The K-pop world is in uproar after BLACKPINK‘s Jisoo was mysteriously excluded from a promotional post for her upcoming movie “Omniscient Reader: The Prophet.” On Friday, July 4, Lotte World initially posted a picture that included all the cast members, but they soon deleted it and replaced it with another promotional photo that excluded the K-pop idol. This shocking move has triggered massive fan backlash and calls for a movie boycott.
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🚨 The Promotional Post Controversy
The incident unfolded when fans noticed that Jisoo’s image was deliberately removed from the promotional material, sparking immediate speculation about behind-the-scenes drama. The timing couldn’t be worse for the highly anticipated film adaptation, which has already faced multiple controversies since its announcement.
What’s Behind the Jisoo Backlash?
The controversy got worse when director Kim Byung-woo acknowledged that while Jisoo’s role as Lee Ji-hye isn’t particularly significant in the film, he wanted someone who could “really capture the audience’s attention”. These comments didn’t sit well with many Korean netizens, who questioned her casting choices.
🎬 Movie Details & Cast Information
| Movie Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Omniscient Reader: The Prophet |
| Director | Kim Byung-woo |
| Main Cast | Lee Min-ho, Ahn Hyo-seop, Chae Soo-bin, Jisoo |
| Genre | Fantasy, Action, Drama |
| Based On | Popular webtoon by Sing Shong |
| Jisoo’s Role | Lee Ji-hye (supporting role) |
| Release Status | 2025 (tentative) |
The Source Material Controversy
As soon as the teaser was released, viewers got disheartened, and angry netizens believed the makers had removed the essence of the original web novel by erasing the essential historical context of the original story. Some worry that the adaptation may alter fundamental aspects of the narrative by replacing Jisoo’s supposed sword with a gun.
Fan Reactions: “They’re Plotting Her Downfall”
Fans did not find the director’s explanation reasonable and turned to social media to express their disappointment. They believed that the director’s changes led to hateful reactions towards Jisoo. “bro they’re plotting on her downfall,” a fan wrote.
Social media platforms are flooded with hashtags calling for boycotts, with fans expressing their frustration over what they perceive as unfair treatment of the BLACKPINK member.
The Press Conference Drama
Jisoo’s absence from the press conference for her film has fans speculating and clashing over the reasons online. The director and main cast gathered for a press conference at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University, with Jisoo absent due to scheduling conflicts.
Industry Impact & Future Projects
Despite the controversy, Jisoo is set to lead the upcoming K-drama, Newtopia, which will be released on February 7, 2025, and is also reported to lead Boyfriend On Demand, directed by Kim Jung-sik.
The ongoing drama highlights the challenges faced by K-pop idols transitioning to acting, especially when dealing with established fandoms of popular source material.
For more K-pop news and entertainment updates, check out our BLACKPINK coverage and K-drama section.
What This Means for the Movie
The controversy could significantly impact the film’s box office performance, especially given the passionate fanbase of both BLACKPINK and the original webtoon. The promotional misstep has only added fuel to an already burning fire of criticism.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why was BLACKPINK Jisoo excluded from the Omniscient Reader promotional post?
A: Lotte World initially posted a promotional image including all cast members but later deleted it and replaced it with a version that excluded Jisoo. The company hasn’t provided an official explanation for this decision, leading to speculation and fan outrage about potential discrimination or behind-the-scenes issues.
Q2: What role does Jisoo play in Omniscient Reader: The Prophet?
A: Jisoo plays Lee Ji-hye, a supporting character in the film. Director Kim Byung-woo has stated that while her role isn’t particularly significant in the film, he cast her because he wanted someone who could “really capture the audience’s attention.” This explanation has been controversial among fans and critics.
