Who Is the Real MVP of Jeju Island Arc? Meet the Hero Who Sacrificed All

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Summary

  • Sung Jin-Woo’s delayed arrival impacts the Jeju Island raid, leading to casualties and criticism.
  • Min Byung-Gu emerges as the true MVP of the arc with his exceptional healing and support abilities.
  • Byung-Gu’s heroic death leaves a lasting impact, showcasing his selfless dedication to his role as an S-rank healer.

In the storyline of Jeju Island from the series “Solo Leveling,” the battle between the protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo, and the fearsome Ant King stands out as a memorable highlight. This intense encounter eventually led to Jin-Woo regaining control of the island, winning decisively against the mutated ants. However, while Jin-Woo’s achievement is undeniably impressive, many fans believe that another prominent character from “Solo Leveling,” who ranks among the elite S-rank hunters, deserves more recognition as the real MVP in this arc.

In the second season of Solo Leveling, a group of 16 elite hunters, including Cha Hae-In, Choi Jong-In, and Goto Ryuji, collaborate for their fourth attempt to recapture Jeju Island. Each hunter contributes significantly to a straightforward but potentially successful strategy. United, they venture onto Jeju Island, embodying the aspirations of both civilians and fellow hunters. Notably, one character emerges as the star player well before Jin-Woo’s thrilling last-minute entrance.

Who Is the Real MVP of the Jeju Island Arc?

It’s Not Sung Jin-Woo

Just before the fourth raid commences, Sung Jin-Woo ascends as Korea’s newest S-rank hunter, savoring the limelight of his elevated position. By then, other S-rank hunters had already recognized him as one of the country’s strongest warriors, capable of altering the course of the impending Jeju Island ant raid. Yet, with Jin-Woo’s mother having just recuperated, he decides to remain behind, convinced that the raid could be victorious without his involvement. Unfortunately, Jin-Woo was mistaken.

Due to Jin-Woo’s choice to avoid participating at first, a horrifying creature spawned from the Ant Queen’s enmity wreaks havoc among S-rank hunters, leaving them dead or badly injured in gruesome and violent ways. Unfortunately, Jin-Woo’s use of Shadow Exchange comes too late; he doesn’t activate the ability until after Min Byung-Gu has been killed, Cha Hae-In is severely wounded, and the rest of the hunters are close to being wiped out entirely.

“Master Ma, I think we’re saved. We might just make it.”—Baek Yoon-Ho to Ma Dong-Wook

In the end, Jin-Woo manages to slay the Ant King and make him his shadow, but due to certain actions taken during the raid, criticism towards him arises. Some citizens found it hard to comprehend why he didn’t arrive earlier at the scene, as most top S-rank hunters across the nation, apart from Go Gun-Hee, participated in the raid right from the start. Given that Jin-Woo had an immense amount of power, many argue that if he had joined the raid sooner, the operation on Jeju Island might have been more successful with fewer casualties.

Min Byung-Gu Carries the Raid

An S-Rank Healer’s Courage and Sacrifice

Essentially, Min Byung-Gu returns from retirement to prove himself as the true MVP on Jeju Island’s arc team, leading them through vital moments with sheer determination. While he may not excel in physical battles, his exceptional aid and boosting abilities far surpass this weakness. It’s essential to note that Min Byung-Gu is not only proficient in defense but also offense – displaying skills comparable to a seasoned A-rank combatant.

At first, Min Byung-Gu was set on dodging the fourth raid, as the painful memory of Eunseok’s death had led him to retire. However, with Baek Yoon-Ho joining the operation and the concern that additional innocent lives might meet a fate like Eunseok’s, he eventually agrees to participate. Given his exceptional healing skills, it would be risky for top-tier hunters to proceed without him on board, despite being aware of the grave danger posed by the ants.

“Hyung, run.”—Min Byung-Gu to Baek Yoon-Ho

During the operation, Min Byung-Gu showcased all his talents and capabilities to ensure the raid went smoothly. His magic enhances his teammates’ stats temporarily, giving them an unmatched level of power. Moreover, he quickly mends their injuries and eliminates any status afflictions at an impressive pace without seeming to put in much effort. With such faith in his own skills, the initial phases of the operation ran more smoothly under his command.

A Duty That Transcends Death

Min Byung-Gu’s Heroic Death

As a healer, Min Byung-Gu is well aware of the hazards associated with his profession. Unlike his fellow combatants, he’s not as mobile while utilizing his skills. He uses camouflage to hide himself, but against powerful adversaries like the Ant King, who can sense mana, there’s no safe haven. Consequently, his healing abilities pose a substantial danger to enemies, making him a top target they must neutralize immediately.

Just as anticipated, Min Byung-Gu sacrifices himself aiding his fellow warriors. Aware of the dangers from the start, he remained unfazed. Instead, he stood firm to his commitment, vowing not to witness another death under his care again. It’s all part of being an elite S-rank healer, after all. His valiant demise stirred deep emotions among fans, particularly those who had been cheering him on since the beginning.

“It must be a complete lie that a healer is weak in combat.”—A-Rank Cameraman

Regardless of his passing, Min Byung-Gu’s role as a healer persists in the anime. He persuades Jin-Woo to employ his abilities to revive Cha Hae-In. Post-resurrection as a shadow, Byung-Gu doesn’t need Jin-Woo’s instructions to heal Cha Hae-In, showcasing his compassionate and benevolent nature. In the climax of Solo Leveling, it is Min Byung-Gu who stands out as the genuine hero in one of its most profound and emotional storylines.

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2025-04-25 19:46