Fantasy action film ‘Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint’ has debuted at the top of the Korean box office, but despite the strong start, concerns are growing over its ability to break even. With production costs exceeding 30 billion KRW (approximately USD 22 million), the film is under pressure to draw at least 6 million admissions—yet early numbers suggest that may be difficult to achieve.
Released on July 24 (KST), the film attracted a total of 281,263 viewers during its first three days. However, attendance dropped by nearly 40% after the second day. Though it remains in the No.1 spot for now, the slowdown in momentum has cast uncertainty over its box office prospects.
The film stars Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Min Ho, Chae Soo Bin, Shin Seung Ho, Nana, and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, and generated significant attention due to its high-profile cast and its origin as a popular web novel and webtoon. The story follows a world in which fiction becomes reality, combining fantasy and action in a large-scale adaptation.
Audience response has been mixed. Some viewers who were unfamiliar with the original work described the film as an enjoyable action film, while longtime fans of the source material voiced disappointment over its deviations in plot and tone. Jisoo’s performance, in particular, has received divided reactions.
Online comments reflect the criticism. One viewer wrote, “Instead of complaining, maybe start by making a decent movie.” Another added, “Stop blaming theaters and audiences. Maybe cut the absurd salaries of lead actors who never take any of the loss.” One user criticized the production choices, writing, “You gave up your pride just to appeal to Japan. Go succeed there instead.” Others were unimpressed with the overall execution, including one who wrote, “Don’t blame OTT platforms or fans of the original—just make a better movie. Even the trailer looked like a mess.” Another comment simply read, “I went to see it in theaters… It was really disappointing.”
The film's sluggish performance comes at a time when Korean theaters are already struggling. In the first half of 2025, total admissions fell to their lowest level in 21 years. Last year’s box office was bolstered by major hits like ‘Exhuma’ and ‘The Roundup: Punishment’, each surpassing 10 million viewers. This year, the most-watched film so far, ‘Opposition Party’, has drawn only 3.37 million admissions.
Ticket prices have continued to rise, adding to the problem. Since 2019, the average price of a movie ticket has increased from 11,000 KRW to 14,000 KRW (roughly USD 7.90 to USD 10.20)—a 27% jump that far exceeds the inflation rate. Including snacks and other expenses, a visit to the theater can cost over USD 20 per person. In comparison, streaming services offer a broader range of content at similar or lower monthly prices, making them more appealing to many consumers.
An industry insider noted, “As ticket prices continue to rise, audiences expect greater value, but recent films have often fallen short.”
In response, the South Korean government began distributing 4.5 million discount coupons worth 6,000 KRW (approximately USD 4.40) on July 25 (KST) to help boost attendance. It remains to be seen whether this initiative will be enough to reverse the current trend.
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