Sung Jinwoo could have lost against Baek Yoonho in Solo Leveling's Red Gate Arc

Modified Jan 20, 2025 17:06 GMT

Why Baek beats Jin-Woo in the Red Gate Arc (Image via A-1 Pictures) — Baek and Jinwoo were almost equals in the Red Gate Arc (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The Red Gate Arc in Solo Leveling was an important development for protagonist Sung Jin-Woo. Along with the addition of Iron to his Shadow Army, it also showcased Jin-Woo's growth as he battled and overcame another enemy in Baruka, the Ice Elf. As seen in the anime, Baruka aside, it wasn't too much of a task clearing the Red Gate for the former E-Ranker.

Upon exiting the gate, there is a brief moment of tension between Jin-Woo and Baek Yoon-Ho, S-Rank Hunter, and Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild. It looked like the former might engage in another battle but the reality was far from that. However, hypothetically speaking, if they did clash fists, there is a good chance that Jin-Woo wouldn't win the fight all too easily.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling series and concerns the anime only.

Solo Leveling: Baek Yoon-Ho and Jin-Woo are almost equally matched in the Red Gate Arc

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Baek vs Jin-Woo would be a bloody battle not because it would be greatly in favor of one, but because both of them are on equal footing. There is a difference in power at this point of the story, however, Baek would pay a hefty price to ensure a victory. And by his admission, Jin-Woo felt the difference in S-Ranks only after confronting Baek for a brief moment.

Baek Yoon-Ho is the Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild and an S-Rank Hunter. This puts him among the top Hunters in all of Korea. Here, fans might argue that yet, as diagnosed by Hanekawa, Baek might be on the weaker spectrum of S-Ranks globally. But it is important to note that the international Hunters aren't being included here, just Korean ones as Jin-Woo is still local.

As seen in Solo Leveling, Baek can transform into a beast resembling a tiger with pure, white fur, sharp claws, and prominent fangs. This form is believed to greatly boost his physical attributes and he can also partially transform parts of his body to use in battle when needed.

Baek Yoon-Ho possesses immense strength, which is evident when he easily and evenly matches Ma Dongwook without transforming. Alongside strength, he can also move at impressive speeds. Not to mention, Baek's body is highly durable, able to stay conscious and continue the battle even after tanking considerable damage from the Ant King.

Hunter Baek and Jin-Woo never fight in the entirety of the series. It was only after exiting the Red Gate dungeon that things get heated and they almost square up. However, things are pacified with words and no fight breaks out. However, Baek does not fail to recognize the protagonist's potential. In Chapter 55 of the web novel, which covers the incident of Episode 2, Baek Yoon-Ho comments that he must be ready to lose an arm to face off against Jin-Woo.

Baek's statement was not shown in the anime episode, likely to make space for other items, but it remains canon to the story. Jin-Woo was at the lower levels of S-Rank during that time. To cement this, in chapter 58, Jin-Woo admits that meeting Baek at the Red Gate made him realize that he was just under S-Rank.

However, that doesn't mean that Baek would come out unscathed if they did indeed fight. It is undeniable that Baek is, presently, physically superior to Jin-Woo. But the protagonist also managed to defeat Baruka, an S-Rank monster, with the help of Igris and Iron. He could also adopt the same strategy if he were to fight the White Tiger Guild's master.

Final thoughts

Safe to say, the fight between Baek Yoon-Ho and Sung Jin-Woo would not be one-sided for either during the Red Gate Arc in Solo Leveling. While Baek had superior power at that point, Jin-Woo was ever-evolving and could hold his own. Still, the power difference could give an edge to Hunter Baek and would prove quite a challenge for Jin-Woo to overcome, even with his Shadow Army.

Undoubtedly, Jin-Woo grows leagues stronger later in the story and would likely annihilate Baek with a single finger. But as things stand currently, Jin-Woo is probably in the lower spectrum of S-Rank, which is not enough to topple the Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild. Even so, had it happened now, the present Jin-Woo vs Baek would make for an intriguing watch.