Author's Note - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

< Author's Postscript > Hello, this is Sing-shong. At long last, "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" has concluded after 2 years and 1 month of serialization. As I meticulously read through each and every comment you left on Episode 535, I gained some insight into what aspects readers were curious about (It was truly a joy reading the heartfelt comments from everyone. I apologize for not being able to answer all questions due to space constraints). In this postscript, I aim to respond to frequently asked questions submitted by many readers. Q. Who is the author? I am someone known as Sing-shong. Despite repeated official announcements, I've encountered numerous rumors about me through various channels. From my gender, profession, and age to imaginative settings that were beyond my wildest dreams... Honestly, I never thought that the identity of Sing-shong was of much significance. I'm merely a proxy translating the characters of "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint." Consequently, I never wanted to disclose details about the author Sing-shong. I feared that if my identity were revealed, the sentences that should exist for the characters might be misinterpreted or redirected by the existence of 'Sing-shong' (and I've already heard such stories). "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" isn't a narrative born because Sing-shong is of a certain gender, age, or specific person. While there might be stories requiring specific environmental conditions, "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" isn't one of them. Despite this, many continue discussing this subject, and after much contemplation, I decided to address it. If misconceptions are inevitable, I thought it better to openly clear the air. The "Sing-shong" who translated "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is not an individual. This isn't a joke or metaphor; the work is written by two people of different genders and ages—specifically, a married couple. I was taken aback by the circulating rumors. Whenever visiting Munpia, signing contracts, or meeting officials for OSMU-related matters, 'Sing' and 'Shong' were always together (only once did one of us alone visit Munpia due to scheduling conflicts, which I thought might have led to misunderstandings). While revealing this truth today, I harbor various fears. The moment we disclose this, some might try to dissect "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" by wondering which parts were written by 'Sing' and which by 'Shong.' However, distinguishing that might be difficult. Even we get confused sometimes. Q. What inspired you to conceptualize "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint"? Back in the summer of 2017, after completing "The World After Destruction," I, Sing, fell into a lengthy slump. My final stronghold, the literary epic by the classical literature warrior Lee Hak-hyun, "How to Become a Star Writer," failed (it's discontinued now, please don't read it), and I was burnt out, unable to figure out what to write next. My days were spent sprawled on the floor, doing nothing—a pitiful sight. Then one day, suddenly, Shong, with a spark in her eyes, spoke up. Shong: Let's move forward with the reader. Sing: ? Shong abruptly stood up, approached my laptop, and began typing vigorously. Thus, three lines were born: "Kim Dokja. My father named me so to be a strong man who could stand on his own. However, thanks to the name given by my father, I live only as a plain, lonely bachelor." Shong: (pointing to the monitor) Try continuing this. Sing: No way... Shong: You can do it! After some grumbling, eventually, I continued the story. And at that moment, I felt a metaphorical hit on the back of my head; a new universe unfolded in my mind, and before I knew it, the prologue and the first chapter were finished. This may sound convenient, but oversimplifying it would do a disservice to the characters who permitted this story. In truth, the theme of "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" had been on my mind for eight years. "A story about stories." "A web novel about web novels." "A genre novel about genre novels." I've long wanted to explore this theme, and my previous works experimented with this concept. Through several failures, I researched forms that could effectively convey the theme, and the outcome is this, albeit imperfect. Thanks to the characters, and the warm gaze of those who watched over them, I've been able to come this far. Q. Do you have any plans for a new work? Not for the time being. Q. Will there be a setting book for "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint"? I haven't discussed it with management yet, but I'll strive to make it happen if possible. Q. Are there any plans to release merchandise for "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint"? I understand that management is currently preparing for it. Q. Is there a plan to publish a paper version or a collector's edition? Yes, paper books and a collector's edition are planned for release. Q. Are there plans for a side story? Yes, it's likely to coincide with the paper book work. I'll inform you once dates are set. Q. Do you consider a webtoon adaptation? The webtoon for "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is currently in progress. An exceptional team of talented artists is managing it, so we're very excited. We anticipate it will launch in the first half of this year. Q. Is