Netflix announces Byeon Woo-seok as Sung Jin Woo for Solo Leveling Live-action Series

Popular streaming platform announces Byeon Woo-seok as lead role for Solo Leveling Adaptation.

Actor Byeon Woo-seok

Does he have Sung Jin Woo's aura?

Netflix has confirmed the production of a live-action Korean series based on Solo Leveling, with actor Byeon Woo-seok set to play the lead role. 

The series, which originated as a Korean web novel, has since expanded into a webtoon, anime, and video game, gaining a global following.

The story follows Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank Hunter—the lowest tier in a world where Hunters battle monsters emerging from mysterious Gates. After a near-death experience, Jin-woo gains extraordinary abilities, evolving into a key defender against these threats.

Since its debut on KakaoPage, Solo Leveling has remained the platform's top web novel and webtoon, amassing over 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide. Its anime adaptation became the first Korean animation to win nine major awards at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including Anime of the Year and Best Action.

The live-action series is expected to feature detailed character portrayals, high-energy action sequences, and immersive quests, supported by a global VFX team. The adaptation will also showcase fantastical dungeons and unique monster designs.

Byeon Woo-seok, known for his roles in 20th Century Girl and Lovely Runner, will star as Sung Jin-woo. The actor, often referred to as "만찢남"  or "Manj-Jitt-Nam "(a term for someone who looks like they stepped out of a comic), is expected to bring depth to Jin-woo's transformation and battles.

Directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for films such as Ashfall and Cold Eyes, will helm the series. Production will be handled by Kakao Entertainment and SANAI PICTURES.

With an expanded storyline and Byeon Woo-seok in the lead, Solo Leveling is poised to be a major release. Further updates will be available on Netflix.

What do you guys think?

Source: Netflix