TV-Series
Description
Foein Li, also known as Huo Yan Li, is a character from the Fire Force series who serves as a high-ranking officer within the Special Fire Force Company 1. Initially holding the position of lieutenant, he later assumes the role of captain following a change in leadership. In addition to his duties as a fire soldier, he is also a priest of the Holy Sol Temple, a role that heavily influences his disciplined conduct and formal appearance.

In terms of appearance, Foein is a young man with short, shaggy blond hair that falls over the upper half of his face. His eyes are most often shown as naturally closed or narrowed into a calm, serene expression. He also has a small strip of facial hair on his chin. His attire is typical of the leadership of Company 1 and reflects his religious station: he wears a dark hat, a dark cassock, a light high-collared overcoat, a skirt-like garment over his legs, dark shoes, and a cross-shaped pendant. At a critical point in the story, he loses his right arm to a fire arrow while protecting a comrade.

Foein's personality is defined by a distinct contrast to his long-time colleagues, Karim Flam and the late Rekka Hoshimiya. While they have more intense or excitable natures, Foein is laid-back, level-headed, and deeply responsible. He dislikes pointless conflict and does not like to get worked up over meaningless fighting. He is a strong adherent to the etiquette of the 1st Special Fire Brigade, strictly observing formalities such as the dress code. Despite being a priest in an organization where corruption is later exposed, his faith does not shatter. Instead, he continues to venerate the hope the church provides and the benevolent aspects of the Sun God, rejecting the destructive and malicious dogma of the antagonistic White-Clad cult.

Foein is a Third Generation pyrokinetic, meaning he can generate flames from his own body without an external source. Unlike some who rely on massive firepower, his fighting style is refined and efficient, focusing on precision and conserving stamina. He combines his ignition ability with quick, precise hand-to-hand combat techniques to dispatch Infernals. His signature move is the Lantern Fist, a technique where he encloses explosive thermal energy within his fist, releasing it only upon impact to destroy an Infernal's core from the inside. This precise method prevents unnecessary collateral damage. Even after losing his right arm, he remains a formidable combatant, adapting his style to his new circumstances.

Within the story, Foein's role often involves investigating misconduct and leading his brigade. He is part of the group that uncovers Rekka Hoshimiya's crimes in creating artificial Infernals. When he and Karim confront Rekka, a White-Clad assassin kills him with a flaming arrow. Foein saves Karim from the next shot but loses his own arm in the process. He later questions Karim about a great fire in Tokyo, deducing it was artificially started by the White-Clad. He frames the loss of his arm as a test from God, using it to motivate his colleague.

Following the departure of Leonard Burns, Foein is promoted to captain of Company 1, noting that he believes another soldier, Onyango, would be better suited for the role. He leads his company against outbreaks of sentient Infernals linked to the Great Cataclysm, coordinating evacuations and fighting on the front lines. He plays a key role in major story arcs, eventually witnessing the emergence of a Demon Infernal and the events leading to the merging of his world with Adolla. He meets his end when an apocalypse, the Great Cataclysm, occurs, but he is later restored to life when the protagonist, Shinra Kusakabe, manipulates time to reset reality.

Foein shares a significant relationship with his fellow lieutenant and longtime friend, Karim Flam. Despite their contrasting personalities, they work closely together, trusting each other implicitly. Foein's sacrifice of his arm for Karim is a testament to this bond. He also has a history with his former captain, Leonard Burns, consulting him on important matters. His past friendship with Rekka Hoshimiya adds a layer of tragedy to the eventual confrontation where Rekka's betrayal is exposed. His faith, though damaged by the Temple's corruption, remains a core part of his identity, motivating him to fight for hope rather than blind obedience, and he continues to act as a priest throughout the series.

The name Foein Li is a homophone for the Chinese word huǒ yàn, which means "flames".