Solo leveling would Chugong become as popular as it is today due to its roaring action that is hard to match. Following its anime adaptation by Aniplex and A-1 Pictures, which took this already popular series to sky-high levels, Solo leveling is now a global phenomenon that has already achieved records such as becoming Crunchyroll's highest-rated anime of all time.
At the heart of Solo Leveling's popularity are the many compelling characters that are often seen in high-level combat. Chugong's story has given us amazing heroes and villains, and among them is one of the most notable characters to grace the series — the Ant King, who stood as the main antagonist of the Jeju Island arc. In this arc, the terrifying villain wreaked havoc on the S-Rank Hunters until he was finally stopped by Sung Jinwoo.
The Ant King is currently the most iconic Solo Leveling villain, and even though he was already strong in the anime, Solo Leveling Arise Overdrive brings him back stronger than ever with a new transformation that absolutely destroyed players who dared to challenge him. More excitingly, that's not all for Beru as he also makes a new appearance as Shadow.
Solo Leveling Arise OVERDRIVE brings the Ant King with a new transformation in a new update
Solo leveling web novel written between July 25, 2016 and March 13, 2018 by Chugong. The excitement and success it generated led to the creation of the most successful manhwa series of all time between March 4, 2018 and December 29, 2021. Finally, in 2024, the series received a television anime. in 2025 Solo leveling Season 2 was released by Aniplex and A-1 Pictures, which also carried the Jeju Island Arc, released on March 8, 2025 in Episode 9.
“Are you the king of men?” — Ant King Sung Jinwoo in Solo Leveling Season 2
Jeju Island saw S-Rank hunters from Japan and South Korea trying to subdue an ant invasion that had taken over Jeju Island and started to infiltrate other places. While the Hunters were initially able to hold their own, the Ant King proved too overwhelming and completely wiped them out. The queen was strong, but her powers were no match for her son's. On Jeju Island, the Ant King was simply on a whole other level, as he was able to effortlessly kill most of Japan's S-Rank hunters, including Goto Ryuji, who was hailed as a powerhouse from Japan. It wasn't until Sung Jinwoo finally showed up to save the day that the Ant King was dealt with. The battle between the two was intense, but Jinwoo came out victorious and even added the Ant King to his arsenal of Shadows with his Rise ability. At this point in the anime, Beru is his strongest shadow.
While the arch of Jeju Island looked like the top of the Ant King, Solo Leveling Arise OVERDRIVE proved that he has even more potential. Released on November 17, 2025, this Solo Leveling game from Netmarble Studio has just arrived in the Jeju Island update, and as expected, Ant King was the highlight. Through this update, Ant King has been added as a new boss to the Workshop of Brilliant Light.
Fans who fought this new Ant King quickly realized that he was not the same as in the anime. This Ant King is much stronger and quite a challenge. Instead of the usual dark blue color scheme, this Ant King is all white with red highlights. This form is even scarier than the one Jinwoo fought before, and many players express that it is one of the hardest fights in the game. Solo leveling video games keep giving us new designs for well-established characters, and we hope to see the same treatment for other IP antagonists.
Solo Leveling officially sets Hunter's S-Rank to Jinwoo level
Solo Leveling Season 2 made Jinwoo powerful, but the S-rank hunter has officially leveled up in Japan.
Beru also returns as a new shadow in the New Jeju Island of Arise Overdrive update
Ant King is an icon in Solo leveling franchise, so seeing him as the new boss with an exciting new form isn't all that surprising. With that being said, not only does he have a new boss form, but he is also featured as a shadow in the new Jeju Island update. The Ant King's shadow form is called Beru, and in Solo Leveling Arise OVERDRIVE he looks just like his anime and Manhwa versions, but with a much more prominent purple aura emanating from his wings and body. This new Shadow improves attacks and critical hits for Sung Jinwoo in the game and is definitely a must-have for fans of the character.
Jeju Island Solo Leveling update brings brand new content
The Jeju Island update was one of the most anticipated Solo Leveling Arise OVERDRIVE. While Ant King Boss and Shadow Beru sent fans into a frenzy, there was more to the update than just their inclusion. Along with Very, new hunters relevant to Jeju Island were also added to the game, notably Goto Ryuji, Japan's strongest S-Rank hunter who was killed by Beru, as well as Tawata Kanae, another Japanese S-Rank hunter. The two also have their own exclusive weapons.
In addition, Sung Jinwoo also received a new update costume that mirrors his Jeju costume from the source, as well as a new skill tree to unlock. Some of the new stuff can be unlocked in-game, while others are paid DLC that fans can choose to invest in.
Who is that character?
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Beru's role in the future of solo leveling
Beru is one of Jinwoo's most popular shadows, rivaling even Igris in popularity. This is largely due to its striking design, stunning capabilities, and also its personality that stands out from the rest. While he was an excellent new character Solo leveling He will also be important moving forward in Season 2 as the world of Solo Leveling continues to expand. In Solo Leveling Season 3, Beru becomes Jinwoo's trusted Shadow and is tasked with protecting Jinah, his own sister.
“That place on the royal left is mine! How dare you stand there!” — I take
After that, he will also regularly assist Jinwoo in battle, such as during the Japanese Crisis arc, where he has to play a key role in destroying various enemies. Beru will also be of great help in Jinwoo's fight against the Monarchs in the Monarchs War Arc. He has undoubtedly proven himself as one of the strongest shadows in Jinwoo's possession, and we can't wait to see him in future projects in the franchise.
