Solo Leveling: Complete Guide to Differences Between Korean and Japanese Versions | Comparing Settings, Character Names, and Tokyo Settings
“Solo Leveling,” a globally popular work, is based on a Korean web novel. In Japan, it is distributed on Picoma and has also been adapted into an anime. However, are you aware that there are significant differences between the Japanese and Korean versions in terms of setting and character names?
This article provides a thorough comparison of the original Korean version and the Japanese localized version, explaining in detail why the setting was changed from Korea to Tokyo and how character names were replaced.
Table of Contents
- “Solo Leveling”: Work Overview
- The Biggest Difference Between Korean and Japanese Versions: Changes to Setting
- Change of Protagonist’s Name: From Sung Jin-Woo to Mizushino Shun
- Comparison List of Supporting Characters and Character Names in Korean and Japanese
- Changes in the Cities that Serve as Settings: From Seoul and Busan to Tokyo and Yokohama
- Setting Changes in Hunter Association and Guild Organizations
- Localization Strategy on Picoma and Its Reasons
- Anime Version Settings: Based on Japanese or Korean Version?
- Differences in International Distribution and Global Expansion
- Differences in Artwork and Expression Regulations
- The Main Story Remains Unchanged: Common Appeal of the Narrative
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
“Solo Leveling”: Work Overview
“Solo Leveling” is a fantasy novel originally written by Korean web novelist Chugong (추공). Beginning serialization on the Korean web novel platform “Kakao Page” in 2016, it quickly gained popularity.
Plot Summary
One day, interdimensional doors called “Gates” appear around the world, and monsters begin emerging from them. At the same time, special beings with the ability to fight monsters, known as “Hunters,” awaken.
The protagonist continues dungeon raids as the lowest-ranking E-Class Hunter, risking his life. However, one day, standing at death’s door in a double dungeon, he acquires a mysterious quest system. Through this system, he alone becomes capable of leveling up, and a story of growth from weakest to strongest unfolds.
Media Mix Expansion
- Web Novel: 2016–2018 (Korea)
- Web Manga: 2018–2021, illustrated by DUBU (REDICE STUDIO)
- Japanese Manga: Began distribution on Picoma (2019–)
- Television Anime: Season 1 (January–March 2024), Season 2 (January–March 2025), produced by A-1 Pictures
- Game: Mobile game “Solo Leveling: ARISE” currently available
The Biggest Difference Between Korean and Japanese Versions: Changes to Setting
The most significant difference between the original Korean version and the Japanese localized version is that the country and city serving as the story’s setting have been changed.
Korean Version (Original)
- Setting Country: Republic of Korea
- Major Cities: Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Jeju Island, and other real Korean cities
- Hunter Association: Korean Hunter Association
- Language Display: All signage and labels in the background are in Korean (Hangul)
Japanese Version (Picoma Distribution Version)
- Setting Country: Japan
- Major Cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and other real Japanese cities and some fictional cities
- Hunter Association: Tokyo Hunter Association (Japan Hunter Association)
- Language Display: All signage and labels in the background have been changed to Japanese
In the Japanese version, Korean geographical and cultural elements have been replaced with Japanese equivalents. This makes the setting more relatable for Japanese readers.
Change of Protagonist’s Name: From Sung Jin-Woo to Mizushino Shun
The protagonist’s name also differs significantly between the Korean and Japanese versions.
Korean Version
- Name: Sung Jin-Woo (성진우, Seong Jin-Woo)
- Family: Mother – Sung Kyeong-hee (성경희), Sister – Sung Ji-na (성지나)
Japanese Version
- Name: Mizushino Shun (水篠旬)
- Family: Mother – Mizushino Kyoko (水篠京子), Sister – Mizushino Aoi (水篠葵)
In the Japanese version, not only the protagonist’s name but also the family members’ names have been changed to Japanese. However, the character’s personality, abilities, and role in the story remain completely the same.
International Distribution Version (Crunchyroll, etc.)
Interestingly, the international distribution version of the anime adopts the original Korean name “Sung Jin-Woo.” This is considered a strategy to prioritize Korean content identity in the global market.
