Solo Leveling Season 3: Will It Fix the Show’s BIGGEST Problem?

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Summary

  • Season 3 may focus more on developing its other characters, like Cha Hae-In and Beru.
  • Previous seasons predominantly emphasized Jinwoo’s growth.
  • Future seasons may introduce more desired character development opportunities.

The following contains minor spoilers for the Solo Leveling Manhwa.

The anime version of “Solo Leveling” has been widely acclaimed due to its engaging power fantasy narrative, visually stunning fight sequences, and broad appeal. Yet, some viewers have pointed out that it tends to overlook the development of characters other than Jinwoo, resulting in a somewhat flat portrayal overall.

Considering the overwhelming success of the Solo Leveling anime, it’s highly probable that Season 3 will delve deeper into the other characters, addressing the desire of many viewers for more character development. It remains to be seen if future seasons will address concerns about underdeveloped side characters and encourage audience investment in them.

Stepping Stone Side Characters

The Narrative Only Seems to Care About Jinwoo

In the first two seasons of Solo Leveling, the storyline is deliberately centered solely on Jinwoo’s personal growth. Characters other than Jinwoo primarily serve to facilitate his development in some manner. The S-Rank hunters function as benchmarks for Jinwoo to surpass, and many antagonistic hunter characters are introduced to create obstacles for Jinwoo or provide alternatives for him beyond defeating monsters. Although the show’s focused narrative may appeal to some viewers, it can occasionally feel regrettable due to the initial hint of more character development that ultimately feels underdeveloped.

In the narrative, the trait is clearly demonstrated through Lee Joohee’s character, who was initially presented as a potential love interest for Jinwoo. As Jinwoo accrues power and embarks on a solo adventure, Joohee becomes noticeably absent from the storyline. This progression culminates in a scene where Joohee steps out of the limelight and renounces her role as a hunter, effectively reducing her from a secondary character to a mere background figure. It appears that even her personal growth was primarily intended to highlight Jinwoo’s journey rather than having its own significance. Her submissive attitude towards avoiding challenges starkly contrasts with Jinwoo’s relentless spirit of confronting overwhelming obstacles until the very end. So far in the story, it seems that every significant character’s development serves either to bolster Jinwoo or to enhance the intrigue surrounding his journey.

Will This Change in Season 3?

The Story Will Likely Have More Moments With Other Characters

If you’re hoping for more depth in the characters other than Jinwoo, Season 3 might be your opportunity. At the start of the season, we can expect a significant battle between Cha Hae-In and Beru, two fan favorites who will take center stage instead of being just secondary characters. The chemistry between Cha Hae-In and potential love interests becomes more evident in this season, while Beru occasionally provides lighthearted moments that catch us off guard. Remarkably, Jinwoo’s shadow puppets and his admirers have gained a lot of attention among the fans, showcasing the series’ unique charm.

“Beru: My King, It is I.”

“Jinwoo: Oh, it’s you.”

-Beru and Jinwoo coordinating as a team in Chapter 137

While Jinwoo’s journey towards understanding his powers and establishing his guild could dominate Season 3, it’s important to note that this focus might diminish the spotlight for other characters. The creative team has the potential to expand these character’s roles, but they may need to make a conscious effort to do so. In addition, we can expect to encounter National Level hunters more extensively, providing chances to display their exceptional abilities in fights that were previously omitted from the manhwa.

In the story, the colossal figure, who made its way over the ocean, was ultimately vanquished by none other than Liu Zhigang – as depicted in a single, captivating scene.

In Season 3, there’s room for more focus on other characters beyond Jinwoo, which would provide some welcome character development outside of him. However, since the show has been so successful, it might not be easy for the adapting team to alter their approach significantly. Here’s hoping that we get to see expanded character development and moments that fully utilize the source material’s potential, addressing one of the series’ common criticisms.

Solo Leveling can be streamed on Crunchyroll and Amazon.

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2025-06-02 21:14