Lee Min-ho Admits Struggle with Playing His Character in “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint”

On June 17, a press conference for the film Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint was held at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Byung-woo and actors Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, and Nana attended, sharing insights about the film.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a fantasy action film based on a novel serialized for over a decade. On the day the novel concludes, its fictional world becomes reality, and Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), the sole reader, teams up with the novel’s protagonist Yoo Joong-hyuk (Lee Min-ho) and their companions to survive in a doomed world.

The film adapts a wildly popular webtoon. Director Kim Byung-woo explained, “I felt immense pressure due to the original work’s popularity and grappled with how to visually bring it to life. The original blends realism and fantasy seamlessly.” He emphasized the care taken in directing to balance these elements. Kim Byung-woo added, “This is a film where audiences can engage, thinking, ‘What would I do?’ while watching in theaters,” highlighting Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint as an immersive experience.

Following the trailer’s release, some fans expressed dissatisfaction and concern over changes to the original setting. Addressing this, Kim Byung-woo said, “As a fan of the original, I had many concerns. Adapting a vast story into a two-hour film required changes, and some adjustments were made to incorporate diverse action sequences visually.”

The cast was drawn to the film’s fantasy action elements and its message. Ahn Hyo-seop shared, “When I first read the script, I was curious about how it would translate to the screen. The scale was unlike anything seen in Korea before,” expressing his excitement for the project.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint features vibrant characters in a world blending reality and fantasy. Ahn Hyo-seop described his character, Kim Dok-ja, as “an ordinary person you might encounter, who meets various companions and strives to change a doomed world.” Director Kim Byung-woo praised Ahn Hyo-seop’s performance but jokingly remarked, “I didn’t think he needed to be that tall and handsome,” making the room erupt in laughter. He added that Kim Dok-ja’s relatability was key to the character.

Lee Min-ho’s character, Yoo Joong-hyuk, is a strikingly charismatic figure with flawless looks. On portraying such a character, Lee Min-ho said, “I don’t like characters that overtly exude coolness.” He continued, “I prefer characters who become cool by overcoming flaws. But Yoo Joong-hyuk is cool from the start, which was burdensome. I’m also worried about meeting the expectations of original fans.” He humbly estimated his synchronization with the character at 10%.

Chae Soo-bin and Shin Seung-ho said they couldn’t put the script down from the moment they started reading, captivated by the story. Nana recalled, “The trust I had came from working with Director Kim Byung-woo and the production team behind Along with the Gods.”

Nana added, “I was curious about filming in front of a blue screen and always had a thirst for action. The freedom allowed in fantasy action made me want to take on the challenge,” explaining her approach to the film’s action sequences.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is set to hit theaters on July 23, meeting audiences nationwide.