Will fantasy epic ‘Omniscient Reader’ turn tide for Korean cinema?

Ahn Hyo-seop stars as Kim Dok-ja, who sets out on a quest to save the world when his favorite web novel becomes reality in “Omniscient Reader.” Courtesy of Lotte Entertainment

By Hankookilbo

• Published Jul 21, 2025 8:37 AM KST
• Updated Jul 21, 2025 11:13 AM KST

Movie opens Wednesday with nearly 90 percent CGI and fast-paced, high-concept storytelling

Ahn Hyo-seop stars as an ordinary office worker thrust into a fictional apocalypse in “Omniscient Reader,” a big-budget Korean fantasy film opening on Wednesday that is drawing attention for its immersive storytelling, high-stakes visual effects and potential to breathe life into a struggling domestic film industry.

Based on Sing Shong’s wildly popular web novel of the same name, which has accumulated more than 200 million views, “Omniscient Reader” unfolds around Kim Dok-ja (Ahn Hyo-seop), a nondescript contract employee and the sole remaining reader of a decade-long serialized story titled “Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World.”

One day, after messaging the author to criticize the ending, “So someone’s sacrifice was necessary for your story to end? I completely disagree. This was the worst possible conclusion,” Kim receives a cryptic reply: “Then show us the ending you want.”

Moments later, disaster strikes Seoul’s Dongho Bridge, mirroring the opening of the novel. The subway train Kim is riding on halts, and a deadly chain of events erupts, plunging the real world into the plot of the story.

With intimate knowledge of what’s to come, Kim sets out on a mission to save humanity, enlisting coworkers like Yoo Sang-ah (Chae Soo-bin), a child named Lee Gil-young (Kwon Eun-sung) and key figures from the novel, including Lee Hyun-seong (Shin Seung-ho) and Jung Hee-won (Nana).

Big budget, bigger gamble on adaptation

Structured like a game, the film’s characters collect coins, gain powers and acquire weapons to clear “scenarios” that bring them closer to averting catastrophe. The fast-paced narrative blends genre thrills with philosophical questions, portraying the brutal survival of the few and the fragile humanity of many.

Like “Squid Game” or “The 8 Show,” the film portrays a bleak but gripping contest, yet pivots toward the theme of solidarity as the key to overcoming destruction.

With more than 30 billion won ($22 million) in production costs, the movie is one of the most expensive Korean films to date. It arrives at a pivotal moment for Korean cinema, with recent Hollywood releases like “Jurassic World: Dominion” and “Superman” underperforming at the local box office, leaving room for domestic titles to make a comeback.

Director Kim Byung-woo, known for “The Terror Live” and “Take Point,” said he aimed to create a film that even newcomers to the original web novel could enjoy.

“Our goal was for audiences unfamiliar with the source material to find this story complete in itself,” Kim said in an interview. “Some debate may arise based on visuals or clips, but once the film is released, I believe viewers will understand the reasoning behind the changes.”

Among the changes are narrative and character adjustments. Some lore elements are only briefly explained, and one major character, Lee Ji-hye, played by BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, now wields a gun instead of her original sword.

This has prompted some fans to criticize deviations from the source material. Kim defended the decisions, noting that too many sword-fighting characters weakened the uniqueness of the action scenes.

“We focused on what fit best within the scope of this movie,” he said, “and left out elements that had little relevance to the events on screen.”

Epic scale, emotional core, and sequel hopes

The film adapts only the early part of the original web novel, which spans 551 episodes and over 7,000 pages in book form. Condensing such vast material into a 117-minute movie posed a major challenge.

While the plot unfolds at a brisk pace, offering little downtime for boredom, the trade-off is a lack of character backstory and emotional depth, which some critics say hinders full immersion.

Still, the film’s central arc, an isolated man forging bonds and leading others through crisis, provides a clear emotional through-line. “The core of the story is about Kim Dok-ja learning to solve complex problems through collaboration,” Kim said. “The story ends not with some grand victory, but with the characters making a small but meaningful step forward together.”

Visually, the film features more than 1,300 computer-generated shots out of roughly 1,500 total, with real-world locations like Seoul’s Geumho and Chungmuro subway stations reimagined as battle zones between humans and monsters.

The result is a striking blend of the familiar and the fantastical. While some viewers may praise the visual spectacle, others may find the CGI inconsistent depending on expectations.

“Omniscient Reader” ends on an open note, teasing a larger saga. Kim, the director, confirmed a draft of the sequel’s script is already written, and most of the lead cast are reportedly open to returning.

Even before its local release, the film has been sold to over 110 countries, underscoring its global appeal. Still, a sequel will depend on performance at home: the film must draw at least five million admissions domestically to recoup costs and greenlight future installments.

The industry is watching closely. As Korea’s moviegoers weigh returning to theaters amid a sluggish box office season, the success or failure of “Omniscient Reader” could set the tone for the rest of the year.

“I wanted this film to remind people why we go to the theater,” Kim said. “I hope it becomes proof that Korean films can still deliver something powerful and spectacular.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.