Netflix is bringing the ultimate underdog story to the screen with the recent release of the main trailer for the live-action series “Viral Hit.”
Based on the smash-hit South Korean webtoon (known as “Kenka Dokugaku” in Japan and “How to Fight” in Korea) by Taejun Pak and Kim Junghyun, the highly anticipated drama arrives on June 11, 2026.
The original webtoon has been an absolute juggernaut on LINE Manga and WEBTOON, boasting over 540 million views in Japan and a staggering 2.28 billion views worldwide.
This live-action adaptation pairs director Takeuchi Hideki with writer Tokunaga Yuichi. The powerhouse duo previously enthralled audiences with their unconventional world-building in works like “Fly Me to the Saitama” and the live-action “Cells at Work!”
Leading the cast is Suzuka Ouji (“Kimi ni Todoke,” “The Days”), who plays Shimura Kota — a high school student who has hit rock bottom. Unable to make ends meet and constantly abused by his schoolmates, Kota finds himself tumbling down a taboo path: making money by livestreaming real street fights.
Although he has never thrown a punch in his life, Kota trains using a mysterious instructional video. Joined by his junior-turned-editor Yashio Aki (Mikami Ai) and his cameraman classmate Kanegon (Sugo Araki), Kota begins taking on powerful opponents armed with nothing but a smartphone.
As the views and cash start rolling in, Kota captivates his audience with his fierce determination, refusing to back down no matter how many hits he takes.
Suzuka Ouji stars alongside a dynamic roster of up-and-coming talents and familiar faces. Nukumi Meru joins the cast as Asamiya Kaho, the heroine who becomes a central figure in Kota’s journey. The robust ensemble also features Hamao Noritaka, Maeda Kentaro, Iseya Yusuke, Sano Gaku, Ohtsuru Gitan, and Kataoka Tsurutaro.
Taejun Pak (T. Jun), the creator and writer of the original webtoon, shared his excitement for the adaptation: “As a child, I used to flip through manga volumes and dream of becoming a manga artist, and now I find myself watching my own work brought to life as such an incredible live-action drama. My heart is truly full, and even now it still feels unreal.”
He went on to praise the cast’s dedication, saying, “The physically demanding action performed by Ouji Suzuka, who plays the protagonist, and the rest of the cast, along with their nuanced performances that feel as if they’ve leapt straight out of the manga, are truly outstanding. Seeing the protagonist claw his way up from rock bottom, breaking through every wall in front of him and growing stronger each time, moved me deeply — even as the original creator. I would be delighted if viewers could fully enjoy the passion the cast poured into this project, as well as the powerful action throughout. Thank you very much.”
Kim Junghyun, the series’ illustrator, echoed these sentiments: “Seeing the characters I poured my heart and soul into designing come vividly to life through the actors’ performances was truly a deeply moving experience for me. The thought that this work will now reach even more people fills me with excitement. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved.”
Set against visceral, captivating action sequences, “Viral Hit” holds up a mirror to the dark side of modern internet culture. Why do participants risk life and limb in livestreamed brawls? Who is the mysterious mentor hiding behind the chicken mask? And when the stream finally ends, will they find the wealth and fame they crave, or something else entirely?
The action-packed “Viral Hit” premieres globally on June 11, only on Netflix.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on a Netflix Newsroom story, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.