The actor Byeon Wooseok, who was 'the choice of everyone,' has announced his participation in the live-action adaptation of the blockbuster IP 'Solo Leveling.'
On the 10th, Netflix announced that it will produce a live-action drama of 'Solo Leveling.' It particularly surprised audiences by casting actor Byeon Wooseok in the lead role of Sung Jin-Woo.
'Solo Leveling' depicts the story of Sung Jin-Woo, an 'E-rank hunter' who, while being faced with the threat of death, awakens and levels up to become the 'strongest hunter' in order to save the world. It is based on the popular web novel and webtoon of the same name serialized on KakaoPage.
The original 'Solo Leveling' has not missed being KakaoPage's top-ranking work since its serialization. It recorded an impressive global cumulative view count of 14.3 billion and was also adapted into an animation, which swept nine major categories, including 'Animation of the Year,' 'Best Action,' and 'Best Character,' at the 2025 Crunchyroll Awards, the world's largest animation awards show, making it the first domestic work to achieve such a feat.
Especially, 'Solo Leveling' is receiving explosive popularity in North America. The animation has succeeded in an unusual box office performance by striking the preference of couch-sitting males in North America. The live-action adaptation alone is stimulating the expectations of global fans.
Additionally, the casting of Byeon Wooseok stimulates curiosity. Byeon Wooseok, who entered the entertainment industry as a model, made his acting debut in the 2016 drama 'Dear My Friends.' Since then, he has gained recognition through dramas such as 'Strong Woman Do Bong-soon,' 'Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,' and 'When the Camellia Blooms,' and rose to prominence last year with the hit drama 'Lovely Runner.'
After 'Lovely Runner,' Byeon Wooseok's next move has attracted significant interest. Choosing to work with singer and actress IU in '21st Century Lady,' he has now decided to take on 'Solo Leveling' as his next project. Given its status as an ultra-popular IP, the casting of actor Byeon Wooseok in the lead role of Sung Jin-Woo has drawn the attention of original fans. Byeon Wooseok's selection as the 'trend' has heightened expectations.
Sung Jin-Woo, played by Byeon Wooseok, is a previously ordinary, weak, and marginalized bottom-tier hunter who gradually grows stronger through leveling up while awakening his abilities and personal narrative as a hunter. The vibrant action and fantasy narrative, which are challenging to recreate in live-action, have received acclaim through the web novel, webtoon, and animation. Byeon Wooseok's portrayal of the growing character Sung Jin-Woo's action raises curiosity.
For this production, directors Lee Hae-jun of the film 'Ashfall' and Kim Byung-seo of 'The Watchers' will co-direct. Studio & New, Kakao Entertainment, and Sanai Pictures will collaborate on the production. Can Byeon Wooseok, who was 'the choice of everyone,' capture the global market by surpassing K-rom-coms and K-fantasy to expand beyond Korea and Asia? The production of the live-action adaptation of 'Solo Leveling' and Byeon Wooseok's challenge draw attention.
[Photo] Provided by OSEN DB, Baro Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment.
[OSEN]