In a sea of amazing series, it can be difficult for a new anime to rise to the top, but this year,Solo Levelinghas done just that.Solo Leveling’svictory as the Anime of the Yearat Crunchyroll’s 2025 ceremony solidified its status as the hottest anime out now, and much ofSolo Leveling’ssuccess is tied to the almost superhuman protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, and his continual ranking up as he reaches new heights of power with each new episode.
Jinwoo was once weaker than even the average person, stuck as an E-Rank hunter with no opportunity to advance. His life was turned upside down by the revelation that he was chosen by The System and given a second chance at life after a near-death experience. After this rebirth, he was able to level up, and he did so rapidly.Jinwoo advanced to the coveted S-Rankin only a matter of months. There is no question thatJinwoo is mighty, but The System that enabled him to reach this status actually holds him back.
The System Directs All of Jinwoo’s Choices, Which is a Disadvantage
From a Character Development Standpoint, The System Hinders Jinwoo’s Self-Growth
Every anime protagonist has a core motivator, whether that is becoming strong for their own personal fulfillment, rescuing a loved one from a dire situation, saving the world, or even a sense of moral duty to protect the innocent. Jinwoo does have some inspiration for his actions, because he begins his work as a Hunter to heal his mother’s life-threatening illness and provide for his younger sister in her absence. However,his most influential guide is The System itself, the mysterious, video game screen entity that leads him on a series of quests.
From the moment he woke up in the hospital bed when he should have died in the Double Dungeon incident, Jinwoo was led by The System’s instructions. Shortly after recovery, his daily quests began, and he faced penalties for not training in the way The System outlined. As he listened to these commands, he began climbing the ranks steadily, dramatically bouncing from E-Rank to S-Rank in a very short timeframe. The System changed Jinwoo’s life positively and increased his physical, mental, and emotional strength, but its inclusion in the story ultimately spells trouble for his character arc.
Jinwoo Needs More Self-Motivation Rather Than Guided Quests
For Example, the Job Change Quest Was More an Obligation Than a Personal Choice For Jinwoo
Self-motivation is severely lacking in Jinwoo’s journey because The System does the deciding for himin the vast majority of situations. Jinwoo never has to wait long for his next order because once he completes one quest, be it a daily quest or a more substantial endeavor like the Job Change Quest, there is an undeniable trajectory The System outlines for Jinwoo to follow. He does have some autonomy, and can make decisions between quest rewards and when he chooses to embark on new missions, but the basic milestones are already decided for him.
It is more difficult for viewers to become invested in Jinwoo’s goals because of the predictability and guidance The System provides. For example, the Job Change Quest scene could have been a personal development moment for Jinwoo, where he decided the trajectory of his career as a Hunter himself and considered what he wants to do going forward, but he really had no say in the outcome of the Quest. It was determined by The System that it was time for him to complete the Job Change Quest, but he didn’t get to make that choice without influence.
The System Protects Jinwoo in Many Circumstances
As the Player, Jinwoo is Oftentimes Shielded From Danger by The System, Making His Progress Easier
After the Double Dungeon incident, The System informed Jinwoo that he had been chosen as The Player. As The Player, Jinwoo receives special privileges, such as enemies not being able to detect him the same way they identify average humans. Jinwoo himself notices that,at times, it seems The System is protecting him from harm, ensuring that he survives to continue ranking up.Although Jinwoo does encounter increasingly dangerous enemies, The System’s protection makes these situations less dire than they would be for an average hunter.
Jinwoo’s own powersare essential in his leveling up, but The System does aid him tremendously and gives him advantages that other Hunters do not have. This is another element of Jinwoo’s arc that, although it allows him to progress more quickly, makes him less satisfying as a character. Even thoughJinwoo can still be killed in a fightand is not immortal, the threats he faces seem less daunting with the knowledge that The System is backing him, keeping him safe to the best of its ability and giving him an additional upper hand.
Jinwoo Would Be a Better Character if He Could Determine His Own Fate
Jinwoo’s goal of helping his mother is admirable and easy to empathize with, butbeyond that, his motivations for becominga Hunter inSolo Levelingare almost nonexistent.Without The System, Jinwoo would be forced to look within himself for guidance and hone in on his own desires, rather than relying on The System’s instructions and plans for his life. As a character, he would be much more satisfying if more of his journey was within his control and decision-making, rather than predetermined by The System.
Jinwoo would be much more satisfying as a character if more of his journey was within his control and decision-making, rather than predetermined by The System.
Jinwoo may even have unspoken motives for the choices he makes, aside from The System’s direction, but these are not made apparent to the viewer. Focusing on his own feelings and ambitions could not only improve Jinwoo as a character, but also makeSolo Levelinga lot deeper and more compelling. A character guided purely by a set of quests can only go so far, and ideally, Jinwoo would be able to have more influence on his life going forward and the steps he takes inSolo Leveling,rather than The System calling all the shots.
