Warning: Spoilers ahead for Solo Leveling which can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
Jeju Island stands out as a central plot point in Solo Leveling, setting the stage for a defining moment that occurred four years before the main storyline. The anime begins by hinting at the formidable challenges awaiting those who dare to confront the island's mysteries.
The Jeju Island incident, both during the initial event and subsequent visits, continues to cast a long shadow in the Solo Leveling universe. But what transpired on Jeju Island and why does it hold such significance in the narrative?
Unveiling the Dungeon Break Paradigm
The High Stakes of Gate Encounters
Four years prior to the main events of Solo Leveling, an S-Rank Gate emerged on Jeju Island, a region in South Korea recognized for its landscapes and the last remnants of the indigenous Jeju people. The Korean S-Rank Hunters of that time were notably weaker and failed to overcome the Dungeon's challenges, resulting in a critical Dungeon Break situation. This breach allowed hordes of magical creatures to spill into the human world. The inability to close the Gate led to a catastrophic outcome, with giant ants causing mass casualties and rendering Jeju Island uninhabitable, overrun by perilous beasts. To put things into perspective, by episode 8 of Solo Leveling, Sung Jinwoo had faced off against an A-Rank magic beast, Cerberus, the Guardian of Hell, while the Jeju Gate was of S-Rank caliber. The power abyss between different Hunter ranks is vast, underscoring the monumental threat posed by the Jeju incident.
Governmental Setbacks and Tragic Losses
The Grim Reality of Elite Hunter Casualties
The Korean government made multiple unsuccessful efforts to reclaim Jeju Island from the monstrous invaders. The third raid, occurring approximately a year before the main Solo Leveling events, resulted in the death of S-Rank Hunter Eunseok, a revered figure in Korea. This failed mission serves as the backdrop for the series' opening scenes, depicting the valiant but futile struggle of S-Rank Hunters and the White Tiger Guild against the menacing giant ants.
Eunseok, fighting alongside Baek Yoonho, equipped with formidable claws and lightning abilities, met his demise during the raid. Although the series doesn't depict his death directly, it highlights the aftermath, as Korea mourns the loss and abandons further attempts to reclaim Jeju Island. The trauma inflicted by the island's horrors weighs heavily on White Tiger Guildmaster Baek Yoonho, haunted by survivor's guilt over Eunseok's death and his inability to retrieve the fallen comrade's body. This emotional turmoil becomes a focal point when Choi Jong In manipulates Baek's emotions to recruit him for the ill-fated fourth Jeju Island Raid.
Decoding the Enigma of the Ants
The Unyielding Challenge of Eradicating a Menace
Gate encounters typically involve C- to E-Rank Gates, with higher ranks accessible only to seasoned elite Hunters. The S-Rank nature of the Jeju Island Gate merely scratches the surface, as within the S-Rank tier, vast discrepancies in power exist. The invasion escalated with the emergence of ants on the island, posing a formidable challenge even to veteran Hunters. The ant forces, ranging from standard red soldiers to exponentially stronger white soldier ants, were led by the formidable Ant Queen.
The Queen, birthing and commanding the ant horde, consumed any living beings for sustenance, passing on genetic enhancements to her offspring. Initially contained on Jeju Island after the failed third raid, the ants eventually exhausted local resources. Driven by hunger, they developed flight capabilities, escalating the crisis to an international scale as they attacked unsuspecting victims on the Korean mainland.
The Enduring Impact of Jeju Island
A Rise to Heroism Amidst Adversity
Choi Jong In's decision to lead a new Jeju Island expedition stems from his tarnished reputation and the persistent threat posed by the island's creatures. The mounting danger prompts a joint Korean-Japanese fourth raid to address the menace. However, the mission turns into a tragic ordeal, with significant casualties among the elite Hunters. Sung Jinwoo's intervention proves pivotal, culminating in a grueling battle against the Ant King, showcasing his unparalleled strength.
Despite initially shunning the limelight to avoid unwanted attention, Jinwoo emerges as a central figure post-raid. Some hail him as a hero for his decisive actions, while others criticize his delayed intervention. Nonetheless, Jinwoo's prowess solidifies his status as one of Asia's most formidable Hunters, marking a significant turning point in his journey within the series.