Solo Leveling Author Revealed Jin-Woo Loved Someone Else Before Cha Hae-In

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This article contains spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa.

In the heart of the thrilling narrative of Solo Leveling, a tender and significant romance unfolds between characters Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In. Readers eagerly anticipate Season 3, hoping for more heartfelt exchanges between them. However, many fans may be unaware that before his relationship with Cha Hae-In, Jin-Woo had once loved another person, as revealed by the series’ author, Chugong.

In the world of “Solo Leveling,” the story primarily focuses on action and adventure rather than delving deeply into Jin-Woo’s romantic relationships. However, author Chugong does introduce a few love interests for him, including Cha Hae-In and the demon Esil Radiru. It is revealed that before his feelings for Cha Hae-In, Jin-Woo had developed emotions for another woman. Who is this mysterious lady?

Solo Leveling Author Confirms Jin-Woo Loved Joo-Hee Before Cha Hae-In

Jin-Woo’s First Love Is Joo-Hee

  • Solo Leveling’s author, Chugong, confirms Jin-Woo’s romantic feelings for Joo-Hee.
  • Jin-Woo’s original love interest was Joo-Hee.

In the majority of Jin-Woo’s journey in Solo Leveling, love is an expense he can’t spare. Unlike typical teenagers who spend weekends on leisurely dates, enjoying their youth, Jin-Woo had to venture into dangerous dungeons merely to survive financially. Even after gaining recognition within Kandiaru’s system as an S-level hunter, his time was consumed by the necessity of rapidly increasing in power, leaving no room for courtship or pursuing a romantic interest.

At one point in his life, despite his challenging circumstances, Jin-Woo developed feelings for someone other than himself – Cha Hae-In. Interestingly, before this, his initial romantic interest was Lee Joo-Hee, a B-rank healer from the popular web novel Solo Leveling. This intriguing detail was confirmed by the author, Chugong, on a Korean forum called DCinside during discussions about Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee’s relationship.

In the story of Solo Leveling, it’s worth noting that prior to their separation, there seemed to be affection between Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee. This revelation might take fans of the relationship between Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In by surprise, but considering the strong bond they shared before the incident in the double dungeon, it may not be entirely unexpected. After all, they spent a significant amount of time together, with Joo-Hee often accompanying Jin-Woo on raids to help ensure his safety while exploring dungeons.

Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee Had Obvious Chemistry

They Are Solo Leveling’s “Almost Couple”

  • Joo-Hee had to leave Jin-Woo because of her trauma.
  • If Joo-Hee had stayed with Jin-Woo, she could have been his endgame.

In much the same way as many romance anime series, the story of Solo Leveling features a pair who were on the verge of becoming a couple. Had Joo-Hee remained in Jin-Woo’s life, she might have been his official spouse, given that he harbors romantic feelings for her. Regrettably, as fans of Joo-Hee may know, she was created to symbolize the victims of the strange world, as per the creator of Solo Leveling.

In simpler terms, Joo-Hee was forced to leave the dungeons and take a step back due to concerns about her well-being. Her fear and anxiety are so intense that she’s only comfortable navigating through lower difficulty gates, despite possessing a higher hunter rank than most. Although she appeared ideal for Jin-Woo in Solo Leveling during its initial episode, she struggled to match his ambition to evolve and become stronger.

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

Due to this situation, there were numerous supporters backing Joo-Hee in Solo Leveling. Some also criticized Jin-Woo for not pursuing Joo-Hee after their separation. However, it should be noted that Chugong’s intention was to ensure a tranquil and joyful life for Joo-Hee as an ordinary girl, which might have meant sacrificing Jin-Woo’s affection.

A Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee Relationship Could Still Work

Solo Leveling’s Author Has Plans for Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee

  • Solo Leveling’s author, Chugong, wants to write an alternate story about Joo-Hee and Jin-Woo.

Readers of Manhwa are well-versed with the fact that Jin-Woo will develop feelings for Cha Hae-In in Solo Leveling. In essence, it’s no secret within the fandom that the most powerful hunter will find himself romantically drawn to the top female hunter in South Korea. Later on, they marry and have a child named Suho, who takes center stage in the recently finished series, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok.

“Please take care of her (Joo-Hee)”—Sung Jin-Woo

Though it may come as a surprise, the author of Solo Leveling mentioned on a Korean platform that he’s considering writing an alternate story focusing on Jin-Woo and Joo-Hee. If this materializes in future installments, Joo-Hee supporters would have an opportunity to witness her relationship with Jin-Woo in a different or parallel world. However, Chugong has remained tight-lipped about the next novel following Solo Leveling, so fans should keep their anticipation in check for now.

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2025-07-27 17:34