Solo Leveling: Arise Is Fixing a Major Flaw That Held Back the Manhwa for So Long

Solo Leveling has become the latest obsession for anime lovers, with Season 1 joining the ranks of popular recent anime series. The first episode became the most-liked premiere on Crunchyroll in just 24 hours, and now the series has set a new record for the highest number of ratings.

Sung Jinwoo defeating the Ice Bear | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Season 1 proved that manhwa, like manga, offers compelling storylines and characters that captivate fans, driving popularity when adapted into anime. Solo Leveling Season 2 is primed to redefine the shonen genre and silence the criticisms surrounding Season 1.

Amid the excitement for Season 2, fans have another reason to celebrate: the Solo Leveling: Arise video game has revealed Cha Hae-in’s previously unreleased side story. Could this story be featured in the anime as well?

Cha Hae-in’s untold backstory in Solo Leveling: Arise Game

Solo Leveling, the anime that ruled 2024, is finally back, and episode 1 is already making waves in the community. Despite all skepticism following the controversial first season, the Solo Leveling anime is breaking records online, earning fans’ trust in the adaptation.

A still of Igris and Sung Jinwoo from Season 2 Episode 1 | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Sung Jinwoo’s character growth will take the spotlight in Solo Leveling Season 2 as he navigates the complexities of his newfound power and responsibility.

It’s already confirmed that Season 2’s first two episodes will cover the entire Red Gate arc of the manhwa. Amid all the Season 2 excitement, the Solo Leveling: Arise video game recently took over the internet by announcing an exclusive Cha Hae-in story quest coming soon.

Solo Leveling: Arise is a convincing, easy-to-play action game with a slick combat system and great presentation.

The video game has become a massive hit, with developers introducing special side stories of beloved characters not featured in the light novel or manhwa. Now, Cha Hae-in’s backstory is sure to attract many new players to the game.

Cha Hae-in’s first anime introduction in Season 1 | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Solo Leveling author, Chugong, will be directly involved in Cha Hae-in’s backstory, further intensifying the excitement within the fandom.

A few days ago, the Solo Leveling author also teased the backstories of Igris and Ashborn, sending manhwa fans into a frenzy.

After Season 2 highlights Igris and Jinwoo’s growing trust, it seems the author plans to explore Igris’ past, especially as he begins to question his loyalty in the later stages of the story.

Igris in Season 1 finale | Credits: A-1 Pictures

It will be even more intriguing to uncover Igris’ past under Ashborn, exploring how he served the True Monarch and what made him earn the title of Knight of Death.

As for the narrative changes in Season 2, A-1 Picture omitted several changes from the manhwa while adapting the anime. While their absence didn’t hinder the story, their addition would have certainly elevated the anime.

Amid Season 2’s success, Solo Leveling producer talks about a major regret

Indeed, Solo Leveling is a super-popular manhwa, but all of this would not have been possible without Dubu, the manhwa artist behind SL, whose breathtaking panels left countless fans in awe.

Igris vs. Ice Bear Boss | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Solo Leveling‘s producer, Atsushi Kaneko, once revealed his biggest regret, which was not able to collaborate with the manhwa artist. Indeed, with Dubu’s passing, Solo Leveling lost the gem that helped elevate the manhwa to new heights.

Sadly, the heartbreaking news of his passing at the age of 40 in 2022 profoundly shook the fandom, leaving many fans in despair.

Sung Jinwoo with Iron and Igris during the dungeon raid | Credits: Webtoon

One of the key factors behind SL‘s immense popularity and dedicated fanbase was its stunning art and breathtaking panels, all crafted by Dubu. Naturally, the SL producer felt Dubu’s absence, believing his presence would have helped the anime achieve phenomenal success.

Solo Leveling manhwa can be read on Webtoon, while the anime is available to watch on Crunchyroll.