Solo Leveling: Sung Jinwoo’s “I hate giants” Was a Direct Reference to the Worst Experience of His Life in the Best Episode Yet

The latest episode of Solo Leveling proved its worth as the best anime of the Summer 2025 lineup. Not only was the animation off the charts, but the plot also thickened with intriguing reveals.

Sung Jinwoo faced his strongest enemy yet, but he appeared nonchalant, signalling a significant change in his demeanour. Unlike before, when he trembled in front of enemies, we see him take down Kargalgan pretty easily. However, his rapid growth is abnormal, and it naturally affects him mentally as well.

This becomes clearer when we get a direct reference to the worst experience Jinwoo had at the beginning of the first season. He recalls the bad memories, but one thing is apparent. He is not the weak E-ranked hunter anymore who would squirm in the face of danger.

Jinwoo’s First Nightmare In The Double Dungeon

Previous to the harrowing experiences in the double dungeon, Jinwoo was just a man wanting to provide for his family. He needed funds for his ailing mother and to support his sister but was stuck being the weakest hunter. As an E-ranked hunter, he only had the option to visit lower-ranking dungeons in the hopes of making it big.

This was again his plan when he took part in a D-Rank dungeon raid, which turned out to be a sneaky double dungeon. Sadly, that experience would change his life for the better or worse and turn him into something far from human.

His interaction with the Statue of God and the other giant statues that wiped out half of his party and almost killed him was traumatic. He had to face his weaknesses and beg for another chance at life.

Jinwoo definitely got what he wanted, but it cost him his humanity.

Connecting The Dots On Why Jinwoo Hates Giants  

As a last-ditch effort against Jinwoo, Kargalgan, the boss of the Hunters Guild Gate, uses his Hymn of Giants ability to turn into a giant. Jinwoo takes one look at his enemy and comments, ‘I hate giants’. Needless to say, Jinwoo’s trip down memory lane was not pleasant.

He must have recalled how the huge statues charged towards him and impaled him with swords one by one. They toyed with his mangled body while the Statue of God watched. This definitely made him have a sore spot for any opponent that towers over him. 

 

The tall creatures might not be able to defeat him anymore as Jinwoo has grown exponentially. But this does not erase the horrors he had to face at the beginning. Yes, he is stronger, faster and better, but in the end, he is still a man suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Significance Of The ‘Giants’ Reference

Jinwoo definitely referred to the ‘giants’ of Double Dungeon in episode 6 of season 2, but it was more than just a callback. Later in the series, we will see Jinwoo revisit the cursed dungeon and face his former tormentors again.

This can't be the same Jinwoo who used to run from giants! 😭 pic.twitter.com/elrbYga5fk

— SeekersComixs (@SeekersComixs) February 8, 2025

Thus, the author also cleverly foreshadows Jinwoo’s future encounter, where he will face his former foes. He will not be the hunted anymore but the hunter who will confront his enemies head-on.

In the first act, Jinwoo hides behind the shadows, but this time, he rules the shadows, almost like Batman. He will take his revenge and prove choosing him as Ashborn’s vessel was a boon to humanity.

Jinwoo’s journey is a classic hero’s tale of rising from weakness to strength, but it is not without repercussions. In exchange for life, he is slowly losing his true self, all the while being haunted by the nightmares of the Double Dungeon.

Watch all the latest episodes of Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll.