The Korean-looking characters in Viral Hit clarify an overall "problem" with Anime.
Ironically, people can more readily see that the South Korean source material differs from Japanese manga. Manhwa employs a unique approach linked with webtoons whereby the text is not only in color but also read vertically online, therefore changing the reading experience. Though there are few unusual situations like Ghost Reaper Girl that follow Western literature, this is quite different from the black and white panels of manga that are also practically always read from right to left.
This is paradoxical as, despite manhwa still having an amazing audience, particularly in Solo Leveling's particular situation - anime will always be more popular as is also the case for manga. As such, the manhwa anime versions should be more identifiable as coming from South Korea. Outside Viral Hit and even manhwa, the relevance of "looks" can also affect viewers' impression of the scene.
One main issue that anime should fix is still viral hit and solo leveling.
To be honest, realism in Anime really clarifies another issue with the business—more especially, programs outside of Japan—that calls for attention. Though well-known for being far better than dubs, anime in the native Japanese language typically suffers when the tale takes place abroad since it's more difficult to replicate the several dialects and accents of other languages in Japanese. Anime dubbed in English, most particularly in shows like Hellsing, where some characters must sound like they're from England and Ireland to feel more real, usually flourish in this aspect.
Ironically, language is also rather important in manhwa anime adaptations and one of the key issues still existing in both Viral Hit and Solo Leveling's anime adaptations. Actually, both the original subtitled languages of anime are still Japanese. Thus, although both animation still show a language bias, Viral Hit is at least one step closer to being seen and identified as South Korean. Of course, all thanks actually should go to the original creators, writer Taejun Pak and illustrator Kim Junghyun, who portrayed them as such.
One Underappreciated Manhwa Does One Thing Better Than Solo Leveling
Viral Hit better informs viewers that it's a Manhwa series from South Korea than Solo Leveling. Though its epic battles and amazing artwork appeal a large audience, Solo Leveling's significance stems from its ability to raise awareness of manhwa as an Asian entertainment medium from outside of Japan, coming from South Korea. But another manhwa known as Viral Hit has achieved the same thing in one manner that even Solo Leveling has not. The characters in Viral Hit really appear Korean while Solo Leveling follows more the unique styling of characters in anime and manga, which somewhat distances them from their areas of origin.
Of course, the most best evidence that their series didn't start as manga is the fact that the character names in Solo Leveling (as well as Viral Hit) are readily identifiable from what Japanese characters are typically referred as. After all, Hobin Yoo and Sung Jinwoo respectively are usually not what heroes from most Anime are termed, Viral Hit's and Solo Leveling's major protagonists. But compared to Solo Leveling, Viral Hit offers the full package; the characters in Viral Hit look and sound Korean, which is crucial to let casual anime-goers understand the actual place of origin of the series.
Particularly when the story takes place in Japan, where the audience can more readily value the Japanese culture presented when they feel like they have been transported there, especially for locations fans can readily identify, like Shibuya in Jujutsu Kaisen, sometimes the setting is quite crucial in anime. This effect can be lessened, though, when people seem like anime characters whose looks cannot actually be connected with an Asian nation.
Still, it's quite crucial for viewers to recognize that manhwa anime are adaptations from South Korea as the business is obviously more connected with Japan. Fortunately, despite their decreased popularity, Solo Leveling and even Viral Hit are helping raise awareness of it.
