“Solo Leveling” (Solo Leveling) Boasts Global Popularity
The globally popular “Solo Leveling” is a work based on a Korean web novel. In Japan, it is distributed on Piccoma and has been adapted into an anime. However, did you know that there are significant differences in setting and character names between the Japanese and Korean versions?
This article provides a thorough comparison of the differences between the Korean original version and the Japanese localized version, explaining in detail why the setting was changed from Korea to Tokyo and how character names were replaced.
“Solo Leveling”: Work Overview
“Solo Leveling” is based on a fantasy novel written by Korean web novelist Chugong. Beginning serialization on the Korean web novel platform “Kakao Page” in 2016, it quickly became popular.
Plot Summary
One day, interdimensional doors called “Gates” appeared around the world, and monsters began emerging from them. At the same time, beings with special abilities called “Hunters” who fight monsters awakened.
The main character continued dungeon raids as the lowest-ranked 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 able to level up, and a story unfolds in which he grows from the weakest to the strongest.
Media Mix Development
- Web Novel: 2016–2018 (Korea)
- Web Comic: 2018–2021, illustrated by DUBU (REDICE STUDIO)
- Japanese Manga: Distributed on Piccoma (2019–)
- Television Anime: January–March 2024 (Season 1), January–March 2025 (Season 2), produced by A-1 Pictures
- Game: Mobile game “Solo Leveling: ARISE” currently in distribution
The Greatest Difference Between Korean and Japanese Versions: Changes in Setting
The most significant difference between the Korean original and the Japanese localized versions is that the country and cities serving as the setting for the work have been changed.
Korean Version (Original)
- Setting Country: Republic of Korea
- Major Cities: Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Jeju Island, and other actual Korean cities
- Hunter Association: Korean Hunter Association
- Language Display: All signage and signs in the background are in Korean (Hangul)
Japanese Version (Piccoma Distribution Version)
- Setting Country: Japan
- Major Cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, and other actual Japanese cities and some fictional cities
- Hunter Association: Tokyo Hunter Association (Japan Hunter Association)
- Language Display: All signage and signs in the background changed to Japanese
In the Japanese version, Korean geographical and cultural elements have been replaced with Japanese ones. This allows Japanese readers to empathize more easily with the setting.
Main Character Name Change: From Sung Jin-Woo to Mizushino Shun
The main character’s name also differs significantly between the Korean and Japanese versions.
Korean Version
- Name: Sung Jin-Woo (성진우, Sung Jin-Woo)
- Family: Mother Sung Gyeong-hee (성경희), Sister Sung Ji-na (성진아)
Japanese Version
- Name: Mizushino Shun (水篠旬)
- Family: Mother Mizushino Kyoko, Sister Mizushino Aoi
In the Japanese version, not only the main character’s name but also the family members’ names have been changed to Japanese style. However, the character’s personality, abilities, and role in the story remain exactly the same.
Overseas Distribution Version (Crunchyroll, etc.)
Interestingly, the overseas 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 Characters and Character Names in Japanese and Korean
A list comparing the name changes of major characters:
| Role | Korean Version | Japanese Version |
|——|——–|——–|
| Main character | Sung Jin-Woo (성진우) | Mizushino Shun |
| Main character’s mother | Sung Gyeong-hee (성경희) | Mizushino Kyoko |
| Main character’s sister | Sung Ji-na (성진아) | Mizushino Aoi |
| S-class Hunter (White Tiger Guild) | Cha Hae-in (차해인) | Kousaka Shizuku |
| White Tiger Guild Master | Ahn Sang-chul (안상철) | Shirakawa Daito |
| Hunter Association President | Go Gunhee (고건희) | Gondou Kyousuke |
| Inugashira Guild Master | Choi Jong-in (최종인) | Inugashira Goichi |
| Japanese S-class Hunter | Goto Kiyosada (고토·료지) | Goto Kiyosada (same name) |
| Strongest National-class Hunter | Liu Zhihao (류지호) | Kousaka Yuya |
It is noteworthy that some characters appear with Japanese names even in the Japanese version. This is because characters who appear as “Japanese Hunters” in the original setting maintain Japanese names in both Korean and Japanese versions.
Change in Setting Cities: From Seoul and Busan to Tokyo and Yokohama
The cities serving as the setting for the work have a corresponding relationship set 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 Kanto region |
In the Japanese version, the setting is constructed by combining actual Japanese city names and some fictional place names. This makes the setting more familiar to Japanese readers.
Appearance Locations of Dungeons and Gates
The locations where “Gates,” an important element of the story, appear have also been changed. In the Korean version, actual place names in Seoul such as Myeongdong and Gangnam appear, but in the Japanese version, they are replaced with actual Tokyo place names such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Odaiba, or fictional place names.
Changes in Hunter Association and Guild Organization Settings
Hunter Association
In the Korean version, the “Korean Hunter Association” appears as a government agency that manages and regulates Hunters. The headquarters is located in Seoul.
In the Japanese version, the name is changed to “Tokyo Hunter Association” or “Japan Hunter Association,” and the headquarters is also set in Tokyo. The organization’s role and function are the same as in the Korean version.
