In the world of Solo Leveling, morality is a blurred line, and Sung Jinwoo’s decision to kill Kim Chul in Season 2 Episode 2 is no exception. This incident raised questions among fans: was Jinwoo truly justified in killing Kim Chul? Here is a break down of all the key events leading to the confrontation, Jinwoo’s motivations, Kim Chul’s actions, and the moral dilemmas surrounding this dramatic moment.
Who Was Kim Chul?
Kim Chul was an arrogant and self-serving A-Rank Hunter who appeared during the Double Dungeon arc. He led a group of Hunters, but his leadership style leaned more toward coercion and fear rather than trust and teamwork.
From the beginning, Kim Chul exhibited a superiority complex, frequently belittling others and prioritizing his own safety over his team’s welfare. His disdain for lower-ranked Hunters like Jinwoo was clear, and his condescending attitude set the stage for the eventual conflict.
The Double Dungeon Disaster
The conflict between Jinwoo and Kim Chul stems from the disastrous events in the Double Dungeon. This dungeon was unlike anything the Hunters had faced before. Its overwhelming difficulty resulted in a near-total massacre of the party.
While Jinwoo emerged from the experience transformed and empowered, Kim Chul’s true nature came to light during the ordeal. Kim Chul not only abandoned his comrades in a critical moment but also acted with a blatant disregard for their lives. His selfish decisions directly endangered the remaining survivors, highlighting his inability to be a reliable or ethical leader.
The Turning Point: Kim Chul’s Actions Against Jinwoo
After Jinwoo reappeared with newfound strength, Kim Chul’s jealousy and fear intensified. He couldn’t comprehend Jinwoo’s rapid rise in power and viewed him as a threat. This fear led Kim Chul to act irrationally and confront Jinwoo.
The final straw came when Kim Chul resorted to violence. His attack on Jinwoo wasn’t just reckless; it was driven by pride and desperation. Kim Chul’s inability to accept his own limitations led him to lash out, effectively sealing his fate.
How Jinwoo Turned Kim Chul into Iron
After Kim Chul attacked Jinwoo first, forcing him to defend himself, Jinwoo was left with little choice but to eliminate the threat. Following Kim Chul’s death, Jinwoo used his Shadow Extraction ability to turn him into a Shadow Soldier, renaming him Iron.
This transformation wasn’t just a resurrection—it was a strategic move. By turning Kim Chul into Iron, Jinwoo gained a powerful ally with all of Kim Chul’s battle experience and strength, now under his control.
Tweet Loading…
Iron quickly proved invaluable, especially in the fight against Baruka, where Jinwoo otherwise would have been at a severe disadvantage. This move highlighted Jinwoo’s growing power and his willingness to turn even his enemies into tools for his own survival.
Was Jinwoo’s Response Justified?
When considering whether Jinwoo was justified in killing Kim Chul, it’s crucial to evaluate the situation in context. First and foremost, Kim Chul attacked Jinwoo. This act of aggression put Jinwoo in a position where he had to defend himself. As an evolving and increasingly powerful Hunter, Jinwoo’s response was instinctive, driven by the need to protect himself from a clear threat.
Secondly, survival in the world of Solo Leveling often blurs the lines of morality. Hunters constantly face life-or-death scenarios, and Kim Chul’s repeated betrayals and dangerous behavior had already endangered lives. Allowing him to continue unchecked would have posed a risk not only to Jinwoo but also to others in the future.
Lastly, power dynamics played a significant role. By this point in the story, Jinwoo had ascended to a level where his power demanded recognition and respect. Kim Chul’s refusal to acknowledge this reality, combined with his pride-fueled actions, created an unavoidable confrontation.
Ultimately, Jinwoo’s decision was not an act of malice. It was a calculated response to a volatile situation, born out of necessity in a harsh and unforgiving world. While some may view his actions as harsh, the circumstances and Kim Chul’s own choices make Jinwoo’s response justifiable.
About Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is a Korean Webtoon written by Chu Gong and illustrated by Jang Sung Rak. It is adapted from the web novel; I Alone Level Up. Kakaopage publishes it in South Korea and Piccoma in Japan. The series ended in December 2021 and has been collected into 14 volumes.
Portals connecting the Earth to realms of monsters have opened up, and hunters defeat those monsters. Sung Jin Woo belongs to the lowest level of hunters, but after getting involved in a Dungeon quest, he alone can see quests like that of a game.
His journey to become the most powerful hunter and bring peace back to Earth begins.
No Comments on Was Jinwoo Justified in Killing Kim Chul in Solo Leveling: Arise?