Solo Leveling fans have long debated the true nature of Beru, the powerful Ant King-turned-shadow soldier under Sung Jinwoo’s command. Some believed that, despite his brutal nature, Beru showed mercy to the Korean hunters during the Jeju Island Raid. However, recent statements from Solo Leveling’s author, Chu-Gong, have shattered this theory, revealing Beru’s true intentions. Far from being merciful, Beru was a merciless executioner who only refrained from mass slaughter because of Jinwoo’s intervention.
This revelation, via @SoloLevelAnime on X, significantly changes how fans perceive Beru and his role in the story. Many had assumed that Beru, despite his monstrous appearance, had a sense of honor or restraint. However, Chu-Gong’s comments make it clear that Beru had no moral limits and his actions were driven by instinctive cruelty and a desire for complete annihilation. His decision to attack the Korean hunters was not about justice but about pure vengeance, and without Jinwoo's presence, things could have taken a much darker turn.
"Beru didn't show mercy to the Korean hunters. If I had to describe Beru's actions in one phrase, it would be: 'Tearing the wings off a dragonfly.' Because they committed the sin (killing the Queen), he intended to torment them thoroughly before killing them. He didn't kill them swiftly out of mercy. If Sung Jinwoo hadn't been there, he probably would have tortured the Korean hunters extensively, and then he would have moved to Korea to annihilate all Koreans. Honestly, I didn't want to explain all of this in detail, but it seems like many people genuinely believe that Beru showed the Korean hunters mercy, so I'm providing additional explanation. By the way, he ate Min Byung-Gyu's head not because Min Byung-Gyu's healing was annoying or because he wanted his healing abilities, but to communicate and obtain information from the race that killed the Queen (Koreans), in order to exterminate that race. Thank you for always showing so much love and interest in Solo Leveling! Have a great day today!" - Chu-Gong
Beru’s True Intentions Exposed – Beru Has No Mercy for the Korean Hunters
For a long time, some fans believed Beru had spared the Korean hunters out of either strategy or respect for their strength. However, Chu-Gong completely dismissed this notion, revealing that Beru’s intent was never to show mercy but to "tear the wings off a dragonfly." This metaphor suggests he planned to toy with the hunters before brutally eliminating them. Beru viewed them as nothing more than prey, guilty of killing the Queen, and he sought to make their deaths as painful as possible. This revelation dismantles the idea that Beru had any sense of restraint or tactical mercy.
What is even more disturbing is that Beru had plans that extended beyond the hunters in the dungeon. If left unchecked, he would have turned his wrath toward all of Korea, seeking total extermination. This chilling detail reveals just how bloodthirsty and dangerous Beru truly was before Jinwoo’s intervention. His decision to devour Min Byung-Gyu’s head was not just an act of dominance, but an attempt to extract information that would allow him to wipe out an entire race. Without Jinwoo stopping him, Beru could have become one of the deadliest threats humanity ever faced.
With this new perspective, fans watching season 2 of Solo Leveling will leave with a darker view of Beru’s character. The adaptation may highlight his true nature more prominently, showing just how brutal he was before Jinwoo’s control. If the anime decides to lean into this aspect, viewers might see flashbacks or additional context that reinforces Beru’s cruelty. His transformation from a merciless killer to a loyal subordinate could be one of the most interesting arcs in the series.
This revelation may also change how fans view Jinwoo’s power over his shadows. While he commands loyalty, it is clear that many of his soldiers, especially Beru, are inherently violent and destructive. This adds another layer of complexity to Jinwoo’s role as their leader, because his control is the only thing keeping creatures like Beru from wreaking havoc. If Solo Leveling season 2 explores this, it could deepen the moral dilemmas surrounding Jinwoo’s army and what might happen if he ever loses control.
