Netflix's live-action adaptation of the hit web novel and webtoon adds major Hallyu stars to its cast
Netflix on Wednesday unveiled the official cast lineup for "Solo Leveling," starring Byeon Woo-seok, with Hallyu megastars Han So-hee and Jung Ji-hoon — better known by his stage name Rain — joining the cast.
"Solo Leveling" is Netflix's live-action adaptation of one of Korea's most popular intellectual properties. The franchise began as a web novel of the same name and grew into a global hit before expanding into a webtoon, anime series and games. Netflix announced plans for the live-action series last year and officially cast Byeon as the lead, Sung Jin-woo, in July.
Han ("Gyeongseong Creature") will play Cha Hae-in, the only woman S-rank hunter, who then becomes Sung's love interest. Jung ("Bloodhounds") will portray Baek Yoon-ho, another S-rank hunter and leader of the Baekho Guild. Veteran actor Lee Sung-min ("Teach You a Lesson") will play Ko Geun-hee, a retired hunter who heads the Korean Hunters Association. Kang Yoo-seok, who recently starred in "When Life Gives You Tangerines," further joins the cast as Yoo Jin-ho, a young hunter who becomes a trusted friend and ally of Sung Jin-woo.
"Solo Leveling" follows Sung Jin-woo, an E-rank hunter who struggles to survive while protecting the world from monsters emerging through mysterious gates. After a near-death experience awakens a unique ability that allows him to level up, he embarks on a journey to become the world's strongest hunter.
The original web novel and webtoon have amassed a combined 14.3 billion views worldwide. The anime adaptation has also found success globally. Its first and second seasons, released in 2024 and 2025, respectively, performed strongly overseas, with the series winning nine awards at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including anime of the year, best new series and best action. "Solo Leveling" added two more honors at this year's ceremony, winning best anime and best action anime.
Netflix has not yet announced a release date for the live-action series.
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