Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Ashborn is the original Shadow Monarch, also called the King of the Dead. In the story’s final handover he chooses Sung Jinwoo as his successor, gives Jinwoo his remaining power, and enters eternal sleep, leaving Jinwoo as the new Shadow Monarch.
Spoiler warning: the answer below covers the late-story reveal of Ashborn’s identity and Jinwoo’s succession.
Who Ashborn is
Ashborn is the first holder of the Shadow Monarch title, and the character is known by several names and epithets. The Solo Leveling Wiki character reference lists “King of the Dead,” “Monarch of Shadows,” and “Greatest Fragment of Brilliant Light” among them. The same reference connects his earlier identity to the Rulers, the powerful beings whose conflict with the Monarchs drives the larger story.
Two points are easy to blur. Ashborn is not Jinwoo, and Jinwoo is not the original Shadow Monarch. Jinwoo is the successor who inherits the role.
#1 Best Overall
- Bandai Spirits Banpresto is proud to announce their newest release Espresto-Excite Motions- vol.1 Sung JinWoo!
- Standing at Approx. 8.3", Sung JinWoo is seen in their iconic pose
- Be sure to collect this and enhance your display with other incredible Banpresto figures!
- The product box will have a Bandai Namco warning label, which is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed product
How Ashborn became the Shadow Monarch
The series presents Ashborn’s transformation into the Shadow Monarch as part of the broader struggle between the Rulers and the Monarchs. Secondary plot summaries, including the Wikipedia series overview, describe that backstory only in broad terms. Specific motives and the exact sequence of events are best checked against the source novels and the licensed webtoon chapters, because summaries condense them.
Why Ashborn chose Jinwoo
Jinwoo’s leveling story turns out to be part of a succession plan. The System, the power system that drives his growth, is described in the series overview as training him to inherit the Shadow Monarch’s power. Ashborn’s choice of Jinwoo is therefore the link between Jinwoo’s personal progression and the title he ultimately holds.
Rank #2
- Officially Licensed: Collect all your favorite Solo Leveling characters with this official plush manufactured by Great Eastern Entertainment.
- Premium Material and Exceptional Detail: Made out of high-quality polyester, this soft and collectible plush captures the distinctive features of your favorite character. Its durable construction ensures enjoyment for years to come!
- Perfect Gift: Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion, this plush will be an absolute delight for anime enthusiasts.
The handover and the ending
According to the series overview, Ashborn transfers his remaining power to Jinwoo and enters eternal sleep, which lets Jinwoo take his place. Yen Press’s synopsis for the final novel volume describes Jinwoo as the newly crowned Shadow Monarch, so the publisher and the summary agree on the outcome.
A line attributed to Ashborn
The Solo Leveling Wiki attributes the following dialogue to Ashborn speaking to Jinwoo, citing chapter 162 of the webtoon:
Rank #3
- An import from Furyu
- From the anime series
- Detailed non-poseable figure
“I am the record of your bitter struggle. I am the evidence of your resistance. I am the reward of your pain. I am death, I am eternal rest, and I am also terror. I am you.”
This is a fan-maintained wiki’s transcription, not the official translation. If exact wording or punctuation matters, check the licensed chapter edition.
Rank #4
- Officially Licensed: Collect all your favorite Solo Leveling characters with this official plush manufactured by Great Eastern Entertainment.
- Premium Material and Exceptional Detail: Made out of high-quality polyester, this soft and collectible plush captures the distinctive features of your favorite character. Its durable construction ensures enjoyment for years to come!
- Perfect Gift: Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or any special occasion, this plush will be an absolute delight for anime enthusiasts.
Reading the ending in the novels
- Title: Solo Leveling, Vol. 8 (novel) by Chugong, published by Yen Press.
- Release date: July 18, 2023, according to Yen Press’s listing.
- What it covers: the final-volume synopsis describes Jinwoo’s coronation as the new Shadow Monarch.
Anime viewers
This article relies on the webtoon chapter reference and the novel series ending. It does not establish how far the anime adaptation has progressed, so anime-only viewers should check the current episode list before reading past the point they have watched.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- IDEAL COLLECTIBLE SIZE - At approximately 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) tall, this vinyl figurine complements other collectable merchandise and fits perfectly in your display case or on your desk.
- PREMIUM VINYL MATERIAL - Made from durable vinyl, this collectible is built to last and withstand daily wear, ensuring long-lasting enjoyment for fans and collectors alike.
- GIFT IDEA FOR SOLO LEVELING FANS - Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions and as a present this figurine is a must-have addition to any Solo Leveling merchandise collection
- EXPAND YOUR COLLECTION - Add this unique Jinwoo and Cerberus vinyl display piece to your growing assortment of Funko Pop! figures, and seek out other rare and exclusive collectible items for a complete set
- LEADING POP CULTURE BRAND - Trust in the expertise of Funko, the premier creator of pop culture merchandise that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, and more.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
