Lee Min Ho has shared his disappointment that Omniscient Reader did not continue as originally envisioned, saying he would be willing to return if the franchise is ever revived.
During an interview for his new film The Assassin(s) on September 11, Lee Min Ho reflected on Omniscient Reader, the fantasy action film in which he starred as Yoo Joong Hyuk alongside Ahn Hyo Seop’s Kim Dok Ja.
Based on the popular web novel of the same name, the film was reportedly produced on a budget exceeding 30 billion won. Despite strong interest before release, including advance sales to 113 countries, it ended its Korean theatrical run with around 1.06 million admissions and received mixed reactions.
The movie had reportedly been envisioned as the beginning of a larger multi part project. Lee Min Ho admitted that he was particularly disappointed because later installments would have explored the relationship between Yoo Joong Hyuk and Kim Dok Ja in greater depth.
“I really wanted to portray the point where Kim Dok Ja eventually takes on Yoo Joong Hyuk’s role, while Yoo Joong Hyuk becomes the reader,” Lee Min Ho said. “I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to reach that part.”
He explained that the story would have become much deeper from the second installment, especially as the complicated connections between the characters developed.
“From the second story onward, things really start going deeper. The relationships become more intertwined, and that’s where the story we really wanted to tell begins,” he said.
When asked whether he would participate if a sequel were eventually produced, Lee Min Ho initially responded, “Would that be possible?”
However, he made his interest clear, adding, “Because it is an IP that represents Korea, if there is any way for it to be revived, I would like to participate.”
While there is currently no confirmed sequel, Lee Min Ho’s comments show that he remains interested in returning as Yoo Joong Hyuk if Omniscient Reader is given another opportunity
