"How did you get in here?"
"I am Koloth."
"That doesn't answer my question."
"Yes, it does."
– Odo and Koloth, 2370

Koloth was among the most legendary warriors, heroic military leaders and adept negotiators in the Klingon Empire during the late 23rd and early 24th centuries. He was known in the United Federation of Planets chiefly for his encounters with Captain James T. Kirk and Curzon Dax, and for his long friendship with fellow Klingon officers Kor and Kang.

As a product of 22nd century genetic engineering, Koloth was descended from Klingons afflicted with the Augment virus created in 2154. By the 24th century, he seemed to have been cured or cosmetically altered.

Koloth's status within the Empire was revered to the extent that he achieved the status of a Klingon Dahar Master. His glory further succeeded him, after his death in 2370, when he earned his own statue among the Hall of Heroes on Qo'noS.