The Kings of Gen 1 in Lookism: Top 10 Strongest First Generation Fighters + Latest Power Ranking (2026 Update)

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Gen 1 in lookism

Sitau.xyz - Hey, if you're deep into the Lookism manhwa like I am, you've probably spent way too many late nights debating who the real monsters of the first generation were. Those legendary fighters who ruled entire regions before the crew era kicked off – yeah, the Gen 1 kings in Lookism. In Indonesian communities, fans often call them "raja gen 1 Lookism," and honestly, that phrase captures the vibe perfectly: these guys were absolute kings of their territories.

Lookism, created by Park Tae-joon (PTJ), started as a story about appearance discrimination but evolved into one of the wildest action series out there. By 2026, with chapters pushing past 580, we've seen massive reveals about the past – especially the Cheonliang, Busan, and older arcs that dive into these old-school legends. James Lee sweeping through and ending the circle era? Iconic. But who were the actual kings he took down? That's what we're breaking down today.

In this article, we'll cover what the first generation really means, list out the top 10 confirmed Gen 1 kings with detailed profiles, drop a fresh power ranking based on the latest chapters, and even touch on how they connect to the current Gen 2 characters. I'll throw in my own takes too – because honestly, some of these debates on Reddit keep me up at night. Let's dive in.

What Exactly Is the First Generation in Lookism?

Okay, quick backstory for anyone who needs a refresher. Lookism's world is split into "generations" of fighters. Gen 0 was the fist era, led by the absolute beast Gapryong Kim – think old-school gangsters ruling with pure charisma and strength. Then came Gen 1, the circle era, where every major region in Korea had its own "king." These guys didn't just fight for fun; they controlled territories, built circles, and waged wars against each other.

What sets Gen 1 apart from Gen 2 (the current crew heads like Gun, Goo, and the Big 4) is the sheer brutality. No big organizations like the Four Major Crews yet – just raw, individual power. The generation ended when James Lee (aka DG) went around defeating every single king, basically forcing peace and paving the way for the modern era.

We've learned a ton about this era through flashbacks. The Cheonliang arc showed us Seongji Yuk's tragic kingdom in the mountains. The recent Incheon and Busan arcs (still unfolding in 2026) keep dropping hints about other kings. It's wild how PTJ keeps connecting everything back to these old legends. Personally, I love how Gen 1 feels more grounded and tragic compared to the ultra-stylized fights we get now.

There's even a loose ranking system among the kings themselves – bigger cities meant stronger rulers, generally. Seoul was the ultimate prize, which makes the fights over it extra intense.

The Top 10 Confirmed Gen 1 Kings in Lookism (Detailed Profiles)

As of early 2026, with the manhwa well into the 580s, we've got a solid list of confirmed first-generation kings. Some are fully fleshed out, others are still getting reveals. Here's the top 10 most discussed and powerful ones, based on canon appearances and community consensus.

1. Seongji Yuk – King of Cheonliang

Seongji Cheonliang

Seongji Yuk is, in my opinion, the most beautifully written Gen 1 king. This guy ruled the remote Cheonliang region with a mix of overwhelming strength and quiet wisdom. His design – those extra fingers and toes from the "tanghulu" curse – made him an outcast, but he turned that pain into incredible power.

He mastered multiple martial arts, reached insane thresholds, and even taught future monsters like Vasco and Johan. His fight against James Lee (revealed in flashbacks) was heartbreaking – he held his own longer than most, but sacrifices for his "family" cost him everything. Seongji's story hits different; he's not just strong, he's tragic. Easily one of the top-tier Gen 1 kings in Lookism.

2. Jichang Kwak – Former King of Seoul / King of Chungcheong

Jichang Kwak briefly held the throne of Seoul itself – the biggest prize. Before that, he dominated Chungcheong. His style was pure precision: perfect defense, counters, and that signature "invisible" attacks. He took down other kings and built a massive circle.

His downfall came against James Lee, but even in defeat, he showed insane durability. Later arcs revealed his connections to current characters (no spoilers), making him feel even more important. Jichang's calm, calculated personality makes him scary – no flashy moves, just efficient destruction.

3. Taesoo Ma – King of Ansan

Taesoo Ma is the classic "one-punch" type king. He ruled Ansan with Kyokushin karate and raw power – remember how he lost an eye fighting Hudson's dad? That fight alone shows his level. He trained Hudson Ahn, passing down that monstrous strength.

