If Sung Jinwoo Had Died, Who Would Have Been the Next Shadow Monarch?

Daksh Chaudhary
Mar 21
3 min read

Who could be next Shadow Monarch if Sung Jinwoo died

Sung Jinwoo, the Shadow Monarch, is the heart of Solo Leveling. His rise from humanity’s weakest Hunter to the ruler of death itself is legendary. But what if Jinwoo had died before inheriting the Shadow Monarch’s power - who could’ve been the next one to rule?

In this article, we’ll explore potential candidates, from fan favorites like Thomas Andre to dark horses like Beru. Could anyone have filled Jinwoo’s shoes, or was he truly one of a kind? Let’s break down the rules of succession, the contenders, and if Jinwoo would have been replaceable or not.

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The Shadow Monarch’s Rules Of Succession

The Shadow Monarch’s power isn’t randomly assigned - it’s earned through a brutal selection process. The System seeks a host with two key traits: unbreakable will and physical compatibility. Jinwoo was chosen not just because he survived the double dungeon, but because he thrived under relentless suffering. His body adapted to the Monarch’s energy, and his determination to protect his family kept him grounded despite the power’s corrupting influence.

But if Jinwoo had died before becoming the Shadow Monarch, the System would have chosen the next vessel. It might prioritize Hunters already exposed to high-level dungeons or those with unique traits, like Thomas Andre’s Beast Monarch enhancements. However, raw strength alone isn’t enough. The Shadow Monarch’s host must balance power with control, something even elite Hunters struggle with.

Thomas Andre: Strength Without Strategy

Thomas Andre, the USA's strongest Hunter and host of the Beast Monarch’s power seems like an obvious candidate. His superhuman strength and durability let him bulldoze through S-rank gates, and his rivalry with Jinwoo proves he’s no pushover. With the Beast Monarch’s energy already flowing through him, Thomas could theoretically handle the Shadow Monarch’s power.

But there’s a catch: Thomas lacks Jinwoo’s strategic mind. He relies on brute force, not tactics, and his ego often blinds him to smarter solutions. The Shadow Monarch’s army requires precision and adaptability - traits Thomas rarely shows. While he’d make a fearsome Monarch, he’d likely become a tyrant, not a savior.

Could The Ant King Beru Become A Shadow Monarch?

Could Ant King Beru replace Sung Jinwoo as Shadow Monarch

What if the System skipped humans altogether? Beru, the Ant King turned Shadow soldier, is a fascinating wildcard. He’s fiercely loyal, ruthlessly efficient, and already part of the Shadow Monarch’s army. His intelligence and adaptability make him a standout among Jinwoo’s forces.

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But Beru’s loyalty is also his flaw. He’s programmed to serve, not lead. Without Jinwoo’s guidance, Beru would struggle to command the Shadow army or make decisions for the greater good. Plus, his insect physiology might limit his ability to harness the Monarch’s full power. He’s a tool, not a successor.

Esil: The Demon Queen’s Dark Potential

Esil, the cunning princess of the Demon Castle dungeon, is a dark horse pick. She survived Jinwoo’s raid by earning his mercy, proving she’s resourceful and adaptable. Her demon heritage gives her a natural affinity for dark energy, and her strategic mind rivals Jinwoo’s.

However, Esil isn’t a warrior. She relies on traps, alliances, and manipulation, not raw combat skills. The Shadow Monarch needs a leader who can dominate battles, not just outsmart enemies. While Esil’s ambition is undeniable, she lacks the physical ability to handle the Monarch’s power.

The System’s Backup Plan: A Manufactured Monarch

What if the system created a new Jinwoo? The Architect, the entity behind the system, could’ve molded another weak Hunter into a puppet Monarch. This candidate would lack Jinwoo’s humanity but follow the System’s orders without question, becoming a perfect weapon.

Yet this plan ignores Jinwoo’s greatest strength: his humanity. His love for his sister and Cha Hae-In kept him from becoming a monster. A perfect host with no emotions would likely spiral into tyranny, destroying the world they’re meant to save. The System needs a heart, not just a body.

Final Verdict: Sung Jinwoo Was A Perfect Fit To Be The Shadow Monarch

Sung Jinwoo is the perfect fit for Shadow Monarch

The truth is, no one could’ve replaced Jinwoo. His mix of vulnerability, cunning, and grit made him the System’s perfect choice. Thomas is too reckless, Beru is too subservient, and Esil lacks the raw power. Even a system-made puppet would fail without Jinwoo’s humanity to balance the Shadow Monarch’s darkness.

Becoming a Shadow Monarch isn't just about power, it’s about the person wielding it. Jinwoo’s flaws made him relatable; his love made him heroic. Without him, the Shadow Monarch’s legacy would’ve been one of destruction, not salvation. So while it’s fun to imagine “what if,” the answer is clear: Jinwoo wasn’t just the right choice. He was the only choice.