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Indian Express
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Lee Min Ho on BLACKPINK's Jisoo and the fear that made him ‘fiercely resist' Omniscient Reader multiple times
Lee Min Ho is making his movie comeback after 10 long years with Omniscient Reader: The Prophet. In the film, adapted from the globally popular webtoon, he plays, Yoo Joong Hyuk, the protagonist inside the novel being read by Ahn Hyo Seop's Dokja, an average office guy who suddenly finds the world morphing into the plot of a book. When Lee first got the offer, he didn't jump at it. In fact, he admits he tried to turn it down multiple times. At a recent press interaction in Samcheong-dong, the Pachinko star opened up about the pressure of signing onto the role, and also addressed his character's link to BLACKPINK's Kim Jisoo. For Lee, who's delivered multiple hits in his long career and starred in some of the most talked-about K-dramas, the pressure was real. 'To be honest, I felt pressured taking on the project because I didn't want to hear people say, 'this role is so Lee Min-ho,' like it's just more of the same,' he told reporters in Seoul. 'I felt the pressure.' Despite having taken on unconventional roles before, the actor admitted, 'Playing Joong-hyuk came with its own weight.' Also read: Lee Min Ho admits he 'could fall any moment,' says problems arise from personal desires, pins all hope on Omniscient Reader He said he tried to walk away from the offer 'fiercely' multiple times, but the team kept circling back. What finally got him to say yes wasn't the visuals, the cool factor, or even the top billing. It was the character. 'Joong Hyuk felt like a character who reflects certain values I want to live by. And I thought, if a major Korean IP like this can connect with more people, and if I can be part of that, then maybe it's worth it,' he said. The novel barely features his character early on, but his presence has the most impact, and that's where the risk lies. There's always pressure with adaptations, and with fans already upset about how little screen time he gets compared to his usual roles, Lee made it clear, every scene he shot is in. That's all there was. 'I agreed that including too much backstory beyond what's already there could water down the film's direction,' he said. 'So I didn't really push for more screen time or talk much about how big or small my role would be.' Also read: Ahn Hyo Seop reveals how 'senior' Lee Min Ho treated him on Omniscient Reader set: 'I've admired him for years, he made me feel…' When the casting for Omniscient Reader was announced, one of the most thrilling bits for fans was seeing Lee with Jisoo, it felt like a dream pairing come true. But for Lee, he had no clue about the connection until they were actually mid-shoot. Jisoo plays Ji Hye, supposedly Joong Hyuk's love interest, or maybe a protégé. Reflecting on that on-screen relationship, he said, 'I had no idea how we were connected,' and laughed. 'I was flying blind.' Lee's known for leading-man roles, from Boys Over Flowers to The Heirs and more. In Omniscient Reader, he's a myth. The shadow. The backbone. No charming dialogue. No romance. Not even a full backstory. 'How does this one guy carry the weight of an entire world's mythology without even explaining who he is?' he said. But that's the challenge he signed up for. With a ₩30 billion budget (that's nearly $22 million USD), Omniscient Reader hits theatres July 23.
