With less than a week remaining until the release of Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, anticipation is high, and lead actor Ahn Hyo Seop recently offered deeper insight into his role during a press interview held at a café in Jongno, Seoul, on July 17. The fantasy-action film, adapted from the popular web novel of the same name, has already garnered attention for its ambitious scope, and Ahn’s involvement has added to the excitement. Speaking to reporters, he reflected on the unique aspects of playing Kim Dok Ja and the challenges he faced in bringing the character to life.
Ahn shared that it was the script that initially piqued his curiosity. He was drawn in by the story’s premise and found himself wondering how such a layered and expansive world could be visualized on screen. More than the action or spectacle, what stood out to him was the ordinary nature of his character. Unlike many of his past roles that leaned into melodrama or featured exaggerated personalities, Kim Dok Ja is a quiet, unassuming office worker—a man whose life is transformed overnight. That groundedness, Ahn explained, is what made the role so compelling. He saw portraying an average individual thrust into extraordinary circumstances as a nuanced challenge, one that required restraint rather than theatrics.
However, the simplicity of the character didn’t translate to ease of execution. In fact, filming was physically taxing for Ahn, who had to perform numerous intense action scenes throughout the production. He described how his body was constantly in motion—running through chaotic settings, performing wire stunts, and engaging in combat sequences with imagined enemies. Some scenes even required him to carry a child while sprinting. The physical toll this took on him was evident. By the time filming concluded, Ahn revealed he had lost six to seven kilograms. It wasn’t just the physical strain that impacted him, but the emotional weight of depicting a man burdened with the fate of a collapsing world.
Despite the exhaustion, Ahn Hyo Seop emphasized that the experience was deeply fulfilling. He expressed a genuine connection to the production environment, speaking fondly of how the cast and crew worked in harmony, each person devoted to creating something meaningful. For him, this sense of unity reaffirmed his decision to pursue acting. As he looked back on the long days and demanding scenes, he felt a sense of belonging on set. It was, in his words, a world he wanted to be part of.
His remarks not only reflect his dedication to the role but also offer a glimpse into the emotional and physical investment required to bring such a beloved character to life. With his performance shaped by both care and commitment, fans of Omniscient Reader are eager to see how Ahn Hyo Seop’s portrayal of Kim Dok Ja will resonate on screen.