Did Jin-Woo Really Leave Joo-Hee Behind for Power?

Summary

Sung Jin-Woo outgrows Lee Joo-Hee as he pursues power, leading to their inevitable separation.
Joo-Hee retires due to trauma, and Jin-Woo accepts it, showing an understanding of their changing dynamic.
Introducing new characters like Cha Hae-In was necessary for Jin-Woo’s character development.

In the storyline of “Solo Leveling”, the dynamic between Sung Jin-Woo and his fellow hunters such as Lee Joo-Hee experiences a shift. This transformation is inevitable since Jin-Woo is determined to amass greater power, leaving his peers in awe from the sidelines. Given Jin-Woo’s immense power, only a select few choose to side with him, primarily his Shadows and potentially Cha Hae-In, rather than his old friend Joo-Hee.

Back in the early days of my humble hunter life, there was only one constant: Joo-Hee by my side. In the thrilling world of Solo Leveling, she was an invaluable ally, her healing magic keeping me on my feet when I teetered on the brink. I owed her more than words can express, for she faced the dangers of raid after raid to support me, even when fear and trauma gripped her heart. Unlike many other hunters who scoffed at my lackluster abilities, Joo-Hee stood by me, treating me with respect and understanding. With her by my side, the perilous dungeons felt a little less daunting.

Lee Joo Hee and Sung Jin-Woo’s Relationship Explained

They Are the “Almost” Couple

In many romance-themed anime, characters often develop feelings for each other only to part ways, and Solo Leveling is no different. Many viewers anticipated Jin-Woo and Joo Hee’s relationship would continue, but unfortunately, it didn’t. This was disappointing for numerous fans who had been supporting their partnership since the early stages of the series. After all, they had faced countless dungeon raids together, even surviving through the heartbreaking incident of the double dungeon.

“Jin-Woo, do you have a reason not to quit being a hunter?”—Lee Joo-Hee

In the Cartenon Temple, Jin-Woo managed to conquer his terror and past wounds inflicted by the colossal statues, whereas Joo-Hee found herself unable. Unlike her previous determination, she could no longer face the dread of the dungeons, regardless of how much she strived to push forward. In a sense, their situations began to echo a real-life couple who have grown apart sadly. Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee were not officially a couple, but rather an “almost pair” who were compelled to go their separate ways.

Why Did Lee Joo-Hee Retire?

After the Double Dungeon incident and her meeting with Kang Tae-Shik, Joo-Hee realized that she no longer felt comfortable participating in dungeon raids. Instead of potentially putting herself in harm’s way within the dungeon gates, she decided to return to a normal life like she had before awakening. This choice was not a poor one, as many hunters choose to retire and enjoy a safer lifestyle away from the dangers that lurk within the dungeons. For instance, even well-known S-rank healer Min Byung-Gu made this decision to retire, although he eventually joined the Jeju Island raid later on.

“Jin-Woo, you’ve changed a lot. And I haven’t changed a bit since then.”—Lee Joo-Hee

Instead, Sung Jin-Woo responded to Joo-Hee’s announcement with a smile. Although her sudden revelation took him by surprise, he was thankful that she shared the news directly with him rather than through someone else. At that moment, Jin-Woo realized his significant transformation might have played a part in Joo-Hee’s decision to retire, but there was no going back. Life is full of change, and it was important for both of them to keep progressing.

Did Sung Jin-Woo Abandon Lee Joo-Hee?

The Plot Had No Use of Her Character Anymore

In the narrative of Solo Leveling, Sung Jin-Woo never left Joo-Hee behind. Despite parting ways, they remained friends, looking out for each other. Their bond had a fitting conclusion, with Joo-Hee returning the essence stone that Jin-Woo had gifted her earlier, which served as a poignant farewell gesture from a man she saw transform so dramatically since the double dungeon incident. Interestingly, Jin-Woo, more than anyone else, comprehended Joo-Hee’s choice due to his knowledge of her fears and trauma.

“Don’t laugh! You’ll open up your wound!”—Lee Joo-Hee to Sung Jin-Woo

In the series, it wasn’t that Jin-Woo left Joo-Hee; rather, their separation was a necessary outcome due to unavoidable circumstances. As Jin-Woo dedicated himself to personal growth and development, and Joo-Hee sought healing from her past traumas, their individual journeys took them in different directions. Under the circumstances, it seemed improbable for them to remain together, as one of them would have faced constant struggles just to keep up.

Introducing Another Love Interest Is Necessary

In Solo Leveling, the narrative centers around a character who consistently grows and adapts amidst challenging circumstances. As such, Joo-Hee’s presence was no longer crucial to Jin-Woo’s character progression after some initial chapters or episodes, as he had surpassed her developmental stage. Regrettably, due to the escalating harshness of their world, Jin-Woo can no longer afford to spend time with Joo-Hee.

Due to these circumstances, it became essential for the storyline of Solo Leveling to present fresh figures in Jin-Woo’s world, such as Cha Hae-In, who might turn out to be a romantic interest. From her debut, viewers could easily discern that she was unlike Joo-Hee, who preferred keeping her distance from Jin-Woo rather than teaming up with him. Compared to Joo-Hee, Hae-In shared the same ambition as Jin-Woo and, above all, demonstrated the determination to stand alongside him in battle.

2025-04-05 22:56