Omniscient Reader Lee Min-ho revealed that he gained weight to embody his character.

On the morning of the 17th, an interview with Lee Min-ho, the lead actor of the film "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet," took place at a café in Sukgye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

"Omniscient Reader: The Prophet" (director Kim Byung-woo, provided by Lotte Entertainment and Smilegate, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, produced by Realize Pictures Co., Ltd., co-produced by MYM Entertainment, Smilegate Realize, and The Present Company) is a fantasy action piece where, after a decade-long serialized novel is completed, the world of the novel becomes reality, and the unique reader, Kim Dok-ja (played by Ahn Hyo-seop), along with the novel's protagonist Yoo Jong-hyuk (played by Lee Min-ho) and others, must survive in a world that has perished.

With a total production cost of about 30 billion won, this blockbuster is based on the popular web novel of the same name, which received love from global fans. Recently reborn as a film this year after a webtoon adaptation, it features Hallyu stars Lee Min-ho and Ahn Hyo-seop, along with global girl group BLACKPINK's Jisoo. Directed by Kim Byung-woo, known for works like "The Terror Live" (2013) and "PMC: The Bunker" (2018), this is his new release after seven years, produced by Realize Pictures, which created the hit "Along with the Gods" series.

Currently, advance sales have been confirmed in 113 countries worldwide, including Japan, Singapore, Vietnam, Europe, and North America, signaling a hot encounter with international audiences. It is exceptionally set to premiere in Germany, where Korean films are rarely released, demonstrating its competitiveness.

Lee Min-ho passionately portrayed the character Yoo Jong-hyuk, the protagonist of the novel serialized for over a decade. Yoo Jong-hyuk, the main character of the novel "Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World," possesses overwhelming skills and strength sufficient to clear all scenarios through a regression skill that allows him to start over upon death. He returns to the screen after 10 years since "Gangnam 1970."

Lee Min-ho, who encountered the original web novel late, said, "I read the original after deciding to take on the project. I thought the more deficiencies the character had, the cooler he was. I always feel that way, but I’ve never felt cringe during the process of working on a project. I wonder if this project has any cringe-worthy points. So far, it doesn’t. Many people say Yoo Jong-hyuk is a cool character, but I wonder, 'Is there really anything cool about him?'" he laughed.

Lee Min-ho was considered the top choice for the casting of Yoo Jong-hyuk even before "Omniscient Reader" was adapted into a film. Regarding this, he noted, "That was the biggest hurdle. I recognized that the character itself had significant symbolism and meaning from the original work. It was quite a burden to meet those expectations. Honestly, I hope the audience evaluates that 'this is about right' rather than me judging the synchronization myself."

He also built his physique to express overwhelming physicality and abilities. He said, "I did some exercise. I gained a lot of weight while doing 'Pachinko' and struggled a bit to lose it. I gained about 5 kg and lost that 5 kg again after finishing filming."

Looking at Lee Min-ho's recent activities, including Apple TV+ "Pachinko" and the new "Omniscient Reader," it seems he is moving towards new challenges without clinging to the desire for leading roles.

"Are you the type who enjoys challenges?" In response to this question, he said, "I think that is my nature. I’ve always been the type to seek out new experiences," adding, "It seems even more so since my 30s. Nowadays, I’m close with senior actor Lee Jung-jae, and I gain inspiration from watching him immerse himself intensely. I often think, 'You can create tremendous energy within yourself just by being immersed and intense'" while expressing his respect.

Meanwhile, "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet" is set to be released on the 23rd.

[Photo] Provided by Lotte Entertainment

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