Liu Kang

Liu Kang (Chinese: 劉康; pinyin: Liúkāng) is a video game character from the Mortal Kombat series. He was introduced in the series' original video game installment in 1992, as a Shaolin monk who enters the Mortal Kombat tournament to save Earthrealm (Earth). Since his victory in the tournament, Liu Kang becomes the champion and chief defender of Earthrealm, guided by his mentor, the thunder god Raiden. He also romantically involved with Princess Kitana, an adopted daughter of his archenemy Shao Kahn, the evil emperor of Outworld.

Liu Kang appears in most of Mortal Kombat video games series as a playable character, including as the lead character in the action-adventure game Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks along with Kung Lao, and has also appeared as the primary protagonist of the live-action films from the series and the comic adaptations.

Liu Kang was created to be the hero of the series, with most of his moves being less violent and easier to perform than the ones from other characters. His critical reception was mostly favorable among both fans and critics.