Solo Leveling: Does Go Gunhee Die?

Gunhee as seen in the Solo Leveling anime
Gunhee as seen in the Solo Leveling anime (Image credit: A-1 Pictures)

Solo Leveling is set in a dangerous world filled with gates, monsters, and celestial threats that can cause immeasurable tragedy. Despite the presence of Sung Jinwoo’s indomitable powers, the protagonist can't save everyone. As a result, fans can be anxious that their favorite characters will face an unfortunate ending.

Among cast members beloved by viewers, Go Gunhee stands near the top due to his humble personality and relationship with Jinwoo. Due to this, many may be curious about his fate in the series. Go Gunhee dies not once, but twice in Solo Leveling. However, the circumstances surrounding his multiple deaths are widely different, with the first being heartbreaking and the second being bittersweet.

As an S-Rank Hunter and the Chairman of the Korean Hunters Association, Go Gunhee was introduced in Solo Leveling as a pillar of society. He maintained the balance of power in the country and protected both Hunters and normal humans. Despite his old age, Gunhee was still a powerful individual who commanded the respect of others.

Sillad stabs Gunhee as seen in the Solo Leveling manhwa (Image credit: Kakao)
Sillad stabs Gunhee as seen in the Solo Leveling manhwa (Image credit: Kakao)

Most notably, he was also one of Jinwoo’s biggest supporters. Gunhee realized that the protagonist and his shadow powers would be crucial to protecting the world and extended every effort possible to support him. Unfortunately, he was only able to stay in Jinwoo’s life for so long once the stakes were at their highest.

When the Monarch invasion began, Jinwoo was still in America attending the International Guild Conference. Meanwhile, Gunhee was attacked by the Monarch of Frost, Sillad, in his office. Since the Chairman possessed the Brightest Fragment of Brilliant Light and was a vessel to the Rulers, the antagonists had begun their plan to wipe out their enemies.

Regretfully, during the battle between Gunhee and Sillad, the former was easily overpowered. As he had become old, Gunhee’s body could not handle using the Rulers’ powers. Despite putting up a valiant fight, he was eventually beaten and fatally stabbed through his chest. In a last-ditch effort, however, Gunhee delivered a powerful blow to break through the barrier that Sillad had set in his office.

Jinwoo watches Gunhee die as seen in the Solo Leveling manhwa (Image credit: Kakao)
Jinwoo watches Gunhee die as seen in the Solo Leveling manhwa (Image credit: Kakao)

This allowed the ant that Jinwoo had placed in Gunhee's shadow to leave and summon the protagonist. Jinwoo instantly arrived and confronted the Monarch of Frost, but he quickly realized that Gunhee’s condition was critical. Forced to let Sillad retreat, the protagonist turned his attention to saving Gunhee. Right when he was preparing to use the Holy Water of Life, however, the Chairman stopped him.

Gunhee explained that Jinwoo’s artifact would not be enough to save him from his injuries. As he began drifting away to his death, he was thankful for Jinwoo’s powers and requested him to remain on humanity’s side in the final war. Go Gunhee then passed away in his office with little regret, having had the chance to meet Jinwoo.


Go Gunhee’s Second Death in Solo Leveling

Go Gunhee’s first death was a heart-wrenching scene and was the first casualty in the celestial war against the Monarchs. After Jinwoo used the Rulers’ Cup of Reincarnation, however, Gunhee reappeared in the new timeline.

In this world where there were no Monarchs or monsters, Gunhee was not required to become a Hunter. He lived a regular life and eventually fell extremely ill several years in the future. Wishing to repay the Chairman who had helped him in the previous timeline, Jinwoo used the Holy Water of Life on him in the hospital. This brought vigor back to Gunhee and let him live for an additional 10 years to settle his affairs.

Gunhee dies in the new timeline as seen in the Solo Leveling manhwa (Image credit: Kakao)
Gunhee dies in the new timeline as seen in the Solo Leveling manhwa (Image credit: Kakao)

Although the Chairman had no memories of Jinwoo in this timeline, the protagonist told him how they had fought together in another world before leaving. A decade after this, Gunhee once again lay on his deathbed. Jinwoo reappeared by his side and was willing to use the Holy Water of Life to heal him. However, Gunhee rejected this, expressing how he was content with the life he had lived.

For his final request, Gunhee asked Jinwoo to show him the memories of the timeline where they fought together. Granting his wish, Jinwoo let Gunhee see his heroic life and death. With tears in his eyes and a smile on his face, the old man passed away once more.


Go Gunhee dies twice in Solo Leveling. The first time came at the hands of the Monarch of Frost, Sillad, while the second was a natural death due to old age and illness. His passing served as one of the most emotionally impactful scenes in the series, resonating deeply with both characters and fans.

Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal