[SINGAPORE] When Worlds Collide: Lee Min Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop and Director Kim Byung Woo Bring Fantasy to Life in Singapore

In an exclusive, closed-door media event held in Singapore, the cast and creators of ‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy’, took the spotlight to share insights into the film. The press conference was graced by none other than global superstar Lee Min Ho, heartthrob Ahn Hyo Seop, alongside Director Kim Byung Woo, and Producer Won Dong Yun. With cameras snapping and anticipation thick in the air, the event offered an electrifying glimpse into the epic adaptation of the hit web novel, as cast and crew shared creative challenges, and what fans can expect from this action-fantasy movie.

Director’s Dream Team: Ahn Hyo Seop & Lee Min Ho

The press conference kicked off with a buzz-worthy revelation on how Director Kim Byung Woo picked the two global stars. The director was candid about Ahn Hyo Seop’s big-screen debut, explaining that they were searching for a fresh face with the perfect look to bring Kim Dokja to life. Although several talented actors were considered, the director was clear that Ahn Hyo Seop was the only one they truly wanted to play the role. “Honestly, without him, I don’t think this movie could have happened,” the director said, emphasising just how essential Ahn Hyo Seop was to bringing the webnovel to life.

On the other hand, Lee Min Ho was the undisputed top pick from day one to portray Yoo Joonghyuk, the fierce and enigmatic regressor. Together, Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Min Ho formed the beating heart of the film, anchoring a gripping and unforgettable cinematic journey.

From Imagination to Impact: The Real Work Behind the Fantasy

Behind the cinematic spectacle of Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, lies a deeply introspective creative process, one that pushed its cast and director to new limits in both imagination and identity.

For Lee Min Ho, taking on the role of Yoo Joonghyuk meant more than just delivering action and intensity, it required acting within a world built almost entirely on visual effects. With little to no physical background to anchor them during filming, the actor described the preparation process as the most demanding as he had to rely heavily on his own imagination to convey emotion and depth in scenes that had not yet come to life. But beyond the technical challenges, the story also prompted a deeper reflection for him where in a fast-paced society, what truly matters is the people we choose to care for.

Playing Yoo Joonghyuk also came with the challenge of living up to a character known for his almost perfect appearance. In the webnovel, the character is described as having an “outstanding and beautiful face,” which felt very different from how Lee Min Ho sees himself. He shared that he feels like a very ordinary person and thus, taking on such an extraordinary role was not easy.

Meanwhile, Ahn Hyo Seop, tackled the opposite end of the spectrum with Kim Dokja, a character known for his plain, unremarkable appearance. Though he’s far from plain by most standards, Ahn Hyo Seop approached the role of Kim Dokja with humility and curiosity, using it as an opportunity to explore deeper questions about identity and perception. Playing a character described as “ordinary” challenged him to rethink what that word truly means in today’s world. During his preparation, he began to reflect on what it truly means to be ordinary, not just in terms of appearance but in how people define themselves. Considering the wide range of appearances, some tall, some short, some with striking features, others more subtle, he realized that identity goes far beyond outward looks. This deeper understanding allowed him to bring authenticity to the character, making Kim Dokja feel both personal and relatable to many.

For Director Kim Byung Woo, the biggest challenge was translating an expansive and popular web novel into a cohesive cinematic experience. Condensing the scale of Omniscient Reader into just a movie meant making bold creative decisions, capturing the heart of the original while also not being restricted by it. He aimed to preserve the story’s emotional weight and narrative complexity, all while reimagining it through a visual medium that allowed for different storytelling techniques. Balancing entertainment, depth, and faithfulness to the spirit of the source material was no easy feat, but the director saw it as an opportunity to push the boundaries of adaptation itself.

The Ultimate Superpower Pick? BLACKPINK’s Jisoo Steals the Spotlight

When asked to pick a superpower weapon, Ahn Hyo Seop chose the microphone, saying he would transform it into an unstoppable weapon and level it up so the entire world could tune in to watch the movie, and use that very weapon to promote it far and wide. Lee Min Ho kept things playful, choosing strength and joking that after talking nonstop all morning, boosting his endurance was the only way to keep going strong.

Also, when it came to choosing an ally, there was no competition. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo was the clear and unanimous favourite. The director summed it up simply as because she is BLACKPINK. Lee Min Ho also picked her, which prompted the host to jokingly ask if he was choosing Jisoo because of her weapon or simply because she is BLACKPINK. The actor laughed and quickly clarified that instead of using her as a weapon, he would harness the power of her music.

The host then pointed out that everyone seems to be picking their ally not for their weapons, but for friendship and support. Ahn Hyo Seop agreed, sharing the same reasons for choosing Jisoo as well.

Catch ‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy’ in cinemas this Thursday, 31 July 2025.

Special thanks to Purple Plan Singapore and Golden Village Singapore for the media invite!

Written by: Phebs
Photos by: Agnes

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