Sung Jinwoo’s journey in Solo Leveling is often reduced to one of sheer dominance, power escalation, and an unstoppable rise to godhood. Many fans feel that Jinwoo gradually distanced himself from the people around him as he gained stronger, resulting in being an aloof and distant ruler.
However, contrary to popular belief, Jinwoo never discarded his emotional ties rather he merely struggled to balance his relationships with his newfound responsibilities. The anime adaptation is now rectifying this misconception of the manhwa by emphasizing his interactions with other characters, showing that Jinwoo remains deeply connected to those who matter most to him.
A brief look at Sung Jinwoo’s relationship with other minor Solo Leveling characters
One of the most important aspects of Jinwoo’s humanity is how he interacts with authority figures of Solo Leveling. Despite his rapid growth, he is far from indifferent to the presence of powerful hunters like Baek Yoonho and Choi Jong-In. When Baek approaches him after witnessing his abilities, Jinwoo is visibly uneasy, unsure of how to navigate the situation.
Similarly, when Choi Jong-In takes an interest in him, he does not immediately assert dominance but remains wary and measured in his responses. These moments reveal that Jinwoo, despite his unparalleled strength, does not dismiss those above him but instead carefully considers his place in the world.
Jinwoo’s relationship with Yoo Jinho is often overshadowed by their comedic interactions, but beneath the humor lies a genuine bond of brotherhood. While Jinho looks up to Jinwoo and aspires to be like him, Jinwoo never takes advantage of his admiration. Instead, he assumes the position of an elder brother, guiding and protecting Jinho rather than seeing him as a mere subordinate.
This theme extends even further with Jinwoo’s younger sister, Jinah. Unlike the cold and detached ruler that some perceive him to be, Jinwoo is deeply protective of Jinah, ensuring she remains unaware of the dangers he faces. His interactions with her showcase his softer side, one that remains unaffected by his violent confrontations.
Another example is Cha Hae-In, whose presence in Jinwoo’s life is unique because she is the first person to pique his interest without him fully understanding why. Unlike his relationships with Jinho and Jinah, which are rooted in clear familial affection, Cha’s peculiar nature unsettles Jinwoo in a way that forces him to acknowledge something beyond combat and survival.
Her sensitivity to his aura makes her different from others, and rather than dismissing her, he finds himself drawn to her in an unexplained way. Woo Jinchul serves as another key figure in Jinwoo’s life, providing a grounded perspective amid the chaos of the hunter world.
Unlike those who fear Jinwoo’s power or seek to exploit it, Woo Jinchul approaches him with cautious respect, and Jinwoo reciprocates this sentiment. He does not belittle or dismiss Woo despite the gap in their abilities, treating him with dignity and understanding.
Jinwoo’s biggest mistake in the manhwa: Losing touch with humanity
Sung Jinwoo’s story is not just about power, it is about the delicate balance between strength and human connection. The idea that he became alienated from others as he became stronger is a misrepresentation of his character arc. Rather, his interactions with Baek Yoonho, Choi Jong-In, Jinho, Jinah, Cha Hae-In, and Woo Jinchul all showcase his enduring ties to humanity.
The growth of Jinwoo 👏 pic.twitter.com/lC3gxpKogj
— Solo Leveling (@SoloLevelAnime) February 19, 2025
While the Solo Leveling anime does justice to Jinwoo’s emotional depth, the manhwa adaptation unfortunately sidelined this crucial aspect of his character. As the story progressed, the manhwa emphasized his godlike abilities and kingdom-building at the expense of his personal connections.
The Jinwoo who once nervously navigated interactions with Baek Yoonho and Choi Jong-In, who cherished his bonds with Jinho and Jinah, and who found himself captivated by Cha Hae-In’s presence, gradually became a distant figure who prioritized strength over sentiment.
This shift was not a natural evolution of his character but rather a convenient narrative choice, one that the anime is now correcting by highlighting the relationships that define his humanity.
Solo Leveling is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll and the manhwa is available to read on Tapas.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
