Solo Leveling [Season 2 Episode 9]

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 9 Review: “It Was All Worth It”

The Emotional Payoff We’ve Been Waiting For

If you’ve been following Solo Leveling since the beginning, you know that Sung Jin-Woo’s journey has always been about one thing: saving his mother. Episode 9, titled “It Was All Worth It,” delivers the emotional climax we’ve been anticipating—and it hits hard.

After grinding through dungeons, facing death countless times, and evolving into an S-rank hunter, Jin-Woo finally crafts the Elixir of Life and rushes to his mother’s hospital bed. The moment she wakes up, the weight of his struggles dissolves into pure, unfiltered relief. Fans have been raving about this scene, calling it one of the most touching moments in the series so far.

One Reddit user put it perfectly: “That hospital scene with the music? Chills. Perfect. I need a SennaRin x Sawano song as the ED of my life as I take my last breath.” The combination of Hiroyuki Sawano’s hauntingly beautiful score and Jin-Woo’s raw vulnerability makes this moment unforgettable.

A Shift in Tone and Purpose

This episode marks a turning point for Jin-Woo. For the first time, we see him cry—something fans didn’t expect from the usually stoic protagonist. As one MyAnimeList commenter noted: “Think it hit harder when it showed the pure emotions in Jin-Woo when he’s been nothing but cold and apathetic this entire season.”

But now that his mother is cured, what’s next? Some fans are skeptical about the direction of the story. One user pointed out: “He has no motivation to do anything now. That’s why this whole ant thing feels tacked on—it’s obviously just a reason to have him continue fighting.”

Still, others are excited for the upcoming Jeju Island arc, where Jin-Woo will face off against international hunters, including the Japanese S-rank squad. The episode teases this with the introduction of Andre, a national-level hunter, hinting at bigger battles ahead.

Mixed Reactions to Pacing

While the emotional payoff was universally praised, some fans felt the episode dragged in places. One critic called it “filler, no story progress,” while another admitted: “Aside from Sung’s mom waking up, this episode felt like fluff. Kinda weak. 3/5.”

However, defenders argue that the slower pace was necessary to let Jin-Woo’s achievement sink in. As one fan put it: “Finally his hard work paid off, and it was all worth it. The emotional moment of Jin-Woo is so touching. Nothing to say—I can’t describe this feeling.”

The Future of Solo Leveling

With Jin-Woo’s personal goal achieved, the series now shifts focus to the larger conflict: the Jeju Island raid and the looming threat of the Ant King. Fans are already speculating about how Jin-Woo’s newfound abilities—like teleportation and flight—will play into future battles.

One thing’s for sure: Solo Leveling isn’t done delivering epic moments. As one excited viewer wrote: “LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Sung Jin-Woo finally got what he wanted. His mother is back alive and well.”

Final Verdict

Episode 9 of Solo Leveling Season 2 is a bittersweet triumph. It’s a celebration of Jin-Woo’s perseverance, a tearjerker for fans, and a setup for even greater challenges. While some may find the pacing slow, the emotional weight of Jin-Woo’s reunion with his mother makes it a standout episode.

As the title says: It was all worth it.

Rating: 4.5/5

What did you think of Episode 9? Let us know in the comments!