K-drama star Ahn Hyo Seop recently shared insights into working with his long-time idol Lee Min Ho on the set of their highly anticipated film, ‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophet’.
A Dream Collaboration Unfolds
During a recent interview in Seoul, Ahn Hyo Seop opened up about the surreal experience of starring alongside Lee Min Ho. For years, Ahn had admired Lee Min Ho from afar, even watching his dramas back when he lived in Canada.
He explained that working with Lee Min Ho felt surprisingly “comfortable.” This mirrored the dynamic between their characters in the film, where Ahn’s Kim Dok Ja views Lee Min Ho’s Yoo Jung Hyuk as a legendary figure.
Ahn described how seeing Lee Min Ho in person, after years of only seeing him through media, made the whole situation incredibly fascinating and surreal. He noted there was no “sense of distance” on set, making it easy to slip into his role.
Breaking the Ice on Set
Despite his initial admiration, Ahn Hyo Seop quickly felt at ease with his senior colleague. He mentioned that Lee Min Ho made an effort to connect, asking simple questions like, “Have you eaten?”
These small gestures helped them “become friends right away,” dissolving any initial starstruck feelings. Ahn recalled feeling a sense of nostalgia while filming, remembering his younger days as a fan.
He also praised the entire cast, which includes BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, Nana, and Chae Soo Bin. Ahn observed that everyone knew “how to shine without stepping on each other’s toes,” fostering a balanced and supportive team environment.
Embracing the Role of Kim Dok Ja
‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophet’ is based on a hugely popular web novel and webtoon, setting high expectations for the live-action adaptation. Ahn Hyo Seop addressed the pressure of playing Kim Dok Ja, a character well-known to a global fanbase.
He admitted to not reading the entire novel but did enough research to understand the role. His approach was to use the source material as a reference and build his own interpretation of Kim Dok Ja from the script, rather than directly copying the webtoon character.
When asked about fan expectations regarding his appearance, Ahn responded pragmatically, stating, “This is the face I was born with. What can I do? The director cast me for a reason.” He focused on delivering a strong performance, acknowledging the film’s substantial 30 billion won budget but choosing not to let it overwhelm him.
- ‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophet’ is a major film adaptation of a popular web novel/toon.
- Ahn Hyo Seop admired Lee Min Ho for years before working together.
- Lee Min Ho’s casual approach helped Ahn Hyo Seop feel comfortable on set.
- Ahn Hyo Seop interpreted Kim Dok Ja’s role from the script, not just the original source.
The film delves into a world where a fictional novel becomes reality, and Kim Dok Ja, the only one who knows the story’s ending, must survive alongside the novel’s protagonist, Yoo Jung Hyuk.
