Netflix’s ambitious live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling has taken another major step forward: Kang You-seok is in advanced talks to board the project as Yoo Jin-ho, the irrepressible chaebol heir who becomes Sung Jin-woo’s ride-or-die companion.
The announcement comes on the heels of Byeon Woo-seok's official casting as the protagonist Sung Jin-woo, the once-feeble hunter who defies all odds to ascend as the world's mightiest warrior. Earlier reports also indicated that Han So-hee is in negotiations to embody Cha Hae-in, the formidable S-rank hunter whose path intersects dramatically with Sung Jin-woo's. With Kang You-seok now linked to the role of Yoo Jin-ho—the spirited heir to a powerful hunter guild who forms an unbreakable bond with the lead— the ensemble is shaping up to blend established talents with fresh faces, mirroring the story's themes of growth and camaraderie.
Solo Leveling, originally penned as a web novel by Chugong in 2016, exploded into a cultural phenomenon upon its 2018 adaptation into a webtoon illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (Dubu). Set in a modern world fractured by the sudden emergence of interdimensional "gates" that unleash ferocious monsters, the narrative revolves around a society stratified by "hunters"—superhuman individuals ranked from E to S based on their combat prowess and magical affinities. These hunters form guilds and raid dungeons to protect humanity, but the stakes are perpetually life-or-death.
At the heart of the story is Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank hunter scraping by on the fringes of this perilous profession. Derided as "Humanity's Weakest Hunter," his fortunes reverse during a catastrophic raid in a hidden double dungeon, where he awakens a mysterious "System"—a game-like interface that grants him the unprecedented ability to level up, acquire skills, and summon shadowy allies. What begins as a desperate bid for survival evolves into an epic saga of empowerment, as Sung Jin-woo uncovers ancient secrets, battles god-like entities, and grapples with the burdens of unparalleled strength. The webtoon's blend of high-octane action, intricate world-building, and emotional depth has captivated over 14 billion views worldwide, spawning a wildly successful anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures in 2024 that further solidified its status as a genre-defining powerhouse.
Netflix's venture into a live-action Korean series marks a strategic pivot for the streamer, which has increasingly invested in high-fantasy adaptations to tap into the K-content boom. Announced in July 2025, the production is being helmed by a team boasting experience from hits like All of Us Are Dead and Kingdom, with Kakao Entertainment serving as a key partner. Filming is slated to commence in early 2026 in Seoul and surrounding areas, aiming to capture the webtoon's visceral fight choreography through cutting-edge VFX and practical effects. Director Lee Young-joo, known for her work on the dystopian thriller Sweet Home, is attached to helm the pilot episode, emphasizing a grounded yet spectacular tone that honors the source material's progression from gritty realism to cosmic-scale battles.
Byeon Woo-seok, stepping into Sung Jin-woo's multifaceted shoes, brings a magnetic intensity honed across diverse roles. The 34-year-old actor, who transitioned from modeling runways to screen stardom, first caught widespread attention in the 2022 Netflix film 20th Century Girl, where his portrayal of a brooding high school heartthrob earned him a Blue Dragon Film Award nomination. His breakout year came with the time-slip romance Lovely Runner in 2024, a tvN sensation that shattered ratings records and showcased his ability to convey quiet vulnerability alongside explosive charisma—qualities that align seamlessly with Sung Jin-woo's arc from overlooked everyman to shadowed monarch.
Han So-hee, if confirmed, would infuse Cha Hae-in with her signature blend of ferocity and nuance. The 32-year-old star rose to prominence with her raw performance as a grief-stricken mother in the 2020 JTBC drama The World of the Married, which drew over 28% viewership peaks and international acclaim. She followed with the adrenaline-fueled actioner My Name on Netflix in 2021, executing her own stunts in a tale of vengeance that highlighted her physicality and emotional range. Cha Hae-in, an elite swordswoman haunted by her senses' hypersensitivity to mana, demands an actress who can balance stoic professionalism with subtle romantic tension—a challenge Han So-hee is well-equipped to meet.
Kang You-seok's potential involvement as Yoo Jin-ho adds a layer of youthful dynamism to the mix. The character, the brash yet endearing second son of the Yoojin Guild's chaebol family, starts as a novice D-rank hunter seeking glory but quickly becomes Sung Jin-woo's steadfast right-hand man. His unwavering loyalty, comic timing in tense moments, and growth into a capable leader make him a fan-favorite sidekick, often providing levity amid the series' darker turns. For Kang You-seok, this would represent a career-elevating opportunity to shine in a major IP, building on his trajectory as one of K-drama's most promising up-and-comers.
As negotiations progress, industry insiders express optimism about the project's alignment with Netflix's global ambitions. The platform's success with Korean originals—boasting over 80% of its non-English content views from K-dramas in recent quarters—positions Solo Leveling as a potential juggernaut. With its universal appeal of redemption and resilience, the adaptation could rival the anime's reception while introducing the story to newcomers through live-action intimacy.
Kang You-seok, a 31-year-old graduate of Korea National University of Arts, has steadily built a reputation for versatile, scene-stealing turns since his 2018 debut in the medical procedural Quiz of God: Reboot. He garnered praise for his role as the cunning flatterer Paeng Swoo in the 2022 historical drama The Red Sleeve, a Joseon-era romance that explored palace intrigue with sharp wit. More recently, he impressed as the enigmatic delivery rider in the 2023 Netflix sci-fi series Black Knight, navigating a dystopian world of corporate tyranny, and earned raves for his portrayal of the earnest villager in the 2025 family saga When Life Gives You Tangerines, a film that delved into generational healing amid Jeju Island's tangerine orchards.
As Solo Leveling assembles its powerhouse cast, anticipation builds for a series that could redefine live-action webtoon adaptations. With production on the horizon, this ensemble promises to deliver the heart-pounding spectacle and profound character journeys that have made the original an enduring phenomenon.
Source: Naver
