Latest news with #KimByungWoo
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Director defends Blackpink star Jisoo's sniper role in ‘Omniscient Reader' amid fan controversy (VIDEO)
SEOUL, July 18 — All eyes are on Omniscient Reader ahead of its July 23 release in South Korea — but it's Blackpink's Jisoo who's at the centre of a fan controversy over her character's transformation. Based on the hit web novel by sing N song, the film stars Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana and Jisoo. While excitement is high, fans of the original story are upset about changes to Jisoo's role, Lee Ji-hye. In the novel, Ji-hye is a sword-wielding warrior guided by a powerful sponsor — Admiral Yi Sun-sin. But in the film, she's reimagined as a sniper, with her sponsor arc left out. Director Kim Byung-woo addressed the backlash, saying the omission was due to time constraints. 'Her sponsorship narrative simply hasn't come into play yet... we thought the timing for that part of the story just hasn't arrived within this film,' he told Korea JoongAng Daily. 'For fans... some might worry that we've changed Ji-hye's sponsorship,' he added. 'But I want to clarify that we haven't changed anything.' Kim said the film only covers the first 10 per cent of the novel and emphasised the importance of focus. 'We felt it was much more efficient... to only introduce the elements... relevant to the events happening in the film,' he reportedly said. He admitted it took him two years to decide whether to take on the adaptation after 2018's Take Point, citing the pressure of honouring a beloved story. The core theme, he said, is 'solidarity' — as protagonist Kim Dok-ja finds strength in new allies as the world turns into a novel he once read. Kim hinted that Ji-hye's full backstory could surface later. 'I did think about how I would approach it if I got the chance to make a sequel,' he added. Until then, fans will be watching closely — especially to see if Jisoo's new weapon of choice hits the mark.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Backlash and Critique Surrounds Jisoo's Casting in 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint'
' Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint ' has been facing a lot of backlash and critique ever since the first teaser. From being accused of changing the plot to not following through with quality, the film has had its fair share of issues. Jisoo 's casting in her big-screen debut has also brought forth a lot of debate online. Recently, the film's director, Kim Byung Woo, revealed his reasons for casting Jisoo. His comments have since then gone viral online and are being heavily criticised by fans and netizens alike. Kim Byung Woo shares why he cast BLACKPINK Jisoo Jisoo has been involved in a number of projects, though her casting in 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' marks her debut feature on the big screen. Many had been speculating as to how she got the role, and recently, as per K-media news outlet Insight reports, the director of the film revealed his reasons for casting the idol-turned-actress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He cited the importance of casting well known people as actors in the film, and shared that her role comes on screen in the film at a much later time than the rest of the main characters. He also shared, 'If it weren't for Jisoo, I probably would have just passed without knowing'. Director's comments receive major backlash online As soon as the film director's comments were shared, they ended up going viral online. Many K-netizens took over social media and fan forums to share their opinion on the matter, with one commenting, 'Jisoo must feel so embarrassed, haha'. Another fan of the group commented online, saying, 'LOL the wording is hilarious — basically saying, 'It doesn't matter because her screen time is short,' right?' Another fan commented on the matter, sharing, 'Idol has always this kind of role in the filming industry, but still to used her not only for fame but also as a shield from backlash is just despicable. Promising her a more role in next possible movie is even more nasty. I hate how they use Jisoo to gate her fans in this project'.
Pink Villa
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Jisoo cast in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet due to BLACKPINK fame? Director says 'Needed someone...
BLACKPINK member Jisoo's big-screen debut with Omniscient Reader: The Prophet is less than a week away. Ahead of that, a press interview was held in Jongno, Seoul on July 17. During then, director Kim Byung Woo addressed the criticism around Jisoo's casting in the film, due to her subsequent less acting experience. He agreed that the fan concerns were legit, while at the same time explained her need in the plotline, as reported by Kbizoom. Director Kim Byung Woo revealed why Jisoo was cast in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet Jisoo was cast as Lee Ji Hye in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet's, a character who makes a pivotal entrance midway through the film. Director Kim Byung Woo explained the casting choice, saying, "Since the character appears later, we needed someone instantly recognizable— someone who would make audiences go, 'Wait, who's that?'". He acknowledged concerns about Jisoo's acting abilities but defended his decision, saying, "Yes, I'm aware of the concerns. But even that was part of a good casting decision." According to him, the BLACKPINK member's stardom was necessary to get the character Lee Ji Hye it's due limelight. "Had it not been Jisoo in the role, it could've easily gone unnoticed," he said. Another aspect of the role that generated criticism was the usage of modern firearm like a gun instead of a sword in the movie. Responding to the backlash, Kim Byung Woo stated, "We were aware that fans of the original work might be critical. We did our best to minimize discomfort, but may have missed a few details." The details he was talking about was that in the original novel, the character Lee Ji Hye was rooted in mysticism and connected to Admiral Yi Sun Sin, which was not included in the film adaptation. "The gun was intended to differentiate her from sword-wielding characters in the film," he mentioned. Thus, despite the polarized views on Jisoo's acting in mind, Kim Byung Woo opted to cast her. His comments revealed a thoughtful casting strategy, emphasizing her presence and the impact in the film's popularity. Omniscient Reader: The Prophet will hit the South Korean theaters on July 23.
