Netflix’s most anticipated K-drama adaptation just got a potential new addition. Reports have surfaced that Kang Mina may be reuniting with Lovely Runner star Byeon Woo Seok in the live-action adaptation of “Solo Leveling” — and fans of both the franchise and the actors are paying very close attention.
Solo Leveling Live-Action — What We Know So Far
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Platform | Netflix (Original Series) |
| Episodes | 7 |
| Status | Filming — began May 2026 |
| Confirmed Lead | Byeon Woo Seok as Sung Jin Woo |
| In Talks | Han So Hee as Cha Hae In |
| In Talks | Kang You Seok as Yoo Jin Ho |
| Reported | Kang Mina (role TBC) |
| Directors | Lee Hae Jun & Kim Byung Seo (Ashfall, Cold Eyes) |
| Production | Kakao Entertainment & SANAI Pictures |
| Expected Release | Late 2027 / Early 2028 |
What’s Being Reported About Kang Mina
On May 13, Korean media reported that Kang Mina has been offered a role in the Netflix series. Her agency Story J Company responded cautiously, stating only that “nothing has been confirmed” regarding her appearance — a classic non-denial that keeps the door open.
If she joins the cast, it would mark a reunion with Byeon Woo Seok, with whom she previously appeared in the historical drama Moonshine and the short drama History of Walking Upright. Kang Mina, who debuted as a member of I.O.I and has steadily built her acting resume, most recently appeared in Netflix’s If Wishes Could Kill. She’s also confirmed for the upcoming tvN rom-com See You at Work Tomorrow! alongside Seo In Guk and Park Ji Hyun. For more updates on her upcoming projects, visit Technosports.
Why “Solo Leveling” Is One of the Most Anticipated Netflix Projects Ever
Solo Leveling started as a Korean web novel by Chugong in 2016, was adapted into a webtoon by KakaoPage in 2018, and became a full-blown global phenomenon when its anime adaptation swept nine major categories at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards — including Anime of the Year. The franchise now boasts 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide.
The story follows Sung Jin Woo, an E-rank Hunter — the weakest tier — who gains an extraordinary ability to continuously level up after a brutal near-death experience. What begins as survival turns into a planet-scale reckoning.
Netflix officially announced the live-action in July 2025, and Byeon Woo Seok personally confirmed filming had begun via a message to fans in May 2026, saying: “As for Solo Leveling, we’re filming soon. I’m filming this month.” Given the massive VFX requirements, a late 2027 or early 2028 premiere is the most realistic timeline.
The Cast Shaping Up
Byeon Woo Seok — Lovely Runner, 20th Century Girl, Perfect Crown — was the first confirmed cast member and brings both his fan-favorite status and undeniable physicality to Sung Jin Woo. Netflix even cited his nickname “straight out of a manhwa” when announcing his casting. Han So Hee (My Name, Gyeongseong Creature) is in talks to play Cha Hae In, Korea’s only female S-Rank Hunter — a fan-favourite role that the anime expanded significantly. Kang You Seok (When Life Gives You Tangerines) is in talks as Yoo Jin Ho, Jin Woo’s loyal D-Rank ally.
Keep an eye on all Solo Leveling cast updates and K-drama news at Technosports.
