Lee Min Ho is making his long-awaited movie comeback with “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet,” a role he initially hesitated to take on and one that surprisingly links him to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo.
Why Lee Min Ho Almost Said No
After a decade away from the silver screen, Lee Min Ho is returning with “Omniscient Reader,” an adaptation of a globally popular webtoon. Despite his successful career and numerous hit K-dramas, the actor revealed he felt immense pressure about this new project.
He admitted to “fiercely resisting” the offer multiple times. His biggest fear? Being typecast. Lee didn’t want audiences to say, “This role is just more of the same Lee Min Ho.”
What ultimately changed his mind wasn’t the visual appeal or top billing, but the character of Yoo Joong Hyuk himself. Lee was drawn to Joong Hyuk’s values, which resonated with his own. He also saw the potential to contribute to a major Korean IP reaching a wider audience.
A unique aspect of the role is Joong Hyuk’s limited screen time, especially early in the story. Lee confirmed that every scene he shot made it into the film, agreeing that adding more backstory might dilute the movie’s direction. He consciously chose not to push for more presence, embracing the risk involved in playing a character whose impact is felt more than seen.
The Unexpected Connection with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
Fans were thrilled to hear about the on-screen pairing of Lee Min Ho and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, who plays Ji Hye, a character linked to Joong Hyuk. However, Lee himself was in the dark about their connection during filming.
“I had no idea how we were connected,” he confessed with a laugh, admitting he was “flying blind.” This highlights the unique nature of his role in the film.
Known for his charismatic leading man roles in dramas like “Boys Over Flowers” and “The Heirs,” Lee takes on a different challenge in “Omniscient Reader.” His character is portrayed as a myth, a shadow, and the backbone of the story, with minimal charming dialogue or romance. He carries the weight of an entire world’s mythology without a full backstory or extensive explanation.
- Lee Min Ho’s first movie in 10 years is “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet.”
- He initially resisted the role due to pressure and fear of typecasting.
- He accepted the part because of the character’s values and the project’s broad appeal.
- Lee was unaware of his character’s connection to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo during filming.
- The film, with a budget of nearly $22 million USD, is set to release on July 23.
Lee Min Ho’s willingness to embrace such an unconventional role showcases his commitment to challenging himself and contributing to significant cinematic projects like “Omniscient Reader.”
Lee Min Ho is making his long-awaited movie comeback with “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet,” a role he initially hesitated to take on and one that surprisingly links him to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo.
Why Lee Min Ho Almost Said No
After a decade away from the silver screen, Lee Min Ho is returning with “Omniscient Reader,” an adaptation of a globally popular webtoon. Despite his successful career and numerous hit K-dramas, the actor revealed he felt immense pressure about this new project.
He admitted to “fiercely resisting” the offer multiple times. His biggest fear? Being typecast. Lee didn’t want audiences to say, “This role is just more of the same Lee Min Ho.”
What ultimately changed his mind wasn’t the visual appeal or top billing, but the character of Yoo Joong Hyuk himself. Lee was drawn to Joong Hyuk’s values, which resonated with his own. He also saw the potential to contribute to a major Korean IP reaching a wider audience.
A unique aspect of the role is Joong Hyuk’s limited screen time, especially early in the story. Lee confirmed that every scene he shot made it into the film, agreeing that adding more backstory might dilute the movie’s direction. He consciously chose not to push for more presence, embracing the risk involved in playing a character whose impact is felt more than seen.
The Unexpected Connection with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo
Fans were thrilled to hear about the on-screen pairing of Lee Min Ho and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo, who plays Ji Hye, a character linked to Joong Hyuk. However, Lee himself was in the dark about their connection during filming.
“I had no idea how we were connected,” he confessed with a laugh, admitting he was “flying blind.” This highlights the unique nature of his role in the film.
Known for his charismatic leading man roles in dramas like “Boys Over Flowers” and “The Heirs,” Lee takes on a different challenge in “Omniscient Reader.” His character is portrayed as a myth, a shadow, and the backbone of the story, with minimal charming dialogue or romance. He carries the weight of an entire world’s mythology without a full backstory or extensive explanation.
- Lee Min Ho’s first movie in 10 years is “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet.”
- He initially resisted the role due to pressure and fear of typecasting.
- He accepted the part because of the character’s values and the project’s broad appeal.
- Lee was unaware of his character’s connection to BLACKPINK’s Jisoo during filming.
- The film, with a budget of nearly $22 million USD, is set to release on July 23.
Lee Min Ho’s willingness to embrace such an unconventional role showcases his commitment to challenging himself and contributing to significant cinematic projects like “Omniscient Reader.”