Comparison List of Supporting Characters and Character Names in Korean and Japanese
A comparison of major character name changes is presented in the following list.
| Role | Korean Version | Japanese Version |
|——|——–|——–|
| Protagonist | Sung Jin-Woo (성진우) | Mizushino Shun (水篠旬) |
| Protagonist’s Mother | Sung Kyeong-hee (성경희) | Mizushino Kyoko (水篠京子) |
| Protagonist’s Sister | Sung Ji-na (성지나) | Mizushino Aoi (水篠葵) |
| S-Class Hunter (White Tiger Guild) | Cha Hae-in (차해인) | Kousaka Shizuku (向坂雫) |
| White Tiger Guild Master | Ahn Sang-chul (안상철) | Shirakawa Taiga (白川大虎) |
| Hunter Association Chairman | Go Gunhee (고건희) | Gondo Kyosuke (権藤京介) |
| Inukai Guild Master | Choi Jong-in (최종인) | Inukai Goichi (犬飼剛一) |
| Japanese S-Class Hunter | Goto Ryoji (고토 료지) | Goto Kiyomigetsu (後藤清臣) |
| Strongest National Power-Level Hunter | Liu Zhihao (류지호) | Kousaka Yuya (向坂雄也) |
It is noteworthy that some characters maintain their Japanese names even in the Japanese version. This is because characters who appear as “Japanese Hunters” in the original setting retain Japanese names in both Korean and Japanese versions.
Changes in the Cities that Serve as Settings: From Seoul and Busan to Tokyo and Yokohama
The cities serving as the story’s setting also have a correspondence relationship between the Korean and Japanese versions.
Correspondence Table of Major Cities
| Korean Version | Japanese Version |
|——–|——–|
| Seoul | Tokyo |
| Incheon | Yokohama |
| Busan | Nagoya or Osaka |
| Jeju Island | Fictional Island or Okinawa |
| Gyeonggi Province | Fictional Cities in the Kanto Region |
In the Japanese version, the setting is constructed by combining real Japanese city names with some fictional place names. This makes the setting more familiar to Japanese readers.
Dungeon and Gate Appearances
The appearance locations of “Gates,” an important element of the story, have also been changed. In the Korean version, real place names in Seoul such as Myeongdong and Gangnam appear; in the Japanese version, these are replaced with real Tokyo place names such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Odaiba, or fictional locations.
Setting Changes in Hunter Association and Guild Organizations
Hunter Association
In the Korean version, the “Korean Hunter Association” appears as a government agency that manages and regulates Hunters. Its headquarters is located in Seoul.
In the Japanese version, the name has been changed to “Tokyo Hunter Association” or “Japan Hunter Association,” and the headquarters is set in Tokyo. The organization’s role and function remain the same as in the Korean version.
Major Guild Organizations
Multiple major guilds appear in the work, and some of their names have been partially changed.
| Korean Version Guild Name | Japanese Version Guild Name | Characteristics |
|————–|————–|——|
| White Tiger Guild | White Tiger Guild | Same name; member Hunter names changed |
| Inukai Guild | Inukai Guild | Same name |
| Knight Guild | Knight Guild | Same name |
| Bright Star Guild | Bright Star Guild | Same name |
While many guild names remain common, the guild masters’ and member Hunters’ names have been changed to Japanese.
Localization Strategy on Picoma and Its Reasons
The Japanese manga distribution platform Picoma has significantly localized “Solo Leveling” for the Japanese market.
Reasons for Localization
- Promoting Reader Immersion: Japanese readers can become more deeply immersed in a story set in their own country
- Reducing Cultural Barriers: Readers unfamiliar with Korean culture and geography find it easier to understand
- Market Strategy: To maximize commercial success in the Japanese market
- Political Consideration: To avoid anti-Japanese expressions and historical backgrounds contained in the original work
Scope of Localization
- Character Names: Complete change from Korean names to Japanese names
- Place Names and City Names: Change from Korean cities to Japanese cities
- Background Images: Change of text on signs, labels, and buildings from Hangul to Japanese
- Cultural Elements: Adjustment of food scenes and daily life depictions to Japanese style
- Violence Depictions: Mitigation of some graphic depictions (consideration for age restrictions)
Success of Picoma
This localization strategy has been highly successful, making “Solo Leveling” one of the most popular works on Picoma. It has played an important role in establishing the position of Korean webtoons in Japan’s manga market.
Anime Version Settings: Based on Japanese or Korean Version?
The television anime that began airing in January 2024 is produced by Japanese animation company A-1 Pictures.
Anime Version Settings
The domestic Japanese broadcast version adopts Japanese version settings, similar to the Picoma version.
