The Most Unnecessary Shot in Solo Leveling Season 2’s Opening Hides a Deeper, Unfortunate Truth About Go Gunhee

Starting 2025 with a bang, Solo Leveling Season 2 is here and already creating a buzz online! The first episode became the most-liked premiere within 24 hours, making Solo Leveling‘s return even more thrilling.

Reports reveal that Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadows hit 100k likes in just 11 hours, making it the fastest anime on Crunchyroll to reach that milestone. Fans who watched the –ReAwakening– compilation film got an early look at the season’s first two episodes. 

Sung Jinwoo entering the Red Gate in Season 2 | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Season 2 delivers iconic Jinwoo moments, enhanced animation, thrilling action, and standout opening and ending themes, making Solo Leveling’s return more spectacular than ever.

Solo Leveling Season 2 delivered plenty of epic scenes, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come. However, one moment in the opening has left fans more puzzled than ever.

Unveiling the biggest mystery from Solo Leveling Season 2 Opening

Solo Leveling is kicking off the New Year with plenty of fresh content and updates as the countdown to Season 2’s release date begins.

Solo Leveling Season 1 definitely raised the bar for the highly anticipated sequel, and Episode 13 (Season 2 Episode 1) was a testament to A-1 Studio’s stunning craftsmanship.

A still of Sung Jinwoo from the Season 2 opening | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Solo Leveling Season 2 premiered to an overwhelming reception, receiving widespread praise. In Episode 1, Jinwoo becomes trapped in a Red Gate dungeon, dragging the E-rank hunter Han Song Yi into a perilous situation.

Beyond the thrilling episode, Solo Leveling dominated the internet with its stunning opening song, leaving fans in awe. Long-time anime collaborator LiSa has teamed up with K-pop idol Felix, from the group Stray Kids, for the new banger “ReawakeR.”

Solo Leveling Season 2’s OST highlighted Jinwoo’s upcoming battle with Demon King Baran, paired with stunning visuals that have become a major talking point.

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

Among the many teasers, the opening also features a roulette scene that initially puzzled fans but brilliantly encapsulates Go Gunhee’s story. In a social media post on X by FtWeezerd, the significance of the roulette scene is explained, connecting it to Hunter Association Chairman Go Gunhee.

As the scene unfolds, it becomes evident that Gunhee has already spun the roulette ball three times, representing the first three failed raids on Jeju Island.

The S-Rank Chairman of the Korean Hunters Association | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Gunhee orchestrated three Jeju Island raids in the past, all of which ended in failure, leading to the tragic deaths of many hunters, including an S-rank—a burden that continues to haunt him deeply.

Now, Gunhee spins the wheel for the fourth time, hinting at the upcoming Jeju Island arc. In this arc, Gunhee may either step down or get Jinwoo’s help to finally secure the long-awaited victory on Jeju Island.

The fan-favorite Shadow Soldier who steals the spotlight in Season 2 Episode 2

Solo Leveling is all about Sung Jinwoo’s journey to power, but it’s not just his story. Season 2 introduces exciting new characters who will become key to the series moving forward.

Kim Chul, an A-Rank Hunter from the White Tiger Guild, is a true powerhouse often highlighted as the next prodigy in the series. As of Episode 14, things will take a dramatic turn for Kim Chul.

A still of Kim Chul in Solo Leveling | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Later, Igris kills Chul, and Jinwoo then resurrects him as a member of his Shadow Army. After being extracted as a shadow, Jinwoo gave him the title Iron, and as the name, he remained a loyal shadow of Jinwoo.

The ReAwakening movie introduced Iron, delighting fans with the studio’s faithful adaptation of the manhwa’s plot and the addition of Iron’s comedic scenes that stole the spotlight in theaters.

Iron from the manhwa | Credits: Webtoon

Iron went on to fight countless battles alongside his master and often displayed a dim-witted and humorous side to him several times during his appearances. He eventually became a fan-favorite, who adored him for his brute strength and loyalty to Sung Jin-woo.

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