Overview
- Jinwoo’s Intervention: Although delayed, Jinwoo’s timely entry during the Jeju Island Raid provided the only glimmer of hope amid a catastrophic incident.
- Potential Outcome: His incredible strength had the potential to decisively overpower the Ant King, potentially averting numerous casualties had he joined the raid earlier.
- Consequences of Earlier Participation: While an early involvement could have prevented the tragedy, it might have inadvertently exposed Korea to greater threats.
The Jeju Island Raid stands as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Solo Leveling, marking a significant disaster for the elite hunters of Japan and Korea. This event not only highlighted the historical significance of the island but also the perilous nature of S-Rank gates, culminating in the tragic loss of many lives. Despite Jinwoo’s late intervention serving as the sole advantage in this grim fourth raid, one cannot help but ponder the ramifications had he chosen to participate from the outset.
While Jinwoo’s eventual arrival was undoubtedly impactful, a timelier engagement could have radically altered the course of events, potentially saving lives and avoiding further atrocities.
The Devastation of the Jeju Island Raid
Sung Jinwoo’s Countermeasures
Sung Jinwoo’s decision not to engage in the Jeju Island Raid was largely influenced by personal reasons, particularly his mother’s recent recovery from a life-threatening condition known as Eternal Slumber. By prioritizing his familial responsibilities over his hunting duties, he opted to remain with his family rather than confront the dangers of the S-Ranked dungeon. His faith in the capabilities of the other hunters initially appeared justified; they had made commendable progress and had already defeated the Ant Queen in his absence. Unfortunately, they were unprepared for the unexpected emergence of the Ant King, a threat that even Jinwoo had not anticipated. Thankfully, he had prepared contingency plans to address such unforeseen challenges.
Tracking the Status of the Hunters
During the coordinated efforts with Japan’s elite hunters, Jinwoo had strategically placed shadow soldiers to monitor the status of key hunters. In emergencies, if a hunter were to perish (as was the case with Goto Ryuji), the associated shadow soldier would alert Jinwoo, enabling him to teleport and provide aid. However, this method, while effective in concept, proved to have significant limitations. Communication was unidirectional; Jinwoo could only react after receiving alerts related to casualties. As a result, he was unaware of the developing situation until it was too late, highlighting the tragic inefficacy of his tracking approach.
Jinwoo’s Unparalleled Strength
The Ant King Would Be No Match
Amid numerous threats, it is inconceivable that the Ant King could have prevailed against Jinwoo. Before the raid, Jinwoo consistently demonstrated superiority, effortlessly matching aura with Goto Ryuji, Japan’s strongest hunter. His exploration of the Demon Dungeon had equipped him with formidable abilities, advanced weaponry, and a vast army of shadow soldiers, positioning him far beyond the Ant King’s capabilities. Had he joined the raid sooner, many losses could have been avoided, as the Ant King’s sole purpose was to confront the strongest human: Jinwoo, who could have redirected the battle’s focus away from the other hunters, preserving their lives.
Jinwoo as a One-Man Army
Owing to Jinwoo’s unique skills and capabilities, there is a substantial likelihood he could have single-handedly tackled the S-Rank gate. As an exemplary one-man army, he and his shadow army could have eliminated the Ant forces, including both the Ant King and Queen, significantly altering the raid’s outcome and ultimately safeguarding the lives of the hunters involved. This dynamic is representative of his growth and self-improvement throughout Solo Leveling, a core theme of the series.
The Cons of Sung Jinwoo’s Early Participation
The Danger of Information on Jinwoo
While many fans concentrate on the tragedy of the fallen hunters during the Jeju Island Raid—rightly prioritizing human life—Sung Jinwoo’s early intervention might also have led to adverse outcomes. His exposure could have instigated a sequence of events that jeopardized Korea’s military strategies and resources.
Jinwoo’s reputation for strength had already begun to spread, drawing attention from major organizations and elite hunters seeking to challenge him. The fact that the raid was publicly broadcast only augmented the risk of revealing critical information that could potentially undermine Korea’s defenses.
Japan’s True Intentions
Japan entered the collaboration with a hidden agenda aimed at enhancing their own military power while simultaneously weakening Korea. Their loss of a significant number of S-Rank hunters, including top-tier individuals, backfired on their strategy and exposed their plans. Had Jinwoo intervened earlier and averted the massacre, Japan’s nefarious intentions could have gone unnoticed, allowing them to proceed with their operations, thus placing Korea in a precarious situation in the future.
The Raid’s Lasting Impact
The Price Korea Paid
While there are advantages and disadvantages to Jinwoo’s early involvement, the benefits could have greatly outweighed the drawbacks. An earlier participation could have drastically reduced casualties, granting Korea a well-deserved victory after enduring three previous unfortunate raids. Jinwoo’s unparalleled strength combined with his strategic acumen would have made him either a vital contributor or a powerful lone force clearing the S-Rank gate single-handedly. Unfortunately, his commitment to family and lack of timely communication delayed his involvement. Nonetheless, his eventual contribution ensured survival for Korea—albeit at a tremendous cost.