This article contains spoilers for Solo Leveling.
Solo leveling became an absolute sensation worldwide thanks to the incredible anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures. Fans can't get enough of his fast-paced and intense battles, and have been completely hooked since the first episode of the anime. Of course, it's pretty clear to see Solo leveling became absolutely massive after the release of the TV anime, but
None of these achievements would have been possible without the original Solo Leveling novel.
Solo Leveling Author confirms big plans for new sequel series
A new sequel may be coming for Solo Leveling, as revealed by the original creator.
The novel Solo Leveling was created by an incredibly talented author named Chugong. Unfortunately, Chugong's work ended in 2018, and he hasn't written any more space-related content since. While Chugong often answers questions and answers, fans really want to see the new side story he wrote. Fortunately, that may happen soon. Last year, Chugong revealed that he intends to create side stories for some of his Solo Leveling characters, with Igris and Ashborn there are two characters he directly referenced. Naturally, this got fans quite excited and shows that more original Solo Leveling content is on the way.
Chugong wants to create side stories for Igris and Ashborn
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Igris is one of Jinwoo's shadows
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Ashborn is a former Shadow Monarch
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Chugong confirmed major side stories in 2025
Solo leveling was originally created by one man, a South Korean writer known as Chugong. He began writing Solo Leveling in 2016 and finally wrapped up that story in 2018. It goes without saying that fans are eager for more canon content from Chugong himself. Fortunately, a year ago in a blog post on dcinside, Chugong revealed that he would really like to create more side stories for Solo Leveling. Specifically, he wants to elaborate more on the characters of Igris and Ashborn.
As fans already know, Igris is currently one of Jinwoo's shadows. He was first revealed to fans in Solo Leveling Season 1, and after Jinwoo was defeated, fans knew that he had become a loyal servant to the series' protagonist. He hasn't looked back since and the rest is history. In many ways, it can even be said that Igris has taken the position of Jinwoo's right hand.
I am the record of your struggles, the proof of your resistance, and the reward for your suffering. I am death, I am eternal rest, I am horror. – Ashborn Sung Jinwoo, Solo Leveling Manhwa
As for Ashbourne, fans know that he has yet to appear in the animebut Solo Leveling is crucial to the plot. Ashborn is a former Shadow Monarchand is set to play a major role in the future of the series. As fans of the manhwa probably already know, Ashborn is the one who gives Jinwoo the most power. He should appear in either the next Solo Leveling movie or Solo Leveling Season 3 – whichever comes first.
The tradition of solo leveling will be significantly expanded with new side stories
If Chugong is indeed writing side stories for the characters of Igris and Ashborn, it would allow fans to learn more about these characters and in turn take them to new heights. But what is even more interesting is that it would greatly expand the tradition of Solo Levelingespecially when I see the roles these characters held before.
Ashborn is particularly important, given that he is a former Shadow Monarch. If his side story is fully explored, fans could see more of the Absolute Beingand the details of how it went down then. Solo Leveling fans don't know much about the Absolute Being, and many things from Ashborn's time are still a mystery. An all-out battle between the Ruler and the Monarchs and the Absolute Being might even be fully developed. If that's the case, fans could see Ashborn and Igris fighting side by side.
Igris already gets a mini story through solo leveling: rise
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Igris' real life as Sian Halat will soon be explored
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Igris' Backstory will be released on January 15th
At this point, it looks like Chugong isn't writing any side stories himself. However, Igris might get a backstory soon. He is added to Solo Leveling: Arise as his human form, and to support this, a behind-the-scenes story will be created as a Manhwa chapter for fans to enjoy.
Fans will see Igris before he became a shadow, or in other words in his human days. Of course, his human appearance is based on the details Chugong gave earlier, such as his long gray hair and blue eyes.
“Finally, the one many Hunters have been waiting for is here. Igris, the Shadow Monarch's most loyal sword, comes to you under the name of 'Sian Halat.'
He joins as a powerful “dark element stacker”. As mentioned, it will unleash a staggering amount of destructive power at the heart of the new combat meta. Please look forward to his crimson slash sweeping across the battlefield.” — Team Solo Leveling Arise
Sung Jinwoo's next adventure after solo leveling is coming
A new Solo Leveling sequel may be on the way and it will once again focus on Sung Jinwoo.
This story is published on January 15, 2026. Fans are excited to explore Igris' real life as Sian Halat. Although many secrets remain about him, the author has revealed a few details before. For example, fans know that Sian held the title of Igris from the battlefield when he was still human.
Fans also know that Sian was a famous knight before she became a shadow. It's sure to be exciting to learn more about this fan favorite character.
Chugong's future plans for solo leveling
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Chugong wants to write a solo leveling sequel one day
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Chugong would like to write a story about Jinwoo and Joohee
Fans are definitely excited about the side stories that Chugong will eventually come up with for both Igris and Ashborn. But at the moment neither of these two seems to be working. For example, it is unclear how Chugong is involved in Sian Halat's story for Solo Leveling: Arise.
However, these two side stories aside, Chugong has previously stated that he wants to create more content for Solo Leveling, and some of them have romantic undertones. For example, fans know that in Solo Leveling Ragnarok, Sung Jinwoo will end up with Cha Hae-In. However, Chugong had previously expressed a desire to explore Jinwoo's story with a different character. Fans already know this character as Joo Hee. She and Jinwoo had some romantic tension before the author decided to cut her out of the story.
in addition to Chugong also expressed his desire to create a new sequel, separate from Solo Leveling: Ragnarok. As fans know, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is created by another author and it seems that Chugong wants to create another story for Jinwoo after the original novel ends. Unfortunately, none of these projects are currently in the works, at least not officially. Fans will have to wait for more information from Chugong in the future.
Source: X (formerly Twitter)
