A controversy surrounds the upcoming film “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint” starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo after character posters and a teaser trailer were released on May 12, 2025.
The fantasy action film, made with a 30 billion KRW (about 22 million USD) budget, has received criticism for apparent alterations to Korean historical figures.
“Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint” tells the story of Kim Dok Ja, who is the only reader of a web novel whose fictional world becomes reality. In this world, characters get powers from entities called Constellations, which act as godlike guardian angels.
Jisoo plays Lee Ji Hye, whose Constellation is Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a famous historical figure who fought against Japan during the Imjin War (1592-1597).
The backlash began when promotional materials showed Jisoo using a gun instead of the sword or bow historically linked to Admiral Yi, who battled Japanese forces with traditional Korean weapons.
This follows earlier changes in the Japanese webtoon version, where references to Korean independence activist Yu Gwan Sun were replaced with mentions of “a yin-yang sorcerer of contradiction” from ancient Japanese mysticism.
Reports state that a Constellation representing Ahn Jung Geun, another Korean independence hero, was completely removed from the adaptation.
Critics claim these modifications seem intended to appeal to Japanese audiences while sacrificing Korean historical context.
In February, Realies Pictures CEO Won Dong Yeon addressed some concerns on social media, saying, “Film adaptations inevitably require creative adjustments.”
Won mentioned his previous work on “Along with the Gods,” stating, “We took significant liberties, but both the original author, Joo Ho Min, and fans understood after watching the film.”
The CEO confirmed the script was shared with the original author, who reportedly approved all changes.
While Won released a poster showing the character Yoo Jung Hyuk using both a sword and gun, no similar explanation was given for Jisoo’s character.
Korean internet users have expressed strong disapproval, with many calling for a boycott of the film.
“Why would Admiral Yi Sun Shin use a gun…” wrote one commenter, while another said, “I hope it flops. This is seriously frustrating.”
Some critics specifically targeted the casting: “If the actor can’t handle sword action, then they shouldn’t have been cast. There are tons of actors who could’ve learned it. But you chose a big-name star and took the lazy route.”
Other comments highlighted the historical issues: “They erased Ahn Jung Geun, Yu Gwan Sun, and Yi Sun Shin… lol.”
The film features Jisoo, Lee Min Ho, and Ahn Hyo Seop, and will be released in theaters in July.
