In Solo Leveling, one of the most talked-about relationships is the quiet connection between Jinwoo Sung and healer Joohee Lee. From the very beginning of the story, especially in the early dungeon arcs, fans noticed something special between the two. Now, thanks to a rare statement from the original author, we finally know the truth and yes, Jinwoo really did like her.
Their Bond Was Obvious Early On
At the start of the series, Joohee wasn’t just another healer. She clearly cared about Jinwoo beyond just teamwork. During dungeon raids, she worried about him constantly, way more than what you’d expect from just a co-worker. Even after the brutal double dungeon trap, she stayed by his side when others would’ve walked away.
That kind of loyalty got fans thinking: was there more between them?
The anime adaptation didn’t shy away from hinting at this either. It used small things like long glances, quiet pauses, soft expressions to show a deeper connection. These moments weren’t in your face, but they definitely made it feel like something more could happen.
And it turns out we weren’t imagining it.
Chugong Confirmed Jinwoo Liked Her
In a post on a Korean forum (Jensen Side), Solo Leveling author Chugong confirmed what many fans hoped was true: Jinwoo did have romantic feelings for Joohee.
He didn’t just like her as a friend. According to Chugong, “Jinwoo was totally into her.” That means all those early moments weren’t just fluff or over-analysis, they were meaningful.
But that raises the big question: if the feelings were mutual, why didn’t they end up as a couple?
Why It Didn’t Work Out
Chugong explained that there were two major reasons why their relationship never became official, and both make a lot of sense when you look at who they are as people.
1. Joohee’s Trauma and Her Struggle With the Hunter Life
Joohee never wanted to be in constant danger. After going through the terrifying double dungeon, it was obvious she wasn’t cut out for the violent world of high-rank hunters. Chugong said Joohee was emotionally drained by the stress and fear. She just wasn’t the kind of person who could keep going through battles and close calls.
She dreamed of a quiet life, not a world full of monsters and deadly missions.
2. Jinwoo’s Decision to Keep Her Safe
As Jinwoo became stronger, the threats around him got more serious. He realized that Joohee wouldn’t be safe if she stayed close to him, not because she was weak, but because she wasn’t built for that kind of danger.
He knew she’d be targeted just for being near him. So he chose to walk away, not because he didn’t care, but because he did.
That choice wasn’t about pushing her away emotionally. It was about protecting her.
Chugong also pointed out that Joohee had already been pulled into risky situations just by being part of Jinwoo’s team. So this wasn’t a fear of “what if” it had already happened.
Joohee Stood for Something Bigger
According to Chugong, Joohee wasn’t just meant to be a love interest. She was written as a symbol, someone who represents ordinary people caught in a world they never asked for. She didn’t want to be a hero. She wanted to be a student, to have a normal life, and instead she got dragged into something dangerous.
Her fear and hesitation weren’t signs of weakness, they were human. And in many ways, her presence reminded Jinwoo what he was fighting for: a safer world where people like Joohee could live peacefully.
Jinwoo Was Happy Knowing She Was Safe
Even though they didn’t end up together, Jinwoo found peace in knowing Joohee was safe. According to the author, he deeply cared about her, and knowing she could go back to her regular life gave him comfort.
Some fans have criticized how her arc ended, calling it “wasted potential.” Many wanted her to stay and grow stronger, maybe even join Jinwoo as his emotional anchor. And honestly, that would’ve been a classic direction for their story.
But Chugong had other plans, he wanted to show a different kind of strength. The kind that comes from knowing your limits, walking away, and choosing peace over chaos.
A “What If” Story Could Still Happen
Here’s something that might excite long-time fans: Chugong mentioned he’s considered writing a “what if” story where Joohee works through her trauma and stays with Jinwoo. He’s thought about exploring how their relationship could have gone if things were different.
It’s not confirmed or official, just an idea, but it shows that her story still matters to him, even if the main story took a different path.
Source: DCinside