Major Guild Organizations
Multiple major guilds appear in the work, and some of their names have been changed.
| Korean Version Guild Name | Japanese Version Guild Name | Characteristics |
|————–|————–|——|
| White Tiger Guild | White Tiger Guild | Same name, affiliated Hunter names changed |
| Inugashira Guild | Inugashira Guild | Same name |
| Knights Guild | Knights Guild | Same name |
| Bright Guild | Bright Guild | Same name |
While most guild names are common, the guild masters’ and affiliated Hunters’ names have been changed to Japanese style.
Localization Strategy on Piccoma and Its Reasons
The Japanese manga distribution platform Piccoma distributes “Solo Leveling” with substantial localization for the Japanese market.
Reasons for Localization
- Promoting Reader Empathy: Japanese readers can immerse themselves more deeply in a story set in their own country
- Reducing Cultural Barriers: Readers unfamiliar with Korean-specific culture or geography can understand more easily
- Market Strategy: To maximize commercial success in the Japanese market
- Political Considerations: To avoid certain anti-Japanese expressions or historical backgrounds included 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 to Japanese cities
- Background Images: Change of signage, signs, and building text from Hangul to Japanese
- Cultural Elements: Adjustment of meal scenes and depictions of daily life to Japanese style
- Violent Depictions: Mitigation of some intense descriptions (consideration for age restrictions)
Piccoma’s Success
This localization strategy has been highly successful, making “Solo Leveling” one of the most popular works on Piccoma. It has played an important role in establishing the status of Korean webtoons in the Japanese manga market.
Anime Version Settings: Following Japanese Version or Korean Version?
The television anime that began airing in January 2024 is produced by Japanese anime production company A-1 Pictures.
Anime Version Settings
The Japanese domestic broadcast version adopts the Japanese version setting, similar to the Piccoma version.
- Main character name: Mizushino Shun
- Setting: Japan centered around Tokyo
- Character names: All Japanese names
Overseas Distribution Version Settings
However, on overseas distribution platforms such as Crunchyroll, the Korean original version settings are adopted.
- Main character name: Sung Jin-Woo
- Setting: Korea (Seoul)
- Character names: Korean names in English transcription
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 Illustration
The anime version’s character design faithfully reproduces the artwork of the original web comic while expressing it with A-1 Pictures’ high-quality illustration technology. The powerful movements in battle scenes and the visual changes accompanying the main character’s growth are highly appreciated.
Music and Opening/Ending Themes
The anime’s music is also an important element enhancing the appeal of the work. Opening and ending themes are composed of pieces symbolizing the tension of the story and the main character’s growth.
Differences in Overseas Distribution and Global Expansion
“Solo Leveling” has become popular not only in Japan and Korea but 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 compliance
- Europe and South America: Translation versions based on English version
Brand Value as Korean Content
In overseas markets, brand value as “K-Webtoon” following K-POP and K-dramas is prioritized. Therefore, by maintaining the original Korean version settings, the identity of the content as Korean-origin is emphasized.
Particularity of the Japanese Market
The Japanese market alone receives substantial localization because of the maturity and uniqueness of the Japanese manga and anime market, and the strategic decision to maximize commercial success.
Differences in Illustration and Expression Restrictions
There are slight differences in illustration and expression between the Korean and Japanese versions.
Mitigation of Violent Depictions
In the Japanese version (Piccoma distribution version), some intense violent depictions included in the Korean original version are mitigated.
- Blood Depiction: While the Korean version depicts blood in detail, the Japanese version blacks out some areas or reduces the amount
- Body Mutilation: While the Korean version depicts limb amputation realistically, the Japanese version sometimes hides it with shadows or light
- Cruel Scenes: Scenes such as monsters devouring humans are expressed more modestly in the Japanese version
This is thought to be out of consideration for age restriction guidelines in Japanese publishing and distribution.
Background Illustration Changes
Along with the change in setting, background images have been extensively revised.
- Building Design: From Korean-style architecture to Japanese-style architecture
- Signage and Signs: From Hangul notation to Japanese notation
- Streetscape: From the streets of Seoul to the streets of Tokyo
These changes require enormous amounts of work, demonstrating Piccoma’s serious 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 common between the Korean and Japanese versions.
Common Story Elements
- Growth Story from Weakest to Strongest: Starting as an E-class Hunter and gaining the ability to be the only one to level up, growing into the strongest
- System Window: A game-like quest system that only the main character can see
- Monarch of Shadows: The ability and fate of the “Monarch of Shadows,” which is the core of the story
- Love for Family: The main character’s motivation to protect his bedridden mother and sister
- Bonds with Allies: Encounters and farewells with various Hunters
- Crisis for Humanity: Final battle against a being threatening humanity
Unchanged Appeal
- Overwhelming Illustration Quality: Powerful battle scenes by DUBU (REDICE STUDIO)
- Refreshing Progression: Visual representation of ability enhancement through leveling up
- Intricate World-Building: Hunter ranks, guild system, gate settings, and more
- Moving Drama: The main character’s growth and changes in relationships
Even though the setting and character names change due to localization, the interesting nature of the story that readers and viewers feel remains completely unharmed.
