The Hype Behind the Jeju Island Arc, Explained

Solo Leveling‘s Jeju Island arc is one of the series’ most highly anticipated storylines, generating a global buzz across social media. The show has set the stage for the arc from the very first episode by offering viewers a glimpse into one of the disastrous raids on Jeju Island.

The haunting imagery of hunters struggling for their lives leaves a lasting impression, building anticipation for the unavoidable showdown. But what makes the Jeju Island arc so special? Here’s a look at the potential reasons for the hype behind the storyline and what fans can expect from it.

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The History

Haunting Origins of the Jeju Island Disaster

• Arc: Jeju Island Arc
• Webnovel: Chapters 111 to 127
• Webtoon: Chapters 90 to 107
• Anime: Episodes 21 to 25
• Previous Arc: Return to the Demon Castle Arc
• Next Arc: Recruitment Arc

Four years before the Double Dungeon incident that changed Sung Jinwoo’s life, an S-rank gate spawned on Jeju Island. Korean S-rank hunters tried their best but could not clear the dungeon, which eventually led to a dungeon break. The magic beasts wreaked havoc on the island, killing thousands of innocent people, including some of the best hunters from Korea. Soon, Jeju Island was deserted and deemed unsafe for human habitation.

In the following years, the Korean government tried its best to take back the island from the magic beasts, but to no avail. The dangerous monsters kept evolving, making it extremely difficult to fight against them. In the last raid, Korea lost mage-class S-rank hunter Eunseo, following which any attempts to free Jeju Island from the clutches of the magic beasts were deemed too risky. But when they evolved to gain the ability to fly, suddenly, the S-rank gate’s threat became an international concern.

The countless wounds of the past continue to haunt hunters who have been involved in previous raids and lost close friends. The desire to take back the island and avenge the death of their fallen comrades sets the background for an emotionally charged mission that is destined to change Asia and its future forever. With the threat of failure being a very real possibility, countless lives are at stake as hunters head to Jeju Island.

The Unpredictability of an S-Rank Gate

The Threat of an S-Rank Dungeon

Like hunters, dungeons are also classified into the international S-E Ranking System. Dungeons of different ranks and origins pose varying levels of risk. Most low-rank dungeons can be cleared by ordinary hunters, but when it comes to S and A-rank, things can get ugly fast. In the Hunters Guild Gate arc, the A-rank dungeon of the highest level is teeming with high orc minions led by the S-rank boss Kargalgan. It’s noteworthy that the Hunters Guild has entrusted a team of A-rankers to clear the gate, but the challenge exceeded their capabilities to the point that every one of them could have been brutally slaughtered.

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This goes to the heart of the problem of assessing threat levels of high-rank dungeons, which can be extremely tricky. Despite being of the same rank, two dungeons can differ significantly. S-rank dungeons, which are far more challenging than an A-rank, are frighteningly dangerous, as their difficulty is not bound by any fixed criteria. For perspective, the first S-rank gate that spawned on the West Coast of America claimed the lives of 1,000,000 civilians, which included about a hundred S-rank hunters.

While it’s unclear where the Jeju Island gate stands in comparison to the one in America for the reasons mentioned earlier, the unpredictability of S-rank dungeons is still quite frightening. The nature of the threat promises a high-stakes battle that will put the lives of top Korean and Japanese hunters on the line. Success would cement the legacy of every hunter involved, but if things go south, it is entirely possible that none of the hunters will make it back alive.

The Korean-Japanese Collaboration

An Alliance of Misfits

Ever since an evolved ant from Jeju Island managed to fly hundreds of kilometers to an island off the coast of Japan and wreak havoc, the Korean and Japanese governments have been on high alert. Aware of the threat and unimaginable loss of life that they can cause, hunters from both countries agree to join forces for the final Jeju Island raid. This collaboration can be seen as a last resort to kill the magical beasts who can become an existential threat if they continue to evolve.

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Two countries rarely work together to clear a dungeon, so Korea and Japan coming together is a big deal. Until now, the series primarily focused on Korean hunters, but in this mission, the Japanese hunters are set to play a crucial role. Their participation not only raises the stakes but also influences the dynamics of the raid. Furthermore, Japan’s best hunter, Goto Ryuji’s involvement, adds another layer of intrigue to the mission.

Sung Jinwoo’s Biggest Challenge Yet

Jinwoo’s Most Dangerous Mission Since His Reawakening

Sung Jinwoo, the protagonist of the series, is obviously at the center of most of the action, and the Jeju Island raid is expected to be no different. Ever since he has reawakened, Jinwoo has constantly found himself in bizarre circumstances that have facilitated his evolution and turned him into a renowned hunter. However, he has never been in an S-rank dungeon in the real world since his awakening. Unlike most gates that Jinwoo has entered, S-rank dungeons are far more dangerous and unpredictable.

It remains to be seen how Sung will deal with the magical beasts on Jeju Island, who have evolved to the point that even one of them can cause a significant loss of life and property. The Jeju Island raid poses a challenge but also an opportunity for Jinwoo’s evolution. If he can defeat the dungeon boss all by himself, then he might be able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the five National Level Hunters who defeated dragon Kamish.

Sung Jinwoo’s achievements have already made him popular in Korea. A successful Jeju Island raid will not just be another feather in his cap but will also suddenly push him to international stardom, the kind of which has been experienced by very few hunters. But will he be able to pull it off? Well, only time will tell.

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Solo Leveling

Release Date

January 7, 2024

Directors

Shunsuke Nakashige

Writers

Noboru Kimura

• 

  Taito Ban

  Shun Mizushino (voice)

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  Genta Nakamura

  Kenta Morobishi (voice)