Event Spotlight: Seoul’s A‑List Premiere
On July 21, 2025, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet—the highly anticipated adaptation of the hit web novel Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint—held its VIP red carpet premiere in Seoul. The event brought together South Korea’s top stars, including Lee Min‑ho and Ahn Hyo‑seop, alongside popular idols like Ryujin of ITZY, who added glamour and excitement to the night.
Leading Men Take the Stage
- Lee Min‑ho made a grand return to the spotlight after a nine-year hiatus from major film roles. Presenting himself as charming and poised, he discussed taking on the role of Yoo Joong‑hyuk, sharing in an interview that this comeback was a meaningful new chapter after focusing on series and drama work (Wikipedia).
- Ahn Hyo‑seop, who portrays the central character Kim Dok‑ja—the lone survivor with insider knowledge—joined Lee on stage, exuding chemistry and poise. The dynamic between them sparked enthusiasm, signaling powerful on-screen synergy (Wikipedia).
Idols & Celebs Light Up the Red Carpet
Among the star-studded attendees was Ryujin, the charismatic rapper and dancer from ITZY. Her arrival in an elegant red ensemble caused a stir with fans and press alike, highlighting the film’s musical-pop cultural appeal.
In addition to Ryujin, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, who also stars in the film, walked the carpet before taking her role in the screening. Her presence highlighted the merger of K-pop power and blockbuster cinema (Wikipedia).
Behind-the-Scenes Tease
Pre-premiere buzz included new stills released by allkpop showing key characters—Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Jisoo, Chae Soo-bin, and Nana—adding visual intrigue to the storyline (allkpop). The sleek visual elements likely foreshadow high production values reflected on the red carpet.
A Cinematic Return for Lee Min-ho
The premiere represented a triumphant homecoming for Lee Min‑ho. In his recent London press stop, he opened up about stepping away from films for nearly a decade before embracing this major project (The Times of India). With roles in Boys Over Flowers, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Pachinko behind him, Royal charisma transitions into high expectations for his cinematic portrayal.
Fan Engagement & Stardom
Live footage and press photos, tracing back to fan accounts on Instagram, captured moments like Lee Min-ho posing for cameras and greeting fans enthusiastically (The Times of India). A clip shows him offering subtle fan service—posing and waving—which is typical of K‑star charm at premieres.
Ryujin’s inclusion also bridged the gap between Korean cinema and the global K-pop community. Her crossover into film promotions exemplifies how idols are shaping the cinematic landscape, especially for big-budget blockbusters.
The Film: Scope & Release Plans
- Title & Franchise Positioning: Titled Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, the film is an action-fantasy adaptation directed by Kim Byung‑woo. It follows Kim Dok‑ja, played by Ahn Hyo‑seop, who finds himself living in the fictional world of his favorite novel alongside Yoo Joong‑hyuk (Lee Min‑ho) (The Straits Times, Wikipedia).
- Release Timeline: With its official release set for July 23, 2025, the Seoul premiere served as a glamorous prelude. Lotte Entertainment is distributing the film domestically, with international showings lined up in 113 countries beginning in late July and early August (allkpop).
Cultural and Industry Impact
This premiere reflects several broader trends:
- K‑drama stars transitioning to film, with Lee Min‑ho’s return marking a major crossover moment.
- Popularity of idol-led cinema, as seen with Ryujin and Jisoo—blending fandoms with blockbuster promotion.
- Global appeal and franchise building, as Omniscient Reader aims for blockbuster status in international markets (allkpop, Korea Herald).
Looking Ahead
Anticipation is sky-high as release nears. Enthusiasts await critical reception and box office numbers. East Asian markets, especially Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia, are readying for premieres in the coming days (allkpop). Fan screenings and follow-up promotions in Asia are also in motion.
Summary
The VIP premiere of Omniscient Reader: The Prophet in Seoul was a star-studded spectacle uniting acclaimed actors, beloved idols, and a global fanbase. Lee Min‑ho’s glitzy return, Ryujin’s red-carpet presence, and Jisoo’s dual role as actress/idol spotlighted the synergy between K-pop and Korean cinema. Positioned for domestic and international release, the film premieres two days later on July 23—poised to reign as this summer’s blockbusting franchise kickoff.
