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See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Solo Leveling" Live-Action Series in Works at Netflix with Byeon Woo-seok to Star
Yara Sameh Netflix is producing a live-action TV adaptation of the global phenomenon 'Solo Leveling,' with rising star Byeon Woo-seok attached to lead the series as protagonist Sung Jinwoo. The project is based on the record-breaking webtoon that has amassed 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide since its KakaoPage debut, where 'Solo Leveling' has maintained its position as the platform's No. 1 web novel and webtoon. The property was originally a web novel written by Chugong in 2016, before it was developed as a web series written by h-goon with art by Dubu, CEO of Redice Studio, and D&C Webtoon, and released by KakaoPage in 2018. The property's recent anime adaptation made history as the first Korean animation to dominate the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, sweeping nine major categories including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Character. The source material follows Sung Jinwoo, an E-rank Hunter — the lowest classification in a world where supernatural Gates have opened, releasing monstrous threats. After surviving a near-death experience, Jinwoo gains extraordinary leveling abilities, transforming him from the weakest Hunter into humanity's unexpected champion against escalating dangers. Byeon Woo-seok, who has gained significant attention for his roles in '20th Century Girl' and 'Lovely Runner,' will portray the series' main character. The project will be co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, whose previous collaborations include 'Ashfall,' 'Like a Virgin,' and 'Castaway on the Moon.' Netflix is partnering with Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures on the production. Separately, on the animation side, global music superstar J Balvin is making his first foray into anime voice acting, joining the cast of Crunchyroll and Aniplex's 'Solo Leveling Season 2 — Arise From the Shadow' in a key role. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Solo Leveling Live-Action release date update: Byeon Woo-seok to play Sung Jin-Woo, major details revealed
Solo Leveling continues to reinvent itself across media. With Seasons 1 and 2 of the anime still available on Crunchyroll and a highly anticipated live-action series in the works, the franchise shows no signs of losing momentum. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Byeon Woo-seok to Portray Lead Role Production Backed by Top Korean Filmmakers Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Solo Leveling's Meteoric Rise Netflix Deepens Its Investment in Anime Adaptations Awaiting the Premiere Date FAQs Is Solo Leveling getting a live-action adaptation? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who is playing the lead role of Sung Jin-Woo? Following the remarkable global success of its anime adaptation, the widely acclaimed Korean web novel Solo Leveling is now being transformed into a live-action series, further expanding the franchise's footprint across streaming platforms. Netflix confirmed the adaptation earlier this year, raising anticipation among fans worldwide, although a firm release date remains South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok, celebrated for his work in 20th Century Girl, Record of Youth, and the recently aired hit Lovely Runner, has been tapped to portray Sung Jin-Woo — the series' central figure. The character's compelling arc from an underwhelming E-rank hunter to the world's most powerful being has captivated fans of the original novel, and Woo-seok's casting has been met with enthusiasm across social media.'Byeon brings the emotional depth and screen presence needed to bring Sung Jin-Woo's journey to life,' read a Netflix statement introducing the series, as per a report by Radio live-action version will be helmed by directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo, known for their work in critically acclaimed films such as Ashfall, Cold Eyes, and Castaway on the Moon. Their experience in crafting gripping narratives and large-scale visuals is expected to bring nuance and realism to the adaptation, which will require extensive visual effects to depict the fantastical elements central to Solo Leveling's described the project as featuring "vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and exhilarating quests, brought to life by a world-class global VFX team." The statement also promised immersive portrayals of 'fantastical dungeons and uniquely powerful monsters,' which fans of the webtoon and anime will recognize as signature aspects of the penned by writer Chugong and published in 2016, Solo Leveling began as a web novel before being adapted into a manhwa (Korean webcomic) and later, into a full-fledged anime. The anime version debuted in 2024 and quickly gained widespread popularity. It was honoured at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, sweeping nine major categories including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best anime's resounding success was reinforced by its second season, which released earlier this year on Crunchyroll. With fans already speculating about a potential third season, the announcement of a live-action project has further fueled Solo Leveling live-action series represents another significant step in Netflix's ongoing commitment to anime and related content. The platform has recently rolled out adaptations and original titles such as The Summer Hikaru Died and Sakamoto Days, signaling an intensified focus on Japanese and Korean earlier this year in a Reddit AMA, producers Sota Furuhashi and Atsushi Kaneko reflected on the franchise's astonishing popularity. 'As animation producers, we don't know if we'll ever encounter another project with the same scale and impact as Solo Leveling. This has been a truly special experience in our careers,' the duo details on casting, production timelines, and the full cast remain limited, Netflix has confirmed that the series is actively in development. However, as of now, the Solo Leveling live-action release date has not been disclosed, as per the Radio Times report. Observers suggest that, given the complexity of visual effects and the global scale of interest, the streaming giant may take additional time to ensure high production involvement has added credibility to the project, with industry insiders noting that the role of Sung Jin-Woo will mark a career-defining moment for the Solo Leveling is being adapted into a live-action series by Netflix. The announcement followed the global success of its anime adaptation and Korean web novel Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok has been cast as Sung Jin-Woo, the protagonist of the series. He is known for his performances in Lovely Runner, 20th Century Girl, and Record of Youth.
