We Can Never Forgive ‘Solo Leveling’ for Stealing the Spotlight of Sung Jinwoo’s Biggest Ally
The hit webtoon and light novel Solo Leveling captivated millions of readers worldwide with its stunning artwork, heart-pounding action, and the rise of Sung Jinwoo from a weak, “E-rank” hunter to the most powerful being in the world. Despite its overwhelming popularity and near-flawless execution, one glaring issue continues to frustrate fans: the underwhelming treatment of Sung Jinwoo’s greatest ally — a character who deserved much more recognition and narrative weight than he received.
In this article, we’ll explore how Solo Leveling sidelined this key figure, why it was such a disservice to the story, and how it could have elevated the narrative to even greater heights.
Who Is Sung Jinwoo’s Greatest Ally?
While Sung Jinwoo commands an army of powerful shadow soldiers by the end of his journey, few stand out as prominently as Beru, the former ant king of Jeju Island. Beru was one of the most formidable enemies Jinwoo ever faced — a savage, near-indestructible monster who terrorized Korea during one of the series’ most intense arcs.
However, after being defeated by Jinwoo, Beru was resurrected as a shadow soldier and quickly rose to become the commander of Jinwoo’s army. His fierce loyalty, unmatched strength, and unique personality made him a fan favorite. Beru wasn’t just a mindless soldier; he exhibited moments of comic relief, deep devotion to Jinwoo, and even a sense of pride in his role as the Shadow Monarch’s right-hand figure.
The Problem: Beru’s Neglected Potential
Despite his powerful presence and loyal service, Beru’s role was gradually diminished as the series progressed. Initially portrayed as a key figure in Jinwoo’s journey to dominance, he eventually became just another soldier in the vast army Jinwoo commanded.
- Lack of Character Development
After his grand introduction and initial interactions, Beru’s character arc flatlined. He was often relegated to the background, his dialogue reduced to occasional outbursts of “My liege!” or displays of brute force. Unlike other beloved side characters in popular series (Naruto’s Kakashi or One Piece’s Zoro, for example), Beru never received meaningful development beyond his initial redemption arc. - Missed Story Opportunities
The narrative could have explored Beru’s struggle to adapt from being a ruthless predator to a loyal servant. His transition from ant king to shadow soldier could have been fleshed out with moments of introspection or moral dilemmas. Did Beru ever grapple with his violent past? Did he develop a unique bond with any of the other shadow soldiers or human characters? These questions were left unanswered. - Overshadowed by Newer Characters
As Jinwoo’s army expanded, newer and flashier characters like Igris and Bellion took center stage. Beru, who had once been the pride of the shadow legion, was pushed aside. This shift felt unearned, as Beru had already proven himself to be one of Jinwoo’s most capable and entertaining allies.
Why This Was a Mistake
The decision to sideline Beru was a missed opportunity for several reasons:
- Emotional Investment
Fans had grown attached to Beru not just because of his power, but because of his personality and the potential for growth. By reducing his role, the series lost a chance to deepen the emotional stakes and make the battles feel more personal. - Narrative Depth
Exploring Beru’s backstory or giving him more moments of agency could have added layers to the story. Imagine a subplot where Beru faces a powerful enemy from his past or struggles with his instincts as a former king — such moments could have enriched the narrative and given readers a break from Jinwoo’s near-constant dominance. - Balancing Power Dynamics
Jinwoo’s overwhelming strength often made the story predictable. Allowing Beru to take the spotlight in key battles could have created tension and suspense, keeping readers on edge.
How Solo Leveling Could Have Redeemed Beru
- A Redemption Arc
Beru could have had a personal redemption arc where he confronted remnants of his past as the ant king. Perhaps a surviving colony of ants could have posed a threat, forcing Beru to lead a mission to eliminate them and prove his loyalty once again. - Mentor Role for New Soldiers
As one of Jinwoo’s earliest and most powerful summons, Beru could have taken on a mentor role for newly resurrected shadow soldiers, guiding them and strengthening the army as a whole. - A Final, Heroic Stand
In the climactic battles of the series, Beru could have been given a pivotal moment where he saved Jinwoo or played a crucial role in defeating a seemingly insurmountable enemy.
Conclusion
While Solo Leveling remains a beloved masterpiece in the world of webtoons and light novels, it’s hard to ignore the narrative injustice done to Beru, Sung Jinwoo’s greatest ally. By sidelining such a compelling character, the series missed an opportunity to add depth, tension, and emotional resonance to its story.
As fans, we can only hope that future adaptations — whether in anime form or other media — recognize Beru’s importance and give him the spotlight he so rightfully deserves. Until then, we’ll never truly forgive Solo Leveling for failing to do justice to one of its best characters.
