The Korean anime Solo Levelling is officially getting a live-action adaptation on Netflix. After the roaring success of Japan’s One Piece, the streamer is once again expanding its anime slate, this time with the story of Sung Jin Woo, the weakest hunter in a world where skilled humans fight monsters and monarchs. The anime version became one of the most-watched titles in Netflix’s history, and its original web novel and webtoon are among the biggest crossovers in Korean entertainment.
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Byeon Woo Seok to lead in Solo Levelling live adaptation
The fantasy live-action series has roped in the fan-favourite pick for the lead, Byeon Woo Seok. After stealing hearts in Strong Girl Nam Soon and then taking over timelines with Lovely Runner, Seok quickly became the most in-demand name to play Solo Levelling’s brooding antihero, Sung Jin Woo. His sharp features, uncanny resemblance to the character, and what fans call a “manhwa come to life” vibe seemingly worked in his favour. Byeon Woo Seok earlier led Netflix’s 20th Century Girl. The actor, who debuted in 2017 with minor roles, didn’t stay in the background for long.
Solo Levelling live-action adaptation
The South Korean fantasy anime, written by Chugong, was first serialised on Kakao’s digital platform back in 2016. Since then, Solo Levelling, across its web novel, webtoon, and anime formats, has clocked a jaw-dropping 14 billion views globally. Earlier this year, the anime version swept the Crunchyroll Awards, bagging nine trophies including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Character, making history as the first Korean-origin story to dominate a list usually ruled by Japanese titles. The upcoming live-action adaptation will be co-directed by Lee Hae Jun and Kim Byung Seo, the duo behind titles like Ashfall, Castaway on the Moon, and Like a Virgin. And unlike One Piece, which caught flak for skimping on VFX, Netflix has promised to rope in a top-tier global team to bring this fantasy world to life. With Solo Levelling now sitting in the same pop-culture league as Squid Game, fans are crossing fingers that the adaptation recreates the magic of anime. Netflix earlier tried its hand at other anime live-actions like Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, all of which ended up disappointing fans for ruining beloved franchises.
Also read: Next Solo Leveling? This anime adaptation is leading Crunchyroll’s spring 2025 release
The story follows Jin Woo, who’s out to kill every enemy in his way, but he’s the weakest hunter out there. One day, during a deadly dungeon raid that nearly wipes out his entire party, he somehow survives and wakes up with a strange power. He can now level up. That’s unheard of in his world, where a hunter’s power is fixed from the moment they awaken. With this new ability, Jin Woo starts hunting down enemies, only to realise he’s been chosen to become the Shadow Monarch, “King of the Dead.” From being the weakest, he’s now the only monarch fighting to protect humanity, while the rest, leaders of the monsters, are out to hunt him down.