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Byeon Woo-Seok to lead live-action adaptation of 'Solo Leveling'
Article Inside Page Netflix has officially announced a live-action adaptation of 'Solo Leveling,' with Byeon Woo-Seok taking on the lead role. Solo Leveling is coming back to life as a live-action series! After his hit Korean dramas, South Korean star Byeon Woo-Seok is set to portray Sung Jin-Woo, the protagonist of the popular web novel. His character starts as an E-rank hunter but eventually acquires extraordinary powers, transforming into humanity's final line of defense against the deadly creatures coming from the mysterious Gates. According to Netflix, the adaptation will be filled with "vivid characters, dynamic action sequences, and exhilarating quests, brought to life by a world-class global VFX team." Adding more excitement, it will also introduce "fantastical dungeons and uniquely powerful monsters, setting a new standard for live-action adaptations." The premiere date for the live-action has not yet been confirmed. Woo-Seok is known for his roles in 20th Century Girl, Record of Youth, and the hit series Lovely Runner, which currently airs on GMA in the afternoon. Solo Leveling was written by Chugong and was originally published in 2016. In 2024, its anime adaptation premiered and went on to dominate the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, winning nine major categories, including Anime of the Year, Best Action, and Best Character. Meanwhile, check out Byeon Woo-Seok's hottest photos in this gallery:
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Solo Leveling' confirmed for live adaptation; Byeon Woo Seok cast as lead in drama—Deets inside!
Actor Byeon Woo Seok has been officially cast as one of the main leads for the live-action adaptation drama of ' Solo Leveling .' Originally a web novel, fans had been anticipating the confirmation for quite some time, as rumors of the live adaptation had been floating around for some time. Byeon Woo Seok joins the cast for the K-drama adaptation of 'Solo Leveling.' On July 10, Byeon Woo Seok, who is also known for his roles in ' Lovely Runner ,' '20th Century Girl,' 'No Gain No Love,' and 'Strong Girl Nam-soon,' has officially been confirmed for the lead role of the upcoming drama 'Solo Leveling.' On July 10, the streaming platform confirmed the news on their official channels and shared the news that the production process for the project has also begun. About 'Solo Leveling' 'Solo Leveling' will be based on a popular web novel of the same name. While the official plot for the series has not been confirmed, the web novel itself focuses on Sung Jin Woo , an E-rank hunter. The fantasy web novel is based around a world where hunters protect the real world from monsters from the other realm. Jin Woo is among the lowest tier of hunters as well. Slowly, after a major incident that leaves him on the brink of life and death, Jin Woo starts harnessing extraordinary abilities. The story goes on about how, after this, he manages to become humanity's only hope. The web novel has already been adapted into an animated series as well and even won the title for 'Anime of the Year,' 'Best Action,' and 'Best Character' at the Crunchyroll Awards in 2025. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding how Woo Seok will represent the fantasy character on the small screen. He rose to fame after featuring in the Korean drama 'Lovely Runner.' He has also starred in other major projects as well, such as 'No Gain, No Love,' 'Strong Girl Namsoon,' 'Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,' and 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.'
