Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint film wins box office, not all fans

The poster for "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet." /Lotte Entertainment

On July 23, the highly debated and anticipated film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet was released, topping the box office at No. 1 with 127,431 viewers on opening day. The film is an adaptation of the popular web novel Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (ORV), which has accumulated a total of 300 million views across platforms. The story follows a protagonist living a normal life—working a contract job after graduating from an ordinary university—until he is thrown into the world of the web novel he had been reading for comfort. When the web novel replaces reality, the protagonist must survive in this fantasy-action world.

A cut scene from "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet." /Lotte Entertainment

Leading roles are played by Ahn Hyo-seop, who voiced the character Jinu in Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Lee Min-ho, returning to cinema after nine years. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is also part of the cast. However, live-action adaptations of popular web novels can be a double-edged sword. Criticism from fans erupted from just the released teaser: “What’s up with the character design?” “Why is he using a gun instead of a sword?” Some even said, “It should never have been made into a film.”

Yet the film remains in first place, as casual viewers are still enjoying it. It’s easier for those unfamiliar with the source material to immerse themselves in the world of ORV. The fast-paced action keeps it engaging, and before one realizes it, the climax arrives. Bold adaptation choices—while preserving the original novel’s themes—proved to be the key. On July 24, original creator Sing Shong said in an interview, “For longtime readers of ORV, the film adds a new perspective that feels like reading the novel for the first time. For those who haven’t read it, the film presents a unique world that leaves a lasting impression.”

The film shares the core message of the original novel but takes a different approach in delivering it. In response to the novel’s conclusion—“Someone else’s sacrifice is inevitable if I want to survive”—the protagonist Kim Dok-ja fights back, saying, “I can’t agree with that.” His stance symbolizes self-overcoming and solidarity. Director Kim Byung-woo, who helmed Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, previously emphasized coexistence in his 2018 film Take Point, where a character declares, “I’m not leaving alone. We’ll break through this hell and survive together.” In a recent interview, Director Kim addressed the controversy surrounding the film.

– Some fans criticized the film even before its release.

“I completely understand. I, too, was outraged when the Japanese manga One Piece was turned into a Netflix drama. But after watching it, I realized it had its own strengths. I did my best to highlight the unique cinematic qualities of this story.”

– What did you focus on when adapting the story for film?

“If a serialized web novel is a mountain range, a movie is a sharply defined volcano. I wrote the script to ensure the arc—beginning, middle, and end—delivers satisfaction within two hours.”

– Some viewers criticize the absence of the ‘behind-the-scenes supporter’ character setup.

“It wasn’t removed; the story just hasn’t reached that point yet. If a sequel becomes possible, I’d like to explore that aspect more thoroughly.”

– There’s also criticism that the final monster battle feels too much like a video game.

“That was deliberate. I wanted the monster to be seen not as a character but as a looming threat—more like a massive mountain to be overcome. That’s why it has no eyes. I wanted the audience’s attention to stay focused on the characters.”

Though a fantasy, ORV raises some of the most realistic questions: “How did the world end up like this? Why are humans being punished this way?” The characters risk their lives to search for answers. Heavy themes are balanced by the fantastical elements of the story—where fire-breathing dragons and sea serpents swim through the Han River.

The movie also marks a promising debut for Ahn Hyo-seop, who delivers even awkward lines and high-intensity action scenes with confidence. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, however, will need to put in significant effort if she hopes to establish herself as actor Kim Ji-soo. The film leaves room for a sequel. Director Kim said, “That depends on how audiences respond.”