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Solo Levelingone of the most popular Korean webtoons and anime of recent years, is about to get a new life in a live-action version on Netflix. And to play the lead role, the platform has chosen Byeon Woo-seokthe actor that everyone has been clamoring for since Lovely Runner and 20th Century Girl.
For those who don't know this world yet, Solo Leveling began life as a web novel published on KakaoPage. Quickly adapted into webtoonIt has become a veritable phenomenon, with over 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide! In 2025, its animated adaptation swept all before it at the Crunchyroll Awards, taking 9 trophies including Anime of the Year, Best Action and Best Character. An unprecedented feat for a South Korean production.
A weak hero... who becomes humanity's last chance
At the heart of this success story is the story of Sung Jin-woo. A hunter of rank E (the lowest on the ladder), he is mocked, isolated and considered useless in a world where humanity survives thanks to hunters who fend off monsters emerging from mysterious portals. But everything changes when Jin-woo survives a near-suicidal mission in a double dungeon. This feat transforms him: he gains the ability to improve on his own, to "level up" without limit, until he becomes the most fearsome hunter and the last hope of a world in peril.
Byeon Woo-seok, a choice that has already won over fans
To bring this complex and evolving character to life, Netflix relies on Byeon Woo-seok. The actor has won over audiences with his charisma and nuanced acting. From romantic roles to Lovely Runner or 20th Century Girl, he moves into a darker, more physical register. Between spectacular action and raw emotion, the challenge promises to reveal a more intense side of his talent.
Reactions were swift on the networks: many fans praised the casting as "perfect" to embody Jin-woo's cold gaze and inner strength. The announcement also rekindled enthusiasm for the universe, which promises to deliver a version that is psychologically richer than the anime, while retaining its epic battles.
An ambitious project and a solid team
Directed by 2 great names: Lee Hae-jun (Ashfall, Castaway on the Moon) and Kim Byung-seo (Cold Eyes), renowned for their sense of rhythm, polished aesthetics and stylized action scenes. On the production side, Kakao Entertainment and SANAI PICTURES (renowned for their expertise in adapting webtoons) promise to bring vertiginous dungeons and fearsome monsters to life with world-class VFX.
No release date has yet been announced, but the official announcement has already placed Solo Leveling among Netflix's most eagerly awaited K-drama projects. With its blend of fantasy, intense combat and psychological drama, this adaptation marks a new turning point for live-action adaptations of Korean webtoons.
