The writer of "I'm the Only One Levelling Up" died of a cerebral hemorrhage..It's already the 3rd anniversary
Jul 23, 2025
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Writer Jang Sung-rak passed away on July 23, 2022, at the age of 37, due to a cerebral hemorrhage caused by a chronic disease. The news of his death shocked not only webtoon fans at home and abroad, but also the industry.
Based on the web novel of the same name by Chugong in 2016, 'I'm the Only One Levelling Up' he was in charge of painting was reborn as a webtoon in 2018. The work gained explosive popularity by depicting the process of subordinate Hunter 'Sung Jin-woo's growth into the strongest being through awakening, and played a major role in elevating the status of 'Kwebtoon' with 14.2 billion views (as of 2021) worldwide.
Red Ice Studio, which produces 'I'm the only one who levels up', said "I had a chronic disease and died of a cerebral hemorrhage" and "I had a funeral at the family home with only the bereaved family and acquaintances"
The deceased was known for his high-quality paintings while working in the genre of action and fantasy cartoons such as Beautiful Legend, and also served as the representative of Red Ice.
Even after the deceased separated from the world, his achievements continued. In January 2023, colleagues who worked with Jang during their lifetime gathered to present a foreign exhibition called 'I'm the only one levelling up'. The Red Ice Studio will continue the legacy of the deceased, saying, `It is a work prepared to honor the will of the deceased.'" he said.
'I'm the only one levelling up' is the story of the weakest monster hunter 'Seong Jin-woo'. A gate connecting the real world and other dimensions is opened, and if monsters cannot be handled beyond the gate, the world will fall into chaos.
Recently, Netflix officially announced the production of a live-action drama of 'I'm the Only One Levelling Up', raising fans' expectations once again. Actor Byun Woo-seok was cast as the main character Sung Jin-woo.
Director Lee Hae-joon of 「Kim's Drift」 and director Kim Byung-seo of"Baekdu Mountain" co-director, and Kakao Entertainment and Men's Pictures co-produce it.
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