Korea Herald
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Lee Min-ho's curious antihero turn
The K-drama superstar returns to cinema after a decade to play a central figure who barely shows up Lee Min-ho needs no introduction in Korea's entertainment world. Since his breakout as the imperious, poodle-permed Gu Jun-pyo in "Boys Over Flowers" at 22, he's cornered the market on romantic leads: the tortured chaebol in "The Heirs," the morally ambiguous mogul in "Pachinko," the starry-eyed astronaut in the recent flop "When the Stars Gossip." Always the hero, always front and center. But for a star who's built his career on main character energy, this latest role marks a left turn. In "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet," a genre-blending fantasy epic hitting theaters Wednesday, Lee plays Yoo Joong-hyuk — a battle-hardened warrior stuck in an endless loop, dying and restarting the apocalypse like it's just another Tuesday. He stalks the edges of the film in a leather coat, glowering at Ahn Hyo-seop's earnest everyman who's trying to save the world armed only with decency and determination. 'I'll be honest, it was lonely and desolate,' Lee says, speaking to reporters at a coffee shop in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul, Thursday. 'If you think about it, this is the protagonist of protagonists. Normally when we talk about a main character, we build their emotional arc throughout the film. My biggest challenge was figuring out how to fill those gaps convincingly.' It's not just the brooding, hard-to-like character that makes this turn stand out. As the first installment in what producers hope will become a franchise based on a hit web novel of the same title, director Kim Byung-woo had to compress the sprawling plotlines for the screen. Yoo Joong-hyuk took the biggest hit. He barely shows up, speaks a handful of lines and arrives without a backstory or context. Viewers are given almost no clues as to who he is or why he matters. Even his supposed bond with protege Ji-hye, played by Blackpink's Jisoo — the kind of pairing fans would line up to see — was a mystery to Lee. 'I honestly had no idea how we were even connected,' he says with a laugh. 'I was flying blind." Still, at 38 and on his fourth feature film, Lee speaks like someone no longer worried about screen time. 'I try to go straight for the essence,' he says. 'When I first met the director, we spent 80 percent of our time talking about Dok-ja (Ahn's character). The audience has to buy into him first. Only then does Yoo Joong-hyuk's presence start to make sense.' His approach: ditch the surface-level cool and focus on what the character contributes to the story. 'Reading the script, I couldn't find a single moment where the guy felt cool. Struggling through flaws and growing — that's usually what makes someone cool, but the film skips straight to the endpoint,' he says. 'So I had to ask: How does this one character carry the weight of the whole world-building?' That question took him to unexpected places. Yoo Joong-hyuk's endless loop of death and resurrection led Lee to reflect on mortality, memory and the trap of having too much experience. 'Most people probably dream of immortality,' he says. 'But would that really make you happy? I try not to let experience become the only lens I see the world through. That's how people get stuck. And Yoo Joong-hyuk is forced into experiences he never asked for, over and over. His only way to survive is ruthless efficiency.' Even the film's wild premise of a global apocalypse turned into a game show for sentient cosmic beings started to hit close to home. 'We're becoming more isolated as people, while everything gets more systematized,' he says. 'People shine when they're part of something bigger. And this whole live-streamed survival setup? That's our world too. Everything's about being louder, more extreme, competing for attention. It's the same story — just told through fantasy.' The stakes for "Omniscient Reader" are high. With a reported budget of 30 billion won and franchise hopes riding on its box office, the film faces the tricky task of winning over hardcore fans while also hooking newcomers who might be thrown by all the interdimensional jargon. Add to that the pressure of a sluggish post-pandemic box office — no Korean film this year has passed 4 million admissions — and this one needs at least 6 million to break even. Lee, for his part, seems unfazed. This return to film was a promise he made to himself in his twenties, and the numbers, he says, though important, aren't the point. 'Back then, I went to theaters for catharsis, looking for something meaningful. I told myself I'd wait until my thirties, when I'd have more to offer,' he says. 'Now I like these intense, compact, two-hour stories.' So what does he hope audiences will say? 'That it was fun.' He doesn't miss a beat. 'Simple is best. That one word says everything.'
