Sung Jin-Woo, when he was still a low-ranking hunter, realized that without sufficient strength, intelligence would serve as a vital key to survival. Now, when we look at the characters that embody the combination of strength and intelligence, we can see that they handle complex situations with remarkable finesse.
Below are the 7 smartest characters in Solo Leveling:
7. Go Gun-Hee

First is Go Gun-Hee, the president of the Korean Hunters Association and a distinguished figure in the hunting world. Despite his age, he still holds his position not only because of his leadership qualities but also due to his keen insight into situations and people, attracting important allies. Unfortunately, this character eventually becomes the pawn of the Frozen Monarch.
6. Choi Jong-In

Choi Jong-In, the chairman of the Hunters Association and one of the few S-rank hunters in Japan, is a prime example of how intelligence can turn one into a top-tier hunter. In addition to his formidable magical strength, he possesses excellent leadership skills that make him a standout character. He not only represents Korea in international events but also excels in various S-rank hunting scenarios, focusing more on strategic strength and tactical abilities.
5. Ber

Ber, aside from showcasing his physical strength in the S-rank dungeon events in Japan, also exhibits extraordinary intelligence. His ability to learn quickly, whether by acquiring skills from other hunters or even learning human languages, allows him to adapt swiftly to various situations. Ber not only quickly adjusts to the circumstances but can also identify the strongest opponents and even manage the absence of Sung Jin-Woo, ensuring that others are protected.
4. Antares

Antares is a significant antagonist in the series. Not only is he a powerful monster, but he is also a master strategist, showcasing his cunning through the manipulation of global events. Instead of brute force, Antares relies on his intellect to control his minions and execute complex plans, often catching his enemies off guard. This demonstrates that Antares can outsmart even the most formidable opponents, including the Shadow Monarch, Sung Jin-Woo. His tactical approach allows him to minimize direct confrontations while maximizing his influence.
3. Ashborn

Ashborn, the mentor to Sung Jin-Woo, is a character with significant combat experience and notable intelligence. He doesn’t rely solely on brute strength to achieve victory in battles. His skills lie in devising strategies and creating unexpected scenarios for his opponents. Furthermore, Ashborn’s ability to construct intricate systems and then pass on that power to Sung Jin-Woo shows that he always stays several steps ahead of the game.
2. Architect

The Architect is the entity that transformed Sung Jin-Woo into a formidable player. This system, with its intricate mechanics, complexities, and capabilities, is a work of technical art. Only an individual with extreme intelligence could manage a system that operates in such a sophisticated manner. However, even the Architect eventually falls prey to Ashborn’s cunning, revealing that no one can escape from the unforeseen traps laid out in this realm.
1. Sung Jin-Woo

Sung Jin-Woo, the main character of the series, is not just powerful but also possesses remarkable intelligence. From the very start, with his unique double consciousness ability during battles, particularly against Antares, Jin-Woo has demonstrated his adeptness at utilizing both intelligence and his physical strength effectively.
He is a born strategist, capable of making crucial decisions in intense situations, proving that his intelligence is just as essential as his physical might.