Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Min-ho Shine in 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' with Stellar Performances

Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Min-ho captivate audiences with their striking looks and stable acting skills in the film 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint.' Ahn, making his screen debut, and Lee, a seasoned actor with 19 years of experience, create a positive synergy in this project.

Released on the 23rd, 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' is a fantasy action film that depicts the events that unfold when the world of a novel, serialized for over a decade, becomes reality on the day it concludes. The film has consistently maintained the top spot in ticket sales, drawing significant attention from audiences.

Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kim Dok-ja, the sole reader of the long-serialized novel. In the film, Kim Dok-ja is an ordinary office worker. Ahn remarked that, unlike his previous roles, "Kim Dok-ja is the protagonist but doesn't seem like one." He was drawn to the character's ordinariness, stating, "The roles I've played before had distinct strengths or unique traits. Kim Dok-ja, however, has no apparent strengths, which intrigued me. I was curious about how I could portray 'ordinariness.'"

Ahn was able to vividly portray Kim Dok-ja, who is overwhelmed by daily life, because he connected with the character during a period of personal stagnation. He shared, "I felt strangely at ease with a character that shows nothing. I empathized with Kim Dok-ja, who is swept up in the chaotic situation, as it mirrored my own circumstances."

Lee Min-ho takes on the role of Yoo Joong-hyuk, the protagonist of the novel within the film that Kim Dok-ja reads. Despite being a senior and a top star, Lee has less screen time than Ahn due to the film's narrative structure. Lee commented, "In my mid-30s, I started receiving offers for projects with diverse characters. When I chose 'Pachinko,' people were surprised, but I've always been open to such choices. I want to take on various roles without prejudice." Despite his limited screen time, Lee's portrayal of Yoo Joong-hyuk, Kim Dok-ja's idol, leaves a strong impact.

In the film, Yoo Joong-hyuk is a character with exceptional martial arts skills and a cold, rational mindset, surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. Lee expressed his admiration for Yoo Joong-hyuk, stating, "Yoo Joong-hyuk quietly does his job regardless of the outcome, overcoming many emotions. His perseverance inspired me, and I aspire to be like him."

Ahn and Lee, who share a past connection as former agency mates, reunited for this film. Ahn expressed his delight, saying, "It was nice to see him again after 10 years. He approached me warmly, making me feel comfortable." Ahn, the junior actor, described Lee as "my celebrity," drawing parallels between their characters' relationship in the film.

Director Kim Byung-woo cast Ahn as Kim Dok-ja and Lee as Yoo Joong-hyuk for their 'freshness' and 'certainty.' Regarding Ahn's first film role, Director Kim stated, "We wanted to create something new from the start, casting actors who fit our vision to make the film feel fresh to audiences." He added, "We sought actors who could embody both universality and uniqueness, and Ahn fit that bill."

For Lee's casting, Director Kim explained, "While Ahn's casting was about freshness, Lee's was about certainty. No one else but Lee Min-ho could naturally deliver the comic-like lines and create a genre with just his presence. Yoo Joong-hyuk needed an actor who could anchor the film, and Lee was our strategic choice."

The influence and popularity of Ahn and Lee are evident in their combined social media following of 48.9 million. Their ability to draw audiences is a promising factor for the success of 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint.'

Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr