The acclaimed Solo Leveling anime has found itself at the center of controversy, with Studio PPURI, responsible for animating the series opening theme, facing severe backlash from Korean viewers. The studio’s alleged inclusion of “anti-men” gestures in its works, including the Solo Leveling Opening, has sparked outrage, resulting in their expulsion from the project.
Body Shaming
Studio PPURI’s association with the feminist group Megalia, known for its focus on degrading Korean men based on stereotypes about their anatomy, further fueled the controversy. Megalia has gained attention for its unconventional strategy of exposing misogynistic behavior by adopting a reverse approach across online communities, symbolized by the emoji “🤏.”
The Reason behind PPURI’s Removal
The Solo Leveling anime faced criticism after incorporating Studio PPURI in its production, leading to the removal of the studio from the credits, particularly in the domestic Korean distribution. The decision was likely influenced by Solo Leveling publisher D&C Media’s stock drop, which saw a significant decrease on January 15.
Accusations against Studio PPURI include the insertion of the controversial gesture into various works, such as MapleStory, with claims that it is also present in the Solo Leveling opening. While some suggest a connection between the gesture and Korean Penis Size Stereotypes, News Tomato suggests that the decision to remove Studio PPURI from the credits might have been primarily motivated by financial concerns.
What’ll happen Going Forward
Despite the controversy, Solo Leveling’s opening, initially well-received with over 2 million views, has become a subject of international discussion. The anime continues to stream on Crunchyroll in both subbed and dubbed versions, offering the gripping narrative of Sung Jinwoo’s journey to uncover the secrets behind his newfound powers and the dungeon that spawned them.
If you’d like to get Notified about the Latest Anime & Manga News, make sure to Subscribe to our Newsletter!
You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, Threads & Youtube!