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Byeon Woo-seok to lead Solo Leveling live-action adaptation as Sung Jin-woo in hit Korean Webtoon's global crossover
Netflix has officially announced a live-action adaptation of the hugely popular Korean webtoon Solo Leveling, sparking excitement among global fans. Revealed just after Anime Expo 2025, the news marks a significant milestone for Korean webtoon adaptations entering mainstream international media. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Adding to the anticipation, rising Korean star Byeon Woo-seok has been cast as the protagonist, Sung Jin-woo—a timid E-rank hunter who evolves into humanity's most powerful defender. Known for his roles in Lovely Runner and 20th Century Girl, Byeon's casting has been widely praised by fans who see him as a perfect match for the brooding and complex character. Byeon Woo-seok to lead Netflix's Solo Leveling live-action anime Netflix's casting of Byeon Woo-seok has been met with near-universal approval. Known for his roles in 20th Century Girl, Lovely Runner, and Strong Girl Nam Soon, Byeon brings both dramatic depth and a striking resemblance to the character of Jin-woo. Fans have long described the actor as a 'manhwa come to life,' and with his rising profile in Korean entertainment, he is poised to carry the emotional and physical weight of this highly anticipated adaptation. To ensure the adaptation meets global expectations, Netflix has enlisted acclaimed directors Lee Hae-jun (Like a Virgin, Castaway on the Moon) and Kim Byung-seo (Ashfall, Cold Eyes). Together, they bring a blend of visual storytelling and emotional resonance that is ideal for the dark, action-packed world of Solo Leveling. The series is being developed in collaboration with Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures, who are overseeing scriptwriting and creative direction to keep the show faithful to the original source material. Solo Leveling's rise: From web novel to global multimedia phenomenon Solo Leveling began as a web novel by Chugong and later became a visually stunning webtoon illustrated by the late DUBU (REDICE Studio). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It quickly gained traction among global readers for its gripping narrative, where a weak 'E-rank' hunter is suddenly granted the mysterious power to grow stronger without limits. Over time, the story transcended its original format and expanded into a multi-platform franchise that includes: A best-selling anime adaptation (streaming on Crunchyroll) A popular mobile game Multiple merchandise lines A massive international fanbase, with over 14 billion views on platforms like KakaoPage and WEBTOON Solo Leveling becomes a global hit with Webtoon anime and more The story of Solo Leveling centers on Sung Jin-woo, once known as the weakest hunter in a world overrun by magical portals and monsters. After barely surviving a deadly dungeon raid, Jin-woo discovers a unique ability: he can 'level up' like a video game character. This ability allows him to surpass his limits, evolve rapidly, and eventually assume the mantle of Shadow Monarch—humanity's final hope against powerful beings known as Monarchs. This 'zero to hero' arc has resonated with millions, creating a protagonist who is both emotionally complex and physically has had a rocky history with anime-to-live-action adaptations. Series like Cowboy Bebop, Death Note, and Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 received mixed-to-poor responses for lacking fidelity to the source material or failing to meet VFX standards. However, Solo Leveling could change that. Unlike One Piece—which faced criticism for cutting corners on visual effects—Netflix has promised to bring in a top-tier global production team to ensure cinematic quality in the fantasy-action scenes. Solo Leveling joins the ranks of Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead With this adaptation, Solo Leveling now sits among Korea's biggest pop-culture exports, alongside global hits like Squid Game and All of Us Are Dead. It also becomes the first major Korean-origin anime franchise to receive a full-scale live-action series, marking an important shift in how Korean IPs are treated in the global entertainment landscape. While Netflix has not yet confirmed an official release date, production is already underway, and insiders suggest that the series may be slated for late 2025 or early 2026. With the show's high production value, a compelling cast, and a creative team focused on authenticity, fans are hoping Solo Leveling will finally deliver a live-action adaptation that honors its anime roots. Also Read |
