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In a work populated by monsters and superpowered hunters, some characters stand out for their humanity. Song Chi-Yul is one of them: a courageous veteran, a friend of Sung Jin-Woo, and one of the rare survivors of the event that started it all — the double dungeon. Here is his full story, from the Cartenon Temple to the sacrifice that cost him an arm.
Who is Song Chi-Yul?
Song Chi-Yul is a Korean C-Rank hunter and, in his civilian life, a kumdo teacher (traditional Korean swordsmanship). He is a mature, slim man with light hair and a weathered face — and, most importantly, an old friend of Sung Jin-Woo, whom he has known since the days when the latter was just a weak E-Rank hunter.
His most striking physical characteristic: he is missing his left arm, lost during the traumatic experience of the double dungeon. To understand the hierarchy to which he belongs, see our guide on hunter ranks.
A respected veteran
At a construction site where a D-Rank gate opens, several hunters gather to lead the raid. It is Song Chi-Yul who, drawing on his years of experience, naturally steps up as the team leader. His confidence and calm reassure the group, who decide to follow him inside. No one suspected then what was waiting for them.
The double dungeon: the Cartenon Temple
What seemed like a mundane D-Rank dungeon actually hides a second, concealed dungeon — the famous double dungeon, or Cartenon Temple. Inside, there are no monsters… but immense stone statues and a stele engraved with mysterious inscriptions: the Clow Cards of Kandiaru.
This place is the setting for the foundational moment of the entire series: it is where Sung Jin-Woo becomes the "Player" of the System. We tell you everything in our summary of the Cartenon Temple episode and in our System guide.
The Clow Cards of Kandiaru: a deadly trap
The temple statues are not decorative. Some hold weapons, others musical instruments — and those that are armed execute anyone who breaks the three commandments of the place. Song Chi-Yul, sensing danger, tries to warn a hunter… too late: a statue comes to life and decapitates him before their eyes.
These commandments are the work of Kandiaru — a name that is not insignificant, as it refers to the Architect, the mysterious entity behind the System. A thread that we find later with bosses like Baruka.
Six survivors out of seventeen
Thanks to the group's level-headedness and, above all, Jin-Woo's intervention, the hunters manage to satisfy the necessary commandments to open the doors. But the price is terrible: out of the seventeen hunters who entered, only six made it out alive. Song Chi-Yul is one of them — at the cost of his left arm.
The bond with Sung Jin-Woo
What makes Song Chi-Yul endearing is his relationship with the hero. He knew Jin-Woo at his lowest, when he was looked down upon, and he is one of the few who respected him. A direct witness to the night when Jin-Woo changed everything, he embodies the human perspective on an extraordinary ascension. Find this journey in the complete file on Sung Jin-Woo.
A character with a strong personality
Lively and sometimes sarcastic, Song Chi-Yul possesses an unwavering sense of duty. The ultimate proof of his determination: even after losing an arm in the double dungeon, he refuses to retire and continues to work as a hunter. A resilience that commands respect and makes him one of the most appreciated side characters by fans. Discover them all in the Solo Leveling character guide.
To go further
Explore the universe and lore, how dungeons, gates, and rifts work, and the foundational event in the recap of Jin-Woo's awakening.
DISCOVER IN THE SHOP
In the spirit of the swordsman and the Cartenon Temple:
Frequently asked questions about Song Chi-Yul
Who is Song Chi-Yul in Solo Leveling?
Song Chi-Yul is a Korean C-Rank hunter and kumdo teacher, an old friend of Sung Jin-Woo, and one of the six survivors of the first double dungeon.
How did Song Chi-Yul lose his arm?
He lost his left arm during the double dungeon incident (the Cartenon Temple), one of the deadliest events at the start of the series.
What is the Cartenon Temple?
It is the hidden double dungeon where Sung Jin-Woo becomes the Player of the System: a temple filled with deadly statues governed by the Clow Cards of Kandiaru.
How many hunters survived the double dungeon?
Of the seventeen hunters who entered, only six came out alive, including Song Chi-Yul and Sung Jin-Woo.
Read also: We discover it during a mission that turns into a nightmare: the double dungeon of Solo Leveling.
