Solo Leveling’s Sung Jinwoo isn’t quite so solo anymore. Every episode title in Season 2 has either been a direct quote from Jinwoo or a statement made about him, reinforcing his dominance as the story’s centerpiece. However, Episode 17, titled “This is What We’re Trained to Do,” breaks from that tradition. Instead of centering around Jinwoo, this episode puts the spotlight on the secondary characters, showing how they handle the changing world of hunters. While this might seem like a detour from the action-packed sequences fans love, it serves an essential purpose in fleshing out the world Jinwoo is shaping.
Jinwoo Takes a Backseat, But the Story Keeps Moving
At this stage in the story, Jinwoo has already been confirmed as an S-Rank hunter, but his official acknowledgment by the Hunter’s Association is still pending. This waiting period provides the perfect opportunity for the narrative to shift gears, focusing on the people around him. Although some might view this as an inessential side-quest, these moments lay the groundwork for future developments.
Episode 17 makes an intentional effort to develop characters who, in the original source material, weren’t as consequential. This expansion gives them more depth, making the world feel more lived-in rather than just being a backdrop for Jinwoo’s unstoppable rise. The episode may not reach the same heights as the early episodes of Season 2, but it certainly picks up the pace from its predecessor. By temporarily shifting the spotlight, the show takes a refreshing, if brief, departure from the usual Jinwoo-centric storyline.
As Jinwoo, eliminates the enemies that the A rank party could not handle, eliminating them with major effect but minor scares. They decide to leave but they stay true to trying to save him after the true enemy emerges. Since they did not sacrifice him, it appears the system does not want them dead and thus, episode 18 should turn into an immense show of skill and leveling.
The Secondary Characters Step Up
One of the biggest strengths of this episode is its handling of side characters. For the first time in a while, we see the supporting cast react to the immense changes happening in the hunter world. Jinwoo’s rise has been meteoric, and that inevitably impacts those around him. Episode 17 gives us a closer look at these ripple effects, particularly how other hunters perceive him.
The most intriguing part of the episode comes when one of the most powerful hunters remarks that Jinwoo “smells good.” This isn’t just a throwaway comment—it implies something deeper. In the world of Solo Leveling, power isn’t just about stats and skills; it carries an aura that others can sense. The fact that Jinwoo’s presence has an almost intoxicating effect on stronger hunters raises questions about how far he has progressed. Could it be that his evolution as a hunter is making him something more than human?
Hints About Jinwoo’s Father and the Mysterious Threat
The episode also teases some major revelations about Jinwoo’s father. He has been missing for years, and there have been hints that he may not be entirely human anymore. A recent discovery in America suggests that Jinwoo’s father, or at least a creature of his caliber, has been lurking in the shadows all this time. This entity supposedly annihilated an S-Rank threat that could have destroyed an entire city. Could it be that Jinwoo’s father has been trapped within the system, much like Jinwoo was at the beginning of his journey?
The mystery surrounding this figure adds another layer of intrigue to the story. If it truly is Jinwoo’s father, then his return will undoubtedly shake the world of hunters to its core. Not only would it confirm that the system has a far greater reach than previously understood, but it would also force Jinwoo to confront a part of his past that has remained a mystery for too long.
The Island Where Monsters Are Leveling Up
Another lingering plot thread is the island where monsters seem to be evolving at an alarming rate. While this detail hasn’t been explored much recently, it remains a looming threat. Jinwoo’s ever-growing shadow army might just be the perfect answer to this crisis. The question remains: will he intervene before things spiral out of control, or will this new battleground serve as the ultimate test of his abilities?
The idea that monsters can level up just as hunters do adds an interesting dynamic to the story. If this phenomenon continues, it could mean that hunters are no longer the apex predators in this world. Jinwoo’s presence has already begun to disrupt the natural order—perhaps the world itself is adapting in response to his overwhelming power.
Final Thoughts and Speculation
As Episode 17 draws to a close, a pivotal moment occurs: the other hunters decide not to abandon Jinwoo. Unlike previous instances where people hesitated to stand by him due to fear or uncertainty, this time is different. This suggests that Jinwoo is starting to inspire loyalty, not just through sheer power, but through his actions and leadership.
Looking ahead, it seems inevitable that Jinwoo will face a grand challenge in the coming episodes. The presence of a powerful hunter who has taken an interest in him—particularly one who senses something unique about Jinwoo’s aura—hints at an upcoming clash. Whether this will be a battle, a test, or a potential alliance remains to be seen.
With the pieces falling into place, Solo Leveling Season 2 is setting the stage for some of its most thrilling moments yet. Episode 17 may have momentarily put Jinwoo in the background, but it has done so with purpose, building anticipation for what’s to come. Fans can only wait and see how the Sung Jinwoo show resumes in the next episode—but one thing’s for sure: the stakes are higher than ever.
