Global superstar Lee Min Ho has finally returned to the big screen after a nine-year break with his new film Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy. The actor, known for hit dramas like The Heirs and Pachinko, last appeared in a movie in 2016 with Bounty Hunters. In a recent interview, he shared why he stayed away from films for so long and the challenges of his comeback role.
Why Lee Min Ho Avoided Movies for Nearly a Decade
Despite being one of South Korea’s most sought-after actors, Lee Min Ho deliberately stepped back from movies. He explained that he wanted to take on roles with deeper emotional weight when he felt ready.
“In my 20s, I realized the movies I truly loved were emotionally deep and weighty. I didn’t want to rush into that space too early.”
He admitted feeling pressure about his return, as box office success is a clear measure of a film’s impact.
“Movies have a clear metric for success—ticket sales. So it feels like I’m waiting to be judged.”
Why He Chose Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy for His Comeback
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy is based on a popular web novel and webtoon. The story follows Kim Dok Ja (Ahn Hyo Seop), an ordinary man who gets trapped inside his favorite fantasy novel. As the only person who knows how the story ends, he teams up with the novel’s hero, Yoo Joong Hyuk (Lee Min Ho), to save the world.
Lee Min Ho was drawn to the film’s themes of unity and survival in a broken world.
“The emotional journey of people overcoming adversity together in a ruined world felt like a story that’s necessary for our time—one that could truly resonate.”
He also appreciated the film’s large-scale production, calling it a rare project in Korean cinema.
The Challenges of Playing Yoo Joong Hyuk
Fans of the original web novel have high expectations for Yoo Joong Hyuk, a powerful and nearly perfect hero. Lee Min Ho admitted feeling the weight of portraying such an iconic character.
“The expectations are enormous. Yoo Joong Hyuk is portrayed as cool from the very beginning, so that was a bit of a burden.”
Instead of focusing on the character’s strength, Lee Min Ho wanted to show his desperation and loneliness.
“The more desperation we showed, the more believable it would be.”
He trained extensively for the action scenes, ensuring they felt realistic rather than just flashy.
What Fans Can Expect from Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy
The film blends fantasy and reality as Kim Dok Ja navigates a world that has suddenly become his favorite novel. With gods, battles, and high stakes, the story explores survival and human connection.
Lee Min Ho believes the film will engage audiences by making them question what they would do in similar situations.
“This is the kind of film that audiences can engage with more actively when watching in the theater. It continuously raises the question, ‘What would I do in that situation?’”
Release Details
Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy hits theaters on July 23, 2025, and will premiere in 113 countries. The cast includes Ahn Hyo Seop, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, Nana, and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, who plays Lee Ji Hye.
Fan Reactions
Fans have expressed excitement and support for Lee Min Ho’s return.
“I’ve missed seeing him in movies! Can’t wait for this.”
“Yoo Joong Hyuk is such an iconic character—Lee Min Ho is perfect for it.”
Some also shared concerns about the pressure he faces.
“Hope he doesn’t feel too stressed. He’s already a legend.”
Also Read: Ahn Hyo Seop Lost 5-6 Kg for Omniscient Reader Movie Due to Extreme Action Scenes
Credits: Lotte Entertainment, Soap Central, MyDramaList
