Solo Leveling storms Netflix with Byeon Woo-seok leading the hunt
Netflix is developing Solo Leveling as an original series with Byeon Woo-seok, Han So-hee and Rain in a 14.3 billion-view IP adaptation.
The web novel and webtoon original 'Solo Leveling,' which has amassed a staggering 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide and built a massive global fandom, is coming to Netflix as an original series. As the casting lineup for the project has recently taken shape, attention is being drawn simultaneously from fans of the original work and drama enthusiasts alike.
Major Roles Cast Including Byeon Woo-seok and Han So-hee
Byeon Woo-seok, who received immense love for his role in the drama 'Lovely Runner,' has been selected to play the protagonist, Sung Jin-woo. Anticipation is building to see how Byeon Woo-seok will portray Sung Jin-woo's narrative as he grows from the weakest E-rank hunter into the strongest.
Joining him to build a solid cast are Han So-hee, Kang Mi-na, Kang You-seok, and Cha Woo-min. Notably, singer and actor Rain has confirmed his appearance as Baek Yun-ho, the leader of the Baekho Guild and an S-rank hunter. Baek Yun-ho is a key figure who watches Sung Jin-woo's growth and seeks to recruit him into the guild.
Lee Sung Min Under Consideration for Role of Hunter Association President Go Gun-hee
Actor Lee Sung Min is currently considering the role of Go Gun-hee, the first S-rank hunter and President of the Hunter Association. Go Gun-hee is set as a character who has retired from active duty due to various circumstances. HB Entertainment, Lee Sung Min's agency, stated on July 9 that they are engaged in in-depth discussions after receiving an offer to appear in the new Netflix series 'Solo Leveling'.
Overwhelming Scale and Production Team of the 14.3 Billion View IP
This project is being produced by Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures, with directors Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo co-directing. The original 'Solo Leveling' transcended web novels and webtoons to be produced as an anime, gaining worldwide popularity. In particular, the anime version proved the power of this strong IP by sweeping nine major categories at the 2025 Crunchyroll Awards, including 'Anime of the Year'.
Dealing with the desperate struggle of hunters protecting the real world from monsters beyond the gates, this series possesses immense momentum from the production stage, backed by an already established powerful fandom and a confirmed cast.
