"Omniscient Reader" director Kim Byeong-woo expressed satisfaction regarding BLACKPINK's Jisoo, calling it "a very well-done casting."
On the morning of the 17th, an interview with Kim Byeong-woo, director of the movie "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet," took place at a cafe in Sokgyeok-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
"Omniscient Reader: The Prophet" (directed by Kim Byeong-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) is a fantasy action film based on the modern fantasy web novel of the same name, which has been serialized for over 10 years. On the day the novel was completed, the world within it becomes reality, and the only reader, Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), along with the protagonist Yoo Jung-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho) and comrades, must survive in a destroyed world.
With a total production cost of about 30 billion won, this blockbuster is based on the popular web novel of the same name that has garnered love from global fans. After being reborn as a film this year following a recent webtoon adaptation, the cast includes Hallyu stars Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop, as well as global girl group BLACKPINK's Jisoo. Moreover, it is a new work from director Kim Byeong-woo, who directed "The Terror Live" (2013) and "PMC: The Bunker" (2018), released after seven years, and was produced by Realize Pictures, known for creating the blockbuster "Along With the Gods" series.
BLACKPINK's Jisoo plays a high school student, Lee Ji-hye, who refers to Yoo Jung-hyuk as her master. In previously released stills and videos, Ji-hye is seen wielding a gun instead of a sword. The original protagonists utilize the powers of historical figures, and while Ji-hye has Admiral Yi Sun-sin as a "backing force," some fans argue that her portrayal with a gun instead of a symbolic sword does not fit.
Director Kim Byeong-woo noted, "The timing of Ji-hye's appearance in the film is quite late. That character has a significant presence in the original work as well. I pondered how to handle this, but I couldn't advance the timing of her appearance. There is a point where that character arrives; if an actor recognized by the public plays it, it could highlight her presence. I'm aware of opinions from the media and internet users regarding that point."
He continued, "I think that alone means it is a very well-done casting. If it hadn't been for actress Jisoo, I think it would have gone unnoticed. In some ways, no character in the movie could be taken lightly. I believe it is necessary to create a scene where they come together with strength at the end. I had concerns during casting."
Regarding the backing force of Lee Ji-hye, he said, "If a sequel is made, I'm contemplating how it will be specifically developed. I cannot provide a clear answer on those points," adding, "The activities and appearances of the backing forces expressed in the original are significant elements that the original holds as important assets; thus, if we can make a sequel, I hope to create new scenes as well."
In response to the question, "Isn't it unfortunate that Ji-soo is a character who appears for less than 5 minutes yet has sparked such controversy and discussions?" he replied, "I think that just shows she is an actress who gains attention. Additionally, there is no edited footage of Jisoo. The amount in the script is all that was shown."
Meanwhile, "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet" is set to be released on the 23rd.
[Photo] Lotte Entertainment
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