Korean Fantasy Film 'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' Sets Summer Release

Star-studded adaptation of hit web novel to debut July 23, featuring Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop

'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' will hit Korean theaters on July 23, 2025, with a new trailer revealing the scope of this anticipated fantasy action film. The movie runs 1 hour and 56 minutes and features an ensemble cast led by Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop.

The film adapts the web novel 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' by Sing Shong, which was published on Munpia from January 2018 to February 2020. The story follows Kim Dokja, who has been the sole reader of a web novel called "Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World" for over a decade. When the fictional apocalypse becomes reality, Kim Dokja's knowledge becomes crucial for survival.

Sing Shong is the pseudonym of a married Korean couple who co-authored the novel. The web novel exceeded 26 million views by September 2019 and has since been adapted into a popular webtoon.

Ahn Hyo Seop plays Kim Dok Ja, an office worker who becomes the unlikely hero, while Lee Min Ho stars as Yoo Jung Hyuk, the original novel's protagonist. BLACKPINK's Jisoo joins the cast as Lee Ji Hye, alongside Chae Soo Bin as Yoo Sang Ah, Nana as Jung Hee Won, and Shin Seung Ho as Lee Hyun Sung.

The casting drew mixed reactions from fans of the source material, with some questioning whether the actors match their mental images of the characters. However, producer Won Dong Yun confirmed that all script changes were discussed with and approved by the original authors.

Kim Byung Woo directs the film, with Won Dong Yun producing. This marks the first of five planned films adapting the web novel, following a 2019 announcement by Munpia and Realize Pictures.

Fans initially expressed concern about changes from the source material, particularly characters using guns instead of traditional weapons, but the producer assured that classic elements like swords and supernatural creatures will appear in the film.

The story begins when Kim Dok Ja's daily subway commute mirrors the opening of his favorite novel. A creature named Bihyung appears and presents passengers with deadly "scenarios," forcing them into survival situations. As the only person who knows the story's progression, Kim Dok Ja must navigate this new reality while trying to change the predetermined ending.

The trailer shows Kim Dok Ja declaring his intention to "rewrite the ending of this story," suggesting he aims to save everyone rather than follow the original plot.

An English translation of the novel is scheduled for release on July 22, 2025, one day before the film premiere. An anime adaptation has also been announced, though no release date has been set.

The film represents a significant investment in Korean fantasy cinema, following the global success of Korean entertainment properties. With the source material's established international fanbase, the movie could appeal beyond domestic audiences.

'Omniscient Reader: The Prophet' premieres July 23, 2025 in Korean theaters.