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Being Sung Jin-Woo’s love interest is a pretty difficult role for any female character to assume inSolo Leveling. Just standing side by side with the strongest hunter may come off as intimidating and tedious, especially if they exist in the same profession. However, among Jin-Woo’s potential partners,Cha Hae-In ends up being the “canon wife”regardless of the vast difference in their strength.
Cha Hae-In is just one of the many female characters who have undeniable chemistry with Sung Jin-Woo inSolo Leveling. Sure, she wins the love race in the end, but many fans still can’t help but wonder whether someone other than her could become Jin-Woo’s final girl. That said, the question remains: who among Jin-Woo’s love interests could replace Cha Hae-In?
Cha Hae-in as the Ideal Partner for Jin-Woo
Why Cha Hae-In Fits So Well With Jin-Woo
Perhaps the simplest reasonwhy Cha Hae-In fits so well with Jin-Woois that she can keep up with him. Of all the love interests Jin-Woo has in Solo Leveling, only Cha Hae-In showed a genuine desire to grow stronger just to fight by Jin-Woo’s side. Walking away or staying out of Jin-Woo’s world was not even an option for her, despite the wide gap in their powers.
Instead of feeling intimidated or scared,Cha Hae-In felt at ease with Jin-Woo. They found peace and comfort in each other’s presence, constantly bringing out a new but better version of themselves. While Jin-Woo inspires Cha Hae-In to grow stronger, Cha Hae-In reminds Jin-Woo of the most precious things in life, no matter how difficult and complicated their situation is.
“It’s different when I’m with him. I feel good”—Cha Hae-In
Even though Cha Hae-In gradually felt irrelevant inSolo Leveling, her presence remained huge in Jin-Woo’s heart. Whether fans like it or not, Jin-Woo finds a friend and a partner in Cha Hae-In slowly but surely. They’re one of themost slow-burn anime couples ever, but this doesn’t mean their connection isn’t real.
Could Anyone Else Replace Cha Hae-In?
Other Possible Competitors Explored
WhileSolo Levelingis not a romance-heavy series, Jin-Woo obviously has abundant love interests, enough to spark countless fan theories. From theB-rank healer Lee Joo-Heeto the demon Esil Radiru, many fans continue to rally behind their favorites despite Cha Hae-In’s role in Jin-Woo’s heart. As much as fans would love to see Jin-Woo with Lee Joo-Hee or even Park Hee-Jin of the White Tiger Guild, the final girl of Solo Leveling will not change.
Still, if Cha Hae-In were to be removed fromSolo Leveling,it would be difficult for any other female character to replace her. For instance, Lee Joo-Hee turned her back against Jin-Woo and even distanced herself after struggling with fear and trauma for the longest time.Then there’s Park Hee-Jin, who only wanted to ensure her safety during raids, which explained why she was so desperate to be by Jin-Woo’s side.
“You’re the only friend I have, Hae-In”—Sung Jin-Woo to Cha Hae-In
Han Song-Yi, on the other hand, seemed too immature to be on the same page as Jin-Woo, whileYoo Jin-Ho’s cousin, Yoo Soo-Hyun, has many things on her plate. If there’s one candidate who could come close to Cha Hae-In, Esil Radiru, the demon girl from the Demon Castle, may just be the perfect girl. And yet, despite her potential and obvious chemistry with Jin-Woo, their worlds are far different, and they clearly lack emotional depth.
Why It’s Difficult to Replace Cha Hae-In
It Will Not Work
Many fans are aware that Cha Hae-In is Jin-Woo’s endgame inSolo Leveling. As the plot develops, so does their relationship, albeit quietly and slowly. Through their shared experiences, their trust and respect for each other ultimately developed. And even in the face of adversity, they’re willing to stand up for each other regardless of what the consequences may be.
“How could I ever tell him…I want you by my side until I draw my last breath?"—Cha Hae-In
IfSolo Levelingwere to introduce a new love interest to Jin-Woo, it would feel disjointed and unnatural among fans. After all, many fans remain unconvinced of Jin-Woo’s relationship with Cha Hae-In, branding them as a forced rather thana natural anime coupledue to the lack of traditional payoff and development. Introducing a new love interest may potentially worsen this situation.
Of course, at the end of the day, Cha Hae-In wins in the long run. Replacing her with someone else will be a challenge, especially now that the stakes are higher, given the presence of the Monarchs and the secrets of the system in the anime adaptation ofSolo Leveling.
