Summary

Kei and Ippei exemplify loyalty through sacrifice, showcasing the importance of emotional support in dire situations.
Jinwoo and Esil's unexpected friendship benefits both in their journey, highlighting a wholesome connection that transcends initial assumptions.
Jinwoo and Cha Hae-In's friendship evolves into a deep, trusting bond that blossoms into a romantic relationship based on mutual respect.

Solo Leveling is a story of strength, sacrifice, and survival as Jinwoo, who was a low-ranked hunter, faces the most horrific near-death experience in a dungeon. Jinwoo ‘dies’ and wakes up to find himself in the hospital with a game-like notification only he can see, popping up in front of him. This marks the beginning of an action-packed journey as he completes quests, goes on missions, and fights epic battles to become stronger.

Solo Leveling’s Monarchs Are Terrifying—But Humanity's Real Enemy Might Actually Be Greed

Monarchs are formidable entities intent on humanity's destruction. However, the series suggests that humanity's greed may be equally significant.

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By Oluwatokiloba Folami

Solo Leveling is not exactly known for heartwarming friendships, but there are a few bonds that stand out, even if they’re subtle or grow over time. These friendships have limited screen time, but they showcase that even in a world ruled by hunters and monsters, human connection still matters.

8 Kei And Ippei

Loyal Friends Who Got Separated By A Heartbreaking Sacrifice

Anime Appearance: Season 2, Episode 9

Kei and Ippei are S-Rank Japanese hunters assigned to the Jeju Island Raid as the backup support team for the higher-ranked hunters. Because of how dangerous the raid is, Ippei is visibly anxious from the start, but Kei acts as his emotional support, reassuring him, joking with him, and promising they’ll make it out alive.

When Beru ambushes their team, Kei stays behind to hold off the enemy, screaming for Ippei to run. Ippei escapes, but he is emotionally destroyed, knowing his friend died to save him.

7 Kenzo And Shimizu

Japanese Hunters Who Had Each Other’s Back During The Jeju Island Raid

Anime Appearance: Season 2, Episode 10

Although their relationship was not fully explored, the brief appearance they had on screen showed that they might have been good friends, given how they were teasing and bantering with each other in the face of danger. While supporting the hunters during the juju island raid, Kenzo tried to eliminate the ants, but they managed to injure him.

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Solo Leveling: What's Life Like Before Jin-Woo Becomes a Hunter?

Life was simple for Jin-Woo before he became a hunter in Solo Leveling.

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By Cathlyn Melo

In his injured state, he retreated to meet Shimizu, since she is a healer, to heal his injuries so he could go back to fighting. Shimizu playfully offered to heal him for a price, but as Kenzo was about to hear her out, she was beheaded by the ant king, Beru. Quickly after that, Kenzo was beheaded, bringing a tragic end to their playful friendship.

6 Kim Sangshik And Jinwoo

Brief But Meaningful Friendship

Anime Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

Sangshik and Jinwoo were low-rank hunters trying to survive in a dangerous world. During the Double Dungeon raid that happened in the early episodes of season one, Jinwoo sacrifices himself so others can escape, including Sangshik.

Sangshik is affected by this and feels he failed Jinwoo as a superior. He visits Jinwoo in the hospital and offers to help with his medical bills, showing genuine gratitude and compassion. Though they were not close friends, Sangshik was one of the first people to recognize Jinwoo’s character, not just his power, seeing him as someone admirable.

5 Jinwoo And Esil

Unexpected Friendship Between A Demon And A Human

Anime Appearance: Season 2, Episode 7

Despite not being a deeply rooted friendship, Jinwoo and Esil’s relationship was unexpectedly charming and wholesome. Jinwoo met Esil while he was raiding the Demon’s castle for the elixir of life to cure his mom’s sickness. He comes across her on the 80th floor, and instead of killing her, he spares her life after she begs and even attempts to pull a fast one on him.

Solo Leveling: Sung Jinwoo's Best Achievements in Manhwa, Ranked

Jinwoo has achieved alot ever since he became a hunter, but these accomplishments stand out the most.

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By Mirza Aaqib Beg

Their friendship is one of the best because of how beneficial it was to both of them. Through Esil’s help, he gets the entry permit to the floors above him, and he spares her life. They go on to the 100th floor, with Esil being improved by his actions and how he cleared each level.

4 Sung Jinah And Sung Jinwoo

Loving And Protective Sibling Bond

Anime Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

With their parents out of the picture, Jinwoo and Jinah have been able to develop a closer bond, becoming friends while being siblings. Jinah is Jinwoo’s source of inspiration as he became a hunter to provide for her and their mother, who was in a coma. Jinwoo hid his struggles and the danger he faced from her to ensure that she was not worried and was focused on her studies.

He strives to protect her from the harsh realities and dangers that come with being a hunter. Jinah, though unaware of his full burden, loves and worries about him deeply. She always ensures he eats and is constantly looking out for him.

3 Min Byung Gu And Baek Yoonho

Friends Who Have Shared Trauma

Anime Appearance: Season 2, Episode 8

Byung-Gu and Baek’s friendship is rooted in trust and shared experience, especially as fellow members of the Korean S-Rank hunting community. Byung-gu is a healer, while Baek is a hunter, and they both participated in the third Jeju Island Raid. The raid takes their mutual friend, causing Byung-gu to retire and Baek to continue as a hunter.

Solo Leveling: Did Thomas Andre Fear Jeju Island?

Thomas Andre, one of the five National Level Hunters, did not participate in the Jeju Island Raid, but there’s no indication that it was out of fear.

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By Oluwatokiloba Folami

As they teamed up once more for another juju island raid, neither of them expected what was awaiting them. Byung-gu was killed in the line of duty, and Baek was visibly torn apart by his death. Losing a friend is never easy, and even in death, Baek looked out for his friend, appealing to Jinwoo to send his spirit back after he summoned Byung-gu to heal Cha Hae.

2 Jinho And Jinwoo

From Strangers To Partners And Brothers

Anime Appearance: Season 1, Episode 5

Jinho and Jinwoo met during the raid with Hwang Dongsuk's party. The original party members had ulterior motives for Jinho and Jinwoo, wanting to exploit and kill them. Jinwoo springs into action, protecting Jinho and gaining a loyal friend after the danger is over.

Jinho treats Jinwoo with genuine respect, never mocking his past weakness or fearing his growing strength. As Jinwoo evolves into the most powerful hunter in the world, Jinho remains his steadfast companion because he truly believes in him. He follows Jinwoo into dangerous dungeons without hesitation, despite not being as strong as him. In return, Jin-Woo protects him, treating him like family.

1 Jinwoo And Cha Hae-In

Friendship Built On Trust That Grows Into Love

Anime Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

Jinwoo and Hae-In’s friendship is a slow-burning one built on mutual respect, shared battles, and quiet understanding. Hae-In is one of the few S-Rank hunters who doesn’t view Jinwoo with fear or suspicion. Instead, she’s drawn to his calm presence, especially since he's the only person whose aura doesn’t make her feel physically sick.

Throughout the story, Hae-In supports Jinwoo because she believes in his choices and convictions. She stands by his side and defends his name when he's misunderstood. Jinwoo allows Hae-In into his world, and because their friendship is deeply rooted in genuine care and trust, it blossoms into a more romantic one.

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