DFN (Fictional Country) Settings
An explanation of the “DFN” fictional country setting that has become a topic of discussion among some readers.
What is DFN?
In the Korean original version, there are scenes where “Japan” appears and is depicted in a specific historical and political context. In the Japanese version, to avoid this, it has been replaced with the fictional country name “DFN”.
Handling in Japanese Version
The Japanese version handles parts where Japan appears in the original work as follows:
- Replacement with fictional country “DFN”
- Deletion or substantial modification of relevant scenes
- Context adjustment to avoid reference to specific countries
This is thought to be a measure to prioritize commercial success in the Japanese market and avoid unnecessary controversy.
Cultural Significance of “Solo Leveling”
This work goes beyond being mere entertainment and plays an important role in cultural exchange between Japan and Korea.
Japanese Market Entry of Korean Webtoons
The success of “Solo Leveling” proved that Korean webtoons can be accepted in the Japanese market. Despite having 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
The localization strategy of this work has become a successful model for future Japanese expansion of Korean content. The method of respecting cultural differences while optimizing for each market is being applied to other works as well.
Status as Global Content
Having two versions—a Japanese version and a Korean version—while being loved around the world, this work demonstrates what true global content should look like.
Season 2 and Future Development
Television anime Season 2 was broadcast from January to March 2025.
Highlights of Season 2
- Further growth of the main character and acquisition of new abilities
- Encounters with the world’s strongest Hunters
- Development approaching the truth of the “Monarch of Shadows”
- Cooperation with national-class Hunters
Future Media Expansion
- Anime Continuation: Continued anime adaptation of popular episodes from the original work is expected
- Games: Updates and new content for “Solo Leveling: ARISE”
- Merchandise Expansion: Holding of pop-up stores and collaboration cafes
- Possibility of Live-action Adaptation: Rumors of live-action drama adaptation in Korea
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which should I read, the Korean version or the Japanese version?
A: If you are based in Japan and read in Japanese, the Piccoma Japanese version is easy to read and recommended. Those who can read Korean or wish to enjoy the original settings should choose the Korean version. Since the essence of the story is the same, you can fully enjoy the appeal of the work regardless of which you choose.
Q2: Does the anime follow the Japanese version or Korean version settings?
A: The anime broadcast in Japan adopts Japanese version settings (main character: Mizushino Shun, setting: Tokyo). On the other hand, the overseas distribution version (Crunchyroll, etc.) uses Korean version settings (main character: Sung Jin-Woo, setting: Seoul).
Q3: Why was the setting changed only in the Japanese version?
A: To maximize commercial success in the Japanese market, it was localized to Japan as a setting so that readers would find it easier to empathize. Additionally, there is thought to be an intention to avoid certain political and historical elements contained in the original work.
Q4: Is the story different between the Korean and Japanese versions?
A: The main story is exactly the same. The narrative of the main character growing from weakest to strongest, the ability of the Monarch of Shadows, important battle scenes, etc.—the core parts are completely common. What is primarily changed is character names, place names, and text display in the background.
Q5: Can the original novel be read in Japanese?
A: Official Japanese translations of the original Korean novel (by Chugong) are limited. What is mainly distributed in Japan is the web comic version (Piccoma) and anime version. Some fan translations exist, but it is recommended to use the official version.
Q6: What is “DFN”?
A: It is a fictional country name that appears in the Japanese version. The part where “Japan” appears in the Korean original version has been replaced with the fictional country “DFN” in the Japanese version. This is due to considerations for the Japanese market.
Q7: Can I read the Japanese version anywhere other than Piccoma?
A: The main distribution platform for the Japanese version is Piccoma. Some episodes may be distributed on other platforms, but the most complete form can be read on Piccoma.
Q8: Are there differences in illustration?
A: Basic illustration (character design, composition, battle scenes) is the same between the Korean and Japanese versions. The differences are in background text notation (Hangul → Japanese) and mitigation of some violent depictions in the Japanese version.
Q9: Which version do overseas fans read?
A: In English-speaking regions and among overseas audiences generally, the version translated with original Korean version settings (Sung Jin-Woo, Seoul) is the mainstream. The Japanese version setting is basically limited to Japan.
Q10: Are there sequels or spinoffs?
A: In Korea, “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok,” a spinoff of the original novel, is being serialized. This is a work depicting the continuation of the main story. Regarding development in Japan, it is necessary to await future announcements.
Summary
“Solo Leveling,” while being a world-famous work originating in Korea, is an unusual example of having undergone bold localization for the Japanese market. The setting changed from Seoul, Korea to Tokyo, and the main character’s name changed from Sung Jin-Woo to Mizushino Shun, yet the charm of the story’s core—”growth from weakest to strongest”—remains completely intact.
With two faces—the Japanese version on Piccoma and the Korean version in overseas distribution—this work has become a successful model for content development in the global era. Whichever version you choose, you can enjoy the overwhelming illustration quality and refreshing story.
With anime Season 2 having aired and excitement continuing to build for “Solo Leveling,” fully savor its appeal.
