Deserved? Unfair? Either way, he has a lot to prove this time.
46 minutes ago
The live-action adaptation of the beloved web novel and webtoon Solo Leveling already has one of the most recognizable source materials in the game. Now, it also has a cast list packed with big names.
Unfortunately for Byeon Woo Seok, that has not stopped the backlash.
On July 9, a post on theqoo gained attention after compiling the newly revealed casting lineup for Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling. The post listed Byeon Woo Seok as Sung Jinwoo, Han So Hee as Cha Hae In, Kang You Seok as Yoo Jinho, Cha Woo Min as Baruka, Lee Sung Min as Go Gunhee, Jung Ji Hoon, also known as Rain, as Baek Yoonho, and Kang Mina in an undisclosed role.
The original Solo Leveling began as a web novel before becoming a wildly popular webtoon and anime. The story follows Sung Jinwoo, once considered the weakest hunter, as he gains the ability to level up and becomes one of the most powerful beings in the world. In other words, the role is not exactly a quiet supporting part. Sung Jinwoo carries the entire story—and that is exactly why many Korean netizens are already worried.
- Ugh, this is such a shame. Omniscient Reader first, and now Solo Leveling too… These are honestly genre works that could turn out really well if done right.
- After finally making it out of that long, unknown period and landing this chance, he should focus on acting practice. He’s probably earned enough money now, so there’s nothing to feel too bad about…
- This is a male-lead fantasy-action work, so he needs acting skills and physical acting, but the male lead really can’t use his body. Since he’s tall too, he’ll probably look awkward and lanky.
- The male lead is the most important part, but the male lead is the worst at acting. Ah…
- If his acting stays the same this time too, he probably won’t be able to get big roles going forward…
- I don’t think I’ll watch because of the male lead.
- Sigh.
- The rest of the cast looks good, though.
- The casting is seriously stacked, but this is a heavy project to carry alone. Is that even possible for him?
- Uh-oh…
- It’s going to be a guaranteed flop…
While some praised the overall cast and said several actors matched their characters well visually, much of the discussion centered on Byeon Woo Seok’s casting as the male lead. Many felt that the role would require not only visuals but also strong action, physicality, fantasy-heavy emotional delivery, and the ability to carry long stretches of the story alone. Several netizens bluntly questioned whether Byeon Woo Seok could handle it.
- My Solo Leveling 🙁
- The genre itself is the kind where, if the acting isn’t there, scenes that make you cringe from secondhand embarrassment are bound to happen…
- The male lead isn’t confirmed, right?????
- I hope Actor Byeon practices action really hard. He needs to be good at using his body.
- @637 They’ve already started filming.
- For this drama, the moment they cast Byeon Woo Seok, it was already a goner…
- The male lead LOL. I’m scared the secondhand embarrassment will become my problem, so I’m just going to watch the anime one more time.
- Byeon Woo Seok fits the role well IMO. I’m looking forward to Solo Leveling LOL.
- @639 Damn………….
- If he keeps acting as he does, he’ll really stick out.
- Ugh, it’s Byeon Woo Seok again. I’m out after seeing Byeon Woo Seok’s name. Bye.
The backlash also follows recent criticism over Byeon Woo Seok’s physical—and overall—acting in Perfect Crown. After a scene of his character practicing archery went viral, netizens clowned the actor for looking visibly awkward despite the character supposedly being skilled with a bow. The scene quickly became ammunition for skeptics, with some directly questioning how he would handle Solo Leveling, a project that will likely demand far more action, movement, and physical control.
Byeon Woo Seok Gets Clowned For His Physical Acting
Solo Leveling is far from premiere. In fact, it only began shooting as of May 2026. But expectations are already sky-high due to the global popularity of the original. With Byeon Woo Seok confirmed to play Sung Jinwoo, the pressure is now on for him to prove that he can carry one of the most demanding fantasy-action roles in recent K-Drama casting.
Read more:
“Who’s Gonna Do The Acting?” — Major K-Drama’s Casting Hit With Scathing Response