[FILM REVIEW] OMNISCIENT READER: THE PROPHECY (2025)

What happens when fiction becomes reality—and the only way to survive is to rewrite the story?

In Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, protagonist Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop) finds himself pulled into the very world of a web novel he’s followed faithfully for 10 years. Disappointed by its ending, Dok-ja sends a message to the mysterious author—only to receive  a cryptic reply asking him to rewrite his own ending instead. What begins as a moment of frustration quickly escalates into a life-or-death struggle when the events of the novel’s first chapter begin unfolding around him. 

The film follows Dok-ja and a growing group of companions as they attempt to clear deadly “scenarios” designed to test their humanity and resilience. At every turn, the line between fiction and reality blurs, leaving audiences questioning what it truly means to be the hero of one’s own story, and whether the ends necessarily justifies the means. 

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its visual effects. The CGI work is impressively executed—seamlessly blending reality with the fantastical elements. From the city’s eerie transformation to creature design and combat sequences, every scene feels immersive and detailed. We found the effects particularly striking on the big screen (and was amazed at how far technology has come in the film industry), and it is no exaggeration to say that Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy is best experienced in cinemas. Should a 3D version ever be released, it would be well worth revisiting. 

Despite its two-hour runtime, the film maintains a consistently intense pace. There is little room to breathe between the action sequences and moral conundrums, and yet it never feels rushed or overstuffed. The pacing is tight, with each moment building on the last to drive tension forward. By the end of the show, we realised with some amusement that the headrest of our seats had remained untouched—an unconscious testament to how absorbing the film truly was.

With a cast that includes Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Nana, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and Kwon Eun-seong, expectations were understandably high—and the performances did not disappoint. Ahn Hyo-seop gave much depth to the character Kim Dok-ja, portraying not just a reluctant hero, but an ordinary man burdened by past regrets and inner conflict. This made Dok-ja extremely relatable to the audience, inviting the audience to cheer him on as he mustered his grit to battle scenario by scenario.

Lee Min-ho commands the screen as Yoo Joong-hyuk, the novel’s original protagonist—a character as formidable as he is emotionally distant. Cool-headed and logical to a fault, Joong-hyuk provides a sharp contrast to Dok-ja’s more reactive and empathetic nature, and Lee delivers the role with a commanding presence befitting the character’s legendary status as a hero.

Nana lights up every frame she’s in, effortlessly capturing the essence of a girl crush by blending fierce strength with courage and agility.

Notably, Kwon Eun-seong stands out with a performance that infuses the story with heart—his character’s innocence and quiet determination adds a much needed contrast to the film’s high-stakes atmosphere.

We approached the film without prior exposure to the original Omniscient Reader series, and thus, with fresh eyes. That said, reviews from longtime fans suggest that the movie deviates quite a bit from the source material—something not uncommon in adaptations of this scale. With such a sprawling narrative, a perfect translation into a two-hour runtime is virtually impossible. Rather than seeking strict accuracy, viewers may find it more rewarding to treat this film as a standalone or spin-off experience. With that mindset, the story opens up in new and exciting ways.

Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy is an ambitious and visually stunning adaptation that artfully blends heart-pounding action with thoughtful character work. While it may not be a frame-for-frame recreation of its source material, it succeeds in delivering a cinematic experience that is both gripping and memorable. Whether one is a seasoned fan of the manhwa or entirely new to the world, this film offers a compelling narrative that holds its own—and reminds us that even the most ordinary of readers can shape the story.

Fun fact: Did you know that “Dok-ja” in Omniscient Reader might have a double meaning? The term “dok-ja” is used to refer to a fan who is really into something. So it is an apt name for Dok Ja, who plays the role of a fan/reader of the novel within the story. 

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Running Time: 117 minutes
The Seoul Story’s Rating: 5/5 

Written by: Anna Wong
Photos by: Purple Plan SG

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