Solo Leveling’sSungJinwoois one ofanime’s strongest characters of all time. The second season of the anime, released in January 2025, especially solidified his star status as he leveled up like never before and finally reached S-Rank.
However, heading into season three,Solo Leveling’sanimation producer, Atsushi Kaneko, told ScreenRant what the team’s plans are for the main character’s arc. He also noted the changes needed in order for Jinwoo to grow beyond just a physically mighty character into someone emotionally powerful too.
Solo Leveling Animation Director Explains What Jinwoo’s Character Arc Needs Most
Jinwoo is at the Height of his Physical Power, And Now He Must Experience Emotional Growth
Atsushi explained that Jinwoo’s goal in seasons one and two was simply to become as mighty as possible. Once he re-awakened and realized the full extent of his new ability, Jinwoo trained and took on new missions to advance in the ranks, maximizing his physical strength to the highest level possible over the course ofSolo Leveling’sfirst arcs.
“In Season One, Jinwoo had nothing and so he fought hard to gain things as a result. By the end of Season Two, he’s grown powerful and can beat all kinds of enemies. However, that power comes at a price. If Season Three happens, I want to explore this inner conflict Jinwoo has about being the strongest. If he becomes the strongest, he might lose something and then feel incomplete. He may not lose things physically, it is what he might lose emotionally and internally.”
“It’s less about a change in Jinwoo’s appearance and more about his internal growth: his integrity and his emotional state.” - Atsushi Kaneko,Solo Leveling’sAnimation Director, A-1 Pictures Interview at Anime Expo
After reaching S-Rank, discovering how togather a Shadow Army who fightsby his side, and saving his mother from her Eternal Slumber, the path forward for Jinwoo seems less certain. He has achieved his initial ambitions, and to be an effective character, according to Kaneko,he must pursue a new challenge: delving into his emotions.
There is no doubt that Jinwoo has enough fighting expertise now to succeed, but, except regarding his mother’s illness, his feelings are not as frequently displayed inSolo Leveling.He battled methodically, with a concrete goal in mind, but now he must define himself as a warrior based on his own internal goals, not an external motivator.
Jinwoo’s Emotions Will Be More Present in Season Three of Solo Leveling
Being the Strongest Has Changed Jinwoo’s Life, Kickstarting a New Emotional Journey For the Hero
Kaneko states that “power comes at a price,” and Jinwoo cannot merely stand on his physical power alone forever. If he does not develop emotionally, not only will he not become as holistically strong as he could be, he will suffer as a character without clear motivations.
He has saved his mother from Eternal Slumber and reached the maximum rank possible, but now Jinwoo must discover a personal reason for fighting beyond just following prompts from The System. Kaneko also wishes for season three to “explore this inner conflict Jinwoo has about being the strongest.”
Being as mighty as Jinwoo comes with great responsibility and there will be a substantial shift compared to how his life was before. Although this talent comes with many benefits, it is a major change that Jinwoo must adjust to. In season three,the emotional effects of Jinwoo’s strength will finally be unpacked, making him a more well-rounded hero.
Although he is S-Rank now,Jinwoo’sjourney isn’t over. He still has plenty of evolving to do and season three will begin to explore his adjustment to lifeas one of the strongest S-Rank Hunters. With this goal in mind,season three has the potential to beSolo Leveling’sbestyet, since it will reveal a brand-new side of Jinwoo.
