Sung Jin-Woo's Shocking Weaknesses That Could Change Everything!

By midway through season 2 of Solo Leveling, it’s undeniable to all viewers that Sung Jinwoo might be the world’s strongest Hunter. His claim to this title isn’t just based on his natural physical prowess, but also on the fearsome horde of shadows he controls, capable of overwhelming and obliterating anything they encounter.

I’ve been noticing, even an elite S-Rank hunter like myself, Jinwoo, has some notable areas that require improvement. Here are seven significant weaknesses I’ve observed in our journey together through the two seasons of “Solo Leveling.” Remember, this list reflects the version of Jinwoo we’ve encountered so far, so consider it more a work-in-progress than a comprehensive catalog of his flaws.

7. Insistence on Doing Everything by Himself

A One-Man Army

Character’s Name: Yoo Jinho
First Appearance: Episode 1

Since Jinwoo gained the power to summon and control a shadow army, he often chooses to explore dungeons alone. He has several reasons for this. First, he wishes to conceal his unique ability. Second, he aims to protect others from potential harm. Lastly, engaging in combat with his shadow troops is far more effective than joining forces with other Hunters.

On the other hand, there’s a risk in always doing everything alone. The primary concern is burnout. Although Jinwoo might not get physically tired quickly, an S-Rank hunter like him could still succumb to mental exhaustion after hours of continuous fighting. Shadows may miss these signs, but a friend like Yoo Jinho would spot even the slightest changes in Jinwoo’s behavior and urge him to take a break. While shadow soldiers are loyal and powerful, they can’t replicate the meaningful interactions between friends.

6. Increasing Indifference

He No Longer Cared

Character’s Name: Kim Chul
First Appearance: Episode 1 (Season 2)

Sung Jinwoo is progressing towards a state where he might be the world’s most potent entity. Moreover, given that he embodies the Shadow Monarch, it’s clear that he has transcended his human nature. Consequently, it becomes increasingly challenging for him to empathize and feel concern about the destiny of many humans nearby.

Consider the Red Gate incident as an illustration. While Kim Chul may come off as overconfident and inept, his followers, who are B-Rank and C-Rank hunters, choose to stick with him due to his high rank within their group. They prioritize their own survival above all else. If they had known about Jinwoo’s true abilities, they would have undoubtedly followed him instead. Jinwoo is aware that these people are likely to meet their demise, but he shows little concern and doesn’t even bother sending a shadow to safeguard them. The White Tiger Guild suffered significant losses that day, with young hunters perishing, yet Jinwoo seems more distraught over his inability to extract the ice elf’s shadow rather than the lives lost. He has the capacity to save everyone, but chooses not to because he has grown increasingly apathetic towards everything around him.

5. Over-Reliance on Potions

There’s a Potion for Everything

Character’s Name: Cerberus
First Appearance: Episode 7

Many players of RPG games recognize that having potions on hand, particularly during intense battles against bosses, can be crucial to survival. For Jinwoo, it’s essential to stock up on health, mana, and stamina potions in the store prior to any significant fight. This way, he ensures he has the necessary tools for staying alive in the game.

Of the three elixirs, it’s the mana elixir that is most vital because shadow soldiers deplete mana, and their power and quantity influence how quickly it gets used. In extended combat against a formidable foe, Jinwoo frequently uses numerous mana elixirs to keep battling. This strategy is evident during his fight against Cerberus. Conversely, an adversary can take advantage of this vulnerability by continuously attacking his shadows and keeping him so busy that he can’t drink potions, eventually depleting his mana. Without mana, Jinwoo loses control over half of his powers.

4. Lack of Defense

Always on the Offensive

Character’s Name: Iron
First Appearance: Episode 3 (Season 2)

For the agile assassin and necromancer, Sung Jinwoo, offense rather than defense takes precedence. Strength, speed, and stealth are crucial aspects for a covert operative like him. In fact, stealth outranks defense in importance. Consequently, he eschews armor altogether as it would impede his swift movements. Instead, he relies on items and accessories that augment his defensive capabilities.

Indeed, it’s accurate that Jinwoo owns a tank shadow warrior called Iron, but he isn’t always able to protect Jinwoo, particularly in intense battles due to their chaotic nature. Moreover, given Jinwoo’s combat style which involves getting up close with the enemy, his absence of personal defense has resulted in numerous injuries. Undoubtedly, acquiring a defensive skill or outfit would significantly improve his situation.

3. Lack of Healing Ability

Need to Stop and Retreat

Character’s Name: Lee Joohee
First Appearance: Episode 1

Because Jinwoo often battles alongside his shadow army rather than a traditional strike team setup, there isn’t typically a designated healer among them. Given that he frequently encounters high-ranked dungeons, sustaining injuries is inevitable. To manage pain, treat wounds, and replenish his health, Jinwoo can only resort to the healing potions that he bought from the shop, as previously mentioned.

Since Jinwoo is both an assassin and a necromancer, lacking healing abilities, it’s more beneficial to have a designated healer, such as Lee Joo-Hee or Min Byung-Gyu, on the team. This way, Jinwoo can be healed without needing to pause and evade enemies during combat.

2. The Importance of Family

The Source of Strength and Weakness

Character’s Name: Sung Jinah
First Appearance: Episode 1

As for myself, Sung Jinwoo, my family holds an unparalleled significance in my life. The driving force behind my choice to embark on the path of a Hunter was none other than the desire to alleviate my mother’s medical expenses and secure a comfortable existence for my cherished little sister, Sung Jinah.

Just as with many other heroic tales, the hero’s family and loved ones serve as both a source of resilience and vulnerability. Indeed, Jinwoo is determined to keep the enemy unaware of his family’s location, lest they be used as pawns for blackmail. The thought of his family being in harm’s way is a distraction that can hinder even a formidable warrior like Jinwoo. If he manages to secure their safety at all times, he will undoubtedly find it easier to give his all in battle.

1. The Inability to Defy the System

A Player Who is Bound by the System

Character’s Name: Statue of God
First Appearance: Episode 1

The majority of issues listed here can be addressed because they primarily stem from either a person’s abilities or character traits. However, this specific challenge arises from factors beyond his control, making it particularly tough to conquer.

Observing from afar, it’s clear that Jinwoo operates under a system that dictates his actions. This system assigns him tasks daily, ranging from physical workouts to more complex missions involving eliminating specific targets – often humans. Not adhering to the system’s instructions results in severe consequences for Jinwoo.

Regardless of how powerful Jinwoo has grown, he must unquestioningly follow any command given by the system. This is a significant flaw that won’t be addressed until we reach later stages of the series. If you’d rather watch the anime adaptation than read the webtoon, keep following along because Sung Jinwoo is expected to overcome many of these weaknesses in future seasons.

2025-03-13 17:51

Sung Jin-Woo’s Shocking Weaknesses That Could Change Everything!