a screen adaptation in development? As some of you may know, "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" has been contracted as a five-part series with the film production company Realize Pictures. Besides domestic film adaptation, we're also discussing long-form drama production with overseas production companies, and we hope to share good news on this front soon. Q. What was the most enjoyable part to write during the lengthy serialization period? **Sing:** Personally, the parts I enjoyed writing the most were "The 73rd Demon King" and "The Oldest Dream." These sections had been on my mind for a long time, which allowed me to write them without hesitation. I also had a lot of fun writing the "King of a World Without Kings" part. **Shong:** For me, the most fun story was always the one I was working on at the time. Right now, the epilogue remains the most memorable. Since it was a part I had long waited for, I enjoyed working on it a great deal. **Q. Which character do you think resembles you the most?** **Sing:** I don't think there's a character resembling me. But I do know who Shong resembles. In many ways, Shong is similar to Han Su-yeong. She's probably saying something similar beneath this. **Shong:** Each character resembles me a little, yet none of them do entirely. It’s a bit embarrassing to say whom I resemble, but if I must, Sing is like Gil Young. Gil Young is a pure and stubborn kid. I imagine if Gil Young didn’t like insects but preferred stories, he’d have grown that way. **Q. Which character do you have the most affection for?** **Sing:** Of course, I love all the characters, but I feel a particular attachment to Han Su-yeong and Jung Hee-won. Among them, Jung Hee-won especially lingers in my heart. If given a chance, I’d like to delve further into Hee-won’s story. **Shong:** I like Ha-yeong. Just because. I wanted to give her a better voice and presence, which leaves some regrets. And though he might not qualify as a 'character,' I also really like Mandu Jung-hyeok. **Q. What's the first thing you want to do now that "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is completed?** **Sing:** I've lived thinking about this day for a very long time, but now that it’s here, it's a strange feeling. I felt like there were so many stories left to tell, but oddly enough, I don't seem to have any sentences to contribute to the characters' lives at the moment. Even when I close my eyes, there’s no sensation of someone hitting the back of my head. That’s exceptionally strange, and because of that feeling, I think I’ll dwell in it for a while. **Shong:** I thought there were many things I wanted to do, but now that it’s finished, I realize this was the most desired task. Upon reflection, I feel like being disconnected from everything for a bit. Maybe for about a week, at least. **Q. You described "The World After Destruction" as "a novel with a naked man doing thrusts." How would you express "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint"?** **Sing:** It’s a story less harmful than "The World After Destruction." **Shong:** A tale where people loving people makes the whole world better. **Q. Did you experience slumps while writing "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint"? If so, how did you overcome them?** **Sing:** It feels like I always had a slump. Every day was about overcoming the slump, and failing even for a day would bring everything crashing down. I just gritted my teeth and persevered because if I didn’t continue writing, the story would come to a halt. I’m grateful I stuck through till the end. **Shong:** Sing’s slump was simultaneously my slump. If Sing couldn’t write the draft, I couldn’t do anything either. While Sing was in despair, I tried to stick my head out of the swamp and focus on attainable tasks. When I was in despair, Sing would carry me through the mire. We both strived to ensure we never did nothing. **Q. Any final words?** Reading through the questions sent by the readers filled me with gratitude. There were captivating questions, but I refrained from answering those directly related to the story. I apologize for this decision. Instantly offering answers might diminish the significance of the sentences the characters dedicated their lives to write. I hope there will be another opportunity to address those inquiries someday. Many people supported us to reach this point. From Kim Hwan-chul, who always bolstered us with his unreserved advice, to Lee Kyung-soo, who tirelessly sought out new possibilities for "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint." To Kim Tae-hyun, the editor who painstakingly managed even parts beyond serialization. To J, who shielded us from external whims when we were ailing. To author Iru, who became our courage from the nearest proximity. To the cover artists who brought the characters to life magnificently. To every character in "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" who allowed us to tell their meaningful stories. To those who, out of fear of being a burden, I dare not name—the dear ones we love. And to the singular reader who co-read their stories and breathed coherence into them. The very fact that we’re not yet lifeless and are writing this sentence is thanks to the words you gifted us. Should we craft another story someday, it will again be thanks to the sentences you've given us. Thank you for accompanying "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" until the very end. Sing-shong, February 3, 2020. < Author's Postscript > End