Exploring Jeju Island in Solo Leveling

In Solo Leveling, a significant event occurred on Jeju Island four years before the main events of the series. This event plays a crucial role in the storyline, setting the tone for the challenges that lie ahead for the characters. The anime begins with a sneak peek of the dangers that await those who dare to venture there.

The events that occurred on Jeju Island four years ago and in the following visits still have a significant impact on the world of Solo Leveling. But what actually happened during those events and why are they so important to the story?

The Key Incident of a Dungeon Break

The Stakes Are Always High When a Gate Is Involved

Third Jeju Island Raid – Solo Leveling Episode 1 - The Stakes Are Always High When a Gate Is Involved - The Prime Example of a Dungeon Break

Four years prior to the events of Solo Leveling, a powerful S-Rank Gate appeared on Jeju Island, a picturesque province in South Korea known for its unique landscape and the indigenous Jeju people. Despite the strength of Korean S-Rank Hunters at the time being weaker than they are now, they were unable to defeat the Dungeon beyond the Gate. This resulted in a catastrophic Dungeon Break, allowing dangerous magic beasts and monsters to enter our world. Giant ants poured out of the Gate, causing the deaths of thousands of civilians and forcing the abandonment of Jeju Island as it turned into a perilous wasteland. In comparison, by episode 8 of Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo had only faced an A-Rank magic beast named Cerberus, the Guardian of Hell, while the Gate on Jeju was classified as S-Rank. The power difference between C- and D-Rank, let alone S- and A-Rank, was simply incomprehensible.

"Isn't there something you left behind on the island as well?"

– Choi Jong In in conversation with Baek Yoonho, Solo Leveling episode 8

Major Losses Were Suffered By The Korean Government

Things Must Be Really Bad When The Most Powerful Die

The Third Jeju Island Raid – Solo Leveling Episode 1 - Things Must Be Really Bad When The Most Powerful Die - Major Losses Were Suffered By The Korean Government

The Third Jeju Island Raid – Solo Leveling Episode 1

The Korean government made multiple attempts to send Hunters to Jeju Island in order to reclaim it from the monsters, but all efforts failed. One of these attempts, known as the third Jeju Island raid, resulted in the death of S-Rank Hunter Eunseok, who was highly regarded in Korea. This raid serves as the backdrop for the opening scene of the Solo Leveling anime, where S-Rank Hunters and the White Tiger Guild forces come to the rescue of their comrades facing giant ants.

Eunseok fought alongside Baek Yoonho, using claws and powerful lightning abilities. Although his death during the raid is not depicted in the series, it is a pivotal event that sets the stage for Sung Jinwoo's Cartenon Temple raid. While the initial scenes may suggest control, the story gradually delves into the lore of Jeju Island. Following Eunseok's tragic demise, the Korean government decides to halt further attempts to reclaim the island. White Tiger Guildmaster Baek Yoonho is deeply affected by survivor's guilt after losing Eunseok and being unable to retrieve his body from the island. This emotional trauma is exploited by Choi Jong In when he tries to recruit Baek for a 4th Jeju Island Raid.

What Exactly ARE The Ants?

An Impossible Extermination

Ant-King in Solo Leveling - An Impossible Extermination - What Exactly ARE The Ants?

Gates that manifest usually range from C- to E-Rank, while higher ranks like B and above are only accessible to experienced high-level Hunter groups. The S-Rank classification of the Jeju Island Gate is only part of the story; being labeled as S-Rank doesn't guarantee equal strength among Hunters. Some are exceptionally powerful, just as Jinwoo was notably weak even for an E-Rank. The situation on Jeju Island became more challenging when the ants invaded, posing a threat even to the strongest Hunters. In addition to the regular red soldier ants, there are white soldier ants that are significantly stronger, and leading them all is the formidable Ant Queen.

Jeju Island holds a significant role in the ecosystem as the Queen ant gives birth to all the ants on the island. These ants feed on various living creatures, with the Queen passing on genetic material to her offspring through feeding. Initially, the Korean government believed that the ants would remain confined to Jeju Island after they abandoned it following a tragic raid. However, as the ants exhausted their food supply over the years, they developed the ability to fly in search of sustenance. This led to a situation where the once localized issue on Jeju Island became an international concern, as the flying ants started attacking and feeding on unsuspecting humans on the nearby Korean mainland.

Arise, National Hero

a man faces a robot - Arise, National Hero - What's the Overall Significance of Jeju Island?

Choi Jong In's decision to lead another raid on Jeju Island stems from the damage to his reputation and the loss of life in the previous raid under his command. The presence of magic beasts on the island poses a significant risk, especially when the ants develop the ability to fly, posing a direct threat to both Korea and Japan. In response, a fourth raid is organized with a team of sixteen S-Rank Hunters from both countries. The plan was for the Japanese Hunters to distract the ant drones while the Koreans targeted the nest, but it goes terribly wrong when the Ant King kills eight of the Hunters.

Among the casualties is S-Rank Healer Min Byung Gyu, who had survived the previous raid but retired due to the trauma of losing a comrade. Sung Jinwoo initially avoids participating in the raid to keep a low profile, but his intervention in defeating the Ant King brings him into the spotlight. Some hail him as a hero for ensuring the raid's success, while others criticize him for taking too long to act. Regardless, Jinwoo's actions solidify his status as one of the most powerful Hunters in Asia, if not the strongest, following the fourth Jeju Island Raid.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the significant events that occurred on Jeju Island in Solo Leveling. The Dungeon Break and the subsequent raids highlight the immense challenges and sacrifices faced by the characters. The power dynamics and the evolution of the ants add depth to the story, making it both thrilling and thought-provoking. The article effectively captures the essence of these events and their impact on the characters and the world of Solo Leveling.

One aspect that particularly stands out is the emotional toll that the events on Jeju Island have on the characters. The loss of S-Rank Hunter Eunseok and the survivors' guilt experienced by Baek Yoonho add a layer of humanity to the story. Choi Jong In's ambition and the desperation to redeem himself drive the plot forward, while Sung Jinwoo's emergence as a hero showcases the growth and resilience of the characters. The article effectively conveys the complex emotions and motivations that shape the narrative of Solo Leveling.