Rest in peace to the young legend behind Solo Leveling 💔🕊️
Remembering the brilliant artist behind Solo Leveling, Jang Sung-rak, better known to fans as DUBU, who passed away four years ago on July 23, 2022, at only 37.
As the series’ illustrator and the CEO of REDICE Studio, he helped transform Chugong’s web novel into a global visual phenomenon. DUBU gave Sung Jinwoo’s journey its unforgettable identity through cinematic paneling, explosive action, dramatic shadows, and striking character designs.
His artwork made every battle, transformation, and quiet emotional moment feel larger than life. His impact reached far beyond the manhwa itself. Solo Leveling has since grown into a franchise with billions of views, international print success, games, sequels, and an anime adaptation that won Anime of the Year at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
That worldwide success carries the visual foundation he helped create. DUBU helped show the world how powerful Korean webtoons could become, opening more doors for manhwa to reach global readers and eventually cross into mainstream anime culture. Four years later, his art continues to inspire creators and fans around the world. Rest in peace, Jang Sung-rak. Your work helped level up an entire generation of manhwa and anime fans.