Korea Herald
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Interview: Lee Min-ho's curious antihero turn
The K-drama superstar returns to cinema after a decade to play a central figure who barely shows up Lee Min-ho needs no introduction in Korea's entertainment world. Since his breakout as the imperious, poodle-permed Gu Jun-pyo in "Boys Over Flowers" at 22, he's cornered the market on romantic leads: the tortured chaebol in "The Heirs," the morally ambiguous mogul in "Pachinko," the starry-eyed astronaut in the recent flop "When the Stars Gossip." Always the hero, always front and center. But for a star who's built his career on main character energy, this latest role marks a left turn. In "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet," a genre-blending fantasy epic hitting theaters Wednesday, Lee plays Yoo Joong-hyuk — a battle-hardened warrior stuck in an endless loop, dying and restarting the apocalypse like it's just another Tuesday. He stalks the edges of the film in a leather coat, glowering at Ahn Hyo-seop's earnest everyman who's trying to save the world armed only with decency and determination. 'I'll be honest, it was lonely and desolate,' Lee says, speaking to reporters at a coffee shop in Samcheong-dong, central Seoul, Thursday. 'If you think about it, this is the protagonist of protagonists. Normally when we talk about a main character, we build their emotional arc throughout the film. My biggest challenge was figuring out how to fill those gaps convincingly.' It's not just the brooding, hard-to-like character that makes this turn stand out. As the first installment in what producers hope will become a franchise based on a hit web novel of the same title, director Kim Byung-woo had to compress the sprawling plotlines for the screen. Yoo Joong-hyuk took the biggest hit. He barely shows up, speaks a handful of lines and arrives without a backstory or context. Viewers are given almost no clues as to who he is or why he matters. Even his supposed bond with protege Ji-hye, played by Blackpink's Jisoo — the kind of pairing fans would line up to see — was a mystery to Lee. 'I honestly had no idea how we were even connected,' he says with a laugh. 'I was flying blind." Still, at 38 and on his fourth feature film, Lee speaks like someone no longer worried about screen time. 'I try to go straight for the essence,' he says. 'When I first met the director, we spent 80 percent of our time talking about Dok-ja (Ahn's character). The audience has to buy into him first. Only then does Yoo Joong-hyuk's presence start to make sense.' His approach: ditch the surface-level cool and focus on what the character contributes to the story. 'Reading the script, I couldn't find a single moment where the guy felt cool. Struggling through flaws and growing — that's usually what makes someone cool, but the film skips straight to the endpoint,' he says. 'So I had to ask: How does this one character carry the weight of the whole world-building?' That question took him to unexpected places. Yoo Joong-hyuk's endless loop of death and resurrection led Lee to reflect on mortality, memory and the trap of having too much experience. 'Most people probably dream of immortality,' he says. 'But would that really make you happy? I try not to let experience become the only lens I see the world through. That's how people get stuck. And Yoo Joong-hyuk is forced into experiences he never asked for, over and over. His only way to survive is ruthless efficiency.' Even the film's wild premise of a global apocalypse turned into a game show for sentient cosmic beings started to hit close to home. 'We're becoming more isolated as people, while everything gets more systematized,' he says. 'People shine when they're part of something bigger. And this whole live-streamed survival setup? That's our world too. Everything's about being louder, more extreme, competing for attention. It's the same story — just told through fantasy.' The stakes for "Omniscient Reader" are high. With a reported budget of 30 billion won and franchise hopes riding on its box office, the film faces the tricky task of winning over hardcore fans while also hooking newcomers who might be thrown by all the interdimensional jargon. Add to that the pressure of a sluggish post-pandemic box office — no Korean film this year has passed 4 million admissions — and this one needs at least 6 million to break even. Lee, for his part, seems unfazed. This return to film was a promise he made to himself in his twenties, and the numbers, he says, though important, aren't the point. 'Back then, I went to theaters for catharsis, looking for something meaningful. I told myself I'd wait until my thirties, when I'd have more to offer,' he says. 'Now I like these intense, compact, two-hour stories.' So what does he hope audiences will say? 'That it was fun.' He doesn't miss a beat. 'Simple is best. That one word says everything.'
