Koreans Call for Legal Ban on Popular Actor’s Acting Career
Byeon Woo Seok is facing serious backlash over his casting in Netflix’s upcoming live-action drama Solo Leveling.
The controversy started after Netflix announced Byeon Woo Seok would play the lead role alongside Han So Hee, Kang Yoo Seok, and Kang Mi Na. Fans were hyped for the adaptation, but the casting news quickly turned sour.
Many viewers criticized Byeon Woo Seok’s recent work in Perfect Crown, calling his acting disappointing at best. Some even joked about a legal ban on his acting.
There should be a law banning Byun Woo Seok from acting.
— Korean netizen via X
변우석 연기좀 그만하게 법적으로 막아라 https://t.co/oHhSHQJzP5
— 봉득만 (@20240830w) May 13, 2026
Fans are frustrated with his “blank, expressionless delivery,” especially when he’s surrounded by strong, experienced actors.
Not them surrounding him with elite actors when he barely moves a facial muscle
— سيرا • ♡ (@Seraxluv)
Not them surrounding him with elite actors when he barely moves a facial muscle https://t.co/uqGbm9rDDu
— سيرا • ♡ (@Seraxluv) May 13, 2026
Some highlighted the irony of Byeon’s “government-worker” like deadpan expression.
Setting everything else aside, just the thought of seeing Byun Woo Seok’s deadpan, government-worker expression again is already cracking me up
— Korean netizen via X
난 다 떠나러 변우석의 그 연기 공무원같은 표정을 또 볼수있다 생각하니까 벌써부터 존나 웃긴데ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ https://t.co/DYIybPhfyZ
— 쳬크 (@checkrumi33) May 13, 2026
Others think Byeon Woo Seok should start saying no to projects.
If you’re an adult, you should know when to turn things down. He just takes everything that comes his way without any discretion.
— Korean netizen via X
성인이면 알아서 거절할 줄도 알아야지
쫀득하게 들어오는대로 다 받네 https://t.co/J3eXlHsJTs— 또! (@ttotooxx) May 13, 2026
A common complaint is the shortage of male actors leading to repeated casting of the same few, including Byeon Woo Seok.
There really seems to be a shortage of male actors these days. They just keep cycling through Byun Woo Seok, Moon Sang Min, Kim Jae Won, and Lee Chae Min.
— Korean netizen via X
요즘엔 남자배우가 진짜 없는듯 변우석 문상민 김재원 이채민 돌아가면서 씀 https://t.co/GDq9QpD75H
— ㅋ (@5vvijbmnkk) May 13, 2026
Solo Leveling now carries heavy expectations — and heavy skepticism — thanks mostly to Byeon Woo Seok’s casting. Fans will be watching closely when it airs.