With Jinwoo becoming an S-rank hunter, the second season of the anime Solo Leveling has introduced all S-rank hunters into the spotlight. Notably, the Jeju arc not only highlights S-rank hunters from South Korea, such as Ma Dong Wook, Min Byung-gu, and Lim Tae-gyu, but also includes S-rank hunters from Japan.
However, despite the emergence of new, powerful, and uniquely skilled S-rank hunters like Goto Ryuji, there remains a significant disparity in strength and ability within the S-rank category, leading many fans to speculate about the overall ranking system. Fortunately, the creator of Solo Leveling has clarified these misunderstandings.
In a recent post on the DC Inside forum, Chugong discussed Goto Ryuji, the newly introduced Japanese S-rank hunter, and whether he could be considered the strongest among all S-rank hunters. One fan posed the question: “Could Goto Ryuji be regarded as the top S-rank hunter, aside from the national-level hunters? How would he compare to other S-rank figures like Yuri Orlov and Lennart Niermann?”
Although Goto Ryuji is touted as Japan’s strongest S-rank hunter, Chugong’s response to this inquiry was much more nuanced, stating: “The differences in S-rank levels are much more pronounced than the differences between E and A ranks, which makes it difficult to classify him as the highest tier.”
Chugong’s answer perfectly encapsulated the concerns that fans have had for quite some time, noting that there is indeed a significant difference in strength among S-rank hunters, even though they may be grouped into the same tier.
The creator of Solo Leveling clarifies the significant differences in strength within the S-rank
From the outset of the series, S-rank hunters have been portrayed as the most esteemed and powerful individuals. While the strength and abilities of these characters were established as exceptional, it was made clear that not all S-rank hunters are created equal. Jinwoo, as the first S-rank hunter in South Korea, serves as a prime example of this hierarchy within the class.
Even among the top-tier S-rank hunters, there is a clear distinction, with certain hunters exhibiting greater strength when compared to others. The Jeju arc further emphasized this point through the fierce battles between S-rank hunters from Japan and South Korea. The national-level hunters (who have not yet appeared in the anime) are even stronger than the average S-rank hunters. Since a national-level hunter can be considered on par with the combined military strength of an entire nation, it highlights the unique status they hold.
The creator of Solo Leveling has succinctly and accurately explained the notable differences in strength among S-rank hunters, asserting that the disparities are more significant than the variations found between E and A ranks. This fact also does not take into account the national-level hunters, who are depicted in the webtoon as possessing exceptional strength compared to typical S-rank hunters.
