Netflix’s Live-Action Adaptation of Solo Leveling: Han So-hee Joins the Cast as Cha Hae-in
Netflix is set to bring the beloved webtoon Solo Leveling to life with a live-action adaptation, and the cast is growing more exciting with the recent announcement of Han So-hee joining the project. According to reports from South Korean media, she is slated to take on the role of Cha Hae-in, the only S-rank hunter in Korea. This character will appear alongside Byun Woo-seok, who has been confirmed to play the lead role of Sung Jinwoo. The casting news was reported by South Korean Sports Kyunghyang on August 29.
Solo Leveling is a compelling story that follows the journey of Sung Jinwoo, initially portrayed as humanity’s weakest hunter. After a life-threatening incident, he acquires the ability to level up, ultimately evolving into the strongest protector of mankind. Byun Woo-seok, who gained popularity through his role in tvN’s Lovely Runner, is expected to bring depth to this character as he transforms from the weakest to the strongest.
Han So-hee is already known for her impressive performances in action-packed series such as My Name and Gyeongseong Creature. Her background in intense roles positions her perfectly to embody Cha Hae-in, a character who is not only a fan favorite but also plays a significant role in the overarching narrative of Solo Leveling. Although the production team has not officially confirmed her involvement, the reports from Korean outlets strongly suggest that she will be stepping into this pivotal role.
The Creative Team Behind Solo Leveling
The live-action series will be co-directed by Lee Hae-jun and Kim Byung-seo. Both directors have notable experience, having worked on successful films like Ashfall, Like a Virgin, Castaway on the Moon, My Dictator, and Cold Eyes. The collaboration between these directors promises to bring a unique vision to the adaptation, marrying their cinematic expertise with the rich story and vibrant world of Solo Leveling. The production will be handled by Kakao Entertainment and SANAI PICTURES, ensuring that the series receives the quality it deserves.
A Brief Overview of Solo Leveling’s Origins
Solo Leveling started as a web novel titled Only I Level Up (나 혼자만 레벨업), authored by Chugong, a pseudonym for the writer. The novel first appeared in digital format in 2016 on the Korean platform KakaoPage. Its popularity soared, leading to an adaptation into a webtoon, a digital comic format tailored for mobile devices, in 2018. This adaptation was executed by REDICE Studio, a well-known South Korean studio recognized for its high-quality manhwa (Korean comics).
The webtoon’s art was illustrated by Jang Sung-rak, who is better known by the pen name DUBU. The transition from novel to webtoon was initially undertaken by Gi So-Ryeong, who worked on the project from 2018 to 2019. Following this, h-goon took over the adaptation until its conclusion in 2023. Unfortunately, the artistic world lost DUBU in July 2022 due to ongoing health issues, leaving behind a legacy that fans continue to cherish.
The Anime Adaptation and Its Success
In addition to the live-action series, Solo Leveling has also been adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures. The first season aired from January to April 2024, consisting of 12 episodes. The production team for the anime was led by director Shunsuke Nakashige, with Tomoko Sudo handling character design, Hiroyuki Sawano composing the music, and Noboru Kimura managing series composition. Following its successful debut, Solo Leveling Season 2: Arise From the Shadow premiered with 13 episodes from January to March 2025, achieving remarkable ratings and even surpassing ONE PIECE to become the highest-rated anime on Crunchyroll.
The anime adaptation has played a significant role in boosting the popularity of the original webtoon, drawing in new fans and rekindling the love of existing ones. The thrilling narrative and striking visuals have led to Solo Leveling being recognized as one of the most-watched anime series of all time on various platforms.
Anticipation for the Live-Action Series
As Netflix prepares for this adaptation, the excitement among fans continues to build. The combination of a well-established cast and a talented production team creates high expectations for the quality and fidelity of the adaptation. The story’s themes of growth, resilience, and the battle against overwhelming odds resonate deeply with audiences, making it a compelling choice for adaptation.
The character of Cha Hae-in is particularly pivotal, serving as a strong ally to the protagonist Sung Jinwoo. Her portrayal by Han So-hee is anticipated to bring a nuanced performance that captures the essence of strength and vulnerability inherent in the character. Fans are eager to see how the live-action series will interpret the intricate relationships and character dynamics that have made the original Solo Leveling so beloved.
The Future of Solo Leveling on Netflix
While the live-action adaptation’s release date has yet to be officially announced, the buzz surrounding the project suggests that it is a high priority for Netflix. The platform has been increasingly focused on expanding its offerings of Asian content, recognizing the growing global interest in K-dramas and adaptations of popular webtoons. This trend indicates that Solo Leveling could be a key title in Netflix’s strategy to capture and retain audiences who are eager for fresh, engaging storytelling.
In conclusion, the involvement of Han So-hee as Cha Hae-in alongside Byun Woo-seok’s Sung Jinwoo sets a promising stage for Netflix’s live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling. With a talented cast and crew at the helm, fans can look forward to an adaptation that honors the source material while introducing the story to a new audience. As anticipation builds, it will be exciting to witness how this beloved webtoon is brought to life on screen.