The movie 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' (directed by Kim Byeong-woo, abbreviated as 'Omniscient Reader') finally faces the public. Starting from a hugely popular web novel that recorded unprecedented hits, it has expanded into a webtoon of the same name and now a movie. The endless expansion of this blockbuster IP raises expectations that it could lead to another global syndrome, following the success of 'Squid Game' and continuing the momentum of the 'K-brand' with 'K-Pop Demon Hunters.'
# Cumulative views of 420 million, completed IP 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet'
'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' is a web novel that was serialized by the author Sing Shong since 2018. Based on the popular web novel theme known as 'reincarnation, possession, and rebirth', it captivates readers with a grand story that encompasses historical figures of Korea, 'Journey to the West', and the four great civilizations and myths of the world. Thanks to this popularity, the original work surpassed a cumulative view count of 26 million within just one year of serialization. After being reborn as a webtoon, it skyrocketed to a global cumulative view count of 425 million. It is undeniably a blockbuster IP representing the contemporary fantasy genre of Korea.
# Kim Hyo-seop X Lee Min-ho two-top five-part live-action film, large-scale OSMU project
Fueled by the original's immense popularity, the movie 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' was launched. The production company Realize Pictures, which successfully adapted another popular webtoon series 'Along with the Gods' into a live-action film, is behind the project. 'Omniscient Reader' was discussed as a series to fit the vast narrative flow in the OTT-driven market but ultimately planned as a five-part film. In addition, the rising star Kim Hyo-seop was cast in the leading role of Kim Dok-ja, while Hallyu star Lee Min-ho plays the protagonist Yoo Jung-hyuk in the play-within-a-play titled 'Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World' (abbreviated as 'Three Survival Methods'). This two-top structure is further enhanced by a glamorous casting lineup including actors Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, and BLACKPINK's Jisoo.
# The finale of 'Squid Game' and the storm of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' in between
After 'Squid Game' caused a global syndrome on the OTT platform Netflix, it recently concluded its third season. The Netflix film utilizing K-Pop, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (abbreviated as 'K-Demon Hunters'), has swept global music charts such as Billboard and Spotify, continuing to strengthen the power of K-brand in the global market. In this context, 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet', based on a globally popular IP, cannot merely be viewed as a domestic film. The anticipation grows regarding how high it can achieve global success and whether it can serve as a starting point for a new leap in K-content. Given that a sequel is planned, it remains to be seen whether it will be remembered as a continuous success story of K-movies.
# An invitation to the readers of 'Omniscient Reader'
In February 2020, the original novel, which concluded with episode 551, started to unfold new stories as a side story upon the decision to adapt it into a movie. The film 'Omniscient Reader' dynamically showcases the meeting of Kim Dok-ja, the possessed character from the novel, and Yoo Jung-hyuk, the reincarnated character from the play-within-a-play, depicting their process of becoming companions, inviting new 'readers' into the vast and never-ending world of 'Omniscient Reader'. This invitation to another world, where the terms 'readers' in the novel and webtoon become 'audience' in theaters and 'fandom' for followers of the universe, makes it difficult to easily reject the temptation coming from this blockbuster IP.
The live-action adaptation of 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' is expected to be a project that proves the global scalability and sustainability of Korean IP, rather than merely a fan service. The popularity and revenue built over the years validate its relevance, presenting a test of how far the high-quality worldbuilding and its response will carry on. Already, the brand power of 'K' has been recognized in the global content market. It remains to be seen whether the original IP can also gain acknowledgment for its utilization. The film 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet', which is poised to be a turning point, is set to be released in theaters nationwide on the 23rd.
[Photo] Provided by Lotte Entertainment.
[OSEN]