5 'Solo Leveling' Characters Who Deserved So Much Better

Solo Leveling boasts a powerful and popular storyline centered around protagonist Sung Jin-woo, who climbs the ranks of hunters through sheer strength and determination. While Jin-woo's journey captivates readers, several other characters who could have been given more depth and development in the story deserve better treatment. Here are five Solo Leveling characters who deserved more:

1. Esil - A demon noble and eldest princess of the Radiru Clan, Esil meets Jin-woo while he is an E-Rank hunter. Despite facing danger, she seeks to help him climb the tower. Her potential is evident in her bravery and assistance to Jin-woo. However, her story in the source material is cut short. Later in the spin-off Ragnarok, she plays a significant role as Suho's ally, but this development is not enough to fully utilize her intriguing backstory.

2. Christopher Reed - One of five National Level Hunters and one of America’s two strongest hunters, Reed has immense potential with his formidable abilities. He becomes Jin-woo's ally during the International Guild Conference Arc, only to meet a violent fate. While his death adds to the story's tension, his character is underutilized in the source material. His return in Ragnarok is ultimately cut short, as an outside force targets him, resulting in another premature end.

3. Lee Joohee - A B-Rank Healer and friend of Jin-woo during his early days as an E-Rank hunter, Joohee is traumatized by the events at the Cartenon Temple. She chooses to retire from hunting, leading to a heart-wrenching parting between her and Jin-woo. Her choice is understandable given their differing priorities, but her abrupt disappearance feels like a convenient way to move the plot forward. Her story deserves a more profound resolution that reflects her growth and changes in her life.

4. Sung Il-Hwan - Jin-woo's father, Sung Il-Hwan, is a firefighter who becomes one of Korea’s first S-Rank Hunters. His absence from the story due to his long absence in a dungeon devastates his family. Even when he returns, he sacrifices himself and disintegrates before he can explain his mission to his son. This development leaves a sense of unfulfilled potential for Il-Hwan to share his experiences and bond with Jin-woo.

5. Goto Ryuji - Introduced as Japan’s strongest hunter, Ryuji is a powerful character with immense potential. However, his background and story are not explored in depth within the source material. His status as a top hunter is not fully capitalized upon, leaving readers wanting more insight into his skills and experiences in the Solo Leveling world.