The popular Korean novel series Shishite Ikiru SSS-kyuu Hunter (originally published on SMARTOON) is getting a TV anime adaptation. The series is set to premiere in January 2027, and the announcement came with a teaser visual, a teaser PV, and the main cast and staff details.
The story follows Kim Konja, an F-rank hunter who, after a strange turn of events, gains a copy skill that activates upon his own death. He teams up with a powerful spirit known as Ken Tei, the former strongest hunter, as they aim for the top. The series has been serialized on the digital manga and novel service Piccoma since 2022, consistently ranking high in the fantasy category and accumulating over 25 million hearts (likes).
In the world, mysterious towers have appeared, filled with ferocious monsters and deadly hunter games. Kim Konja, a lowly F-rank hunter, spends his days envying the number one hunter, the “Flame Emperor.” One day, he obtains an S+ rank copy skill that triggers on his own death. He also gains a partner: Ken Tei, the former strongest hunter, who becomes his behind-spirit. Together, this unlikely duo begins their climb from the very bottom to the top of the hunter world.
The teaser visual shows Kim Konja in a dim room, living a lackluster life, while Ken Tei quietly looks down at him. Above Konja’s head, a mysterious card glows brightly, hinting at the dramatic shift in his fate.
The teaser PV has also been released.
Cast
The main cast includes Ootsuka Takeo as Kim Konja and Hino Satoshi as Ken Tei. Kim Konja is an F-rank hunter who gains an S+ rank copy skill triggered by death. After witnessing a scandal involving the Flame Emperor, he is killed, but uses the copied skill “Return to 24 Hours Before Death” to seek revenge. Ken Tei, on the other hand, is a former top-class hunter who becomes Konja’s behind-spirit through the copy skill. He recognizes Konja’s talent and acts as his partner.
Kim Konja (CV: Ootsuka Takeo)
Ken Tei (CV: Hino Satoshi)
Staff
The anime is directed by Sakurai Hiroaki, known for the Saiki Kusuo no Psi-nan series. Scripts are handled by Ooba Koyuri, and character designs by Yoshimatsu Takahiro. The animation production is by the new studio Studio fu.
Comments
Ootsuka Takeo (Kim Konja)
“The character is written as ‘Konja’ but read as ‘Konja.’ This is a story of Konja’s rise, unfolding with a lively cast of characters. The recording sessions are full of speed and energy. Please look forward to the broadcast.”
Hino Satoshi (Ken Tei)
“I’m voicing Ken Tei in the TV anime Shishite Ikiru SSS-kyuu Hunter. Ken Tei is a bold and positive character, and with his vast experience and strength, he supports Kim Konja (played by Ootsuka Takeo) as his behind-spirit.”
Director Sakurai Hiroaki
“The original work has expanded from novel to comic and gained popularity worldwide. It’s an honor to adapt it into anime, but also a lot of pressure. However, once character designer Yoshimatsu Takahiro was confirmed, I felt the path to anime adaptation became wider and bigger. With the staff, cast, and music, the road is being reinforced and paved, and I’m making it while walking forward.”
Scriptwriter Ooba Koyuri
“Shishite Ikiru SSS-kyuu Hunter is a popular Korean work known for its roller-coaster drama. The protagonist Konja starts as a low-ranked hunter, but by mastering the cards he obtains, he rises in a truly ‘death-to-live’ cheat-like way. I hope viewers enjoy the unpredictable and original story each episode. Both original fans and newcomers will be satisfied.”
Character Designer Yoshimatsu Takahiro
“When I received the offer to design characters, I read the original and found many appealing characters! I was immediately driven to draw them. I felt this was the nutrition I needed right now. Although I’m only involved in designing the main characters, I’m happy to work with Director Sakurai again after a long time.”
(C) “Shishite Ikiru SSS-kyuu Hunter” Production Committee
