Solo Leveling season 2 opening's major spoilers and Easter Eggs, explained

Modified Jan 07, 2025 04:30 GMT

Solo Leveling season 2 opening's major spoilers and Easter Eggs, explained (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Solo Leveling season 2 marked its debut on January 5, 2024, and began the Red Gate arc. While the episode itself was accurately adapted from the manhwa, the opening sequence at the beginning of the episode might have practically spoiled the entire catalog of events to be adapted in season 2.

While many visuals from the opening sequence remain standalone sequences disconnected from the story, a few sequences have directly referenced major events to be adapted in season 2.

Disclaimer- This article contains massive spoilers for Solo Leveling season 2.

Solo Leveling season 2 opening and all five of its easter eggs explained

1) Jinwoo's first encounter with a Monarch

Baram as shown in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The story of Solo Leveling has revolved around the recurring war between Monarchs and Rulers. While the Monarchs do not appear until the actual midpoint of the story, the first Monarch, Monarch of the White Flames, and the final boss of the Demon Castle arc, Baran, was revealed in the first few moments of the Solo Leveling season 2 opening.

The sequence within the anime's opening depicted Jinwoo engaging Baran with multiple shadows, clearly referencing the final fight of the Demon Castle arc. This fight will also mark Jinwoo's toughest challenge in season 2.

2) Jeju Island Strike Team

Brief appearance of the Jeju Island Strike Team as shown in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The Jeju Island arc is one of the most popular arcs of the series. It has been a mainstay of the fandom's discussions ever since the anime for this series was confirmed. While many fans simply recognize this arc as Beru's debut, it also marks the first on-screen team-up between all of Korea's operating S-rank hunters.

While the trailer only depicted the initial stages of the Jeju Island arc, it is possible that the entire arc will be adapted in season 2 itself.

3) Holy Water of Life and Jinwoo's family

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The Holy Water of Life has been one of Jinwoo's primary objectives since season 1 of the anime. While not much about it was revealed in season 1, the opening of Solo Leveling season 2 depicted it as a beacon of hope, being held and admired by Sung Jinah, Jinwoo's sister.

Although this event did not occur in the manhwa, it references the Holy Water of Life bringing back Jinwoo's mother from the Eternal Sleep disease. This event marks a great change in both Jinwoo and Jinah's lives. The entire sequence was followed by a quick montage of a ring pendant, followed by a pair of glowing eyes.

While this was one of the more obscure sequences in the opening, it mainly serves as a reference to Jinwoo's mother and her bond with Jinwoo's father. His father is the man with the glowing eyes shown in the opening

4) The death of Jinwoo's former self

Jinwoo as shown in the anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The final few moments of the Solo Leveling season 2 opening depicted the current Sung Jinwoo glancing at his former self lying lifeless on a flower bed. This sequence does not reference any events from the story, but it might be a symbolic representation of the character arc that Jinwoo will undergo.

Jinwoo's former self appeared throughout season 1 of the anime. It served as a stern voice within Jinwoo's mind, urging him to tread forward. The cryptic sequence in the opening might represent Jinwoo becoming completely confident in his abilities, marking an end to his former self, which was full of doubt.

Otherwise, it could also symbolize Jinwoo completely becoming a new person, letting go of his former identity while simultaneously evolving into Ashborn's vessel. While Ashborn does not directly appear throughout the opening and ending sequences, the current Jinwoo depicted in the final moments of the opening might be Ashborn witnessing Jinwoo's growth

Final thoughts

Solo Leveling season 2 is currently available for streaming on both Netflix and Crunchyroll. Season 2 has been confirmed for a total of 13 episodes, but the exact arcs that will be adapted remain unclear.