A leaked scene from the upcoming movie Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy has sparked criticism online. Fans are calling the scene “cringe” and comparing it to a “cheap commercial” due to its poor visual effects and weak acting. The film, starring Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop, is set to release on July 23, 2025, but the early reaction has left many worried.
Fans Disappointed by Low-Quality CGI and Cinematography
The leaked clip shows Lee Min Ho as Yoo Joong Hyuk, a powerful warrior, confronting Ahn Hyo Seop‘s character, Kim Dok Ja. The scene was meant to be intense, but viewers say the CGI looks unfinished and the camera work is bland. Many fans of the original webtoon and web novel expected better from a movie with a 30 billion won ($22 million) budget.
“The CGI looks like something from a low-budget TV commercial. How did this pass quality checks?” โ A fan on X (formerly Twitter).
“The cinematography lacks creativity. It doesnโt match the emotional depth of the original story.” โ Another viewer commented.
The backlash has been strong, with some fans saying the movie might not live up to the hype.
Ahn Hyo Seopโs Portrayal of Kim Dok Ja Criticized
Fans of the Omniscient Reader series are also unhappy with how Ahn Hyo Seop plays Kim Dok Ja. In the original story, the character is smart, calm, and strategic. But in the leaked scene, he appears scared and unsure, which doesnโt match his personality.
“Kim Dok Ja is supposed to be clever and collected. Why did they make him look so weak?” โ A webtoon fan wrote online.
Some viewers think the script changed the character too much, removing what made him special in the first place.
What Is Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy About?
The movie is based on a popular Korean web novel and webtoon. It follows Kim Dok Ja, an office worker who finds himself inside the story of a fantasy novel he was reading. He teams up with the novelโs hero, Yoo Joong Hyuk (Lee Min Ho), to survive in a collapsing world.
The film has a star-studded cast, including BLACKPINKโs Jisoo, Nana, and Chae Soo Bin. Itโs one of the most expensive Korean movies of 2025, and fans had high expectations.
Will the Full Movie Change Opinions?
The leaked scene has raised doubts, but some fans are still hopeful. The filmโs director, Kim Byung Woo, has worked on successful projects like The Terror Live. He says the movie will balance fantasy and real-world themes.
“I wanted the film to feel grounded, not just a fantasy escape. The characters face challenges that reflect real life.” โ Director Kim Byung Woo.
Lee Min Ho also shared his thoughts on playing Yoo Joong Hyuk, a character fans already love.
“Heโs already a perfect hero in the novel. I focused on bringing his emotions to life, not just his coolness.” โ Lee Min Ho said in an interview.
The filmโs success could lead to four more movies, but first, it needs to win back fans after this early criticism.
Recent Promotions and Cast Reactions
Despite the backlash, the cast is promoting the movie worldwide. Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop will visit Singapore on July 29 for fan events.
In interviews, Ahn Hyo Seop talked about working with Lee Min Ho, calling him a mentor.
“Iโve admired him since I was young. On set, he made me feel comfortable, like a friend.” โ Ahn Hyo Seop shared.
Lee Min Ho joked about Nanaโs intense acting in action scenes.
“Her focus was scary sometimes. She really became her character.” โ Lee Min Ho said.
Fan Reactions and Industry Expectations
The movie industry is watching closely. With such a big budget and famous cast, Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy could either be a huge hit or a major letdown. Some fans are still excited, while others are cautious.
“Iโll wait for the full movie before judging. Trailers can be misleading.” โ A hopeful fan commented.
“After the leaked scene, Iโm not sure if Iโll watch it in theaters.” โ Another fan admitted.
The film releases in South Korea on July 23 and in North America on August 1.
Also read: Lee Min Ho Opens Up About His 9-Year Movie Hiatus and Return in Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
Credits: News reports from Korea Herald, and Korea JoongAng Daily.
