Solo Leveling: Why Does The Anime Use Korean Names?

Indeed, an alternate version of the Solo Leveling anime exists, featuring Japanese names for characters and locations. This version is exclusively aired in Japan, a strategic move likely intended to prevent any potential conflicts between Japan and Korea, given their complex historical relationship.

In this alternative rendition, the series‘ narrative unfolds in Tokyo, Japan, diverging from the original Korean setting. Key character names undergo significant transformations, with Sung Jin-Woo becoming Shun Mizushino, Yoo Jin-ho transformed into Kenta Moribishi, Sung Jin-Ah becoming Aoi Mizushino, Cha Hae-In changed to Shizuku Kousaka, and Go Gun-hee adopting the name Kyoomi Gotou, among others. Essentially, every Korean name in the series is replaced with its Japanese counterpart.

Fans can anticipate further alterations to character and location names as the plot necessitates. Fortunately, viewers worldwide are spared from these adjustments, enjoying the anime with the original names derived from the original web novel and webtoon series.