Summary
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The Jeju Island arc ofSolo Levelingis best remembered for Sung Jin-Woo’s thrilling fight against the ferocious Ant King, ultimately reclaiming the island from the mutated ants with his one-sided victory. Despite Jin-Woo’s incredible feat, many fans argue that he isn’t the true MVP of the arc but rather a belovedSolo Levelingcharacter found among the ranks of the S-rank hunters.
In the second season ofSolo Leveling, 16 S-rank hunters joined hands in thefourth attempt to retake Jeju Island. From Cha Hae-In and Choi Jong-In to Goto Ryuji, each hunter plays a crucial role in a simple but promising plan. Together, they brave Jeju Island, carrying the hopes of civilians and hunters alike. Among them, one standout character becomes the true MVP of the arc long before Jin-Woo makes his dramatic last-minute arrival.
Who Is the Real MVP of the Jeju Island Arc?
It’s Not Sung Jin-Woo
Before the fourth raid begins, Sung Jin-Woo emerges asKorea’s latest S-rank hunter, basking in the glory of his new status. By this point, the other S-rank hunters had already painted him as one of the strongest in the nation, capable of turning the tide in the upcoming Jeju Island ant raid. However, with Jin-Woo’s mother fresh from recovery, he chooses to stay behind in the belief that the raid could succeed without his participation. Jin-Woo is wrong.
His decision to sit out the initial stages of the raid gives rise to devastating consequences as a monstrous being born out of the Ant Queen’s animosity kills one S-rank hunter after another in the most gruesome and brutal fashion. Despite having marked the hunters with his shadows early on,Jin-Woo’s timing in using Shadow Exchangeis disastrously late. He only activates the skill after Min Byung-Gu is killed, Cha Hae-In is critically wounded, and the remaining hunters are pushed to the brink of annihilation.
“Master Ma, I think we’re saved. We might just make it."—Baek Yoon-Ho to Ma Dong-Wook
WhileJin-Woo ultimately succeeds in killing the Ant Kingand turning him into his new shadow, it’s only natural that his actions during the raid draw criticism. Some civilians began to turn against him, unable to understand the personal reasons behind his delayed arrival. After all, every capable S-rank hunter in the nation, aside from Go Gun-Hee, joins the raid from the very beginning, except for Jin-Woo. With such overwhelming power at his disposal, many believe the Jeju Island raid could have been flawless with fewer casualties had he stepped in sooner.
Min Byung-Gu Carries the Raid
An S-Rank Healer’s Courage and Sacrifice
In essence, Min Byung-Gu comes out of retirement to emerge as the Jeju Island arc’s true MVP, carrying his team throughout the most crucial moments. Though he’s not a master of physical combat, his extraordinary support and buff magic more than make up for it. Make no mistake, Min Byung-Gu is more than capable of offense and defense, holding his own better than anexperienced A-rank fighter.
Initially, Min Byung-Gu was determined to avoid the fourth raid, giventhe trauma from Eunseok’s deaththat drove him to retire. But with Baek Yoon-Ho’s participation in the mission and the fear of more innocent lives being lost like Eunseok’s, he ultimately decides to take part. Without a healer of his caliber, it’s reckless for the S-rank hunters to continue the mission, despite knowing the serious threat of the ants.
“Hyung, run."—Min Byung-Gu to Baek Yoon-Ho
Throughout the raid, Min Byung-Gu exhausted his skills and abilities to make the raid a success. His magic can temporarily boost the stats of his comrades, granting them overwhelming power unlike any other. On top of that, he also heals their wounds and removes status defects as fast as possible without breaking a sweat. His confidence in his own abilities is so strong that the early stages of the raid become significantly smoother under his watch.
A Duty That Transcends Death
Min Byung-Gu’s Heroic Death
As a healer, Min Byung-Gu fully understands the risks that come with his role. Unlike his allies, he can’t move freely across the battlefield while using his abilities. Though he employs a form of camouflage to conceal his presence, againsta formidable opponent like the Ant King, who can detect his mana, there’s no place for him to remain hidden. Naturally, his healing powers pose a significant threat to enemies, making him a high-priority target they must eliminate at all costs.
As expected, Min Byung-Gu dies while helping his comrades. He knew the risks from the beginning, but it didn’t sway him at all. Instead, he stays true to his word, refusing to allow anyone to die on his watch again. It is, after all, thepride of an S-rank healer. His heroic death leaves an emotional impact on fans, especially those who have been rooting for him since the beginning.
“It must be a complete lie that a healer is weak in combat."—A-Rank Cameraman
Despite this, Min Byung-Gu’s role as a healer continues even after his death. In the anime, he convinces Jin-Woo to use his powers tosave Cha Hae-In’s life. After resurrecting as a shadow, Byung-Gu requires no orders from Jin-Woo to heal Cha Hae-In at all, which reflects his warm and kind personality. In the end, it’s Min Byung-Gu who emerges as the true hero of one ofSolo Leveling’s most intense and emotional arcs.
