‘It’s Disappointing’: Solo Leveling Star Opens Up on ‘Frustrating’ Reality of Anime Decisions

Aleks Le, a popular voice actor in anime, is well-known for his starring role in the acclaimed dark fantasy series produced by A-1 Pictures, as well as many other popular shows. Despite his success, Le has expressed some concerns about the industry, particularly how much emphasis is placed on an actor’s social media following when deciding who to cast, rather than their acting ability.

With the rise of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, voice actors are increasingly expected to have an active online presence when applying for jobs. In a recent interview, voice actor Le was asked about the importance of having a large social media following and how it influences casting choices. Le explained that social media presence is now a significant factor for major projects, but personally, they believe it shouldn’t be so important.

Solo Leveling‘s Aleks Le Talks Being Replaced on Anime Projects Due to Social Media Followings

Le has been a voice actor in anime and video games since 2003. He’s well-known for playing Jinwoo Sung in *Solo Leveling*, as well as characters in *Kuroko’s Basketball* (2012), *Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War*, and the *Ne Zha* films. Before *Solo Leveling*, his biggest role was Zenitsu Agatsuma, which debuted in 2019. Despite his experience and reputation, Le has sometimes lost roles to people with larger social media followings. He explained that he’s been replaced on projects, even last minute, by celebrities or influencers. He finds it frustrating when casting decisions are based on popularity rather than acting ability, as it can compromise the quality of the project.

Voice acting is physically demanding, and focusing solely on quantity of work rather than an actor’s skill can be harmful. As voice actor Le explains, many roles require intense screaming that needs careful management. He recommends asking directors to limit recording sessions to two-hour blocks or to save the most strenuous yelling for the end, helping actors preserve their voices throughout the session. Le has personally experienced vocal strain, including while working on the recent film *Demon SlayerKimetsu no Yaiba The Movie: Infinity Castle*.

Aleks Le uses TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to stay in the public eye and connect with industry professionals. As of October 6, 2025, he has over 201,000 followers on X, where he’s been active since 2016. Though he’s somewhat frustrated with how the entertainment industry works now, he welcomes actors and influencers who value animation and the people who create it. He explains, “I have nothing against celebrities or influencers if they appreciate the art form,” adding that he’s worked with many talented people who are dedicated to their craft. Ultimately, he acknowledges that having a strong online presence is now essential for his career.

Solo Leveling is available to stream exclusively on Crunchyroll’s premium content service.

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2025-10-07 00:10