- Protagonist’s Name: Mizushino Shun
- Setting: Tokyo and surrounding Japan
- Character Names: All Japanese names
International Distribution Version Settings
However, on international distribution platforms such as Crunchyroll, the original Korean version settings are adopted.
- Protagonist’s Name: Sung Jin-Woo
- Setting: Korea (Seoul)
- Character Names: Korean names in English notation
Through this dual strategy, the work is developed as a Japanese version in the Japanese market and as a Korean-origin content in the global market.
Anime Character Design and Artwork
The anime’s character design faithfully reproduces the original webtoon’s artwork while expressing it with A-1 Pictures’ high-quality animation techniques. The powerful movements in battle scenes and visual changes accompanying the protagonist’s growth have been highly praised.
Music and Opening Theme
The anime’s music is also an important element enhancing the work’s appeal. The opening and ending themes are carefully selected to symbolize the tension of the story and the protagonist’s growth.
Differences in International Distribution and Global Expansion
“Solo Leveling” has become popular not only in Japan and Korea but also around the world.
Global Distribution Strategy
- English-Speaking Regions: Distributed as “Solo Leveling” with original Korean settings
- Chinese-Speaking Regions: Distributed as “我独自升级,” with some localization
- Other Asian Regions: Primarily distributed with Korean version adherence
- Europe and South America: Translation versions based on the English version
Brand Value as Korean Content
In international markets, the brand value of “K-Webtoon” is prioritized following K-POP and K-dramas. Therefore, maintaining original Korean version settings emphasizes Korean content identity.
Uniqueness of the Japanese Market
The fact that only the Japanese market has undergone extensive localization reflects the maturity and uniqueness of Japan’s manga and anime market, as well as strategic decision-making to maximize commercial success.
Differences in Artwork and Expression Regulations
The Korean and Japanese versions show slight differences in artwork and expression.
Mitigation of Violence Depictions
Some graphic violent depictions in the original Korean version have been mitigated in the Japanese version (Picoma distribution version).
- Blood Depiction: While the Korean version shows blood in detail, the Japanese version partially blacks out or reduces the amount
- Body Dismemberment: While the Korean version realistically depicts limb amputation, the Japanese version may hide it with shadows or light
- Cruel Scenes: Scenes of monsters consuming humans are portrayed more mildly in the Japanese version
This is considered to accommodate age restriction guidelines in Japanese publishing and distribution.
Background Artwork Changes
Background images have been extensively revised accompanying the change in setting.
- Building Design: From Korean architecture to Japanese architecture
- Signs and Labels: From Hangul notation to Japanese notation
- Streetscape: From Seoul’s streets to Tokyo’s streets
These changes require enormous amounts of work, demonstrating Picoma’s commitment.
The Main Story Remains Unchanged: Common Appeal of the Narrative
Although the setting and character names have been changed, the core of the story is completely shared between the Korean and Japanese versions.
Common Story Elements
- Growth Story from Weakest to Strongest: Beginning as an E-Class Hunter and gaining the sole ability to level up, becoming the strongest
- System Window: A quest system resembling a game that only the protagonist can see
- Shadow Monarch: The ability and destiny of the “Shadow Monarch,” core to the story
- Love for Family: The protagonist’s motivation to protect his sick mother and sister
- Bonds with Companions: Encounters and separations with various Hunters
- World Crisis: Final battle against an entity threatening humanity
Unchanging Appeal
- Overwhelming Artwork Quality: Powerful battle scenes by DUBU (REDICE STUDIO)
- Satisfying Development: Visual expression of ability enhancement through leveling up
- Detailed Worldbuilding: Hunter ranks, guild systems, gate settings, and more
- Emotional Drama: The protagonist’s growth and changes in human relationships
Though localization changes the setting and character names, the appeal readers and viewers feel toward the story remains completely uncompromised.
DFN (Fictional Nation) Setting
A setting called “DFN,” a fictional nation that has become a topic of discussion among some readers, is explained here.
What is DFN?
In the Korean original version, “Japan” appears in the story and is portrayed in specific historical and political contexts. The Japanese version avoids this by replacing it with the fictional nation name “DFN.”
Handling in the Japanese Version
The Japanese version processes parts where Japan appears in the original as follows:
- Replacement with the fictional nation “DFN”
- Deletion or significant revision of relevant scenes
- Context adjustment to avoid reference to specific nations
This is considered a measure to prioritize commercial success in the Japanese market and avoid unnecessary controversy.