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophet': Lee Min Ho opens up about ending 9-year hiatus, talks about role and more
Lee Min Ho , well-known for his roles in projects like ' Pachinko ', 'The King: Eternal Monarch', and 'Boys Over Flowers', is all set and ready to take over the big screen again after a 9-year-long hiatus! The star will be portraying the role of Yoo Joong Hyuk in the upcoming fantasy thriller film. In a recent interview, the star opened up about his hiatus, how he came to accept the casting call for this film and more. Lee Min Ho opens up about ending his hiatus Lee Min Ho will be taking over the big screen after 9 years! He was last seen in the Chinese film ' Bounty Hunters ' in 2016, and has recently taken on one of the lead roles in the fantasy film ' Omniscient Reader: The Prophet '. The star, during an interview with Kbizoom talked about his return to the film industry and how he came to accept the role itself. While talking about his return, the star actor revealed that he has been feeling nervous about the entire ordeal. 'It's overwhelming to say I'm returning after 10 years. I feel like I'm waiting for judgment', he shared during the interview. He also delved into how, even though he has not appeared in films for the past 9 years, his popularity has not been affected. He shared that, 'What I pursue is to always do my best quietly. It's a value that aligns with Yoo Joong-hyuk in the film. Titles and descriptions can change, but my job is to do my best in the present'. Lee Min Ho on accepting the role and more Lee Min Ho also revealed his relationship with films was not always smooth, and how he came to accept this role as well. The 'Pachinko' actor shared that when he was in his 20s, films were not something he was looking to work in. 'I realised the movies I truly loved were emotionally deep and weighty. I didn't want to rush into that space too early', he shared during the interview. The actor also revealed that the message that the film carried along with the scale on which it was being made are two of the biggest things that influenced his decision in accepting the offer.
Pink Villa
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Lee Min Ho planning marriage and kids soon? Actor reveals type of girlfriend he's looking for, 'Someone who...'
Lee Min Ho is known for his polished public image and iconic roles in dramas like Boys Over Flowers, The Heirs, and The King: Eternal Monarch. But in a recent interview held on July 17 at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, the actor sat down to share his thoughts. He offered a refreshingly honest look at the man behind the fame. The interview was conducted as part of the promotional tour for his upcoming film Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy. But the conversation didn't stop at work. Instead, Lee Min Ho spoke about his personal life, his views on marriage and family. He revealed how his mindset has shifted as he enters the late thirties chapter of his life. Lee Min Ho gets real about marriage When asked directly about his views on marriage, the actor gave a simple yet thought-provoking answer: 'I should get married.' His candid remark was met with light laughter, but he went on to elaborate on the deeper meaning behind it. He shared that as time passes, he finds himself reflecting more deeply on what truly matters in life. This growing awareness has gradually led him to value the idea of starting a family and having children. 'I naturally think about marriage as well,' he added. However, he acknowledged that the path to finding a life partner hasn't been straightforward. 'But it doesn't work out as planned. I feel like a miracle has to happen,' he confessed. 'It's still vague, but if there comes a moment when I instinctively feel 'this is a miracle,' shouldn't I get married?' What Lee Min Ho wants in a life partner Lee Min Ho also addressed what he looks for in a partner and it's not about external perfection. He explained that his way of relating to people, including women, tends to differ from the norm. While he hasn't set any fixed criteria, he hinted that his choice would likely come down to meeting one of two key qualities that matter most to him. Lee explained, 'Up until now, I think I've lived my life not thinking much of the small happiness, the happiness that comes from the small moments of everyday life.' Lee further added, 'So I think I'd rather be someone who lives by looking at small things. I feel like I have to find someone who can think about 'what we're moving forward for' together with me.' Lee Min Ho shared that he envisions his ideal partner as someone with a personality quite unlike his own. He added that their profession doesn't matter to him, whether they're in the same industry or not isn't a deciding factor. About Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy The film is based on the popular web novel of the same name. It follows a man named Kim Dok Ja, played by Ahn Hyo Seop. He suddenly finds himself trapped in the world of a fantasy novel he had been reading. Lee Min Ho takes on the role of Yoo Joong Hyuk, the novel's original protagonist. He's a fearless warrior determined to prevent the world from collapsing. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on July 23, 2025.
