Netflix adaptation of the webtoon "Viral Hit" announced

A globally popular webtoon series is receiving a live-action adaptation for the streaming platform Netflix. The series with the Japanese title "Kenka Dokugaku" (English: "Viral Hit") is based on the work of the same name by South Korean author Taejun Pak (known under the pseudonym T.Jun) and artist Kim Junghyun. The release is planned for May 28, 2026 on Netflix.

The story focuses on a high school student named Kota Shimura, who is at the bottom of the social hierarchy at his school and suffers from poverty. His life changes when a recording of a spontaneous fight with a classmate is unintentionally streamed live and gains significant attention on the internet. The resulting realization that money can be made from such fights prompts him to start his own livestream channel. It is directed by Hideki Takeuchi, while Yuichi Tokunaga is responsible for the screenplay. The production is handled by Miria Gon Studio.

The lead role of Kota Shimura is played by Hiroshi Suzuka. Other ensemble members include Ai Mikami, Shinki Sugo, Rina Asakawa, Takuro Nagata, and Mieko Harada. The underlying original work, the webtoon "Kenka Dokugaku" ("Viral Hit"), has been published since 2019 and has recorded over 540 million views in Japan and over 2.2 billion views worldwide. It was awarded as a Jury-recommended work in the Manga category at the 2022 Japan Media Arts Festival. An anime television series adaptation was already broadcast in spring 2024.

On the occasion of the announcement of the live-action series, the service LINE Manga is offering the first 30 chapters of the original webtoon for free reading for a limited time until February 9, 2026.