Hello, hunters! If you're following Sung Suho's journey in the dramatic sequel, then the news that Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is on hiatus might leave you feeling a bit disappointed. However, the reason behind this interruption is completely unavoidable and a matter of national duty.
Let's explore the details of this long break and the future of the series with Hobiverse!
Why is Solo Leveling: Ragnarok on hiatus?
As confirmed by Jin (REDICE Studio) himself, he will be temporarily stepping away from his artist position to complete his military service, which will last from 18 to 21 months. This is mandatory for all male South Korean citizens, with few exceptions, from ordinary people to BTS idols and famous manhwa artists.
The hiatus of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is entirely due to unavoidable personal factors. Despite the disappointment, fans will have to accept a long wait.
Before temporarily stepping away from his pen, artist Jin sent readers a letter sharing his 4-year journey with the Solo Leveling universe.
"I started drawing after admiring the art and guidance of the late artist Jang Sung-rak (Dubu). That influence has always been the foundation of my works to this day," Jin shared.
He also expressed that working on the Side Stories and then Ragnarok was a great honor. For Jin, this break is not an end, but a preparatory phase for him to return stronger and more complete in the future.
Stopping at the climax, an unfinished ending
What breaks fans' hearts the most is the timing of the hiatus. Season 2 ended at chapter 68, just 22 chapters after the series returned, right when the plot was at its most intense. Suho had just begun to assert his position in the S-Rank Gate raid, meeting Shika, the Ice Elf with the Monarch's bloodline, a character predicted to play a crucial role in the future. Not to mention the relationship between Esil and Grey also began to develop clearly through the new Bond Skill.
Solo Leveling: Ragnarok going on hiatus right now is like stopping an anime at the climax frame before the final boss battle.
The positive news is that Jin has confirmed that REDICE Studio has selected a successor artist. This person is also a disciple of the late legendary artist Jang Sung-rak (Dubu), the father of Solo Leveling's illustrations. This means that the overall style, spirit, and "Solo Leveling" essence are likely to be maintained.
In fact, Solo Leveling is no stranger to artist changes. After Dubu's death in 2022 from a brain hemorrhage, Jin was the one who took over the side story and then Ragnarok. Although he couldn't completely replace Dubu's immense shadow, Jin still received widespread recognition from the community.
Will the Ragnarok hiatus affect the anime?
The answer is not immediately. The Solo Leveling anime is currently still exploring the main storyline, not yet touching the content of Ragnarok. However, in the long run, the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok hiatus will definitely slow down progress if the anime plans to adapt this sequel.
In his temporary farewell letter, Jin affirmed that this is not an end but a new preparatory phase. He entrusted Ragnarok to his successor, while also expressing his desire to return in the future as a better version of himself.
While waiting for Season 3 of the Manhwa and the latest updates on the successor artist, you can read the Novel to get a head start on Suho's journey, or rewatch Jinwoo's epic battles in Season 1 of the Anime!
Military service is an important part of Korean culture. REDICE Studio is still there, the Solo Leveling world is still expanding, and Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is on hiatus, but the hype has never died down. Let's wish artist Jin good health and look forward to the debut of the new artist in the near future!
See also:
