Summary
Quick Links
Solo Leveling season 3is set to introduce more characters into the plot. Some of them will be instrumental to Jin-Woo’s growth, while others will stop at nothing to antagonize him. Before these new faces take the spotlight, a forgotten villain from the early story arcs has left a big impression, so much so that even Solo Leveling’s creator, Chugong, admits he wishes the character had more screen time.
It’s not uncommon for side characters, especially small-time villains, to receive limited screen time inSolo Leveling. No matter how interesting or compelling they may be, the series often doesn’t have the luxury to dive beyond their immediate roles. That’s exactlywhat happened to this forgotten villain, who could have been so much more if only his character had been explored further.
Solo Leveling Animation Partners
Undeniably, Kang Tae-Shik is one of the most fascinating villains in the earlystory arcs ofSolo Levelingdue to his dark, twisted mind, morally ambiguous nature, and intense bloodlust toward the weak. He is best remembered for his one-on-one fight with Jin-Woo during the Dungeon and Prisoners arc, where he uses the stealth skill in an attempt to kill the so-called mankind’s weakest hunter and emerge victorious.
Unfortunately, Kang Tae-Shik’s time inSolo Levelingis short-lived, especially when compared to otherrecurring characters like Woo Jin-Chulor Go Gun-Hee of the Korean Hunters Association. Yet despite his brief presence, his final moments were memorable and powerful. After all, Kang Tae-Shik not only learns about Jin-Woo’s unique ability to level up but is also the first person to sense the darkness that lurks within Jin-Woo just moments before his own death.
“Your shadow is connected to the darkness."—Kang Tae-Shik to Sung Jin-Woo
However, as much as fans would love to see Kang Tae-Shik in future episodes, his death makes that nearly impossible. Still, his brief but powerful presence in both the anime and the manhwa continues to leave fans wanting more. EvenSolo Leveling’s creator, Chugong, shares the same sentiment and here’s what he had to say about Kang Tae-Shik in a Korean forum called DCinside:
“For a writer like me, who is slow at writing and worries a lot… I really like characters like Kang Taeshik. He was enjoyable to write, and his story had a satisfying conclusion… Rather, I felt it was a shame that his screen time was too short.
It would have been nice if he could have appeared in more episodes. That’s why when the manhwa artist drew Kang Taeshik so much cooler than I had imagined, I secretly rejoiced and sang.
Now that I think about it, even in the side stories, the Hwang brothers were mentioned, but there was no mention of Kang Taeshik. If a sequel comes out, I’d like to talk about his story. However, I don’t know if Kang Taeshik’s part will be written well at that time…
In any case, I’d like to see you again, Mr. Taeshik!”
-Chugong
From this statement, it’s clear that Chugong holds Kang Tae-Shik in high regard, despite the character’s limited screen time in the anime and manhwa. It also serves as strong evidence thatKang Tae-Shik is a missed opportunitythat remains in the creator’s mind to this day. Given the character’s immense potential, it’s easy to see why. Unfortunately, with no flashbacks or special episodes revisiting his story, his untapped role remains one of the series’ more notable missed opportunities for now.
After all, Kang Tae-Shik serves as a reminder to Jin-Woo of what immense power can do to a person. Not only did his B-rank status cloud his judgment, but it also corrupted his morals. As Jin-Woo grows stronger day by day, Tae-Shik’s tragic ending serves as a warning that couldhelp him hold on to his humanity. Jin-Woo has already admitted that each time he levels up, it feels like a part of him slips away, making it entirely possible that he could one day follow the same dark path.
“I’ll die because I lost. It’s only natural."—Kang Tae-Shik
Will Kang Tae-Shik Appear in Solo Leveling Season 3?
What Are the Chances?
Unfortunately, Kang Tae-Shik is not expected toappear inSolo Levelingseason 3. He will most likely remain dead and irrelevant to keep the plot going, especially now that the Monarchs have entered the battlefield. The third season will likely sideline a lot of characters, regardless of whether they are dead or alive, to focus on the bigger conflict that Jin-Woo will face. Despite Kang Tae-Shik’s potential, his role in the series will remain in the past as the series moves forward with Jin-Woo’s escalating battles.
“A babblemouth may be useless, but having a lot of secrets isn’t that great either."—Kang Tae-Shik to Sung Jin-Woo
On the bright side, shouldSolo Levelingseason 3 adapt the Final Battle Arc, there’s a slim chance that fans could see Kang Tae-Shik again. In the manhwa, he makes a brief appearance in the new timeline created by the Cup of Reincarnation. However, given the anime’s tendency to cut certain scenes with no direct ties to the plot development, fans shouldn’t expect too much from his potential return.
Still, fans can always go back to the early episodes and chapters ofSolo Levelingto see Kang Tae-Shik again. They are also encouraged toreadSolo Leveling: Ragnarokto find out what happens to him after he gets another chance in life.
