BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is facing criticism for her role in the upcoming movie Omniscient Reader: The Prophet. Fans are unhappy with the director’s explanation for casting her and have compared it to past controversies, like Squid Game choosing K-pop idols for major roles.
The film is based on the popular web novel Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. Jisoo plays Lee Ji Hye, a character fans say should use a sword but is seen with a gun in the trailer. The director said he picked Jisoo because of her hard work, but many argue that effort alone shouldn’t guarantee a role.
At a press event, director Kim Byung Woo explained his decision. He said Jisoo showed great passion and dedication during script readings and rehearsals.
“I believed it was right to work with someone who would give their all. Jisoo put in a lot of effort to suit the character, and now, I’m very satisfied with her performance.”
Fans found this reasoning unfair. They questioned if other actors don’t work hard. Some compared it to Squid Game casting K-pop idols, suggesting fame played a bigger role than skill.
“Are other actors not trying hard, then? This is giving déjà vu from that Squid Game director interview, almost the same vibe.”
The backlash grew when the trailer showed Jisoo’s character using a gun instead of a sword. In the original story, Lee Ji Hye is linked to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, a Korean hero known for using swords. Fans called this change disrespectful to history.
“They erased Admiral Yi’s legacy. Why give her a gun when the character is famous for swords?”
The film’s CEO, Won Dong Yeon, defended the changes. He said adjustments were needed to adapt the novel into a movie and that the original author approved them.
“The changes are necessary for the film adaptation. The author was aware and agreed to these modifications.”
Despite the controversy, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet has a star-studded cast, including Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop. The movie has a big budget and is set to release on July 23.
Fans remain divided. Some support Jisoo, saying she deserves a chance. Others worry the film is changing too much from the original story.
“She really can’t act, sigh…”
“Don’t judge her before seeing the movie. She might surprise everyone.”
The debate highlights ongoing tensions in the industry. Many fans believe big names are cast to attract global audiences, not because they fit the role.
“This is clearly just aiming for international audiences.”
The movie’s success will depend on how fans react after its release. For now, the controversy continues to grow.
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