“Omniscient Reader” Original Author Admits The Movie Adaptation Regrettably Has Differing Elements But He’s Still Supportive
Author Sing Shong of the original web novel behind the movie “Omniscient Reader” has shared honest thoughts following the film’s release.
“Omniscient Reader” is a fantasy action film in which the world of a novel becomes reality, and Kim Dokja (played by Ahn Hyo Seop), the sole reader of the story, struggles to survive in a destroyed world alongside his companions. Directed by Kim Byung Woo and based on Sing Shong’s web novel of the same name, the movie stars Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, Nana, Jisoo, and Kwon Eun Sung.
On its premiere day, July 23, the film drew 122,491 moviegoers, topping the box office. However, reviews from viewers have been mixed. While some praise it as a film best enjoyed in theaters, longtime fans of the original novel have criticized the movie for its divergence from the source material.
Condensing the massive length of the original novel into a two-hour film was no easy task. Because of this, the movie had to shift its thematic focus slightly. Sing Shong explained, “The original novel is a story about stories—or about the act of reading itself. There are aspects that would be difficult to portray when adapted into a film. I believe the production team kept this in mind. Since visual adaptations are a reinterpretation of the original work, I consider this an important and meaningful attempt.”
Amidst the reactions, distributor Lotte Entertainment released a Q&A interview with Sing Shong, who reflected candidly on the film adaptation.
The author admitted initial hesitation, stating, “Adapting a novel into live action comes with significant risk.” However, as a fan of director Kim Byung Woo’s The Terror Live, Sing Shong agreed to the adaptation, trusting in the director’s vision.
One major concern was how the novel’s creatures—such as dokkaebis and water dragons—would be brought to life on screen. Many fans have echoed this sentiment. Sing Shong commented, “The creatures in the film are somewhat different from what I had imagined. While the creatures in the original novel lean into horror, the film’s version feels more mystical. I believe the creatures were designed to appeal to a wider audience.”
Despite the differences, he didn’t hold back in expressing his support for the film, which was shaped by the efforts of so many actors and staff members. “As the original author, I do have some regrets about the elements that differ from the source material,” he said. “But for readers of the novel, I believe this film will offer a new perspective through which to re-read Omniscient Reader, and for newcomers to this world, I hope it leaves a distinctive and fresh cinematic impression. Please give it lots of support.”
In the interview’s final question, Sing Shong said, “As with most creators, I too have regrets about the differences between the film and the original work. But whenever those thoughts arise, I remember that filming day. Some stories are hard to judge purely by their final form, and I think this film falls into that category for me. Just as Kim Dokja supported Yoo Joonghyuk in his battle against annihilation, I too support this movie in the same spirit. For readers who’ve followed the web novel, I hope this film offers a fresh perspective on Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. And for those encountering this world for the first time, I hope it becomes a unique and memorable cinematic experience. Thank you for your support.”
Source: (A)
