Netflix Adapting ‘Solo Leveling' Manhwa Into Korean Live-Action Series
Announced via a post on its website, the Netflix adaptation will be co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for films like Ashfall, My Dictator and Cold Eyes. The series will be produced by Kakao Entertainment and SANAI PICTURES.
Byeon Woo-seok (Source: Wireimage)
Byeon, one of Korea's most sought-after young actors in recent years, has long been a fan-cast for the role of Sung Jin-woo. Known for his appearances in 2024's Lovely Runner and 2022's 20th Century Girl, the actor had previously garnered the nickname 'straight out of a manhwa', which made him a fitting choice to embody Jin-woo's evolution in the show, according to Netflix.
The live-action adaptation is set to follow the same storyline as the manhwa (webtoon), with Netflix's description reading: 'Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank Hunter — the lowest tier — who gains extraordinary abilities after a near-death experience. As he levels up, he becomes humanity's unexpected hope, defending against monstrous threats emerging from beyond the mysterious Gates.'
This series is based on the record-breaking manhwa of the same name, which has amassed 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide since its KakaoPage debut in 2023. In 2024, the IP received an anime adaptation, which garnered massive success over the course of its two current seasons, making history as the first Korean IP-based series to dominate the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, where it clinched nine trophies, including Anime of the Year, Best Action and Best Character.
Although additional casting details or a release window has yet to be announced, Netflix's Solo Leveling live-action adaptation promises 'vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and exhilarating quests, brought to life by a world-class global VFX team', and will 'introduce viewers to fantastical dungeons and uniquely powerful monsters, setting a new standard for live-action adaptations.'
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