Netflix’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the global hit Solo Leveling is adding more stars to its cast. On September 3, 2026, South Korean media outlet News1 reported that actors Sung Joon and Kim Si Ah are set to join the series, which already has Byeon Woo Seok attached as the lead character Sung Jin Woo.
The report indicates that Kim Si Ah will play Han Song Yi, who is the friend of Sung Jin Ah, the younger sister of the main character Sung Jin Woo. Sung Joon is reportedly taking on the role of Woo Jin Chul, a key supporter and ally in the original story.
Both actors’ agencies have responded to the reports but stopped short of confirming the casting. Kim Si Ah‘s agency, VARO Entertainment, and Sung Joon‘s agency, moahn Entertainment, both gave similar statements, saying, “Nothing has been confirmed”. This is a common practice in the industry, as Netflix typically restricts official casting confirmations until they are ready to make a formal announcement.
The Growing Cast of Solo Leveling
The Solo Leveling live-action series is one of the most awaited K-drama projects in development. Netflix officially confirmed the production of a Korean live-action series adaptation in July 2025. Byeon Woo Seok, known for his roles in Lovely Runner and 20th Century Girl, was the first actor confirmed to lead the series as Sung Jin Woo.
Since then, several other prominent names have been linked to the project. Han So Hee is in talks to play Cha Hae In, a fan-favorite S-Rank Hunter. Kang You Seok is reportedly in discussions for the role of Yoo Jin Ho, Sung Jin Woo’s loyal friend and ally. Other actors who have been mentioned in connection with the series include Kang Mina, Rain, Lee Sung Min, and Lee Hong Nae.
Understanding the Source Material
Solo Leveling started as a popular web novel written by Chugong. It was later adapted into a webtoon and then an animated series, gaining a massive global following. The story takes place in a world where mysterious gates have appeared, connecting Earth to dungeons filled with monsters.
Humans with special abilities, known as Hunters, fight these monsters to protect the real world. The main character, Sung Jin Woo, begins as the weakest E-rank Hunter. After a near-death experience inside a dungeon, he gains a unique ability that allows him to “level up” like a video game character. This power transforms him from the weakest hunter into the strongest, becoming humanity’s last hope.
Who Are the New Cast Members?
Sung Joon is a well-known actor who began his career in 2011 with the KBS drama White Christmas. He has appeared in many popular dramas, including Shut Up, Flower Boy Band (2012), Gu Family Book (2013), Discovery of Love (2014), High Society (2015), The Fiery Priest 2 (2024), and Love in the Moonlight (2025). His role as Woo Jin Chul would make him a key ally to Byeon Woo Seok’s Sung Jin Woo.
Kim Si Ah debuted in 2018 with the film Miss Baek. She has since built a strong filmography, appearing in movies like Ashfall (2019), The Closet (2020), and Gil Bok-soon (2023). On the small screen, she has been in Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021), The Silent Sea (2021), and Sweet Home Season 2 and 3. More recently, she starred in the Netflix series Girigo and the film Bikwang, which was released on September 2, 2026. She also has the film Resurrection Man: The Red scheduled for release on September 30, 2026.
Production Details
The Solo Leveling live-action series is being directed by Lee Hae-joon and Kim Byung-seo. Director Lee Hae-joon is known for films such as Castaway on the Moon (2009), My Dictator (2014), and Ashfall (2019). Director Kim Byung-seo co-directed Cold Eyes (2013). The series is being co-produced by Kakao Entertainment and Sanai Pictures.
The series is expected to be released on Netflix globally, though an official release date has not been announced yet.
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What This Means for the Series
The addition of Sung Joon and Kim Si Ah to the cast would further strengthen an already impressive lineup. Sung Joon‘s experience in various genres makes him a solid choice for the role of Woo Jin Chul, a character who plays a significant part in supporting Sung Jin Woo throughout his journey. Kim Si Ah‘s role as Han Song Yi, while smaller, connects to the main character’s personal life, adding depth to the story.
Fans of the webtoon and anime have been closely following the casting news. The project has generated significant buzz on social media, with many expressing excitement about seeing their favorite characters come to life.
As with any major production, details are still emerging. While the reports are promising, fans will have to wait for official confirmation from Netflix or the production team. The agencies’ cautious responses indicate that the casting is likely in its final stages but not yet signed.
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