This post contains spoilers for Solo Leveling.
Summary
Solo Levelingdoesn’t have a shortage of interesting characters. The author has taken extra care to ensure that the characters are as unique as possible. Given the fact that there are so many riveting individuals in the story, it’s hard to pick just one. However, most fans agree that Sung Jinwoo is the best of the lot.
Throughout the story,Jinwoo grows stronger physically afterbeating enemies. But there are a few incidents that help him become more resolute mentally, and most of them are linked to his family, including his father, Sung Il-Hwan.
When Does Sung Jinwoo Meet Sung Il-Hwan?
Jinwoo Met His Father Late In The Story
For years, Jinwoo and his family believed that Sung Il-Hwan had died in a dungeon. But they had no idea that he had survived against all odds. After being trapped inside the dungeon, Sung Il-Hwan had no way to procure food or water, leaving him on the cusp of death. However,the Rulers took pity on himand decided to use him as their pawn. They offered power in exchange for his servitude. Since Sung Il-Hwan had no other option, he accepted.
The Rulers gave him the responsibility to eliminate the new Shadow Monarch, and he was more than happy to do so. At the time, Sung Il-Hwan didn’t know that he would have to kill his own son. It wasn’t until the Japan Crisis arc that Sung Il-Hwan learned the truth. He was shocked to see that his own flesh and bloodwas the new Shadow Monarch. So, he couldn’t bring himself to kill his son. Thankfully, the Rulers changed their minds and wanted to protect Jinwoo, so they tasked Il-Hwan to save him, and he was more than happy to do so.
When Jinwoo was under attack from two Monarchs, Sung Il-Hwan stepped in. He kept them busy until Jinwoo came back to life. Sung Il-Hwan realized that his son could take care of the rest, so he left the scene. Jinwoo’s first course of action was dealing with the Beast and the Shadow Monarchs, both of whom had put him on the edge of death. Sung Jinwoo first killed the Beast Monarch and then proceeded to decimate the Frost Monarch.
Father And Son Were Reunited After A Long Time
After decimating the two Monarchs,Jinwoo went to look for his father.Eventually, he found Il-Hwan in an alley leaning against the wall. It was revealed that Il-Hwan had sustained too much damage, and his body was falling apart. Sung Jinwoo was understandably angry at his father, but he did not revile him at all.
Sung Jinwoo and Sung Il-Hwan’s Relationship
Sung Jinwoo didn’t get to spend much time with his fatherbecause the latter’s body was in bad condition. However, Sung Il-Hwan did tell him everything that happened after he was trapped inside the dungeon. Despite the fact that Il-Hwan was away for so many years, Jinwoo wasn’t angry. He listened to his father eagerly and was sad that they couldn’t spend more time together.
Based on the short interaction, it is safe to say that Jinwoo and his father would have gotten along well. Jinwoo didn’t bear any ill will towards Il-Hwan, so there’s no reason to believe that they would have had a strenuous relationship. It is also worth mentioning that Jinwoo always prioritized his family over the rest. He even made enemies with the Hunter Association because they were targeting his fatherfor the murder of Christopher Reed.
Why did you leave without a word again, Dad? —Sung Jinwoo
Another proof is how both Jinwoo and Il-Hwan help other people, regardless of where they stand. Jinwoo’s mother drew the parallel between father and son multiple times. Some might think that the author should have saved Il-Hwan, but it was the right decision. Jinwoo had already saved his mother from an incurable disease, and she was the main reason why he wanted to get stronger. If Jinwoo had to pick one parent, it is highly likely that he would have chosen his mother.
