“Omniscient Reader: The Prophet” Director Supports BLACKPINK’s Jisoo After Casting Criticism

In a recent discussion about casting choices for the highly anticipated film adaptation of a popular novel, director Kim voiced strong support for lead actor Lee Min-ho. He emphasized the unique qualities that make Lee a standout choice, stating:

“Who else could deliver lines like his? He creates an entire genre with just his presence. He’s the only actor who could bring this to life even without CGI or effects.”

On another noteworthy casting front, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo joins the film as Lee Ji-hye, a character introduced midway through the story. Kim elaborated on the selection process, highlighting the necessity for instant recognition: “Since the character appears later, we needed someone instantly recognizable—someone who would make audiences go, ‘Wait, who’s that?’”

Despite facing scrutiny over Jisoo’s acting abilities, Kim remains firm in his casting decision, acknowledging the controversy but contending that it ultimately contributed to a sound choice: “Yes, I’m aware of the concerns. But even that was part of a good casting decision. Had it not been Jisoo in the role, it could’ve easily gone unnoticed.”

In the original source material, Lee Ji-hye possesses a mystical lineage tracing back to Admiral Yi Sun-sin. However, the film adaptation presents her as a modern character wielding firearms, a shift that has stirred mixed reactions among fans. Addressing the criticism, Kim 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 gun was intended to differentiate her from sword-wielding characters in the film.”