Summary
Solo Levelingis 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 witha 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 Levelingis not exactly known for heartwarming friendships, butthere 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.
8Kei And Ippei
Loyal Friends Who Got Separated By A Heartbreaking Sacrifice
Kei and Ippei areS-Rank Japanese huntersassigned 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, knowinghis friend died to save him.
7Kenzo And Shimizu
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. Whilesupporting the hunters during the juju island raid, Kenzo tried to eliminate the ants, but they managed to injure him.
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 bythe ant king, Beru. Quickly after that, Kenzo was beheaded, bringing a tragic end to their playful friendship.
6Kim Sangshik And Jinwoo
Brief But Meaningful Friendship
Sangshik and Jinwoo were low-rank hunters trying to survive in a dangerous world. During theDouble 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 torecognize Jinwoo’s character, not just his power, seeing him as someone admirable.
5Jinwoo And Esil
Unexpected Friendship Between A Demon And A Human
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 castlefor 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.
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.
4Sung Jinah And Sung Jinwoo
Loving And Protective Sibling Bond
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.
3Min Byung Gu And Baek Yoonho
Friends Who Have Shared Trauma
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.
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.
2Jinho And Jinwoo
From Strangers To Partners And Brothers
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 companionbecause 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.
1Jinwoo And Cha Hae-In
Friendship Built On Trust That Grows Into Love
Jinwoo and Hae-In’s friendship is a slow-burning onebuilt on mutual respect, shared battles, and quiet understanding. Hae-In is one ofthe few S-Rank hunterswho 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.
