Netflix's latest Korean fantasy romantic comedy 'Genie, Make a Wish' has generated sharply divided reactions from viewers since its release, with audiences split between praising its lighthearted charm and criticizing it as overly childish. The series, which premiered in its entirety on October 3, was strategically released to coincide with Korea's seven-day Chuseok holiday weekend, positioning it as one of Netflix's most important Korean productions for the second half of the year.
The 13-episode series follows the story of Genie, a lamp genie who awakens after sleeping for a thousand years, and Ga-young, an emotionally detached woman who discovers him. As their unlikely partnership develops around three life-changing wishes, the show attempts to blend elements of fantasy, romance, and comedy into a cohesive narrative that appeals to a broad audience during the holiday season.
Expectations for the series were particularly high due to its impressive creative team and star power. The show was written by Kim Eun-sook, one of Korea's most celebrated screenwriters known for creating hit dramas like 'Goblin' and 'Mr. Sunshine.' The cast features two of Korea's most popular and bankable stars: Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, whose combined star power generated significant buzz and anticipation among fans and industry observers alike.
However, viewer reactions have been notably polarized since the series debut. Social media platforms have been flooded with contrasting opinions, with some viewers expressing severe disappointment in the show's execution. Critical comments include sentiments like 'I expected more but quit halfway through' and 'I couldn't even finish episode one,' with many citing issues such as childish dialogue, lackluster humor, and an overall tone that feels too juvenile for their tastes.
Conversely, other viewers have found themselves thoroughly entertained by the series' easygoing approach and visual appeal. Positive reactions include comments such as 'It's perfect for killing time' and 'It's like a Suzy photo book – I can't stop watching.' One enthusiastic viewer described it as 'the most entertaining drama I've seen recently,' praising its accessibility and charm. Despite these positive voices, the overall online sentiment has leaned more toward the negative side, creating a challenging reception environment for the high-profile production.
Behind-the-scenes production difficulties may have contributed to the mixed reception that the series is currently experiencing. The project faced significant turbulence during filming when original director Lee Byung-hun was replaced partway through production. Ahn Gil-ho, who gained recognition for directing the acclaimed series 'The Glory,' stepped in to complete the latter half of filming, creating an unusual situation for such a high-profile Korean drama.
This directorial change created an unprecedented situation during the show's promotional activities. No director attended the official press conference for 'Genie, Make a Wish,' which is highly unusual for a production of this caliber and budget. The production upheaval is also reflected in the show's credits, where neither Lee Byung-hun nor Ahn Gil-ho is listed as director in the ending credits of episodes one through thirteen. Only Kim Eun-sook's name appears prominently as the screenwriter, highlighting the behind-the-scenes complications that plagued the production.
Despite facing both critical backlash and production controversies, 'Genie, Make a Wish' continues to generate significant attention and discussion among viewers. The combination of its A-list cast, renowned screenwriter, and strategic holiday timing ensures that it remains in the spotlight during one of the year's most competitive streaming periods. The series benefits from the star power of Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, whose dedicated fan bases are likely to tune in regardless of mixed reviews.
The ultimate success of 'Genie, Make a Wish' will depend on whether it can overcome its rocky initial reception and build momentum during the extended Chuseok holiday period. With families gathering and people having more leisure time to binge-watch content, the series has an opportunity to find its audience and potentially shift the narrative from disappointment to gradual acceptance. The question remains whether the show's fantasy elements and romantic storyline can win over skeptical viewers or if the initial negative reactions will define its overall legacy in Netflix's Korean content catalog.
