Solo Leveling fans have been eagerly awaiting the anime’s renewal for Season 3, and now the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok manhwa is going on an indefinite hiatus as well.
The webcomic adaptation of the original webnovel by Chugong is written by Dang Do and illustrated by Jin of REDICE Studio. Following the conclusion of the manhwa’s most recent story arc, Jin has announced that he is departing from the series to serve compulsory military service.
In South Korea, male citizens between the ages of 18 and 35 must perform compulsory military service ranging in length from 18 to 21 months. That means Jin will be away for approximately two years. He announced the news in a heartfelt statement to fans, which was translated to English by a fan and posted on X.
“Even before I was entrusted with Solo Leveling, I had been an avid fan of this work throughout my school years. I started drawing after seeing artist Jang Sung-rak’s artwork and direction, and that influence has remained the foundation of my work to this day,” Jin wrote. “After graduating high school, I continued taking part in contests, and then—through an unexpected opportunity—I was chosen and given the honor of working on Solo Leveling side stories. I still remember very clearly how I felt when I first heard the news.
“About four years have passed since then, and through side stories and Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, I was able to gain many experiences—both as an author and as a person. I had many shortcomings, and there were difficult moments as well, but I believe that is exactly what made the time so valuable,” Jin continued. “As of today, I am wrapping up all work related to this title and will be stepping away from my position for a while. Due to personal circumstances—military service—I will be away temporarily, but I believe this is not an end; it is another period of preparation.”
Jin also gave his “heartfelt support” to the artist who will take his place on Solo Leveling: Ragnarok, whom he says is “another disciple of artist Jang Sung-rak: “Given the weight and expectations that come with a work like Solo Leveling, it will not be an easy role, but I believe you will surely expand this world even further in your own unique colors,” he wrote, speaking directly to his successor without naming them. “I hope readers will also stay with the series with warm and kind eyes.”
To conclude, he thanked his collaborators and readers, writing, “Each and every one of your reactions was a great source of strength for me. Going forward, I will keep this experience close to my heart and continue striving so that I can show you artwork I won’t be ashamed of. Thank you truly for everything.”
Source: X
Both the Solo Leveling: Ragnarok webnovel by Chugong and the webcomic adaptation by Dang Do and Jin are available to read on Tapas.
