Son Kihoon

Son Kihoon is a supporting character in Solo Leveling and an experienced A-Rank Hunter affiliated with the Hunters Guild. Although he does not possess the overwhelming power of Sung Jinwoo or the elite status of an S-Rank Hunter, Kihoon earns respect through his courage, leadership, and willingness to protect his teammates during dangerous dungeon raids.

His most important appearance comes during the Hunters Guild Gate Arc, where he leads a strike team into a high-level dungeon that turns out to be far more dangerous than expected. Son Kihoon’s actions demonstrate that true leadership is not simply about strength but also about taking responsibility when others are in danger.

Character Overview

Son Kihoon is an A-Rank Hunter and the leader of the Hunters Guild’s second strike team. As an experienced raid leader, he is responsible for guiding other hunters through dangerous gates and making critical decisions under pressure.

He is portrayed as a tall, physically capable warrior with a professional and disciplined personality. Unlike arrogant hunters who overestimate their abilities, Kihoon understands the importance of teamwork and takes his responsibility as a leader seriously.

During a raid in an A-Rank Gate, Sung Jinwoo joins Kihoon’s team as a temporary mining worker rather than an official combat participant. However, the dungeon contains threats far beyond what the team expects, eventually leading to an encounter with the High Orcs and their powerful leader, Kargalgan.

Abilities and Powers

As an A-Rank Hunter, Son Kihoon possesses combat abilities far beyond those of ordinary hunters. He is a melee fighter who specializes in close-range combat and uses a large sword as his primary weapon.

His notable abilities and strengths include:

• Enhanced physical strength and endurance.
• Skilled swordsmanship.
• Strong close-range combat abilities.
• Considerable experience in dungeon raids.
• Effective leadership under dangerous conditions.
• Courage to confront enemies stronger than himself.

Although Kihoon is powerful by normal hunter standards, the High Orc dungeon reveals the enormous gap between ordinary A-Rank Hunters and exceptionally powerful magical beasts.

His greatest strength is arguably his courage. Even when facing an enemy he knows he may not be able to defeat, Kihoon refuses to surrender without resistance.

Role in the Story

Son Kihoon plays his most important role during the Hunters Guild Gate Arc. He leads the Hunters Guild’s second strike team into an A-Rank dungeon, unaware that the gate contains an army of intelligent High Orcs.

The situation becomes increasingly dangerous when the team is brought before Kargalgan, the High Orc chief shaman. Kargalgan possesses overwhelming magical power and views the hunters as entertainment rather than serious opponents.

Despite understanding the enormous difference in strength, Kihoon chooses to fight rather than simply accept death. His determination inspires his teammates and demonstrates his qualities as a leader.

Sung Jinwoo eventually reveals his hidden power when the hunters face certain destruction. This encounter becomes a major moment in the story and leads to Kargalgan later joining Jinwoo’s Shadow Army as Tusk.

Interesting Facts

Son Kihoon is an A-Rank Hunter and leader of the Hunters Guild’s second strike team.

He specializes in close-range combat and uses a large sword.

His most important appearance takes place during the Hunters Guild Gate Arc.

He encounters Kargalgan before the High Orc shaman becomes the shadow soldier known as Tusk.

Despite facing an overwhelmingly powerful enemy, Kihoon chooses to fight and protect his team rather than surrender.

Why Fans Remember Son Kihoon

Fans remember Son Kihoon because he represents genuine courage without overwhelming power. Unlike Sung Jinwoo, Kihoon cannot simply defeat every powerful enemy he encounters, making his decision to stand and fight even more meaningful.

His leadership during the High Orc dungeon shows that he values his teammates and accepts responsibility for their safety. Even when confronted by an enemy far beyond his level, he refuses to abandon his role as their leader.

Kihoon also stands out because he respects strength without becoming jealous or hostile. His encounter with Sung Jinwoo gives him a firsthand look at power beyond the normal hunter ranking system.

Conclusion

Son Kihoon is a memorable supporting character in Solo Leveling whose courage and leadership make him stand out despite his limited appearances. As an A-Rank Hunter and leader of the Hunters Guild’s second strike team, he demonstrates strong swordsmanship, combat experience, and a willingness to face overwhelming danger for his teammates. His actions during the High Orc dungeon show that true strength is not always about winning—it can also mean standing your ground when defeat seems inevitable.