Omniscient Reader's Ahn Hyo-seop left some remarks ahead of its release.
On the afternoon of the 15th, a press screening for the film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet took place at COEX Megabox in Seoul. The event was attended by leading actors Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Nana, Shin Seung-ho, and director Kim Byung-woo.
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet (directed by Kim Byung-woo, provided by Lotte Entertainment and Smilegate, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Realize Pictures Co., Ltd., co-produced by MYM Entertainment, Smilegate Realize, and The Present Company) tells the story of a world that becomes reality on the day the decade-long serialized novel concludes, with the only reader, Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), and the protagonist Yoo Jung-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho), along with their companions, striving to survive in a devastated world.
This grand production, with an estimated budget of approximately 30 billion won, is based on the immensely popular web novel of the same name that has captured the love of global fans. Recently reborn as a film this year following a webtoon adaptation, it features Korean Wave stars Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop, as well as global girl group BLACKPINK's Jisoo. Additionally, this is the first new work in seven years from director Kim Byung-woo, who directed The Terror Live (2013) and PMC: The Bunker (2018), and was produced by Realize Pictures, known for its double ten million hit series, Along with the Gods.
Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kim Dok-ja, the only character who knows the ending of the novel serialized for over ten years. He is a contract worker at an ordinary gaming company and the sole reader of the novel 'Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World.' He will portray Kim Dok-ja's everyday life and his gradual transformation into a stronger individual in a world where the novel has become reality, making his screen debut after ten years in the industry.
Omniscient Reader is considered one of the most anticipated films this summer, as the original work has received tremendous love from global fans, raising expectations significantly.
Ahn Hyo-seop said, "When I first received the script, I didn't realize how big the original IP was. I just thought the script itself was attractive. When it became a live-action, I was excited as a filmmaker and as someone who loves movies." He added, "Whatever it is, when you have a lot of expectations, it creates pressure. I believe it can have a negative impact. The only thing I could do at that time was to stay true to the script, communicate with the director, the production team, and my colleagues, and do my best in the place I am in."
He continued, "I filmed each day on set without embarrassment. I did my utmost to engage in this project," adding, "I hope that both original fans and those who are not fans will all enjoy it."
Meanwhile, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is set to be released on July 23.
[Photo] Jo Eun-jung, reporter.
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