Does Solo Leveling have romance? Explained

Modified Jul 10, 2024 13:30 GMT

Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In (Image via Chugong, D&C Media)

Solo Leveling has taken the world by storm ever since its anime adaptation was announced at the Anime Expo 2022. When author Chugong's series was finally released as an anime in January 2024, it was the only topic of discussion on people's lips and across screens.

The series explores the themes of independence, personal growth, and perseverance through the perspective of protagonist Sung Jin-Woo. Amidst the adrenaline-pumping actions, viewers have wondered whether Solo Leveling has romance. To put it simply, romance is a theme and is addressed during the course of the story.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manhwa series.

Solo Leveling features romance between Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In

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On the surface, it might seem like Solo Leveling features intense action with the occasional dialogue that takes the story forward. While that is true, it does possess the theme of romance, with Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In being the sole subjects.

Initially, we only see Jin-Woo focused on understanding the System, the abilities bestowed on him, and his route to leveling up. During these attempts at leveling up through Dungeon clearing, Jin-Woo runs into Hae-In, who remarks that he "smells" different or rather more pleasant than other Hunters.

Following that, their interactions are limited and scattered throughout the story. However, readers understand there is a romantic tension between the two when Hae-In requests to join Jin-Woo's Guild. Jin-Woo tests her through a battle with a Beru but has to interfere, ultimately declining her request.

Cha Hae-In and Sung Jin-Woo (Image via Chugong, D&C Media)

The story then progresses, witnessing Jin-Woo grow stronger, face fearsome opponents, and gradually learn the purpose for which he was chosen. This romance between Jin-Woo and Hae-In later receives the spotlight when Jin-Woo uses his abilities to travel through time and alter the timeline.

During this time, specifically after the Final Battle Arc, i.e., the Epilogue and the Academy Arc, we see the romance between Jin-Woo and Hae-in blossom. They start getting acquainted at school and marry each other by the end.

Their union brings into the world a boy named Sung Su-ho. Thanks to his father, he inherits the powers of the Shadow Monarch. However, Jin-Woo locked his powers and memories as a child so he could lead a normal life till the time was right.

In conclusion

To reiterate, Solo Leveling does have romance, with Sung Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In being the sole subjects. However, it is not addressed for a major bit of the story. It is definitely teased during each of Jin-Woo's encounters with Hae-In, mostly from the latter's side.

But other than that, the story only delves into it after the Final Battle Arc. Some might say that this was a smart decision by Chugong, focusing more on Jin-Woo leveling up and unraveling the mysteries of the System. Others might disagree, feeling that adding it at different points would have benefitted the story.

Whatever the case, it is undoubtedly certain that this series has opened the door for other Manhwa to receive anime adaptations and for Manhwa as a whole to be more recognized.

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Edited by Shreya Das