Solo Leveling quickly became one of the most popular anime currently streaming. What started as a Korean web novel has transformed into a global hit with its manhwa and anime adaptations, gaining millions of fans worldwide. With stunning visuals and high-stakes battles, this power fantasy has become a cultural sensation that shows no signs of losing momentum any time soon.

Sung Jinwoo stands out among anime heroes, even with hundreds of protagonists who share similarities. While Solo Leveling is a prime example of a power fantasy protagonist who becomes practically unstoppable at a breakneck pace, there's a clear reason for its rise to fame. With unique attributes that serve both the narrative and the protagonist, it’s really no wonder why it’s become so popular.

Jinwoo Isn’t a Standard Anime Hero

Sung Jinwoo Stands Out Compared To Other Power Fantasy Protagonists Due to His Moral Complexity

Sung Jinwoo isn’t a standard selfless anime protagonist. Rather than being driven by justice, friendship, or a desire to save the world, Jinwoo’s initial drives come from a desperate need to survive in a world where strength is everything. After the Double Dungeon incident, Jinwoo discovered a new way to gain power through the System, and since then, he has committed himself to becoming stronger. As his power grew, so did his detachment from other Hunters, leading him down a morally ambiguous path.

Unlike traditional shonen protagonists, Jinwoo maintains tight control over his emotions and often conceals his true intentions, which makes him seem mysterious to those around him. A desire for glory or recognition doesn’t drive him; instead, his motivation lies in gaining strength to protect those he cares about. However, despite his honorable intentions, his actions—sometimes influenced by the System—turn him into a character capable of dark deeds. This moral ambiguity serves to elevate his character by igniting discussions in direct relation to his actions throughout the series.

The System Adds a Unique Touch to the Series

The System Acts as a Unique Character That Drives Jinwoo’s Growth

The System itself is one of Solo Leveling’s most distinctive elements. As a mysterious, game-like interface that allows Jinwoo, the Player, to rise from a powerless E-rank Hunter to a necromantic Hunter that outclasses S-ranks. Rather than embarking on a traditional training arc, Jinwoo’s power rises through quests and essentially treats his life like an RPG. It’s a clever premise that, while not unique to Solo Leveling, gives the audience a clear and visual roap of his progression, allowing for an accessible and structured dynamic.

What makes the System stand out, however, is the fact that it shapes who Jinwoo becomes. The System is more than a tool and has demonstrated that it has its own agenda that Jinwoo has no other choice than to take part in. Despite being an overpowered protagonist, Jinwoo is still not fully in control of his actions, creating an undercurrent of tension whenever the System has a command.

The series gives itself an edge with a narrative device that rewards violence and pushes Jinwoo into morally gray decisons. While other heroes train alongside comrades or for personal growth, Jinwoo levels up alone through a force that rarely explains itself, turning him into an isolated yet compelling character. Rather than following the standard heroic progression, Solo Leveling makes Jinwoo’s rise feel both thrilling and, at times, unsettling.