SOLO LEVELING live-action finds their Sung Jinwoo in Byeon Woo-seok

Netflix has officially confirmed a live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling, with rising star Byeon Woo-seok cast as lead character Sung Jinwoo.

The announcement was made via Netflix Korea’s social media, revealing that the upcoming series will be directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo. The duo previously collaborated on the 2019 disaster film Ashfall and the critically acclaimed Like a Virgin, which centered on a transgender teen competing in a ssireum tournament.

Solo Leveling will be produced by Netflix in partnership with Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures. Further details on the cast, staff, and release date have not yet been revealed.

Byeon Woo-seok began his career as a model before landing small acting roles in dramas like Dear My Friends and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo. His breakout came in 2021’s Moonshine, earning him Best New Actor at the KBS Drama Awards. Most recently, he starred in the 2024 hit Lovely Runner, which brought him multiple accolades, including Best Actor (Daesang) and Popularity Award at the Asia Artist Awards. He is currently filming The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife as Prince Lee Wan.

Originally written as a webnovel by Chugong, Solo Leveling exploded in popularity after its webcomic adaptation by REDICE Studio, led by the late artist DUBU. The franchise later expanded into an anime, which swept nine categories at the 2025 Anime Awards, including “Anime of the Year,” and into the mobile game Solo Leveling: Arise.

Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, the world’s weakest Hunter, who gains the ability to level up infinitely after surviving a deadly dungeon. The webcomic is available on Tapas, Tappytoon, and Manta, while Yen Press publishes both the comic and novel in print. The anime is streaming on Crunchyroll.

Source: Netflix Korea