Byeon Woo-seok To Star in Netflix' Live-Action 'Solo Leveling' Series: Everything We Know So Far

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NETFLIX
Byeon Woo-seok

Netflix has officially confirmed that Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok, who became a worldwide superstar thanks to "Lovely Runner", will take on the lead role in its highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the "Solo Leveling" series, one of the world's most popular webtoons and web novels.

Byeon will play the character Sung Jinwoo, an E-rank Hunter who starts at the very bottom of a world plagued by supernatural dangers but gains an extraordinary power after a near-death experience, allowing him to rise as humanity's greatest hero.

Production on "Solo Leveling" comes at a high point for the franchise. Originating as a web novel written by Chugong in 2016, "Solo Leveling" quickly exploded in popularity, later being adapted into a webtoon illustrated by Dubu.

The digital comic has amassed an incredible 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide since its debut on KakaoPage, securing its place as the platform's top title. In recent years, "Solo Leveling" expanded its reach even further, spawning a successful video game and an award-winning anime series.

The anime was a hit at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, winning nine major categories, including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Character.

Netflix is teaming up with Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures to bring this fantastical world to life. The live-action project will be helmed by directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, who have previously collaborated on acclaimed films like "Ashfall" and "Castaway on the Moon." The new series aims to showcase vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and grand visual effects.

Byeon Woo-seok's casting on the project has been met with excitement from both fans and the entertainment industry. The actor, who gained international recognition for his roles in "20th Century Girl" and "Lovely Runner," is considered one of Korea's rising stars. His emotional range and screen presence have drawn praise, making him a promising choice to portray the evolution of Sung Jinwoo from the weakest to the strongest Hunter.

Filming details and the rest of the cast have not yet been shared, and Netflix has yet to announce a release date. However, the adaptation has already generated immense global anticipation, given the track record of the "Solo Leveling" franchise and Byeon's growing popularity.

With a world-renowned story, a star lead, and a production team promising cinematic action and fantasy, Netflix's "Solo Leveling" is poised to be a landmark in K-drama adaptations.

Originally published on Kpop Starz

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