Omniscient Reader, Popular Manhwa’s Big Screen Debut

Omniscient Reader, one of the most popular webtoon is about to get its Film Adaptation and has its cast announced. With Lee Min-Ho and Ahn Hyo-Seop confirmed it already feels like a star-studded cast. If we are to take into account the popularity of the webtoon, the depth of the story, and the potential buzz created by Lee Min Ho’s return to the silver screen, this is going to be a blockbuster.

What Is Omniscient Reader?

Omniscient Reader, also known as Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, is a serialized webtoon, that began as a web novel written by author duo under the pen-name Sing Shong. It currently has 158 chapters and has been announced for a Film Adaptation.

The story follows Dokja Kim, an average salaryman who has one hobby, reading his favorite web novel titled, “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse.” The web novel initially had a lot of readers, but due to it being written for 20 years, with the plot not progressing, many readers abandoned it except Dokja. He kept reading it for 20 years of his life, because of which he was bullied by his classmates and looked down upon by his peers. But he didn’t stop and he finally reached the final chapter.

As he finished reading the final chapter, he received a message from the author, who thanked him for being a loyal reader and gifted him a .txt file of the entire web novel before deleting it from the site. However, the worst was yet to come.

The moment Dokja received the gift from the author, a creature called Dokkabae arrived and announced that their world will now be under a test. And should they fail, they will die. However, Dokja couldn’t help but notice that the scenarios taking place were exactly similar to what happened in the mysterious webtoon. With his knowledge of the world that he is about to step into, Dokja intended to change the course of the story and the world as he knew it.

Should You Read Omniscient Reader?

Yes, you should. It’s a good read and I highly recommend it. It is far better than the web novel that brought light to all the manhwas out there, *cough* Solo Leveling *cough*. And it’s my second recommendation for reading after Advanced Player of the Tutorial Tower. It has 158 chapters, and I’ve finished up to 109. The webtoon also has a colorful cast of characters and amazing moments.

There’s Dokja Kim, who is the literal definition of a know-it-all protagonist. Because he knows everything that will happen in the future (or at least the future he knows). Then there’s Yoo Joonghyuk, the actual protagonist of the story whose predestined future is often changed because of Dokja’s interference.

Aside from them, there are other characters such as Yoo Sangah, a friend and colleague of Dokja who soon becomes a character in her own right. Lee Hyunsung, the original character of the web novel Dokja was reading, and his favorite character became his best friend. Lee Gilyoung, an insect master and one of Dokja’s most loyal allies. Shin Yoosung, a beast master and Gilyoung’s rival fights for Dokja’s affections. Jung Heewon, is a woman with a strong sense of Justice, even though her Constellation does not agree with her. Then there’s Lee Jihye, Yoo Joonghyuk’s most trusted and loyal ally.

The dynamic between the two protagonists is also noteworthy. Junghyuk, the protagonist of TWSA (Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse), has the ability to return back to the first scenario where the story took place after his death. And when he met Dokja, he was in his third loop. Due to Dokja not being in his previous two loops, he is instantly suspicious of him. Dokja on the other hand, aware of Junghyuk’s abilities (because he finished the novel), fears that if Junghyuk dies, the timeline may end, or the entire scenario. Thus, erasing Dokja from existence.

My only pet peeve with the webtoon was that Dokja often abused his knowledge to the point he nerfs Junghyuk, who is the actual protagonist. However, Dokja’s bad habits come to bite him back when he arrives at a crucial point and must need Junghyuk’s help, however, he screwed up the requirement for Junghyuk and unintentionally stole his thunder. This also gives birth to one of the most favorite moments of mine in the story.

At a certain point in the story, Dokja is separated from his party for a while. And as he reunites with each and every one of them individually, he couldn’t help but notice the character development they had in his absence. This particular moment poked fun at the “Overpowered MC” trope in many webtoons and anime and acknowledged the fact that Dokja’s know-it-all behavior held back certain characters from their required growth.

Omniscient Reader, The Film

On May 3, Ilgan Sports reported that a film based on Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint has been green-lit and the cast had been announced. Ahn Hyo Seop (best known for his roles in Still 17, Abyss, and Doctor Romantic 2) has been set to star as Kim Dokja for his big-screen debut. Starring alongside him is Lee Min-ho (best known for his role in Boys Over Flower) as Yoo Junghyuk.

The film will be produced by Realies Picture, which had previously worked on another manhwa adaptation called “Along with The Gods,” and will be directed by Kim Byun Woo of “The Terror Live.” The film has a budget of over 20 billion Won (approximately $15 million US Dollars), which is more than what Gi-hun has won in the Squid Game (SPOILER ALERT!!! But it’s not my fault that you haven’t watched Squid Game).

I don’t know about you, but I alongside Zinihimee am excited for the Omniscient Reader’s Adaptation. And with South Korea’s better track record regarding their manhwa adaptation including True Beauty, Itaewon Class, Nevertheless, along with the cast and crew involved, we’re hoping this film adaptation will rock the Korean Box-Office, and if possible, Hollywood as well. Or maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.

Deshi Geek readers, let me know what you think about Omniscient Reader’s upcoming adaptation. Are you excited? Are you not? Which part are you excited about? And how much have you read? Be sure to comment below.