Netflix’s newly released Korean fantasy drama Genie, Make a Wish has drawn both global attention and controversy for its creative use of spiritual and mythological elements.

Starring popular actors Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin, the series was written by Kim Eun-sook, one of South Korea’s most prominent screenwriters known for hits like Goblin and Descendants of the Sun.

The show, which premiered on Netflix in early October 2025, follows the story of Jini (Kim Woo-bin) — a mystical genie who awakens after a thousand years — and Ga-yeong (Bae Suzy), a woman with emotional detachment who becomes entangled in his fate. Blending romance, fantasy, and philosophical reflections, the drama explores the nature of good and evil, free will, and the essence of humanity.

However, the series has sparked a strong reaction across social media platforms, particularly from Muslim viewers who found certain depictions potentially disrespectful. Some posts under hashtags such as #BoycottGenieMakeAWish and #GenieMakeAWish claim that the drama includes concepts referencing Islamic figures like Iblis and angels, and argue that such themes risk misrepresentation or trivialisation of sacred beliefs.

Critics online accused the production of insensitivity for allegedly incorporating Quranic references and portraying divine and demonic figures through animation. Some users argued that this crossed a line between creative interpretation and religious disrespect.

Others, however, urged for a more measured perspective, emphasising that Genie, Make a Wish is a fictional fantasy series — not a religious or historical representation — and that its symbolism reflects universal struggles between good and evil rather than specific theological doctrines.

The creator’s intent

In an interview reported by Yonhap News, writer Kim Eun-sook clarified that her intent was to explore moral philosophy through storytelling. She explained that Genie, Make a Wish asks whether human beings are defined by their nature or their choices.

“Ga-yeong believes her nature is evil,” Kim said, “but she strives to make good choices because she learned love from her community. How one lives is more important than how one is born.” She added that the drama’s theme revolves around the “power of love and goodness” as guiding human forces, not religion.

Kim also expressed admiration for her cast, praising Noh Sang-hyun for his nuanced portrayal of an angelic figure and Ahn Eun-jin for her “lovely and perfect” supporting role. The drama additionally features cameo appearances by Song Hye-kyo, which, according to Kim, “magically added depth to key scenes.”

Strong international response

Despite the online debate, Genie, Make a Wish has performed strongly on Netflix since its release. Within three days, it ranked fifth globally on the platform’s Non-English TV chart and topped streaming lists in South Korea.

The series marks Kim Eun-sook’s reunion with both Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin — who last appeared together in Uncontrollably Fond (2016) — adding to the drama’s initial buzz.

For now, Genie, Make a Wish continues to divide audiences between those who view it as a bold philosophical fantasy and those who find its religious references troubling. While Netflix has not commented officially on the controversy, the debate highlights the growing global scrutiny of cross-cultural storytelling in the age of streaming.