Warning: This post contains spoilers for Solo Leveling.
Overview
- Sung Jinwoo grows both physically and mentally through various family-related challenges.
- Sung Il-Hwan, manipulated by the Rulers, ultimately makes the choice to save his son.
- Despite their limited time together, Jinwoo and Il-Hwan share a profound bond founded on mutual understanding.
Solo Leveling is rich with captivating characters, each distinctively crafted to resonate with readers. Among the myriad of characters, Sung Jinwoo often emerges as a fan favorite, celebrated for his compelling journey. As the narrative unfolds, Jinwoo not only amplifies his physical strength by overcoming formidable foes but also undergoes substantial mental fortitude, primarily linked to his familial ties, most notably with his father, Sung Il-Hwan.
When Does Sung Jinwoo Meet Sung Il-Hwan?
Jinwoo Encounters His Father Later in the Narrative
For many years, both Jinwoo and his family were under the impression that Sung Il-Hwan had perished within the confines of a dungeon. Unbeknownst to them, he had survived against overwhelming odds. Trapped with no chance of sustenance, Il-Hwan found himself on the brink of death until the Rulers intervened, deciding to exploit him as a pawn. They promised him immense power in exchange for his servitude—an offer he reluctantly accepted, as it was his only path to survival.
Assigned the daunting task of eliminating the newly emerged Shadow Monarch, Il-Hwan eagerly accepted, unaware that the target was his own son. It wasn’t until the dramatic events of the Japan Crisis arc that he recognized the shocking truth: Jinwoo was the Shadow Monarch. Struggling with this revelation, he could not act against Jinwoo, leading the Rulers to modify their strategy, prompting Il-Hwan to assist in saving his son instead.
During a fierce encounter where Jinwoo was besieged by two Monarchs, his father intervened, buying crucial time for Jinwoo’s revival. Aware of his son’s capabilities, Sung Il-Hwan eventually stepped away, allowing Jinwoo to confront his adversaries. Following this reunion, Jinwoo efficiently eliminated the Beast Monarch before decisively defeating the Frost Monarch.
A Long-Awaited Father-Son Reunion
Having triumphed over the Monarchs, Jinwoo searched for his father and eventually discovered Il-Hwan in a dilapidated state, debilitated from the years of hardship. While feelings of anger were natural after such an absence, Jinwoo chose not to lash out; instead, he listened intently to his father’s story of survival within the dungeon, feeling a pang of sadness for their lost time.
Sung Jinwoo and Sung Il-Hwan’s Compelling Relationship
- Jinwoo expresses deep love for his father.
- Sung Il-Hwan harbors regret over the time lost with his son.
The time that Jinwoo spent with his father was regrettably brief, primarily due to Il-Hwan’s fragile condition. Nevertheless, their interaction was fulfilling, as Jinwoo absorbed his father’s experiences and expressed sadness over their limited moments together. It’s evident that had circumstances permitted, their bond would have flourished even further.
Throughout their short but pivotal interaction, it’s clear that Jinwoo harbored no resentment towards Il-Hwan. This dynamic showcases the strength of their familial ties. Additionally, Jinwoo consistently prioritizes his family, even standing against the Hunter Association to protect Il-Hwan from allegations after the death of Christopher Reed.
“Why did you leave without a word again, Dad?” —Sung Jinwoo
Both Jinwoo and Il-Hwan exemplify altruism, demonstrating a willingness to assist others despite their own struggles. Jinwoo’s mother has often remarked on the parallels between the two, and many fans feel that the narrative’s choices regarding Il-Hwan’s fate were justifiable. As Jinwoo had previously saved his mother from a terminal illness, she remained his primary motivation for his relentless pursuit of strength. Ultimately, if faced with a choice, Jinwoo may have prioritized his mother above all.