In a electrifying reveal that has set the stage for a new era of Korean fantasy, Netflix has announced a live-action adaptation of the global sensation Solo Leveling, with rising star Byeon Woo-seok cast as the iconic protagonist, Sung Jin-woo. The series, which promises to bring the action-packed world of the celebrated web novel and webtoon to life, marks another bold step in Netflix’s growing portfolio of high-end Korean content. With production already underway, this adaptation is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, building on the success of its record-breaking anime counterpart.
The Solo Leveling live-action series is a collaboration between Netflix, Kakao Entertainment, and SANAI Pictures, with co-directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo at the helm. Known for their work on films like Castaway on the Moon and Ashfall, the directing duo brings a wealth of experience in crafting visually stunning and narratively compelling stories. Netflix’s decision to adapt Solo Leveling follows the streaming platform’s successful forays into live-action adaptations of anime and manga, such as One Piece, and underscores its commitment to elevating Korean intellectual properties on a global stage.
Byeon Woo-seok as Sung Jin-woo: A Perfect Fit
At the heart of the series is Byeon Woo-seok, whose casting as Sung Jin-woo has sparked excitement due to his striking visual presence and proven acting chops. Described by Netflix as embodying the essence of a “manhwa come to life,” Byeon is expected to deliver a transformative performance, capturing Jin-woo’s evolution from a struggling underdog to a formidable hero. His ability to portray layered characters makes him an ideal choice for the complex role, which demands both emotional depth and intense action prowess.
Solo Leveling, originally a web novel by Chugong published on KakaoPage, follows Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank Hunter—the lowest tier in a world where supernatural “Gates” unleash monstrous threats upon humanity. After a near-death experience in a hidden dungeon, Jin-woo gains the unique ability to “level up,” akin to a character in a role-playing game. This power allows him to grow stronger with each battle, transforming him from the weakest hunter to humanity’s last hope against otherworldly forces. The story, which later became a webtoon illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (DUBU) and an anime produced by A-1 Pictures, has amassed 14.3 billion cumulative views globally across its formats. The anime adaptation made history in 2025, sweeping nine categories at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Character, cementing its status as a cultural juggernaut.
A High-Stakes Production with Global Appeal
The live-action Solo Leveling promises to deliver dynamic action sequences and intricate monster designs, supported by a global team of visual effects artists. The series aims to stay faithful to Jin-woo’s epic journey while introducing the fantastical dungeons and creatures to a broader audience. Kakao Entertainment and SANAI Pictures, both powerhouses in Korean media, are ensuring that the adaptation retains the essence of the source material while leveraging Netflix’s global reach to elevate its production quality. With the second season of the Solo Leveling anime currently dominating Crunchyroll as the platform’s most-viewed series, the timing of this live-action announcement could not be more strategic.
Byeon Woo-seok’s Rising Star Power
Byeon Woo-seok, a name now synonymous with versatility, has seen his career skyrocket in recent years. His breakout role came in the 2022 Netflix film 20th Century Girl, where he showcased his ability to blend charm and emotional nuance as a nostalgic romantic lead. He further solidified his global appeal in the 2024 drama Lovely Runner, portraying a time-traveling idol whose heartfelt performance resonated with audiences worldwide. Byeon also appeared in Strong Girl Nam-soon and When Flowers Bloom, I Think of the Moon, demonstrating his range across genres from action-comedy to historical romance. Currently, he is involved in the production of Wife of a 21st Century Prince, further cementing his status as one of South Korea’s most sought-after actors. His casting in Solo Leveling marks a significant milestone, positioning him to lead one of the most ambitious Korean projects on Netflix to date.
What Lies Ahead for Netflix's Live-Action Solo Leveling
While additional casting details and a release date remain under wraps, Netflix’s announcement signals a major investment in the Solo Leveling franchise. The platform’s track record with live-action adaptations, coupled with the creative expertise of Lee Hae-jun, Kim Byung-seo, and the production teams at Kakao Entertainment and SANAI Pictures, sets high expectations for the series. As Solo Leveling prepares to leap from the pages of its webtoon and the screens of its anime to a live-action spectacle, Byeon Woo-seok’s portrayal of Sung Jin-woo is poised to redefine the action-fantasy genre for a global audience.
