Director Kim Byung Woo, known for his past hits like The Terror Live and Take Point, recently opened up about his decision to cast BLACKPINK’s Jisoo in the upcoming fantasy-action film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet.
The film’s production press conference took place Tuesday morning at Lotte Cinema in Seoul, where Kim Byung Woo was joined by the lead cast: Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, and Nana.
Based on a popular South Korean web novel, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet follows the story of Kim Dok Ja (played by Ahn Hyo Seop), the only person who has read a long-running novel that unexpectedly becomes a reality when it comes to an end. As the fictional world collapses, Dok Ja must navigate a post-apocalyptic reality with the novel’s protagonist, Yoo Joong Hyuk (Lee Min Ho), and their allies. With a massive budget of around 30 billion KRW (approximately 21 million USD), the film marks Kim Byung Woo’s highly anticipated return to the big screen after a seven-year break.
Jisoo takes on the role of Lee Ji Hye, a high school student who looks up to Yoo Joong Hyuk as a mentor. This film will be her first major role in a feature, following her cameo in the 2022 film Dr. Cheon and the Lost Talisman.
When asked about Jisoo’s casting, Kim Byung Woo explained, “Our criteria were clear. The most important thing was finding an actor who could bring genuine dedication to the role.” He went on to add, “During our first meeting, I could sense her authenticity. She showed remarkable focus and commitment during the pre-reading sessions, which solidified our decision.”
Kim Byung Woo also noted, “Although Jisoo’s screen time isn’t large, we needed an actor who could grab the audience’s attention. Jisoo has given her all within the scope of her role, and I’m very pleased with her performance so far.”
Jisoo, who has faced some criticism for her acting skills in the past, particularly regarding her vocal delivery and emotional expressions, is under the spotlight to prove her acting chops. Some viewers have found her past performances lacking in emotional depth, which affected their connection to her characters. With Omniscient Reader: The Prophet soon to hit theaters, many are eager to see if this role will allow Jisoo to showcase her true potential as an actress.
Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is set to release in Korea on July 23.
