Solo Leveling is often criticized for being hyper-focused on its protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, whose journey of self-discovery sometimes seems to be the central and only theme of the series. While several interesting characters have debuted in its first two seasons, most have been relegated to irrelevance over time. Because of this, the story sometimes feels too predictable.
However, that might change in Solo Leveling season 3 as the last episode in the second installment hints towards a major shift in the narrative. Although many fans might have thought little of it, one underrated moment has already established that Jinwoo’s world is about to change dramatically, with forces of evil making their move, and someone special closely observing the drama unfold. That special individual is none other than Sung’s father, a watchful protector who might hold the key to the answers he is searching for.
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Sung Jinwoo’s father, Sung Il-Hwan, used to be a dedicated family man who would do anything to keep everyone safe. The Sung family appeared to be doing great. After marrying the love of his life, Park Kyung-Hye, Il-Hwan had two children with her. Although he initially worked as a firefighter, his life took an unexpected turn after he experienced an awakening. Il-Hwan was no ordinary hunter; he was perhaps one of the first S-rankers from Korea. But since the international ranking system was not formalized in its current form, he never got to enjoy the perks that he deserved.
I will protect my family, even if it means turn all the hunters in the world against me.
However, on one ordinary day, the Sung family’s life took a dramatic turn. During a raid, Jinwoo’s father was trapped inside a dungeon and presumed dead. Following his disappearance, the onus of raising the children fell on the shoulders of Park, who tried her best to keep her family happy. But at some point, she was diagnosed with Eternal Slumber and fell into a coma. While the Sung family struggled financially and emotionally for years, unbeknownst to them, Il-Hwan was still alive. He was found in a Gate in America eventually, following which he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Hunters.
Suspected of being a magic beast, an investigation began to understand his origins. Since he could only speak Korean, Hwang Dongsoo was entrusted with the responsibility of interrogating him. Although Il-Hwan was initially reasonable and cooperative, things took a dark turn when Dongsoo claimed Jinwoo was dead. After noticing the S-ranker’s murderous intent, Il-Hwan went berserk and destroyed the headquarters, trouncing him. One more time, he disappeared without a trace.
However, instead of trying to reunite with his family, Il-Hwan was seen again on Jeju Island, as if he were keeping an eye on the movements of the Monarchs. It’s unclear how he got there from America, but it’s obvious that he was delaying meeting his family for some strange reason. This particular moment in the season 2 finale was brief and is probably overlooked by a lot of fans as not being so significant. But it provides context to a deep conflict at play and also answers some of the most significant questions that might have been troubling fans.
It’s noteworthy that the Monarchs arrived at the scene to confirm that someone powerful was helping the humans. What’s more interesting is the fact that they were investigating at the exact spot where Jinwoo had fought Ant King. It seems reasonable to conclude from their brief conversation that the Monarchs understood that some non-human entity was lending its power to Sung but were unsure why.
Since Sung Il-Hwan was following these ancient monsters, it could be possible that he also understood their sinister plans and perhaps even knew something about the origins of Jinwoo’s powers. But what could be so important that he neglected his family for it, despite not meeting them for over a decade?
It is interesting that Sung Il-Hwan has already revealed some secrets that could be the key to figuring out the mystery behind his disappearance and how it all connects to a large conspiracy that will play a major role in Solo Leveling season 3. When Dongsoo had interrogated him, he had questioned the S-ranker’s knowledge about Gates and magic beasts. Il-Hwan had claimed that whatever supernatural phenomena related to the dungeons that humanity has encountered until now were just the tip of an iceberg.
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He then claimed something terrifying. According to Sung Il-Hwan, a power that was capable of engineering a catastrophe had awakened, and humanity was at risk. He also expressed that it was his goal to ensure that such a catastrophe did not befall humanity. It’s quite an interesting development that his son is bestowed with unimaginable power as well. For now, it would be fair to say that something sinister is going to come after humanity, and there is not enough time left. So much so that Il-Hwan cannot spare a moment to stop his investigation and reunite with his family.
Based on what the Monarchs said about Jinwoo, all of this must have some relation to Jinwoo’s powers, too, and probably involves the ancient monsters as well. It explains why Sung Il-Hwan is so desperately chasing these Monarchs, but a clear explanation is perhaps only going to come in Solo Leveling Season 3. Fans can expect to figure out the origins of Jinwoo’s powers and also learn the truth behind Sung Il-Hwan’s disappearance and his bizarre activities in the upcoming installment.
Solo Leveling Season 3 is expected to release sometime between 2026 and 2028.
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Solo Leveling Season 2 Introduces Sung Jinwoo’s Father
After a ten-year absence, Sung Il Hwan, Jinwoo’s father, returns in episode 3 of Season 2. What does this mean for the narrative of Solo Leveling?
2024 – 2025-00-00
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Noboru Kimura
Taito Ban
Shun Mizushino (voice)
Genta Nakamura
Kenta Morobishi (voice)
