Kargalgan Dub Sparks Fury Among Solo Leveling Fans

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Summary

  • J Balvin’s voice acting as Kargalgan in Solo Leveling’s English dub received criticism from fans, questioning the casting choice.
  • Viewers found it challenging to understand Balvin’s dialogue, feeling it lacked passion and was uninspired.
  • Kargalgan’s pivotal episode, praised for breaking records, did not translate well in the English dub due to Balvin’s performance.

Enthusiasts of the series Solo leveling have had numerous reasons to rejoice with the well-received English-dubbed version. The voice cast has been highly praised, with Aleks Le’s iconic phrase “ARISE” being a standout moment. However, a specific choice regarding the casting list has stirred controversy among fans. The choice of Colombian artist J Balvin to voice one of the main antagonists, referred to as Kargalgan in English translations, has not been well-received by some viewers.

It’s not unusual to find celebrities providing voices in anime; however, the selection of Balvin for voiceovers sparked controversy from the get-go. Some questioned why a non-voice actor and non-native speaker was chosen for a role requiring a strong performance. As the episode dropped, those apprehensions seemed to escalate, and viewers of the show were displeased with it, stating that it was one of the worst anime dubs ever produced.

J Balvin’s Kargalgan Dub Draws Heavy Criticism from Fans

Viewers Struggle to Understand Dialogue and Question-Casting Choice

After Kargalgan’s departure from the show, there was a shift in feedback mainly on social media platforms like Reddit. This change in sentiment highlighted concerns about Balvin’s clarity and articulation, as many viewers found it difficult to comprehend his dialogue. The primary criticism leveled against him was that, being new to voice acting, he delivered a flat and uninspiring performance that failed to convey the character’s fervor.

Critics, including some fans, felt that the choice of voice actor for the role in Solo Leveling was less than ideal, given the positive reception to the English dubbed version prior. Some believed this decision was a marketing tactic and that Balvin may not have been the best fit for the role. However, others acknowledged that portraying a character filled with rage and thirst for blood is challenging, and appreciated Balvin’s effort in taking on the task.

Kargalgan’s Role: A Minor Character with a Major Episode

An Episode That Broke Records In Subs, Deserved The Same In Dubs

As a spectator, I must say that although Kargalgan wasn’t a recurring character, his episode and battle against Jinwoo stood out as one of the most captivating parts of the series up until that point. Interestingly, Kargalgan’s spectral presence became a permanent fixture in Jinwoo’s Shadow Army, maintaining its position as one of Jinwoo’s most formidable mages. Episode 6 garnered immense praise and broke records for streaming, further elevating the anime adaptation of “Solo Leveling” to new heights. However, fans were disappointed that this significant moment wasn’t fully emphasized in the English dub, which could have made it even more compelling for viewers.

Despite being just one among many animes in 2025, Solo Leveling has certainly captured the hearts of countless viewers and anticipation for its upcoming episodes remains high. Fans eagerly await casting choices that prioritize acting talent, aiming to provide each character with a fitting voice.

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2025-02-26 20:54