Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy

Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
Theatrical release poster
Hangul
전지적 독자 시점
RRJeonjijeok dokja sijeom
MRChŏnjijŏk tokcha sijŏm
Directed byKim Byung-woo
Screenplay by
  • Kim Byung-woo
  • Lee Jeong-min
Based onOmniscient Reader's Viewpoint by Sing Shong
Produced by
  • Won Dong-yeon
  • Jung Moon-goo
Starring
CinematographyJeon Hye-jin
Edited byHan Mi-yeon
Music byMowg
Production
company
Realies Pictures
Distributed byLotte Entertainment
Release date
  • July 23, 2025 (2025-07-23)
Running time
117 minutes
CountrySouth Korea
LanguageKorean
BudgetUS$21 million[1]
Box officeUS$8.3 million[2][3]

Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy (Korean: 전지적 독자 시점) is a 2025 South Korean action fantasy film. It is adapted from the best-selling web novel Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint by Sing Shong and directed by Kim Byung-woo. The film stars Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, Jisoo, and Kwon Eun-seong.[4][5]

Premise

The story follows Kim Dok-ja (Ahn Hyo-seop), the only reader of a serialized web novel that suddenly becomes reality. As the real world collapses into chaos, he teams up with the story's main character, Yoo Joong-hyuk (Lee Min-ho), embarking on a perilous journey to reshape destiny and prevent the world's end.[5]

Cast

  • Lee Min-ho as Yoo Joong-hyuk, a cold and powerful regressor who fights to the end in each timeline[5]
  • Ahn Hyo-seop as Kim Dok-ja, a lone reader who becomes the key to saving the collapsing world[5]
  • Chae Soo-bin as Yoo Sang-ah, Kim Dok-ja's former co-worker and strong ally in the new world[5]
  • Shin Seung-ho as Lee Hyun-sung, a former soldier with remarkable defensive strength[5]
  • Nana as Jung Hee-won, a justice-driven fighter with fierce skills[5]
  • Jisoo as Lee Ji-hye, a resilient warrior who stands by Yoo Joong-hyuk in battle[5]
  • Kwon Eun-seong as Lee Gil-young

Production

Development

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint is one of the most popular Korean web novels on the platform Munpia, known for its complex world-building and narrative structure that blends fantasy, dystopia, and psychological elements. Since its publication, the series has received critical and commercial success, prompting demands for live-action adaptations. In April 2019, Munpia CEO Kim Hwan-cheol announced that Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint was being prepared for a screen adaptation following its massive success with over 10 million cumulative views.[6]

In 2023, director Kim Byung-woo was confirmed to lead the project, and the screenplay began development under the supervision of Realies Pictures, known for large-scale genre films. The adaptation aimed to preserve the original's layered structure while making the story accessible to a broader international audience.

Filming

Principal photography began on December 5, 2023,[7] and wrapped in late May 2024 after a six-month shoot that included large-scale sets and CGI sequences.[8]

Marketing

A teaser poster and official trailer were unveiled on February 15, 2025, showcasing the high-concept fantasy elements, action sequences, and dramatic tone. The film's promotional campaign highlights the tension between fate and free will, mirroring the original novel's philosophical themes.[4]

Release

The film premiered in South Korean theaters on July 23, 2025,[9] distributed by Lotte Entertainment (also Distributed Korean-Based Branch in Vietnam), with international distribution by Purple Plan in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia; Sahamongkol Films in Thailand, Westec Media in Cambodia and Viewer Choices in Philippines.[4]

Reception

Elizabeth Kerr of Screen International described Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy as an "old-fashioned creature feature" that delivers on its promises but suffers from a "muddled plot and murky internal logic" and a "starry but unchallenged cast".[10] John Lui of The Straits Times gave the film 2/5 stars and highlighted its visual flair and star-studded cast, but criticized it for lacking coherence due to "muddled storytelling" and underdeveloped, unconvincing character dynamics.[11] James Marsh of the South China Morning Post also rated the film 2/5 stars and remarked that "it is impossible to conceive that a feature film like this would exist without the success of Train to Busan and Squid Game".[12]

Cho Jiyoung of The Chosun Ilbo found the film exciting and visually impressive, with innovative ideas and strong performances, especially from Ahn Hyo-seop, but notes that it may face challenges in satisfying both fans and older audiences.[13] Jang Ju-yeon of Ilgan Sports described the film as "groundbreaking" and praised how it successfully condenses a vast and beloved web novel into an engaging, visually stunning, and accessible movie experience, highlighting its impressive world-building, innovative use of technology, and strong performances by the supporting cast.[14]

Choi Song-hee of Aju Business Daily wrote that, although the film delivers a visually thrilling and well-paced adaptation, it omits some details beloved by fans and has certain shortcomings, ultimately portraying it as a compelling summer blockbuster with both strengths and limitations.[15] Lee Woo-sang of The Korea Economic Daily was also critical of the film, suggesting that despite moments of improvement, it fails to capture the depth and emotional nuance of the original web novel and does not fully realize its potential as a compelling adaptation.[16]

References

  1. ^ "The $21 Million Blockbuster 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' Sparks Buzz with Teaser Trailer Release". Seoul Broadcasting System (in Korean). May 12, 2025. Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  2. ^ "Omniscient Reader (2025)". Retrieved July 23, 2025.
  3. ^ "Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on July 18, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c 전현무, 홍주연과의 열애설 심경 고백 "만신창이". Sports Donga (in Korean). February 15, 2025. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h 영화 '전지적 독자 시점' 캐스팅 확정…이민호X안효섭X채수빈 등 라인업 완성. Xports News (in Korean). December 15, 2024. Archived from the original on January 24, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2025.
  6. ^ "Munpia CEO confirms adaptation plans for Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint". April 17, 2019. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
  7. ^ "Production starts for Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint". Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  8. ^ "Filming concludes for Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint". Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  9. ^ Shin, Young-sun (July 1, 2025). "Ahn Hyo-seop & Lee Min-ho Lock Eyes—'Omniscient Reader' Sparks Fly". K-Entertainment News. Retrieved July 7, 2025.
  10. ^ Kerr, Elizabeth (July 24, 2025). "'Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy' review: Ahn Hyo-seop heads adaptation of South Korean web comic sensation". Screen International. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  11. ^ Lui, John (July 30, 2025). "At The Movies: Korean fantasy Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy misses the mark". The Straits Times. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  12. ^ Marsh, James (July 23, 2025). "Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy movie review – Korean fantasy is glossy but uninspired". South China Morning Post. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  13. ^ 조지영 (July 16, 2025). "[SC리뷰] 뜨거운 감자 '전독시', 치트키 '국뽕' 빠졌지만 '도파민' 쾌속 질주 '성공'(종합)". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  14. ^ 장주연 (July 16, 2025). "'전지적 독자 시점', 경험한 적 없는 신선한 재미가 온다 [IS리뷰]". Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  15. ^ 최송희 (July 22, 2025). "[최씨네 리뷰] 낯선 팬서비스, 친절한 입문서…'전지적 독자 시점'". Aju Business Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved August 15, 2025.
  16. ^ 이우상 (July 29, 2025). "전지적 독자 시점...고구마는 영화에 맡기고, 원작은 사이다로". Aju Business Daily (in Korean). Retrieved August 15, 2025.
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