Lee Min Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop and BLACKPINK Jisoo’s Omniscient Reader: The Prophet Faces Backlash and Boycott Calls Over First Teaser

A movie with a star-studded cast, yet its first teaser sparks outrage instead of excitement. BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is set to make her big-screen debut in The Prophet: Omniscient Reader, a fantasy film adaptation of a beloved webtoon. However, the recently released teaser and character posters have ignited fierce criticism and calls for a boycott among fans and netizens. The film, also starring Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop, is facing scrutiny over changes to the original story and production choices. Scheduled for a July 2025 release, the controversy raises questions about its reception.

The film is based on the popular webtoon Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint by Sing Shong. It follows Kim Dok Ja, played by Ahn Hyo Seop, an office worker whose world transforms into the apocalyptic novel he reads. Lee Min Ho stars as Yoo Joong Hyuk, the novel’s protagonist, while Jisoo plays Lee Ji Hye, a skilled fighter. The story blends fantasy and action as Kim Dok Ja uses his knowledge of the novel to save the world. Directed by Kim Byung Woo, the film wrapped filming in October 2024.

The teaser, released on February 15, 2025, showcased intense action sequences and introduced the main characters. Fans were initially thrilled to see Jisoo wielding a gun as Lee Ji Hye. However, excitement quickly turned to disappointment for many. The trailer revealed significant changes from the original webtoon, sparking outrage. One major issue is the alteration of Lee Ji Hye’s weapon from a sword to a gun, which fans argue disconnects her from her “Maritime War God” sponsor, inspired by Korean historical figure General Yi Sun Sin.

Another point of contention is the alleged replacement of Korean historical elements with Japanese ones. Netizens claim characters rooted in Korean history, such as an independence activist, were changed to Japanese figures, like a sorcerer. This is particularly sensitive due to the historical tensions between Korea and Japan. The backlash has been vocal on platforms like theqoo, where fans expressed their frustration.

Not watching it. I was already too disappointed in the original webtoon creator, so I have no interest in the movie either. Feels like a Japanese webtoon drama. Boycotting the traitor.
It’s just a teaser, but the acting lolololol it’s insanely bad. Just let it flop. The video looks so cheap. Maybe it’s because they previously changed the independence activist into a Japanese sorcerer, but changing the sword into a gun also feels kind of off.
Now it’s got both a misogynistic company and Japan fetish vibes. Gross.
They’re trying so hard to cater to Korean men and Japanese sensibilities. Tsk tsk.
I wasn’t going to watch it because of the production company’s screw-up,
but after seeing the teaser, looks like the general public won’t watch it either. F**k lol.

The production company has also come under fire. Netizens have labeled it “misogynistic” and criticized its apparent focus on catering to “Korean men and Japanese sensibilities.” Some fans stated they planned to skip the film due to the company’s reputation, with the teaser only solidifying their decision.

Now it’s got both a misogynistic company and Japan fetish vibes. Gross. They’re trying so hard to cater to Korean men and Japanese sensibilities. Tsk tsk. I wasn’t going to watch it because of the production company’s screw-up, but after seeing the teaser, looks like the general public won’t watch it either.

The film’s budget, reportedly over ₩30.0 billion KRW (about $20.8 million USD), has raised expectations for high-quality production. However, netizens have called the teaser “cheap” and criticized the acting, particularly targeting the cast’s delivery. This is not the first time Jisoo’s acting has faced scrutiny, as her recent K-drama Newtopia also received mixed reviews. Despite this, her fans, known as BLINKs, remain supportive, praising her transformation into Lee Ji Hye.

The boycott calls stem from a combination of these issues. Fans of the original webtoon feel the adaptation betrays its cultural roots. The decision to change key elements, like Lee Ji Hye’s weapon, has been seen as a step away from the story’s essence. The controversy has also drawn attention to the original webtoon creator, with some netizens expressing disappointment in their handling of the adaptation.

Filming for The Prophet: Omniscient Reader began in December 2023 and concluded after six months. The first poster was unveiled at the 29th Busan International Film Festival on October 5, 2024, featuring Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop in a tense face-off. Jisoo’s casting was confirmed in January 2024, generating buzz due to her popularity and prior acting role in Snowdrop. The film also stars Chae Soo Bin, Nana, Shin Seung Ho, and others, making it one of the most anticipated K-movies of 2025.

Despite the backlash, some fans remain optimistic. They hope the final film will address concerns and deliver the action-packed fantasy promised. The teaser’s high-octane sequences and the cast’s star power could still draw audiences. However, the boycott movement and negative sentiment pose challenges for the film’s success.

The controversy highlights the challenges of adapting beloved source material. Fans are protective of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint due to its rich narrative and cultural significance. The decision to alter key elements has sparked a broader discussion about fidelity in adaptations. For Jisoo, this marks a pivotal moment in her acting career, as she navigates both praise and criticism.

Also Read: Omniscient Reader Trailer Teases Lee Min Ho, Ahn Hyo Seop, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and Chae Soo Bin’s Battle Against Apocalypse

As the July 2025 release approaches, the film’s team faces pressure to address fan concerns. The teaser has left a divided audience, with some dismissing the project outright and others holding out hope. The debate over cultural representation and production choices will likely continue to shape the film’s outcome. For now, The Prophet: Omniscient Reader remains a focal point of discussion in the entertainment world, with Jisoo at the heart of the storm.

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