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Solo Leveling, one of the most highly anticipated anime of recent years, has captivated fans worldwide with its slick animation and faithful adaptation of the original webtoon, or so we thought. As the anime progresses, a growing number of fans are voicing their disappointment over key scenes being removed, particularly the infamous Jeju Island arc, which remains largely underrepresented or drastically altered.
In this in-depth article, we’ll break down why fans are upset, what’s missing from the anime, and whether the anime adaptation is doing justice to the globally beloved source material. Let’s dive into the controversy that’s rocking the Solo Leveling fandom.
🔥 Why the Jeju Island Arc is So Important in Solo Leveling
If you’ve read the Solo Leveling webtoon or the original light novel, you already know that the Jeju Island Arc is considered one of the most pivotal storylines in the entire series. It’s not just another dungeon raid; it’s a moment of epic transformation for multiple characters and a turning point in the battle between hunters and monsters.
The arc showcases:
- National-level Hunters uniting for a near-suicidal mission
- The long-awaited revenge against the S-rank ants
- The epic rise of Sung Jin-Woo’s power
- One of the most brutal and emotional fights in the series
Naturally, fans expected the anime to treat this arc with the gravity and screen time it deserves.
🧨 Fans’ Outrage: ‘They Keep Removing All the Scenes’
From Reddit threads to TikTok breakdowns, the Solo Leveling community is in near-unanimous agreement: the anime is skipping too much. The phrase “They keep removing all the scenes” has become a rallying cry, plastered across Twitter/X, YouTube comments, and discussion forums.
What’s been cut or altered?
- Entire dialogue exchanges that build emotional depth
- Detailed fight choreography between the Hunters and the ants
- Backstories of key characters like Baek Yoon-Ho and Cha Hae-In
- The brutal death of several beloved side characters
- Sung Jin-Woo’s internal monologue, critical for understanding his evolution
🎯 Anime vs. Webtoon: A Side-by-Side Breakdown
Let’s take a moment to compare some key differences between the anime and the webtoon:
| Scene | Webtoon | Anime |
|---|---|---|
| Ant King’s entrance | Terrifying, extended battle setup | Rushed, lacks buildup |
| Baek Yoon-Ho’s transformation | Full-page spread, emotional | Trimmed down significantly |
| Cha Hae-In vs Ant Queen | Intense, character-driven | Nearly non-existent |
| Sung Jin-Woo summons the army | Glorious full spread | Skipped over in favor of montage |
💔 Emotional Impact Is Getting Lost
What makes Solo Leveling so beloved isn’t just the power-ups or action scenes; it’s the emotional tension and internal struggles. By trimming or outright cutting key scenes, the anime loses the psychological impact that made fans fall in love with the story in the first place.
For instance, the scene where Jin-Woo contemplates his humanity after resurrecting fallen comrades is completely missing. These moments are not just filler; they’re vital for character development.
🎥 Why Are These Scenes Being Removed?
There’s no official word from the production team at A-1 Pictures, but the reasons could include:
- Budget constraints and tight deadlines
- Efforts to fit the story into a single season
- Censorship for broadcast standards
- Prioritizing action over storytelling
Still, fans argue that faithfulness to source material is what makes a great adaptation. Cutting corners with arcs like Jeju Island feels like a betrayal of long-time readers.
💡 What Could the Anime Have Done Differently?
Here are a few ways the anime could have handled the Jeju Island arc better:
- Dedicated at least 3–4 full episodes to the arc
- Included flashbacks and inner thoughts to match webtoon pacing
- Retained the suspenseful lead-up to major battles
- Focused more on emotional stakes than visual spectacle
Doing this would not only enhance the viewer’s immersion but also increase fan loyalty and series longevity.
🔍 Jeju Island Arc: A Lost Opportunity for Peak Hype
In the webtoon, the Jeju Island arc generated a massive spike in readership. Google Trends data shows that search interest for “Solo Leveling Jeju Island” was at its highest during the arc’s webtoon publication period.
The anime could’ve capitalized on this momentum by giving the arc center-stage treatment — instead, it feels like a checklist item, quickly passed over.
💬 What the Fans Are Saying
Reddit user r/ShadowKingX:
"They robbed us of the best arc. Jeju Island was supposed to be the 'Shibuya Incident' of Solo Leveling."
Twitter user @manaeater77:
"Why even adapt Solo Leveling if you're gonna cut all the emotional scenes? The Jeju Island arc deserved better. #SoloLeveling"
YouTuber AnimeZin:
"The Jeju arc is the emotional core of the entire first half. Skipping it is like skipping the pain arc in Naruto."
🌍 International Reactions: Global Fanbase in Dismay
This backlash isn’t just limited to Korean or Western audiences; fans from all over the world, including Brazil, India, the Philippines, and Germany, are expressing their disappointment. On forums like MyAnimeList, the show's rating dipped slightly after the Jeju episodes aired, showing a clear drop in viewer satisfaction.
🧭 Will a Director's Cut or Season 2 Fix This?
Some fans hope that a Director’s Cut or Season 2 might reintroduce the cut scenes, perhaps in the form of flashbacks or OVAs. However, unless the studio listens to feedback, this seems unlikely.
The best course of action for the production team would be to:
- Acknowledge fan feedback
- Include deleted scenes in Blu-ray releases
- Consider adapting skipped arcs properly in future seasons
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✅ Conclusion: Anime Should Respect What Made Solo Leveling Great
Solo Leveling had the perfect formula: an overpowered protagonist, rich lore, emotional arcs, and jaw-dropping fights. But in its rush to hit mainstream anime screens, it’s forgetting what made it special to begin with.
The Jeju Island Arc isn’t just another story arc; it’s the soul of Solo Leveling’s early narrative. Cutting it down to mere fragments damages the pacing and leaves fans emotionally disconnected.
If the anime wants to retain its legendary status, it must learn from this backlash and put respect back into the adaptation process. After all, fans aren’t just viewers, they’re the reason Solo Leveling became a global hit in the first place.
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