The upcoming film 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint,' based on the popular web novel of the same title, is facing growing controversy over its adaptation, especially following the release of character posters and teaser trailer.

On May 12, the production team of 'Omniscent Reader's Viewpoint' officially unveiled the film's character posters and teaser trailer. Following the February launch trailer, which gained attention as it features BLACKPINK's Jisoo wielding a gun as her character Lee Ji Hye, the new poster also depicts her holding a firearm, further fueling the heated debate.

'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' is a fantasy action film where the world of a long-running web novel becomes reality on the day the novel ends. The story follows Kim Dok Ja, the novel’s sole reader, as he teams up with the story’s protagonist Yoo Jung Hyuk and other companions to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. With a massive production budget of 30 billion KRW (approx. 22 million USD), the film has drawn attention as a major summer blockbuster.

In 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint,' each character is empowered by a constellation, a sort of celestial patron, granting them unique abilities. Lee Ji Hye’s constellation is none other than Admiral Yi Sun Shin, the revered historical figure who fought against Japan during the Imjin War. However, concerns have arisen since the teaser shows her using a gun instead of the iconic sword associated with Yi Sun Shin, raising fears that this element of the character’s backstory may have been removed. These concerns are heightened by past instances where sensitive historical references were altered or omitted in works meant for global distribution.

One notable example involved the 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' webtoon version released in Japan, where a line originally referencing Korean independence activist Yu Gwan Sun was changed to mention a "yin-yang master of contradictions"—a figure rooted in ancient Japanese culture and mysticism. It’s also been reported that a constellation representing Ahn Jung Geun, another Korean independence hero, was removed. Such changes have led to criticism that the production is trying too hard to appease Japanese audiences.

Following the teaser’s release, some netizens strongly objected, questioning the decision to arm a character channeling Admiral Yi with a gun instead of a sword or bow, especially given that Yi Soon Shin famously resisted Japanese forces using traditional Korean weapons during the Imjin War.

The concerns are amplified by the film's global interest, especially with top Hallyu stars like Jisoo, Lee Min Ho, and Ahn Hyo Seop in the cast.

In response to the backlash, Realies Pictures CEO Won Dong Yeon posted on social media in February, saying, “Film adaptations inevitably require creative adjustments. When we made Along with the Gods, we took significant liberties, but both the original author, Joo Ho Min, and fans understood after watching the film. I’m still on good terms with the author.”

Won Dong Yeon further explained that the script was fully shared with the original author, who was informed about the changes and approved them. He also released a poster showing Yoo Jung Hyuk holding both a sword and a gun, stating, “He uses both. The goblins all appear too. While we don’t follow the novel word for word, the message, characters, and world-building remain intact.”

However, no additional clarification was offered regarding Jisoo’s character, Lee Ji Hye.

'Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint' is scheduled for release in July.

Many Korean netizens expressed dissatisfaction with the film adaptation changes and commented:

"Why would Admiral Yi Sun Shin use a gun..."

"Why does 'cinematic adaptation' apply there? It’s a fantasy to begin with, but did they scrap the Yi Sun Shin character setting?"
"Why would you adapt it like that?"

"I hope it flops. This is seriously frustrating."
"There are parts that could’ve been adapted, but this wasn’t one of them. You should’ve left this alone. And 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, sellout route."

"They erased Ahn Jung Geun, Yu Gwan Sun, and Yi Sun Shin… lol."

"What about Yi Sun Shin…?"

"Adaptations should be done in moderation, this is just too much."

"Whether she’s holding a gun or a sword, I don’t care. I’m not watching it anyway."

"Honestly, the gun is better. If she were holding a sword, it’d feel like cosplay and look awkward."

"Let’s boycott this, seriously, lol."

"A once-popular work turned into a low-grade, Japan-pandering mess overnight. Why did they do this? Changing the independence activist into a Japanese onmyoji? That feels downright malicious. What was the reason?"

"Yeah, not watching it."

"Sword-fighting acting isn’t easy. I get it. They wanted to keep Jisoo."

"Yi Sun Shin with a gun? Have they lost it trying to appease Japan?"

"If they had adapted it with Ahn Jung Geun, I’d respect that."

"I was already too disappointed by how they changed the original, so I don’t want to support the project at all. Sigh."

"Does she just like controversial, historically insensitive projects or what?"

"Just don’t watch it. Let it flop. Even the original webtoon clearly pandered to far-right Japanese sensibilities."

"Wait—they actually changed the line from 'I want Yu Gwan Sun' to 'I want a Japanese onmyoji'? Of all people, Yu Gwan Sun? This is just a pro-Japanese, traitorous piece of work."

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