OMNISCIENT READER: THE PROPHECY (전지적 독자 시점) (2025)

Genre: Action/Fantasy
Director: Kim Byung-woo
Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, NANA, Kwon Eun- seong, JISOO
Runtime: 1 hr 57 mins
Rating: NC16 (Some Violence)
Released By: Golden Village and Purple Plan
Official Website:

Opening Day: 31 July 2025

Synopsis: Kim Dokja (Ahn Hyo-seop), an ordinary man in his 20s, is the only reader of an obscure web novel titled “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse”. Having started reading in his school days, after 10 years of serialization the novel’s conclusion is finally published, and Kim, not liking the ending in which the hero, Yu Junghyeok survives alone. As he writes an angry letter to the author, calling it “the worst novel”. After sending the letter, the apocalyptic world of the novel suddenly becomes reality, and the novel’s omnipotent hero Yu Jung-hyeok (Lee Min-ho) appears before Kim. As the only person who knows how to survive in this world, Kim and his companions rescue Yu Jung-hyeok and strive to save the world by writing his own, new ending.

Movie Review:

Omniscient Reader may not be familiar to everyone, but its popularity is easy to understand. Originally published as a Korean web novel in January 2018, it has since expanded into an English physical novel, an ongoing webtoon adaptation, and an upcoming anime television series. A movie adaptation was only a matter of time — and it's made even more exciting by the casting of top Korean stars Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop. Cue the fan screams!

The web novel written by Sing Shong follows an ordinary man who becomes the sole reader of a web novel — until fiction becomes reality. As the story’s world collides with his own, he’s thrust into the plot with one advantage: he knows how it ends. Now, guided by his knowledge and facing trials set by mythical Korean creatures known dokkaebi, he must fight to change the ending and more importantly, survive.

This story makes the perfect companion for your daily ride — letting you imagine yourself as the protagonist, conquering one challenge after another to save the world. When reality calls and you step off at your stop, you’re already counting down to your next chance to return to that thrilling fantasy realm.

With such a rich setting, the filmmakers behind this entertaining popcorn flick have plenty to work with. As expected, the screen bursts with CGI spectacles — monstrous beings wreaking havoc while humans either battle for survival or scramble to stay hidden. Among them, the dokkaebi will make audiences go “aww”: a mischievous, floating creature so endearing it’s practically made to be a plushie you’d want to clip onto your bag or cuddle at night.

Casting Lee and Ahn was a savvy marketing move. Ahn plays the relatable everyman, Kim Dok-ja — a long-time reader suddenly challenged to change the ending of the novel he knows by heart. In contrast, Lee steps into the role of Yu Jung-hyeok, the novel’s brooding, battle-hardened hero.

Making his feature film debut, Ahn is set to win over even more fans beyond those who already adore him from his TV dramas. He brings a compelling mix of idealism and grit as his character is thrust into an extraordinary situation. Meanwhile, Lee, a seasoned star, effortlessly commands the screen — whether he’s taking down monsters or simply standing still, radiating cool confidence. With few words and plenty of presence, he makes it clear: this is a man you don’t mess with.

K-pop fans will be thrilled to see familiar faces in action. Nana, from girl group After School, takes on the role of a fierce and mysterious warrior, while Blackpink’s Jisoo portrays a cold, sharp-eyed sniper who’s as ruthless as she is captivating. Chae Soo-bin plays Dok-ja’s former co-worker, now a loyal and capable ally in this chaotic new world, and Shin Seung-ho impresses as a stoic ex-soldier known for his formidable defensive skills.

But stealing hearts is the youngest of the bunch — a child character who wields insect-related powers by holding up his fingers, brought to life with irresistible charm by young actor Kwon Eun-seong.

It may well have been a deliberate choice by the filmmakers to steer clear of the story’s deeper themes in favour of keeping the pace brisk and the entertainment value high. But to us, it feels like a missed opportunity. We would have loved to see the narrative dig deeper into Kim Dok-ja’s internal struggle — the burden of knowing the plot and the moral complexity of having the power to change it, all while trying to save the world. There’s also so much untapped potential in exploring the twisted pleasures of the unseen celestial beings — sadistic spectators who revel in orchestrating brutal human-versus-monster, and even human-versus-human, showdowns.

The ending of the 117-minute movie clearly sets the stage for a sequel, and with strong box office numbers, the plan to adapt the story into a reported five feature-length films seems well on track. Perhaps we’ll just have to be patient — and let the CGI-driven spectacle keep our senses buzzing — while we wait for the deeper storylines to unfold in the instalments to come. 

Movie Rating:

(This CGI-laden popcorn flick delivers on spectacle and only scratches the surface of the story's deeper themes, but fans of Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop will gladly show up to watch their heroes battle monsters on the big screen)