Solo Leveling, the South Korean anime adaptation of the acclaimed web novel, has taken the top spot on Netflix Vietnam, surpassing major hits like My Demon Lover and Welcome to Samdal-ri. The sudden rise in popularity has left many curious about what makes this series stand out.
Solo Leveling’s Background
Solo Leveling, originally a South Korean web novel written by Chugong with illustrations by Jang Sung Rak, gained immense popularity with over 14 billion views on its webcomic platform. However, it also stirred controversy in Japan due to alleged nationalistic themes.
The Japanese version faced criticism for portraying the Japanese government negatively in a fictional conflict on Jeju Island. In response, the anime adaptation modified the narrative, placing the story in a Japanese setting and transforming all characters into Japanese ones. Despite the controversy, Solo Leveling achieved significant success in Japan, selling over 1.5 million copies.
The Netflix Triumph
Solo Leveling’s ascent to the top of Netflix charts in Vietnam signifies a remarkable achievement for South Korean content. The anime’s success comes as no surprise, given its substantial fan base and previous popularity as a webcomic and novel. The series has consistently ranked among the top 10 manga that Japanese readers want to see adapted into anime, according to surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023.
A-1 Pictures, a renowned Japanese animation studio responsible for hits like Fairy Tail and Sword Art Online, took on the task of adapting Solo Leveling into an anime in 2023.
The Plot
The story revolves around Sung Jin Woo, the weakest of all hunters in a fantastical world where humanity possesses magical abilities to protect against bloodthirsty monsters. In a twist of fate, Jin Woo becomes a player in a mysterious System, tasked with defeating all enemies set by the System. As he conquers foes, Jin Woo’s strength gradually evolves, resembling a progression system in a video game.
Despite its familiar premise, Solo Leveling captivates audiences with its engaging narrative and unique character development.
Netflix Adaptation and Future Prospects
Apart from its anime adaptation, Solo Leveling has also been confirmed for a live-action Netflix series, indicating the considerable interest the series has garnered even before the animated version’s release.
Solo Leveling’s unexpected surge to the top of Netflix Vietnam showcases its broad appeal, drawing both fans of the original material and newcomers eager to explore the captivating world of Sung Jin Woo’s journey.