CNA
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
South Korean stars Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Min-ho coming to Singapore to promote new thriller
South Korean actors Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop, as well as director Kim Byung-woo, will be coming to Singapore on Jul 29 to promote the new fantasy action thriller, Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy. Details of the tour will be announced at a later date. Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy follows Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop, who recently voiced character Jinu in Netflix's popular animated film K-pop Demon Hunters), an ordinary office worker and the only devoted reader of a little-known web novel titled Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse. Disappointed with the novel's ending, he sends an angry message to its author – only to have the fictional apocalyptic world suddenly become reality. When the novel's hero, Yu Jung-hyeok (played by Lee Min-ho), appears before him, Dok-ja must use his unique knowledge of the story to navigate the chaos and write a new ending. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Lee Jung-min, and produced by Won Dong-yeon of Realies Pictures, the studio behind the Along With The Gods franchise, the film is set to be one of the biggest Korean blockbusters of the year. Other all-star cast members in the film include Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, singer Nana, child actor Kwon Eun-seong and Blackpink's Jisoo. This movie marks Ahn Hyo-seop's theatrical acting debut. He is best known for his roles in K-dramas Doctor Romantic 2 and 3, Business Proposal and Lovers Of The Red Sky. Meanwhile Lee, who is a household name across Asia, is best known for K-drama hits such as Boys Over Flowers, The Heirs and The Legend Of The Blue Sea. Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy is based on South Korean web novel Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint created by duo singNsong which has garnered over 2.5 billion views worldwide across its web novel and web comic adaptations. The original web novel concluded in February 2020 and has continued to expand its universe with an ongoing epilogue series since February 2023. The webtoon adaptation, published in 2020, is currently available in 10 languages, including English, Japanese and French. Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy will open in Singapore cinemas on Jul 31.
Pink Villa
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Why are fans comparing Squid Game and BLACKPINK's Jisoo's casting for Omniscient Reader: The Prophet?
Jisoo is set to make her much-awaited big screen debut with Omniscient Reader: The Prophet. Her fans are budding with excitement to see her take up a thrilling role in a project alongside an ensemble cast. Due to the unique premise and big budget of the film, curiosity regarding Jisoo's casting in it made rounds. On June 17, director Kim Byung Woo explained the reasoning behind picking her for the role, however, fans found it irrational. On June 17, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet 's main cast and the director attended the production briefing session of the upcoming action-fantasy film. The event brought together the ensemble cast of Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho and Nana. During the event, director Kim Byung Woo opened up on why he cast Jisoo as Lee Ji Hye and praised her, as reported by K-media outlet Maeil Business Newspaper. According to the director, the BLACKPINK membe's "passion" and work ethic was what led him to make the choice. Her dedication, particularly during script readings and prep sessions impressed him. "I believed it was right to work with someone who would give their all," he mentioned. He further stated, "Jisoo put in a lot of effort to suit the character, and now, I'm very satisfied with her performance." His reasoning for picking Jisoo for her professionalism and hard work didn't sit right with fans. Check out fan reactions to the director's reasoning for casting Jisoo in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet role Fans found director Kim Byung Woo's statement absurd, and took to theqoo to call it "ridiculous". They raised questions such as, 'Are other actors not trying hard, then?' They felt that it was "giving déjà vu from that Squid Game director interview, almost the same vibe.' Although they did not mention which specific casting of Squid Game the comment indicated the past controversy regarding offering major roles to K-pop artists like Jo Yuri. As per fans, their existing fame as an idol and the showmakers' aim to attract "international audiences," helped them secure such crucial roles.
