Can a fantasy K-drama about wishes and love spark global outrage?
Why are viewers calling Genie, Make A Wish one of 2025’s worst dramas?
And what was the writer really trying to say behind all that glittering magic and chaos?
The latest sensation in the K-drama world of Netflix Genie, Make A Wish is full of questions. Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin star in the romantic story set in a fantasy world. The series was predicted to become a large success — however it became one of the most talked-about shows of 2025.
Let’s take a look at the story, the opposition, and the artistic intent that caused the uproar.
2. Background: The Hype Before Release
Genie, Make A Wish, before its premiere, was among the most expected K-dramas of 2025. Fans were very excited about the fact that Bae Suzy and Kim Woo Bin would be together again almost ten years after their last drama Uncontrollably Fond (2016).
Kim Eun-sook, one of the most prolific Korean screenwriters who has written several successful dramas like Mr. Sunshine and The Glory, penned the script for the show. The series carried a promise of fantasy, emotion, and philosophy directed by Ahn Gil-ho, the perfect K-drama blend.
But, as soon as the series was released on Netflix, the fans‘ expectation of a fairy-tale romance was transformed into a worldwide debate.
3. The Plot & Theme
Genie, Make A Wish narrates the life of Ka-young, a secluded lady who just by chance finds an ancient lamp. Opening it, she unleashes the genie (Iblis) – a magic creature who had been confined for a millennium.
Their unusual bond leads to a story that delves into love, redemption, and morality themes. In between the fantasy and comedy, the drama raises the question of the good or evil nature of humans at birth and their eventual good or bad nature through their deeds.
However, the character name “Iblis” — a direct reference to a figure in Islam associated with evil — sparked outrage among global audiences, leading to claims that the show disrespected religious values.
4. The Backlash: Religious Controversy & Viewer Anger
Even though the first episode had not yet been aired, Genie, Make A Wish was already criticized for its religious nuances. The audience accused the series of glorifying Iblis, making an important Islamic figure a mere source of entertainment, thus, trivializing the whole religion.
The criticisms only grew louder and stronger post-release. The drama was bombarded with one-star ratings and reviews on IMDb. On different forums, both Korean and international viewers referred to the show as “tone-deaf” and “disrespectful.”
Some viewers were also critical about the cast’s performances and plot development, e.g., one person commented: “Why are both of them acting like that?”; another said: “The script feels weak, and the acting doesn’t fit the mood.” As the uproar got bigger, Netflix was labeled as culturally insensitive and many people demanded either a statement or an apology.
5. The Other Side: Writer Kim Eun-sook’s Intent
In an interview with Yonhap News, writer Kim Eun-sook shared that the core message of Genie, Make A Wish was not about religion or evil at all — but rather, it was about the goodness of mankind.
She stated that the plot revolves around the struggle of humanity in choosing between good and bad and love and compassion directing those choices.
Kim portrayed Suzy’s character, Ka-young, as a person who does not believe she has the capacity for kindness but is still making the effort to do good — a real human interaction of struggle.
“Ga-young is certain her nature is evil,” Kim said, “but she tries to make good choices because she has learned love from her community.”
This deeper philosophical layer — about the moral nature of humankind — was what Kim wanted the viewers to pay attention to.
6. The Split Reaction: Art vs Offense
The controversy around the matter kept on raging and Genie, Make A Wish surprisingly to Netflix charts. It took the first place in South Korea and within a few days of its release, became one of the Top 5 Non-English TV shows worldwide.
Critics considered it “deeply flawed” but others speaking of it were using the term “courageous storytelling” as a compliment. The discussion has evolved from a mere drama to a more profound cultural issue – can there be art that provokes a certain audience and still deliver an important message?
Some people, those opposing the backlash, maintained that it was the creative intent of the show that got overshadowed, while the others kept saying that there should always be respect for cultures and religions as the first priority.
7. Broader Discussion: When Art Meets Religion
The use of religious themes in entertainment has always caused controversies and disagreements — from Hollywood films to anime and global series, the struggle between the right to artistic expression and the need for cultural respect has never been easy.
In the present-day times of unlimited streaming, K-dramas are among the most-watched and writers and producers have to navigate between the two extremes of creativity and controversy.
Genie, Make A Wish is now considered a major case of how one cultural misinterpretation can lead to debates around the world.
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8. Conclusion: A Lesson in Sensitivity & Storytelling
Ultimately, Genie, Make A Wish turned out to be a creative experiment and a talking point at the same time.
It puts up a reminder for the narrators to take a closer look at the cultures and a reminder for the spectators to be more cautious in their judgment.
The purpose of Kim Eun-sook was to bring out love and human goodness, nevertheless, her message was buried under the dispute. One viewer has well expressed it:
“Sometimes, even good intentions can be lost in translation.”
In the end, understanding might be the real wish that we need instead of magic.
