The premiere of the latest episode of the acclaimed Korean anime/manhwa Solo Leveling on March 8, 2025, marks the highly anticipated beginning of the Jeju Island raid. This saga has generated significant buzz among fans as they eagerly discuss unfolding events across social media platforms.
As Jeju Island holds considerable importance in the Solo Leveling narrative—especially in portraying Jinwoo as an international powerhouse—enthusiasts are increasingly asking, “What transpired during the Jeju Island events in Solo Leveling?”
Note: This article contains spoilers from the manhwa and anime.
Diving into the Jeju Island Arc of Solo Leveling
The Jeju Island arc unfolds immediately after the Return to Demon Castle arc and serves as a precursor to the Recruitment arc. This segment narrates a second raid on the S-rank Gate that emerged on Jeju Island. With Sung Jinwoo’s pivotal involvement, this raid successfully neutralizes the threat posed by the Ant King and eradicates the entire ant colony, effectively securing the island.
Four years prior to the current storyline, an S-rank gate appeared on Jeju Island. Despite the valiant efforts of numerous hunters, they ultimately succumbed to failure, leading to a catastrophic dungeon break. The monstrous entities that erupted from the dungeon wreaked havoc, resulting in the devastation of the island and the tragic loss of thousands of lives, including some of Korea’s elite hunters.
Subsequently, Jeju Island fell under the control of these magical beasts, rendering it inhospitable for humans. Multiple attempts by the Korean government to reclaim the island were met with failure.
The anime’s inaugural episode depicts a raid on Jeju Island that occurred three years before the current timeline. During this operation, renowned S-rank hunters such as Byung-Gu, Yoonho, Eunseok, and Choi Jong-In were deployed to regain control of the island. However, the sequence was left unresolved in the anime, suggesting this endeavor also did not succeed.
As the series progresses into season 2, episode 7, the emergence of ants moving from Jeju Island to the mainland initiates a chain of events leading to the renewed quest for Jeju Island. Concurrently, Sung Jinwoo successfully heals his mother. Initially declining the invitation to join the mission, he changes his mind upon discovering that several S-rank hunters have perished.
The Significance of Jeju Island in Solo Leveling
The Jeju Island arc is instrumental in showcasing the evolution of Sung Jinwoo’s character. It is during this narrative that Jinwoo gains Beru, the Ant King, as a vital addition to his shadow army.
Beru stands out as one of Jinwoo’s most formidable shadows, possessing healing capabilities that surpass those of an S-rank hunter. Many S-rank hunters participating in the raid believed Beru to be unbeatable until Jinwoo intervened. Not only did Jinwoo conquer Beru, but his shadow soldiers also obliterated the entire ant population on the island.
This arc catapults Jinwoo’s power level beyond that of an S-rank hunter and garners international acknowledgment, especially as this mission involved collaboration between Korea and Japan. Furthermore, the Jeju Island arc lays the foundation for Jinwoo’s growth, setting the stage for significant advancements in subsequent arcs.
Concluding Thoughts
The Jeju Island arc is pivotal, enriching the narrative tapestry of the anime/manhwa by enhancing Sung Jinwoo’s powers and expanding the Shadow Monarch’s capabilities. This chapter represents a crucial transformation in the storyline, resolving a long-anticipated conflict.
With the anime’s plot unfolding, the battle on Jeju Island intensifies. Several S-rank hunters from both Korea and Japan have rallied for this mission. Initially hesitant, Jinwoo ultimately decides to join the fight, showcasing his dominance as he confronts the Ant King, the dungeon boss for this arc. Fans are eagerly anticipating this climactic confrontation as the story progresses.