Director Won Dong-yeon Discusses Challenges Ahead of 'All-Knowing Reader' Release

Won Dong-yeon (원동연), the head of Realize Pictures and a prominent figure in the Korean film industry, candidly addressed the controversies surrounding his upcoming action fantasy film, 'All-Knowing Reader' (전지적 독자 시점), directed by Kim Byung-woo (김병우). In an interview on July 22, 2025, at a café in Yeouido, Seoul, he expressed his nervousness as the film's release approached, especially given the high expectations from fans of the original web novel.

Won, known for producing blockbuster hits like 'Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds' (신과함께-죄와 벌) and 'Along with the Gods: The Last 49 Days' (신과함께-인과 연), has a track record of creating films that surpass 10 million admissions. His latest project, 'All-Knowing Reader,' is based on a globally popular web novel by the writing duo known as Sing Shong, which has captivated audiences for over a decade. The story follows a unique premise where the world of the novel becomes reality, and the sole reader becomes the protagonist, rewriting the narrative of a world on the brink of destruction.

Despite the immense popularity of the source material, the adaptation comes with significant risks due to the high expectations from fans and the complexity of the fantasy world. Won's previous success with 'Along with the Gods' has given him the confidence to tackle this ambitious project. He shared that after the exhausting experience of producing the 'Along with the Gods' films, he initially sought a lighter project but was drawn to 'All-Knowing Reader' after a colleague suggested it.

The film's production faced unexpected challenges due to the pandemic, which drastically altered the film industry landscape. Won expressed concerns about the film's financial viability, especially given its substantial budget of 30 billion KRW (approximately $25 million). He emphasized the pressure on producers to ensure profitability, stating that while accolades from prestigious awards like the Academy Awards or Cannes Film Festival are desirable, the primary goal is to avoid losses.

As the release date nears, Won feels a sense of responsibility, likening himself to a national representative for the film industry. He aims to demonstrate that Korean cinema remains a viable investment, despite recent struggles in the market.

Fans have raised concerns about potential deviations from the original story, particularly regarding the character Lee Ji-hye (이지혜), who is portrayed with a gun instead of traditional weapons associated with her character in the novel. Won acknowledged the challenges of adapting beloved characters and emphasized the need to create compelling cinematic representations. He hopes that audiences, both fans of the original work and newcomers, will appreciate the film's unique take on the story.

Looking ahead, Won expressed his desire to establish 'All-Knowing Reader' as a successful franchise, similar to 'Along with the Gods.' He has already developed a script for a sequel and is eager to continue exploring this universe, despite the uncertainties of the current film market.