At a recent press conference in Singapore on July 29 for the upcoming film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, stars Lee Min Ho , Ahn Hyo Seop, and director Kim Byung Woo found themselves at the center of online controversy following remarks about BLACKPINK’s Jisoo.
When asked which character they would ally with in the film’s world, both actors selected Lee Ji Hye, portrayed by Jisoo, citing her “vocals giving them strength.” Although seemingly light-hearted, the comments ignited a wave of criticism online, with some netizens accusing the actors of name-dropping Jisoo due to sluggish ticket sales.
“They’re just using her name to boost hype—especially when she had barely any screen time,” one netizen alleged, referring to the film’s earlier controversy over allegedly exploiting Jisoo’s popularity with minimal appearance. Critics argue that Jisoo’s limited presence in the film, contrasted with how heavily her name has been used in promotions, reflects poorly on the production. Her fans have expressed ongoing disappointment, accusing the marketing of being misleading and disrespectful to the idol-turned-actress.
However, others came to Lee Min Ho and Ahn Hyo Seop’s defense. “They were just complimenting her role. It shows she left a strong impression on her co-stars,” one fan argued. Some believe the backlash should be directed at the production team rather than the cast, noting the positive intention behind their remarks.
Despite efforts to maintain a lighthearted promotional atmosphere, Omniscient Reader: The Prophet continues to be mired in controversy. From its announcement, the film has drawn scrutiny—this recent press event only adding to the debate surrounding its treatment of high-profile cast members
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