Overview
- Human greed transforms powers into commodities, reducing hunters to mere assets.
- Unlike Monarchs, who adhere to their inherent nature, humans betray, exploit, and even kill one another for selfish interests.
- However, some hunters defy societal greed, exemplifying selflessness and hope for humanity’s future.
In the realm of Solo Leveling, the Monarchs symbolize catastrophic power with an explicit aim to bring about world destruction. On the surface, it seems to present a straightforward narrative of humanity pitted against a palpable evil. Given that these beings are the offspring of the Absolute Being, created with the sole purpose of exterminating existence, this perception is somewhat understandable. Fans who delve deeper into the source material recognize the relentless havoc wreaked by these forces.
However, exploring this narrative reveals a more intricate truth. While the Monarchs do indeed embody chaos, humanity has consistently proven to be a significant source of darker impulses. Long before the Monarchs emerged as a clear threat, human avarice and ambition led to heinous acts, mirroring the very monstrosities they fight against. This raises a thought-provoking question: Could the most profound adversary in the battle against destruction actually lie within humanity itself?
The Commodification of Power
From Protection to Profit: The Market for Abilities
| Gates | |
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| Light Novel |
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| Webtoon |
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Initially, the introduction of hunters aimed to shield humanity from the magical beasts emerging from the mystical portals known as Gates. However, the commercialization of their powers starkly illustrates humanity’s insatiable greed. This evolution turned their roles from defenders into participants in a cutthroat game characterized by guilds that buy gates, seeking to boost their wealth and influence. Consequently, hunters shift from being protectors to being treated as tradeable assets, their value determined by rank and abilities.
This theme, though often overlooked, provides a critical commentary within the series. It demonstrates that humans not only adapt to crises but transform crises into opportunities for profit. A system designed for protection has become an avenue of capitalism, leaving the unprivileged vulnerable. The Jeju Island Raid exemplifies this tragic shift; National-Level hunters were excluded simply due to the inability to afford participation. Thus, the original intent behind the hunter system is undermined by a capitalist mentality that prioritizes wealth over welfare.
The Atrocities of Monarchs and Humanity
Monsters by Nature vs. Monsters by Choice
As antagonists, the Monarchs possess a singular objective: to obliterate the world. This desire for chaos stems from their intrinsic nature, making their actions almost unassailable. They incite destruction not out of malice but as a reflection of their existence—their drive for conquest is innate. In stark contrast, humans exercise choice, with their greed often overshadowing ethical considerations.
Hunters frequently sacrifice their comrades for financial gain, while organizations are quick to exploit their employees for greater power and prestige. Such betrayals have become normalized, viewed as strategic decisions rather than acts of selfishness. While Monarchs kill as a matter of instinct, humans betray and murder each other under the banner of personal advancement. The series illustrates that even countries, like Japan, are willing to sacrifice their own S-Rank hunters for their objectives, as seen when they put Korean hunters at risk to elevate one of their own, Goto Ryuji, to National-Level status. Thus, some of the most impactful tragedies in Solo Leveling originate not from the Monarchs but from humanity’s own moral failings.
The Human Cost of Greed
The Price of Ambition
While the terror inflicted by monsters is significant, the harm wrought by one’s own kind is even more distressing. Throughout Solo Leveling, there are critical moments underscoring how human greed catalyzes catastrophic events. Take the character Sung Jin-Woo as an example; prior to his reawakening, he ranks among the weakest E-Ranked hunters, struggling to survive in a system designed to favor the powerful. Jin-Woo’s existence is marked by a day-to-day battle for resources, enduring life-threatening situations without adequate equipment.
An illustrative figure of greed is Kang Taeshik. His willingness to kill fellow hunters, even the innocent, signifies a moral collapse stemming from his selfish pursuits. Taeshik’s actions, driven by the desire to protect his reputation and profits, culminate in his downfall. Similarly, Japan’s ambition resulted in severe repercussions, losing over half their S-Rank hunters due to reckless decisions. These narratives highlight how the relentless quest for wealth and power can blind individuals to the essential human virtues of empathy and compassion, which are crucial for societal advancement.
Hope for Humanity
Fortunately, amidst the prevalent greed-driven chaos, numerous hunters exemplify integrity, defying the status quo of commodification. Their commitment to altruism stands in stark contrast to their peers, with Sung Jin-Woo emerging as a prime example. As the series progresses, Jinwoo repeatedly opts to protect and assist those around him, highlighting his indelible humanity, which distinguishes him as a truly admirable protagonist.
While the Monarchs pose an immediate threat to humanity, the persistent poison of greed infiltrates society, wreaking subtle havoc over time. Despite the noble actions of figures like Sung Jin-Woo, the overwhelming tide of selfishness often obscures their contributions, challenging the very essence of humanity.