MOVIE
Ahn Hyo-seop Aims for Relatability in 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint'
On the 15th, a press screening and conference for the film 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' was held at Megabox COEX in Samseong-dong, Seoul. Director Kim Byung-woo, along with actors Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, and Nana, were in attendance.
'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' is a fantasy action film based on a web novel of the same name. It depicts the events that unfold when the world of a novel, which had been serialized for over ten years, becomes reality.
Ahn Hyo-seop plays the role of Kim Dok-ja, the sole reader of the novel for over a decade. He expressed his excitement, saying, "Filming was so much fun. When else would I get to be inside a dragon's belly, fight a fire dragon, and fly around saving my comrades?" He added, "I was curious about how the scenes we imagined on set would translate into the film. It was enjoyable to shoot while imagining these scenarios."
Regarding the well-known source material, Ahn admitted, "When I first received the script, I didn't realize it was such a significant IP." He continued, "The script was entertaining on its own. I was excited both as an actor and as a fan of movies to see how it would turn out when adapted in Korea." He also acknowledged the pressure of high expectations, stating, "When there's a lot of anticipation, it can be burdensome. However, negative pressure isn't helpful. All I could do was give my best. I filmed each day without regret, doing my utmost." He expressed his hope that "not only fans of the original work but also those unfamiliar with it will enjoy the film."
Discussing his approach to the character, Ahn said, "I was determined to create my own version of Kim Dok-ja." He explained, "My Kim Dok-ja started from a blank slate. While the original character resolves issues decisively, I aimed to portray a more realistic and relatable character in the film. I wanted to avoid making him overly heroic or reckless."
Comparing Kim Dok-ja to his previous roles, Ahn noted, "Although Kim Dok-ja is the protagonist, he doesn't feel like the typical main character." He elaborated, "My previous characters had distinct strengths or charms. Kim Dok-ja, on the other hand, is rather plain and ordinary, which is his greatest asset. In that sense, he was a 'normal character' I had never played before."
'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' is set to be released on the 23rd.
By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
