Summary
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Jeju Island becomes the final destination for most characters inSolo Levelingdue to the wrath of the Ant King. The arc may be over, but the brutal and gruesome character deaths on the island continue to linger. Of all the lives lost, oneSolo Levelingcharacter’s death might just be the most brutal of them all. Against a force this powerful, no one is safe and untouchable.
It’s not uncommon forSolo Levelingto feature brutal character deaths, regardless of their role. Even Sung Jin-Woo finds himself in a gruesome predicament when he nearly dies in the double dungeon. As the plot thickens, the killings grow even more intense as the characters resort to more violent approaches, particularly inthe Jeju Island story arc. While the Ant King pursues greater power, more hunters meet their end in the most brutal and horrifying ways.
It’s Not S-Rank Hunter Akari Shimizu
Her Death Is Faster Than the Blink of an Eye
Akari Shimizu’s death ranks among the most shocking not only in the Jeju Island arc but in all ofSolo Leveling,resulting in countless memes about her final moments. Out of allthe Japanese S-rank hunters, Akari’s presence in the raid falls short due to her early exit. Her last seconds barely register, as she is busy teasing a comrade and sharing a laugh when her end comes. Worse, neither the anime nor the manhwa even shows her casting healing or buff magic to support her comrades.
“At this rate, we might clear out all the ants even before the Korean team gets around to killing the queen."—Akari Shimizu.
In other words, Akari’s death is meaningless. Yet still, her death isn’t the most brutal, considering she died in an instant. Sure, her head gets decapitated, but it’s the fastest and likely the least painful way to die at the hands of the Ant King. She probably did not feel a thing at all, unable to realize what had happened to her. In the blink of an eye, Akari went from one ofJapan’s most valuable huntersto its most useless S-rank healer.
It’s Not Mari Ishida Either
Her Death Is Just Another Decapitation
Similar to Akari Shimizu, Mari Ishida also dies instantly on Jeju Island. Before she can process her death, her severed head hits the ground. It’s an especially bitter end for a hunter who’s supposed to be a damage dealer but was unable to show off her skills and abilities due to being grouped with theever-so-arrogant and confident Goto Ryuji. Throughout the raid, she simply follows his commands and carries out his orders without hesitation.
“This is strange. Neither Team Charlie nor Team Delta are responding."—Mari Ishida
Staying with Goto Ryuji seems like the smartest way to survive the raid. Standing beside him should be the safest spot, given his reputation as Japan’s strongest hunter. Even so, Mari’s fate is sealed, and she is strangely fortunate to die by swift decapitation rather than enduring a slow, maddening torture. Maybe the Ant King really had a habit of killing his opponent with a single strike to their heads.
Who Has the Most Brutal Death on Jeju Island?
It’s Not Min Byung-Gu’s Death
While most fans would considerMin Byung-Gu’s death as the most brutalon Jeju Island, considering his head was devoured by the Ant King and his chest was impaled, his death pales in comparison with the Ant King’s demise at the hands of Jin-Woo himself. Throughout episode 12 ofSolo Levelingseason 2, the ongoing fight makes it abundantly clear just how inferior the Ant King is to Jin-Woo.
No matter what skills and abilities the Ant King unleashes on Jin-Woo, his attacks make no meaningful dent in the strongest hunter. As a result, the Ant King quickly loses motivation, questioning his own worth and purpose. It’s a mental and psychological torture that compounds the severity of injuries he sustains from Jin-Woo’s attacks. Even with regenerative powers,the Ant King suffers relentless mutilationas Jin-Woo targets vital points faster than he can heal.
“Is there really nothing I’m superior to this human in?"—Ant King to Jin-Woo
In comparison to the other deaths on Jeju Island, the Ant King’s demise might just be the most brutal and the most satisfying to watch for fans. As the Ant King clings for his life, trying to run away from his inevitable death,Jin-Woo uses Ruler’s Authorityto prevent his escape, ultimately sealing his fate.
In the end, the Ant King falls to his knees, looking up at his killer as if he’s waiting for his final judgment. This is the moment he truly understands that he is going to die, despite all the power he wields. While the Ant King is responsible for the most gruesome deaths on Jeju Island, none compares to his abrupt end at Jin-Woo’s hands inSolo Leveling.
