A live-action adaptation of the popular web novel and anime Solo Leveling is currently in the works, with Byeon Woo-seok chosen to star as the lead.
Netflix confirmed the live-action adaptation and Byeon’s casting in a release on Thursday, July 10. It also stated that fans can expect the South Korean actor to deliver an “unforgettable portrayal” of the lead character, Sung Jin-woo.
“Sung Jin-woo will be brought to life by Byeon Woo-seok, one of Korea’s most sought-after actors,” the streaming platform said. “With his fitting nickname ‘manjjitnam’ or ‘straight out of a comic,’ he’s set to deliver an unforgettable portrayal of Jin-woo’s evolution and action-packed journey.”
Written by Chugong, Solo Leveling is a 2016 web novel that tells the story of Sung Jin-woo, a low-rank hunter (the novel’s term for human warrior) who gains supernatural abilities after a near-death experience. He rose the ranks — even surpassing the skills of the greatest hunters — ultimately inheriting the Shadow Monarch position, only for him to discover that he is the Monarch who can save humanity.
The web novel was adapted into a webtoon, a video game, and an anime released in 2025, all of which became massively popular as well. The anime also bagged the Anime of the Year award in the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards last May.
Solo Leveling will be co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for their work in the films Like A Virgin and Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds, respectively.
“The upcoming live-action series adaptation promises to feature vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and exhilarating quests, brought to life by a world-class global VFX team. The series will also introduce viewers to fantastical dungeons and uniquely powerful monsters, setting a new standard for live-action adaptations,” Netflix added.
Byeon started his entertainment career in 2010 as a model before embarking on an acting career six years later. He gained widespread recognition after starring as the lead in the 2024 K-drama Lovely Runner.
Prior to the hit drama, he also starred in Record Of Youth, Strong Girl Nam-soon, and Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. He was also cast in the upcoming drama The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife. – Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network
