Power dictates survival in Solo Leveling, and even Jin-Woo, the strongest character in the series, once struggled under this harsh reality before his extraordinary reawakening. The latest episode introduced a formidable hunter whose abilities rival the military strength of an entire nation.
This raises the question—who is Thomas Andre? During Episode 21 of Solo Leveling, Go Gun-Hee introduces Thomas Andre to the audience. While he has yet to make a direct appearance, the Korean S-Rank hunter acknowledges the overwhelming strength Andre possesses.
Thomas Andre, a hunter so strong he rivals an entire nation’s military (Photo: Solo Leveling/Lucasfilm Ltd)This mention sparks curiosity—was his name brought up without reason, or does he have a crucial role in the events to come?
A Hunter Powerful Enough to Stand Against the Strongest Guild Masters
Thomas Andre, The #1 Hunter
Hailing from the United States, Thomas Andre is no ordinary S-Rank Hunter. His immense power places him at the very top, earning him the title of the World’s Strongest Hunter and securing him a spot among the elite group of 5 National Level Hunters.
His strength is so overwhelming that it is often compared to the military force of the entire United States. Beyond his prowess, he leads the Scavenger Guild, which is recognized as the most powerful guild in America.
This influential group includes exceptionally skilled hunters, such as Hwang Dong-Soo, and is so dominant that it frequently assists nations struggling to handle dangerous monster threats.
The Journey to Becoming the World’s Strongest Hunter
Associations worldwide carefully monitor the activities of Hunters, evaluating their accomplishments and assigning rankings based on their performance. Over time, Andre has likely achieved more dungeon clears and neutralized more high-risk threats than most other hunters, solidifying his position at the top.
His inclusion in the ranks of National Level Hunters further cements his reputation. This exclusive category consists of S-Rank Hunters who have, at minimum, conquered one S-Rank dungeon without assistance.
Confirmed National Level Hunters
Rank Name Country
1. Thomas Andre USA
2. Liu Zhigang China
3. Christopher Reed USA
4. Siddharth Bachchan India
Can Andre Overpower Jin-Woo?
Though Andre stands above all other known hunters, Jin-Woo possesses a unique edge due to his ability to level up indefinitely. Having already completed the Demon Castle, an S-Rank Dungeon, Jin-Woo has essentially reached the level of a National Level Hunter.
However, because many of his battles have taken place away from the public eye, the Association has been unable to properly assess his full strength. His power continues to grow at an astonishing rate, making him an anomaly among hunters.
The Manhwa’s Chapter 147 offers a clear answer to their power comparison. When Jin-Woo and Andre engage in a one-on-one battle, Jin-Woo decisively defeats Andre without much effort. “We have to stop them, of course!” “Us? Stop them??” “Yes, Sung Jin-Woo is beating Thomas to a pulp!!” – Solo Leveling Manhwa, Chapter 147
The Reason Behind Andre’s Visit to South Korea
Even Go Gun-Hee appeared surprised when Andre arrived in South Korea. Both he and Woo Jin-Chul speculated on the reason—was it to assist with the Jeju Island Raid, to issue a warning about Hwang Dong-Soo, or was there another agenda entirely?
According to the Manhwa, Andre’s visit was purely to address the chaos created by Dong-Soo. Once the issue was settled, he departed without displaying any real interest in offering aid to the Korean Hunters battling on Jeju Island.
Why Andre Will Not Participate in the Jeju Island Raid
The level of power Andre wields makes it impossible for him to intervene in the affairs of other nations without causing important repercussions. His sheer strength surpasses the combined forces gathered for the Jeju Island Raid, making his involvement a matter of international concern.
Additionally, since the crisis on Jeju Island does not directly impact him, he does not view it as a priority. From a financial standpoint, requesting his assistance would come at an exorbitant price, something the Korean Hunters Association is unlikely to afford.
The Most Influential Non-Asian Hunters in Solo Leveling
Among the numerous hunters introduced throughout Solo Leveling, several non-Asian figures stand out as some of the most powerful and influential. Thomas Andre is undoubtedly one of them, and his role in the story is far from over.
Though he is somewhat weaker than Jin-Woo, his strength and combat experience remain impressive. As more mysteries within Solo Leveling continue to surface, it would not be surprising if Andre and Jin-Woo found themselves working together in the future.