Liu Kang is one of the most popular characters in the series and also one of the series' main characters. He is a Chinese Shaolin fighting monk. He moves quickly and possesses formidable fighting skills. Throughout the series, Liu Kang has been gradually portrayed as the main hero, becoming Champion after the first Mortal Kombat tournament and then following whatever quest Raiden has in mind for him. His romantic interest is Princess Kitana, but he is unable to commit himself to a relationship due to his duty (protecting Earthrealm as the Champion of Mortal Kombat) while Kitana has to stay in Edenia/Outworld as reigning princess.

Liu Kang was brutally murdered by Shang Tsung (who had Quan Chi's assistance) in the prelude of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, his soul consumed by Tsung. He did return in Mortal Kombat: Deception, albeit as a zombie. He also co-stars alongside Kung Lao, Sub-Zero, Scorpion and others in the adventure game Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (as a human, due to the game taking place during the time of Mortal Kombat II), in Mortal Kombat: Unchained and is featured again in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon in zombie form, although his human form is his alternate costume.