Omniscient Reader director Kim Byung Woo defended his casting choices for the upcoming fantasy action film, specifically addressing the controversy surrounding BLACKPINK’s Jisoo by saying he believes “even that was ultimately a successful casting decision.”
Set to premiere on July 23rd, Omniscient Reader is based on the globally popular web novel of the same name. The film follows Kim Dokja, the sole reader of a web novel titled ‘Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse’. When the world suddenly transforms into the setting of the novel, Kim Dokja’s unique knowledge of the story becomes key to survival. He joins forces with the novel’s protagonist, Yoo Joong Hyuk, to rewrite the ending and confront the cosmic forces behind the apocalyptic events. The film stars Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, Nana, and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo.
Lee Min Ho takes on the role of Yoo Joong Hyuk, the charismatic hero of the novel. Director Kim expressed full confidence in the casting, saying, “I kept thinking, ‘Who else could deliver these lines like Lee Min Ho?’ He’s the kind of actor whose presence alone can carry a film. He doesn’t need CGI or special effects to bring this character to life.”
The conversation also turned to the casting of BLACKPINK’s Jisoo as Lee Ji Hye. Director Kim explained the reasoning behind choosing the global K-pop star: “Lee Ji Hye appears midway through the film. I felt it was crucial to cast someone instantly recognizable to the public, so her appearance would stand out and make viewers wonder, ‘Who is that?’”
When asked about public criticism of Jisoo’s acting skills, Kim was candid: “I’m aware of it, but even that was ultimately a successful casting decision.” He elaborated that because Lee Ji Hye’s screen time is relatively short, “If Jisoo had not taken on the role, it might have been a character that could have been edited out.”
In response to the article, online commenters expressed mixed reactions.
One wrote, “Jisoo must be embarrassed,” pointing out that the director’s remarks could be awkward for the actress. Another said, “What are we supposed to do if the director is the one throwing shade?” expressing disappointment in his tone. Some interpreted his words humorously: “So he’s basically saying it’s fine because her role is small.” Others criticized the comment as inconsiderate, asking, “Isn’t that kind of disrespectful to Jisoo?” Still, there were more forgiving takes, with one user commenting, “It’s refreshing to hear honesty instead of the usual sugarcoating.” Overall, public opinion remains divided over the director’s remarks.
Kim also addressed complaints from fans of the original web novel. In the source material, Lee Ji Hye’s power stems from the legendary Korean admiral Yi Sun Shin, but in the film, she uses a gun instead of a sword.
“I know that fans of the original work may not like it,” Kim acknowledged. “I tried to produce the film in a way that wouldn’t cause any controversy, but I may have overlooked some things.” He explained the change as a creative choice, adding: “It was a decision intended to differentiate her from other sword-wielding characters in the story.”
The director also revealed that the original author found the film adaptation “very enjoyable.” “We’re close friends who even get together for casual meals,” he added.
Omniscient Reader opens in theaters on July 23rd.
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