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Live-Action Adaptation of LINE Manga's 'Kenkadou Gaku'

In a thrilling announcement, LINE Digital Frontier Co., Ltd. has confirmed that its wildly popular original webtoon, 'Kenkadou Gaku', will be making its debut as a live-action series on Netflix, starting May 28. With staggering viewing numbers of 5.4 billion nationwide and 2.28 billion globally, this adaptation promises to bring the electrifying story to new heights.

The webtoon, which was created by PTJ cartoon company and illustrated by Kim Seong-hyun, delves into the dynamic world of school life, featuring themes of conflict and resilience. It received recognition as a recommended work by the 25th Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs Media Arts Festival in the Manga category, further cementing its status as a beloved story that resonated with a vast audience. Additionally, plans for an anime adaptation are underway for 2024, making this live-action portrayal even more eagerly awaited.

The show stars the rising actor, Oji Suzuka, known for his performances in 'Honeybee and Distant Thunder' and 'Silent', in the role of the protagonist, Kouta Shimura. Kouta is depicted as a student at the lowest rungs of the school hierarchy, battling personal struggles at home, including his mother’s serious illness and their impoverished situation.

Alongside Oji Suzuka are notable cast members including Ai Miue as Aki Yashio, and Araki Shinki portraying Kaneko, also known as Kanegon. The series is further enriched by veteran actors such as Natsuna Asakawa, Takuro Nagata, and Yoshiko Harada, who bring unique characters to life, enhancing the overall narrative.

Directed by Hideki Takeuchi and written by Tomokazu Tokunaga, who previously collaborated on popular projects such as 'To The Saitama' and 'Cells at Work', the team promises a grand visual feast for audiences. This adaptation aims to capture the original’s spirit while delivering an engaging story filled with relatable emotions and a sense of excitement that resonates with viewers of all ages.

The essence of ‘Kenkadou Gaku’ revolves around Kouta who, after a spontaneous fight with a classmate accidentally streamed worldwide, discovers the lucrative world of combat broadcasting. This incident reveals to him an unexpected way to escape poverty by monetizing his brawls, ultimately leading him into the realm of live streaming known as 'Kenkadou Gaku'. Here, his journey of self-discovery and defiance against the social order begins.

As a celebration of the Netflix series, LINE Manga is running a promotional event from January 27 to February 9, where the first 30 chapters of the original webtoon will be available for free. This initiative encourages fans to dive into the source material and understand the roots of this exciting story.

Takeuchi, excited about the project, expressed, “This narrative is infused with a unique energy that pulls people in. It speaks to our primal urge to not lose, to change our circumstances. We want to retain that intensity while delivering a Netflix-style version of 'Kenkadou Gaku'.”

Tokunaga added, “This isn’t just about wanting to be physically stronger; it is about people who have, for too long, learned to hide and accept the harsh realities around them. This story is about standing up once more.”

Producers and cast believe this engaging teenage drama channels not only thrilling fight sequences but also powerful emotional arcs, ensuring that the series stands out as one of the must-watch entertainment experiences on Netflix.

Mark your calendars for May 28, as ‘Kenkadou Gaku’ will be exclusively available worldwide on Netflix. Prepare yourself for a compelling watch that combines youth, struggle, and the quest for identity in a world that often seems unfair.