His confrontation with James Lee was brutal; Taesoo pushed hard but ultimately lost. Still living in the current timeline, he occasionally pops up as a mentor figure. I love how PTJ made him regretful about the past – adds depth beyond just being a powerhouse.

4. Jaegyeon Na – King of Incheon

Jaegyeon Na, the flashy pretty boy who ruled Incheon. His capoeira-style kicks and speed made him untouchable in his prime. Recent arcs (around the 570s-580s) gave him a lot more spotlight, showing his wild personality and surprising durability.

He's one of the younger Gen 1 kings, but don't sleep on him – his fights prove he belongs in the top tier.

5. Gongseob Ji – King of Daegu

Gongseob Ji brought pure boxing mastery to the table. His speed and technique overwhelmed opponents, and he ruled Daegu with an iron fist. His fight against Hudson was one of the most hype early reveals of Gen 1 strength.

Underrated in some rankings, but his clean fundamentals make him dangerous against anyone.

6. Gitae Kim – The Wild Card (Often Ranked as King-Level)

Gitae kim psikopat

Gitae Kim, Gapryong's son, is a controversial pick. He didn't hold a traditional Korean territory, but his sheer brutality and overseas dominance put him on the same level as the kings. Recent chapters (post-500) solidified him as an absolute monster – axe-wielding, no-holds-barred fighting style.

Many fans argue he's top 3 material. His connections to Jake and the main plot make him impossible to ignore.

7. James Lee / DG – The Legend Who Ended Gen 1

Technically not a "king" since he never ruled a circle long-term, but come on – James Lee defeated every single Gen 1 king. His perfect body, ultra instinct-like state, and copy ability make him the ceiling of that era.

He's the reason Gen 1 ended. In my book, he's the undisputed strongest.

8-10. Other Notable Kings (Busan, Pyeongtaek, etc.)

Rounding out the list: the King of Busan (recently getting more hints in 2026 chapters), Seokdu Wang (Pyeongtaek), and a few others mentioned in passing. PTJ keeps teasing more, so this list might grow.

Latest Power Ranking of Gen 1 Kings in Lookism (2026)

Here's my personal ranking based on feats, statements, and latest chapters. This is subjective – the community argues endlessly about it!

1. James Lee – Untouched ceiling. Defeated everyone.
2. Gitae Kim – Raw savagery puts him scarily high.
3. Seongji Yuk – Mastery of thresholds and tragic potential.
4. Jichang Kwak – Held Seoul, perfect technique.
5. Taesoo Ma – One-punch devastation.
6. Jaegyeon Na – Speed and flair.
7. Gongseob Ji – Boxing fundamentals.
8. Others – Depending on new reveals.

Honestly, prime vs prime debates are endless. If Seongji had lived longer, maybe he'd edge out others – that's my hot take.

Community Debates: Who's Really the Strongest?

Reddit and TikTok are on fire with these discussions. Some swear by James Lee as untouchable, others push Gitae as the new top dog after recent chapters. Seongji gets a lot of love for his emotional weight. It's fun chaos.

How Gen 1 Kings Connect to Current Characters

Almost every major Gen 2 fighter has ties: Vasco and Johan from Seongji, Hudson from Taesoo, Jake from Gitae/Jichang bloodlines. It's why the past keeps bleeding into the present plot.

Conclusion

Wrapping this up, the Gen 1 kings in Lookism represent the raw, brutal roots of the series' fighting world. From Seongji Yuk's tragic reign to James Lee's legendary sweep, these characters add so much depth. Whether you're team Seongji or team Gitae, one thing's clear – the first generation kings remain some of the most fascinating parts of the manhwa even in 2026.

Who's your favorite Gen 1 king? Drop it in the comments. And if you want more, check out the official Lookism on Webtoon or dive into discussions on the Lookism Fandom wiki.

Who is the strongest Gen 1 king in Lookism?

As of 2026, most fans and canon feats point to James Lee as the strongest, followed closely by Gitae Kim and Seongji Yuk.

How many confirmed Gen 1 kings are there?

Around 10 major kings have been confirmed or heavily implied, with more teases in recent arcs.

What's the difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2 in Lookism?

Gen 1 was individual regional rulers during the circle/war era. Gen 2 is organized crews in the modern era.

In which chapters do the Gen 1 kings appear?

Major reveals start around episode 404 ("First Generation King"), with big arcs in Cheonliang (470s-500s) and ongoing Incheon/Busan.

Is James Lee considered a Gen 1 king?

Not officially – he never ruled a territory long-term. He's the legend who defeated all the actual kings and ended the era.