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Who is Hwang Dongsoo in Solo Leveling? Explore this character’s role, strengths and abilities, and final fate in the series.
As the hottest anime in recent history, Solo Leveling has captivated fans through its exciting world of monsters and hunters with supernatural powers. The series follows Sung Jinwoo, the world’s weakest hunter who gains a mysterious system. Through this, he rapidly levels up, preparing himself to protect the world from celestial threats.
While Solo Leveling’s major battle is between Jinwoo and the Monarchs, he meets several other villains on his journey. Hwang Dongsoo is one such figure, having been teased in earlier arcs and facing the protagonist in one of the most hype scenes in the series. So, who is Hwang Dongsoo in Solo Leveling?
Hwang Dongsoo is an S-Rank Hunter who hailed from South Korea but moved to America, betraying his home country. He also abhors Jinwoo and suspects him of killing his brother. Here is a closer look at this character.
Who Is Hwang Dongsoo in Solo Leveling?
Hwang Dongsoo is an S-Rank Hunter part of Thomas Andre’s Scavenger Guild. While hunters typically stay in their home countries to help improve their reputation, Dongsoo seized the chance to go to America for fame, riches, and power.
This shows how he is extremely selfish, vain, and overconfident. Dongsoo cares little about others, willing to misuse his authority in any given situation. He doesn’t hesitate to torture and kill innocent citizens and use cunning means to achieve his goals.
At the same time, Dongsoo respects power and authority. He may not necessarily follow orders but recognized Thomas Andre’s position. As the brother of the evil Hwang Dongsuk, it is hinted that Dongsoo was aware of his sibling’s corrupt ways. Nevertheless, he let him take advantage of his name and run rampant in Korea.
However, once Jinwoo killed Dongsuk and his allies, Dongsoo got word of this and smelled something fishy. He suspected either Jinwoo or Jinho of killing his brother during their raid and was out for revenge.
Hwang Dongsoo’s Strengths and Abilities
Unfortunately for Dongsoo, his strength is never properly showcased in Solo Leveling. This is because he was heavily outmatched in every battle of his. Nevertheless, as an S-Rank Hunter, Dongsoo is extremely powerful.
He was upgraded by Norma Selner when he left for America, greatly enhancing his already immense power. It is believed that if not for Jinwoo, Dongsoo would be the strongest active hunter in Korea.
Hwangsoo’s special skills are not revealed in the series, but he possesses extreme raw power and speed. His durability is also commendable since he could survive a few blows from Jinwoo. Dongsoo emits a red aura whenever he gets serious or is conniving an evil plan.
This is terrifying for those weaker than him, and his clash with other S-Rank Hunters could devastate entire towns. Most importantly, Dongsoo is relentless and will use any means necessary to achieve his goals. However, his cruelty and crafty nature eventually became his undoing.
Hwang Dongsoo’s Role in Solo Leveling
As mentioned earlier, Dongsoo is an antagonist in Solo Leveling who is looking to avenge his brother’s death. He largely remained in the background due to his inability to meet Jinwoo, creating anticipation among fans for their eventual confrontation.
Dongsoo was properly introduced during the Red Gate Arc, where he came back to Korea to track Jinwoo. However, upon discovering that the protagonist was stuck in a Red Gate, he believed he was already dead. Hence, following momentary tensions against Baek Yoonho, Dongsoo returned to America.
He was then asked to interrogate Sung Il-Hwan, who had just returned from a gate. Speaking to his fellow Koreans, Dongsoo threatened that he could classify him as a monster if desired. Despite Il-Hwan’s attempts to tell Dongsoo of the Monarch’s threat, he failed to convince Dongsoo.
At this point, Dongsoo’s interest peaked when he discovered Il-Hwan to be Jinwoo’s father. Dongsoo took great delight in telling Il-Hwan how his son was dead and that he would join him soon. This was Il-Hwan’s last straw, as he brutally beat down Dongsoo and destroyed their entire building.
After nursing his wounds, Dongsoo discovered Jinwoo was still alive during the Jeju Island Raid. However, he couldn’t gain permission to return to Korea due to his malicious intentions. Dongsoo finally got his much-awaited fight in the International Guild Conference Arc, though it didn’t go as planned.
Hwang Dongsoo’s Final Fate in Solo Leveling
When Jinwoo became the representative and protector of Korea, he was invited to the United States to attend an international guild conference. Thomas Andre specifically ordered Dongsoo to not bother Jinwoo. While seeming to agree, Dongsoo had another nefarious scheme.
When Jinwoo was busy, Dongsoo kidnapped Yoo Jinho, who had accompanied Jinwoo. He and his followers then brutally beat down Jinho. However, Jinwoo soon found Dongsoo due to his shadows, arriving at the isolated location where Jinho was captured.
While Dongsoo believed his goal was near completion and he could attain revenge, he severely miscalculated Jinwoo’s strength. The protagonist completely destroyed Dongsoo with little effort. Thomas Andre arrived right then, telling Jinwoo to let his subordinate go. Jinwoo refused, following which both hunters had an intense battle.
However, the protagonist had grown too strong in wielding his shadow powers and could defeat even the top American Hunter. Soon after the battle, he finished the job by killing Dongsoo and taking his shadow. He then named him Greed.
After Jinwoo reset the timeline, Dongsoo was briefly seen in a scene where he appeared to have returned to a life of crime with Dongsuk, though without his supernatural powers.
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