Summary
- Power was a necessity, not desire, in Solo Leveling’s world.
- Jin-Woo faced situations where he had to kill humans strategically.
- Jin-Woo’s actions are rooted in morality and self-defense.
The world of Solo Leveling revolves around power. It’s a world where hunters are largely responsible for society’s well-being and growth. But even the most skilled hunters are limited by their ranks. But Sung Jin-Woo defies these norms by gaining the ability to level up. But as he continues to get stronger, he also continues to change.
Initially considered the weakest hunter alive, Jin-Woo gains unusual skills after a near-death incident. These skills allow him to reshape his life. He is able to defeat monsters that he previously struggled with easily. He starts tackling difficult dungeons on his own and helps everyone around him. But these powers also lead him to situations where he is forced to kill humans. Will Jin-Woo’s immeasurable strength cost him his morals and conscience?
Related
Solo Leveling: How Strong Is Sung Jin-Woo In Season 2?
Sung Jin-Woo has come a long way from being an E-Rank Hunter, but how strong is he in Season 2? Well, here’s your answer.
Power Was Not a Desire, but a Need
The Hunter rankings are integral to Solo Leveling‘s world-building. Higher-ranked hunters, like S & A, are at the top of society, not only in terms of strength but also politically. While lower-ranked hunters like D & E struggle to make ends meet. Jin-Woo had it worse because he was in the depths of E-Rank. Even a mere E-level dungeon was lethal to him, but he was forced to continue as he needed to support his family. His mother is hospitalized, and his sister is still attending high school, so he needs money more than anything.
Upon receiving his new skills, he gains the unique ability to level up. Getting stronger meant access to stronger dungeons, which would allow him to get better rewards and provide for his family. Hence, getting stronger was something he had to do.
Times when Jun-woo was forced to kill
As of Season 2, Episode 7, Jin-Woo has been forced to kill humans in three different instances :
Dungeon & Lizards Arc
In Season 1, Episode 6, Jin-Woo and Jin-Ho are attacked by Hwang Dong-Suk and his group. When Jin-Woo is knocked out with lethal injuries, and as a result, the system tasks him with killing the entire group. He proceeds to kill the group of six with ease.
Dungeon & Prisoners Arc
In Season 1, Episode 9, Jin-Woo encounters Kang Tae-Shik. Though Tae-Shik was an inspector for the Association, he used his position to unfairly kill people for fun. To protect himself and his party, Jin-Woo battles Tae-Shik. Understanding Tae-Shik’s psychopathic nature, he is forced to kill him.
Red Gate Arc
In Season 2, Episode 2, Jin-woo battles Baruka, an ice elf. Amidst the battle, he is attacked by a frustrated Kim Chul. Chul is instantly killed by Igris at Jin-Woo’s command and is also turned into a Shadow. While killing Chul was not a necessity, it was strategically advantageous in order to defeat Baruka.
Consequences of His Actions
Though there were no legal consequences for these actions, Hwang Dong-Suk’s death made Jun-woo a target in the eyes of Hwang Dong-Soo. But more importantly, these killings started to change Jin-Woo mentally. When killing Dong-Suk and his party, he was horrified by his actions and later contemplated the incident. But he accepts it, considering the situation was inevitable. After his battle with Tae-Shik, Tae-Shik warns him that his powers might take him to the depths of darkness. Jin-Woo also confesses that his strength is slowly causing him to fall apart.
But for some reason… the stronger I get, the more I feel something inside me is falling apart.
But Chul’s death did not shake him at that moment. He also proceeded to strategically transform his soul into a shadow. Later, he simply recalls that it was the third time he killed a human. It feels almost like he has accepted his fate and the inevitable decisions.
Jin-Woo’s actions are Rooted in Morality
While it is true that Jin-Woo killed humans, every situation seemed inevitable. The people he killed posed a threat to society and Jin-Woo was acting in self-defense or to protect someone. And while the show constantly suggests that Jin-Woo is changing, it also shows that he has also continued to hold on to his duties and promises.
In Season 2, Episode 3, after clearing the 75th floor of the Demon Castle, Jin-Woo attains two out of three items needed to create the Elixir of Life. He also promises to clear the 100th floor soon. This confirms that while he is getting much stronger, he is doing it to save his mother.
Related
Understanding the Appeal of Solo Leveling
Why exactly did this Manhwa adaptation blow up the way it has? Solo Leveling’s popularity lies in its simplicity and its execution.
Ever since gaining his new power, Jin-Woo has only gotten stronger. This strength has made him confident and bold and allowed him to tackle situations he couldn’t before. As the show continues, he will continue to face grave situations. Will he be pushed into the darkness, or will he continue to protect what is important to him?
Solo Leveling is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Solo Leveling
- Release Date
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January 7, 2024
- Directors
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Shunsuke Nakashige
-
Taito Ban
Shun Mizushino (voice)
-
Genta Nakamura
Kenta Morobishi (voice)
