korea; she possesses extraordinary swordsmanship. Her sense of smell is so acute that she can detect mana like a bloodhound. But here’s the catch: everyone smells bad to her—except for Jin-Woo. Talk about a unique love story!
Her combat scenes resemble a blade dance, backed by exceptional skills. Celebrated for her blend of strength and vulnerability, Hae-In stands out as the most beloved female character within the series.
3. Igris
Igris was initially a significant adversary, guarding a dungeon with unwavering determination. Following his defeat by Jin-Woo, he transforms into one of his most devoted shadow soldiers.
Dressed in crimson armor and radiating a silent, noble aura, Igris epitomizes honor and strength. He may not speak, but his actions on the battlefield are incredibly telling.
4. Esil Radiru
Esil Radiru is not your usual demon. She’s clever, a tad cheeky, and surprisingly accommodating—for a demon noble. When Jin-Woo spares her, she unexpectedly becomes an ally, providing insights into the demon realm.
Her playful exchanges and occasional mischief brighten the narrative. While the series itself tends to have a pretty serious tone, moments with this cute demon waifu bring essential levity to the plot.
5. Beru
Beru began as a fearsome Ant King, causing destruction with unmatched ferocity. After his defeat, Jin-Woo resurrects him as a shadow soldier, where he becomes fiercely loyal. He refers to Jin-Woo as “my liege” and would go to any lengths to defend him.
Interestingly, Beru develops a liking for Korean dramas, which adds a quirky aspect to his character. His shift from a monstrous adversary to a devoted companion is both fascinating and heartwarming for fans.
6. Jin-Ah Sung
Jin-Ah is the sort of sister who’d definitely roast you for missing dinner—but in a caring manner. She’s bright, ambitious, and initially clueless that her brother is out there solo-clearing dungeons and saving the day.
Her moments provide a break from the intense monster-slaying, reminding us that Jin-Woo remains human underneath all that overpowering energy. She essentially serves as his emotional anchor. When she appears, it feels like a slice-of-life pause amid a high-stakes fantasy adventure.
7. Gun-Hee Go
Go Gun-Hee isn’t merely the head of the Korean Hunters Association—he’s the guy. A retired S-rank, he’s still respected by all and can manage himself when things escalate. He possesses that grandpa vibe, but like… the kind who’d train you with life-or-death challenges, not just cookies and moral lessons.
His rapport with Jin-Woo revolves around mutual respect, and his presence lends depth to the narrative. You feel his weighty utterances. He’s a legend, not solely due to his abilities, but because of how he shoulders responsibility.
8. Il-Hwan Sung
Imagine your dad vanishing into a dungeon and returning years later with hidden powers and a mysterious objective. That’s Il-Hwan. His tale reaches emotional peaks and is laden with mystery—what happened? Why is he like this? His comeback plunges Jin-Woo into a whirlpool of emotions and backstory.
Il-Hwan’s journey isn’t just about family reunification—it revolves around sacrifice, identity, and where his true loyalties lie. His presence merges Jin-Woo’s personal life with monumental, world-altering stakes.
9. Jin-Ho Yoo
Jin-Ho embodies the term “ride or die.” Despite being a D-rank, this guy never skips a raid, armed with nothing but faith in Jin-Woo and the priciest armor he can find. His loyalty is invaluable. He provides comic relief when the atmosphere gets too grim and serves as the supportive best friend during serious moments.
Fans adore Jin-Ho for his authenticity—he’s aware he’s not the strongest but remains present nonetheless. And let’s face it: every overpowered main character needs a rich, goofy, and exceedingly loyal friend, and Jin-Ho excels at all three.
10. Jong-In Choi
Choi Jong-In doesn’t need to raise his voice to demonstrate his danger—his fire magic does that for him. Dubbed the “Ultimate Flame Mage,” he’s calm, calculated, and one of the coolest characters in the series. Personality-wise, he may not be flamboyant, but his spells certainly are.
What distinguishes him isn’t solely his immense power—it’s his intelligence and composure amidst chaos. He appears as if he’s merely here to offer assistance… and then outright devastates the entire battlefield.