The popular manhwa sequel Solo Leveling: Ragnarok has gone on an indefinite hiatus. This news came with the release of Chapter 68, the Season 2 finale, on January 10, 2026. The reason for the pause is that the series’ main artist, known professionally as Jin, is stepping away to begin his mandatory military service in South Korea. In a personal letter to readers, Jin confirmed that this chapter marks the end of his work on the series for now, leaving fans waiting for news on when the story of Sung Suho will continue.
Why Solo Leveling Ragnarok is on Hiatus
The sudden break is due to South Korea’s mandatory military conscription. All able-bodied men in the country must serve for approximately 18 to 21 months. Jin, who is in his twenties, is required to fulfill this duty. He shared the news directly with fans in a message attached to the final chapter of Season 2.
In his letter, Jin expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to work on the Solo Leveling series. He explained that he was a fan long before becoming its artist.
“Even before I was entrusted with Solo Leveling, I had been an avid fan of this work throughout my school years. I started drawing after seeing artist Jang Sung-rak’s artwork and direction, and that influence has remained the foundation of my work to this day,” Jin wrote.
He described his nearly four-year journey working on side stories and then Ragnarok as a valuable experience, despite its challenges. He framed his departure not as an end, but as a period of preparation for his return.
What This Hiatus Means for the Story
The pause comes at a critical point in the Ragnarok storyline. Season 2 was notably short, running for only 20 chapters compared to Season 1’s 47. It ends in the middle of a major story arc, leaving readers on a significant cliffhanger.
The story follows Sung Suho, the son of the original protagonist Sung Jinwoo, as he battles new threats and uncovers his father’s legacy. The final chapters of Season 2 see Suho participating in a high-stakes raid on an S-Rank Gate that has appeared over Seoul. This arc is building toward major events, including a much-anticipated reunion between Suho and his mother, Cha Haein. Fans have compared the tension and scale of this raid to the famous Jeju Island arc from the original Solo Leveling manhwa.
The Future of Solo Leveling Ragnarok
While the hiatus is indefinite, it does not mean the series is canceled. Jin confirmed in his farewell note that the series will continue under a new artist. His successor is described as another disciple of the late Jang Sung-rak (Dubu), the original Solo Leveling artist who passed away in 2022. This ensures the visual style remains true to the series’ roots.
The story writer for Ragnarok, known as Brix or Daul, is expected to remain with the project. This suggests the core narrative will stay on track once the new artistic team is in place. The production company, REDICE Studio, will oversee the transition.
This is not the first major artist change for the franchise. After Dubu’s death, several artists from his studio took over to continue his work. Jin himself started by illustrating Solo Leveling side stories before leading Ragnarok.
Fan Reactions to the Hiatus News
The announcement has sparked widespread discussion among the global Solo Leveling community. On social media, many fans expressed understanding, noting that military service is an unavoidable obligation for Korean men. Others shared messages of support for Jin, wishing him safety during his service.
Some discussion focused on the timing of the hiatus, with fans noting the frustration of stopping at such an exciting point in the story. However, the general sentiment is one of patience, with readers pledging to wait for the series’ return and to support the new artist when they take over.
Also Read:
Where the Broader Solo Leveling Franchise Stands
The Ragnarok manhwa hiatus does not affect other parts of the expanding Solo Leveling universe. The main manhwa and web novel are complete. The anime’s future is also separate; producer Atsushi Kaneko recently hinted that exciting news for the franchise is coming in 2026.
A major live-action adaptation is also in development. Announced in July 2025, the series will star Byeon Woo-seok as Sung Jinwoo and Han So-hee as Cha Hae-in. Reports suggest filming is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with the first season consisting of seven episodes streaming exclusively on Netflix.
For now, fans can read the available 68 chapters of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok in English on platforms like Tappytoon and the Tapas app. The series will remain on hiatus until REDICE Studio and the new artistic team are ready to announce its return.
Also Read: Stranger Things Conformity Gate Theory Explained: Fans Debunk Ending with Viral Theory
