Figure Skater Jun-hwan Cha to Star as Sung Jin-woo in Solo Leveling on ICE

South Korean national figure skater Cha Jun-hwan, 25, has been cast as the protagonist Sung Jin-woo in the revival of the ice show “Solo Leveling on ICE.” Production company Live Arena announced on the 27th that the performance will take place from August 7 to 17 at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

The production aims to enhance the growth narrative and performance of the lead character. Producers expect that Cha’s high-difficulty technical skills and artistic expression will upgrade the overall quality of the work.

A Fusion of Athletics and Digital Artistry

“Solo Leveling on ICE” is the first action performance musical in Korea based on the webtoon of the same name, which has recorded 14.3 billion cumulative views worldwide. The show blends an ice show, musical theater, and action performances.

The production utilizes an immersive environment, installing over 800 LED panels across the floor, fences, and the front of the 60m x 30m Mokdong Ice Rink. Projection mapping is also employed to create a three-dimensional realization of the original work’s “dungeon” universe.

The show previously premiered from December 24 to 31 of last year. That initial run received praise for its experimental blend of live music, large-scale stage production, and skating performances.

Did You Know? The “Solo Leveling” franchise is a global phenomenon; its game, “Solo Leveling: Arise,” has surpassed 50 million cumulative users, and its anime won both Best Animation and Best Action Animation at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.

The Synergy Between Athlete and Character

The role of Sung Jin-woo follows a journey from the “weakest hunter” to the “Shadow Monarch” who saves the world. Analysts suggest this narrative mirrors Cha Jun-hwan’s own professional trajectory of overcoming adversity to reach the top of his sport.

Jinwoo Saves Cha Hae-In | Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow-

Cha’s credentials include a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships in Saitama—the first for a Korean male figure skater—and a gold medal at the Harbin Winter Asian Games. He also holds a record of nine consecutive national championship titles, achieved after overcoming injuries.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Cha’s history as a child actor and CF model is cited as a key reason for his casting, as he is already accustomed to stage expression and performance.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that casting an elite athlete with a background in acting creates a rare intersection of physical precision and theatrical narrative. The stakes for this production lie in whether the technical demands of high-level figure skating can seamlessly integrate with the structured storytelling of a musical.

Looking Toward the Olympic Stage

The upcoming August performance will serve as a high-profile appearance for Cha before he shifts his focus back to competitive skating. He is currently preparing for the 2026 Milano Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics.

Following the conclusion of the ice show, Cha is likely to enter an intensive training phase for the Olympic season. Detailed information regarding ticket reservations for the August show is expected to be released at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will “Solo Leveling on ICE” be performed?
The show will run from August 7 to 17 at the Mokdong Ice Rink in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul.

Who is playing the role of Sung Jin-woo in the revival?
National figure skater Cha Jun-hwan has been confirmed for the lead role.

What makes this ice show different from traditional performances?
It is an action performance musical that uses over 800 LED panels and projection mapping to recreate a webtoon’s dungeon world, fusing skating with musical and action elements.

Do you think the fusion of sports and digital storytelling is the future of live entertainment?