Byeon Woo-seok to star in Netflix adaptation of ‘Solo Leveling’

Actor Byeon Woo-seok / Courtesy of Varo Entertainment

Netflix has officially greenlit a live-action adaptation of the hit webtoon and web novel “Solo Leveling,” with rising star Byeon Woo-seok tapped to play the lead role.

The series follows Sung Jin-woo, a notoriously weak E-rank hunter tasked with protecting the world from monsters that lie beyond mysterious gates. After a near-death experience, he awakens with the rare ability to level up infinitely, embarking on a journey to become the world’s strongest hunter.

Originally serialized on KakaoPage, “Solo Leveling” has become a global phenomenon, amassing more than 14.3 billion views across its webtoon and novel formats.

Its anime adaptation recently swept nine major categories at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including Anime of the Year, Best Action and Best Character, marking a first for a Korean animation.

Netflix promises the new series will bring to life the story’s dynamic action, richly imagined quests, visually stunning dungeons and fearsome monsters to deliver a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.

Byeon, known for his breakout roles in Netflix’s “20th Century Girl” and the drama “Lovely Runner,” has solidified his status as a global heartthrob with a sold-out Asia fan meeting tour.

Directors Lee Hae-jun (“Castaway on the Moon,” “My Dictator”) and Kim Byung-seo (“Cold Eyes”) will helm the project, combining unique storytelling with stylish action and cinematic flair.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.