Do you know the story behind the author of the animation "Solo Leveling"?

Who Created Solo Leveling?

Solo Leveling began as a web novel in South Korea, written by the author Chugong (추공). He first published it on KakaoPage in 2016, and it quickly gained attention for its fresh take on the “hunter” and dungeon genre.

Later, the story was adapted into a webtoon (manhwa), illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (장성락), better known by his pen name DUBU from the studio Redice Studio. This adaptation, which launched in 2018, is what truly catapulted Solo Leveling to worldwide fame.

About Chugong (Author)

• Chugong remains relatively private, and not much personal information about him is publicly available.

• His writing style emphasizes character growth, with the main character Sung Jinwoo evolving from the weakest hunter to the most powerful being.

• Fans love his pacing and how he builds tension through action-packed arcs.

• After Solo Leveling, his name became one of the most recognized in Korean web novel history.

About Jang Sung-rak / DUBU (Illustrator)

• Jang Sung-rak (DUBU) was the CEO of Redice Studio.

• He was responsible for bringing Chugong’s words to life through stunning visuals in the Solo Leveling manhwa.

• Tragically, DUBU passed away in July 2022 due to a chronic illness. This shocked the fan community worldwide.

• Despite his passing, his artwork continues to inspire millions, and the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling (released in 2024 by A-1 Pictures) is seen as a tribute to his legacy.

Legacy of Solo Leveling

• Solo Leveling became a global sensation, with translations in multiple languages.

• It influenced many other webtoons and web novels.

• The anime adaptation ensures that both Chugong’s writing and DUBU’s illustrations continue to reach new fans.

• To this day, fans celebrate both the author and illustrator for creating one of the most iconic stories in modern anime/manga culture.