Netflix confirms Byeon Woo-seok as main lead in Solo Leveling live-action series

Calling all Byeon Woo-seok fans! If you've been missing the Lovely Runner heartthrob, don't worry. The South Korean A-lister is returning to our screens in a new Netflix TV series.

Netflix has officially confirmed that Byeon Woo-seok will play the lead role of Sung Jin-woo in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling. The announcement was made recently, as fans have been speculating about who will bring the iconic character to life.

Woo-seok’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to acclaimed roles in shows like the villain in Strong Girl Nam-soon, Woon-ho in the 2022 film 20th Century Girl, and more. Not only this, he's also set to share screen with K-pop idol IU in another upcoming K-drama.

Both fans and critics have admired his emotional range on screen, while his striking appearance has led many to say he looks like he stepped right out of a comic book. Now, all eyes are on him as he prepares to step into a character who starts at rock bottom but transforms into the strongest warrior humanity has ever seen.

Byeon Woo-seok confirmed as the main lead in Netflix's Solo Leveling

The Netflix live-action adaptation will follow the original Solo Leveling storyline, where Sung Jin-woo begins as an E-rank Hunter, someone barely capable of surviving even the weakest dungeons. However, a life-threatening event in a mysterious dungeon unlocks an unusual power that allows him to "level up" like a game character.

This character arc, from timid and fragile to unstoppable and fearless, will demand a wide range of emotion and intensity from Byeon Woo-seok, qualities fans believe he can deliver. The series is currently in production and is being directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, both of whom have impressive track records in Korean cinema.

Directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo are bringing their own strengths to the table for this adaptation. Lee is known for crafting emotionally layered stories that stick with you, while Kim has a knack for creating visually intense, high-energy scenes, as proven in his work on Cold Eyes and Ashfall.

With both of them on board, the live-action Solo Leveling promises to be more than just a faithful retelling. It’s set to be a visually rich, globally appealing experience. The series is being produced by Kakao Entertainment, the very company that originally launched Solo Leveling as a web novel and webtoon, along with SANAI PICTURES.

Their collaboration helps keep the spirit of the original intact. Kakao’s direct involvement in the script and overall creative process shows just how committed they are to doing justice to what made Solo Leveling such a beloved hit in the first place.

The Solo Leveling franchise has already achieved massive success. Originating as a web novel by Chugong in 2016, it evolved into a webtoon in 2018 with artwork by the late Dubu of Redice Studio. The series quickly became a cultural phenomenon, racking up over 14.3 billion views and dominating webtoon charts worldwide.

And now, expectations are high with the upcoming adaptation by Netflix, as fans already know how iconic the story is. Additionally, the casting of Byeon Woo-seok has successfully ignited anticipation among drama lovers and those who loved the webtoon.

As for the release date, Netflix hasn't shared any confirmed date. Since the actor has one more K-drama to come out, the live-action series might premiere sometime in 2026.

Trending

Also Read: The truth behind Byeon Woo-seok’s heart-melting performance in Lovely Runner— Did he actually sing?

Continue exploring Soap Central for regular updates on TV series, films, and more!

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback