Summary
Quick Links
For most ofSolo Leveling, finding a romantic partner isn’t on Sung Jin-Woo’s list of priorities. Instead of going out on dates, he focuses on growing stronger, defeating powerful opponents, protecting his loved ones, and saving the world. Yet beneath the action and suspense, a quiet connection between Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In unexpectedly happens inSolo Leveling.
How did they even end up together? After all, Jin-Woo doesn’t easily open his heart after everything he’s endured in life. It’s also difficult for anyone to earn his trust, as hunters used to betray him because of his weakness. Despite the walls he built,Jin-Woo surprisingly finds love in Cha Hae-Inover time. Still, the question remains: How long will it take until Jin-Woo truly falls in love with Cha Hae-In?
Sung Jin-Woo’s Lack of Awareness
Cha Hae-In Falls in Love With Jin-Woo First
Romance is a luxury that Jin-Woo can’t afford inSolo Leveling, despite his chemistry with themany female characters surrounding him. He clearly doesn’t have time to go out and date someone, let alone pursue them, because of his unfortunate situation at home. Even after gaining the strength and resources to stand on his own, he never considers dating girls a second thought.
Then there’s Cha Hae-In, who is instantlydrawn to Jin-Woo’s pure manaand overwhelming strength. While her thoughts quickly fill with him, the strongest hunter continues to remain stoic, not letting anything distract him from achieving his personal goals. With the threat of the Monarchs coming in fast and seriously, it’s difficult to take his attention away from the more important and urgent matters.
“It’s different when I’m with him. I feel good”—Cha Hae-In
Worse, Jin-Woo suspects Cha Hae-In might have ulterior motives behind her actions and decisions. This just shows how clueless Jin-Woo is aboutCha Hae-In’s feelings for himand how hard it is for another person to earn his trust. Understandably, Jin-Woo has given his trust and faith to a lot of people in the past, only to be betrayed in the end.
Jin-Woo’s Heart Slowly Opens for Cha Hae-In
How Their Friendship Began
The exact moment Jin-Woo opens his heart to Cha Hae-In likely happensduring the Ahjin Guild arc, when the female S-rank hunter tells him she’s interested in him. It marks a turning point in their relationship, as this is the first time Cha Hae-In honestly confessed about her confusing feelings.
On the surface, Jin-Woo seems unfazed by Cha Hae-In’s confession, but he is affected deep inside. In fact, he begins checking his appearance in the mirror, seemingly wondering why, of all people, she would be drawn to him. He even asks her sister to rate his looks from 1 to 10, which is completely out of character for him.
“You’re the only friend I have, Hae-In”—Sung Jin-Woo
Moving forward, Jin-Woo also begins to see Cha Hae-In in a different light after she tells him about Min Byung-Gu’s message. His trust in her gradually grows, especially after she risks her life trying to help himfight the system’s architectin the Double Dungeon arc. From that point, Jin-Woo comes to see Cha Hae-In as a true friend, someone he can rely on when everything gets too tough and overwhelming.
So, When Does the Romance Truly Begin?
The Shift in Their Relationship
The real shift in Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In’s relationship possibly happens before the Frost Monarch, the Beast Monarch, and the Plague Monarch invade Seoul. Although Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In insist that they’re only spending some time together as friends, it’s obvious that something intheir relationship has changedbased on their stolen glances, subtle gestures, and the way they carefully treat each other.
It’s almost as if Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In have finally found peace and comfort with each other amid the chaos and the noise. They may be awkward, but it’s natural behavior for two people starting to realize their mutual feelings. However, as much as fans wish to see the two of them end up together, thecreator, Chugong, has another planfor them.
“How could I ever tell him…I want you by my side until I draw my last breath?"—Cha Hae-In
Unfortunately, Jin-Woo and Cha Hae-In became one ofthe few anime coupleswho never had a grand confession or a big kissing scene by the end of the story. Instead, fans will have to read and look beyond the originalSolo Levelingmanhwa, particularly the side stories, which will explore more about their romantic development once everything has settled in the revised timeline.
