Controversy Over Source Material Alterations: Can Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Break Free?
On June 16, a press conference for the film Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by director Kim Byung-woo and actors Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, and Nana.
Based on a popular web novel of the same name, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a fantasy action film about Kim Dok-ja (Ahn Hyo-seop), the sole reader of a novel serialized for over a decade, who finds himself in its fictional world when it becomes reality on the day the novel concludes. Alongside the novel’s protagonist, Yoo Joong-hyuk (Lee Min-ho), and their companions, he fights to survive in a doomed world. Adapting popular webtoons and web novels into films and dramas is no longer uncommon, as they offer high recognition, a proven storyline, and a built-in fanbase.
However, the high expectations of dedicated fans can be a source of anxiety. The drama Mercy for None, released on Netflix on June 6, exemplifies this. Based on a popular webtoon, Mercy for None ranked second globally among Netflix’s non-English series, garnering strong reactions, but original fans criticized its direction and fidelity to the source material. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint faces similar scrutiny. After its trailer was released, web novel fans voiced sharp criticism, pointing to changes like Lee Ji-hye (played by Jisoo), who has Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin as her Sponsor (a divine entity in the novel), wielding a gun instead of a sword, discrepancies in the characters’ appearances compared to the novel’s descriptions, and subpar-looking CG and action sequences.
Director Kim Byung-woo, a fan of the web novel since its early serialization, acknowledged these concerns. “After deciding to adapt it into a film, I was unsure how the story would unfold, which led to significant deliberation,” he said. “I focused most on balancing reality and fantasy appropriately.”
Director Kim Byung-woo addressed the challenge of condensing a lengthy novel into a two-hour runtime, stating, “The pressure of compressing a popular, extensive story into two hours was immense. Some adaptation and content loss were inevitable. I prioritized making the film feel complete.”
Regarding the controversial depiction of Lee Ji-hye using a gun, director Kim explained, “As a director, I needed to bring characters to life visually and diversify the action. I understand fans’ concerns, but I believe the final film will be convincing once seen.” He expressed confidence in the project. The cast also admitted to feeling pressure from the popular source material but remained confident in the finished product.
Ahn Hyo-seop, making his big-screen leading debut as Kim Dok-ja, shared, “When I first read the script, I was curious about how it would be realized. The pressure from the original was natural, but I let go of that and focused on portraying the Kim Dok-ja I enjoyed.” Nana, playing the justice-driven and resilient Jung Hee-won, recalled, “Action scenes were challenging, but the teamwork was incredible. From actors to crew, we were all in sync.” She added, “The director wanted a film that shows sweat over blood, and I think we achieved that vision,” expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
The Korean film industry in 2025 has been notably sluggish, with no film surpassing 5 million admissions by June, let alone reaching 10 million. Industry insiders warn of a looming crisis, and investors are adopting a cautious stance. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint reportedly has a break-even point of 6 million admissions. Even if it tops the 2025 box office, profitability remains uncertain.
Despite the dire need for a hit, Director Kim remained optimistic. “We put in a lot of effort to bring enjoyment through new approaches, different from past methods. We made it fun, so I hope audiences will watch it with an open mind,” he urged, appealing for support.
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is set to open in theaters nationwide on July 23.