Solo Leveling S2 Episode 9 Receives Thousands of Dislikes
The latest episode of the Solo Leveling anime adaptation, Season 2 Episode 9, has reportedly become the most disliked episode so far on Crunchyroll.
On the Crunchyroll platform, this episode has garnered over 2,000 dislikes. One of the main reasons cited for this backlash is a particular scene where the protagonist, Jin-Woo, breaks down in tears before his mother after successfully healing her. Some viewers believe this moment undermines the strong and untouchable aura he has built throughout the series. Jin-Woo is known as a calm and enigmatic character, so seeing him display vulnerability in such a way is perceived by some as diminishing his established image.
However, there is another perspective worth considering. Since his awakening, Jin-Woo has rarely shown emotions, but this scene adds depth to his character. His tears before his mother reveal that beneath his immense power, he remains human. Only a mother can break through his emotional defenses, showcasing a more personal and intimate side of Jin-Woo.
Much of the negative reaction seems to come from viewers who prioritize action and Jin-Woo’s dominant persona. However, does crying in his mother’s embrace truly weaken him as a character? This question is worth reflecting upon.
This situation is reminiscent of the reaction to Attack on Titan when Eren displayed raw emotions near the end of the story. Some fans felt it ruined his character, but in reality, it reinforced the idea that Eren was not just a warrior but a human being with emotions. The same applies to Jin-Woo. This scene does not weaken him; instead, it makes him a more complex and compelling character.
Despite the backlash, it is important to note that the number of likes on Crunchyroll far exceeds the dislikes. Thus, it would be unfair to label Episode 9 as a failure or a bad episode based solely on this criticism.