Cultural Significance of “Solo Leveling”
This work has played an important role in cultural exchange between Korea and Japan, transcending mere entertainment.
Japanese Market Entry of Korean Webtoons
The success of “Solo Leveling” proved the potential for Korean webtoons to be accepted in the Japanese market. While featuring characteristics different from traditional Japanese manga, such as vertical scrolling reading format and full-color artwork, it has acquired many Japanese readers.
Successful Localization Model
This work’s localization strategy has become a successful model for future Japanese expansion of Korean content. The method of respecting cultural differences while optimizing for each market has been applied to other works.
Status as Global Content
This work, possessing two versions—the Japanese and Korean—while being beloved worldwide, demonstrates the nature of true global content.
Season 2 and Future Developments
Television anime Season 2 aired from January to March 2025.
Highlights of Season 2
- Further growth of the protagonist and acquisition of new abilities
- Meeting the world’s strongest Hunters
- Developments approaching the truth of the “Shadow Monarch”
- Cooperation with national power-level Hunters
Future Media Expansion
- Anime Continuation: Animation of popular episodes from the original is anticipated
- Games: Updates and new content for “Solo Leveling: ARISE”
- Merchandise Expansion: Opening of pop-up stores and collaboration cafes
- Live-Action Adaptation Possibility: Rumors of a live-action drama adaptation in Korea
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which should I read, the Korean or Japanese version?
A: If you reside in Japan and read Japanese, the Japanese version on Picoma is recommended for readability. Those able to read Korean or wishing to enjoy the original setting should choose the Korean version. Since the essence of the story is the same, either choice allows full enjoyment of the work’s appeal.
Q2: Is the anime based on the Japanese or Korean version settings?
A: The anime broadcast in Japan adopts the Japanese version setting (protagonist: Mizushino Shun, setting: Tokyo). Meanwhile, the international distribution version (Crunchyroll, etc.) uses Korean version settings (protagonist: Sung Jin-Woo, setting: Seoul).
Q3: Why was the setting changed only in the Japanese version?
A: It was localized to be set in Japan to maximize commercial success in the Japanese market and make readers feel more immersed. It is also thought to intend to avoid certain political and historical elements contained in the original work.
Q4: Is the story different between Korean and Japanese versions?
A: The main storyline is completely the same. The story of the protagonist growing from weakest to strongest, the Shadow Monarch’s ability, important battle scenes, and other core elements are entirely shared. What has been changed is primarily character names, place names, and background text notation.
Q5: Can the original novel be read in Japanese?
A: An official Japanese translation of the original novel (by Chugong) is limited. The main formats distributed in Japan are the webtoon version (Picoma) and anime version. Some fan translations exist, but using the official version is recommended.
Q6: What is “DFN”?
A: It is a fictional nation name appearing in the Japanese version. Parts appearing as “Japan” in the Korean original version are replaced with the fictional nation “DFN” in the Japanese version. This is due to consideration for the Japanese market.
Q7: Can the Japanese version be read on platforms other than Picoma?
A: Picoma is the primary distribution platform for the Japanese version. While some episodes may be distributed on other platforms, the most complete form can be read on Picoma.
Q8: Are there differences in artwork?
A: Basic artwork (character design, composition, battle scenes) is the same in Korean and Japanese versions. Differences are in background text notation (Hangul to Japanese) and mitigation of some violent depictions in the Japanese version.
Q9: Which version do international fans read?
A: In English-speaking regions and much of the international community, the Korean original version setting (Sung Jin-Woo, Seoul) is the mainstream translated version. The Japanese version setting is primarily limited to Japan.
Q10: Are there sequels or spin-offs?
A: In Korea, the spin-off “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok” of the original novel is being serialized. This work depicts the continuation after the main story. Regarding Japanese expansion, we must await future announcements.
Conclusion
“Solo Leveling,” while being a globally popular work originating from Korea, is a unique example of bold localization for the Japanese market. Though the setting has changed from Seoul, Korea to Tokyo, and the protagonist’s name from Sung Jin-Woo to Mizushino Shun, the charm of the core narrative—”growth from weakest to strongest”—remains entirely intact.
This work, possessing two faces in the form of the Japanese version on Picoma and the Korean version in international distribution, has become a successful model for content expansion in the global era. Either version offers overwhelming artwork quality and exciting storytelling.
With anime Season 2 airing and increasing momentum, “Solo Leveling” continues to captivate audiences. Enjoy its full appeal.
