Netflix's new series 'Genie, Make a Wish' has been upended by a leak, after full episodes of the series were discovered on illegal sites.
The latest hit series from the mega OTT platform, which was released just in time for the Chuseok holiday, has been leaked onto illegal streaming sites immediately after its release.
'Genie, Make a Wish,' which is the most anticipated work from Netflix for the second half of this year, with a production cost of 2 billion KRW (approx. 1.48 million USD) per episode, with lead actors reportedly earning 300 million KRW (approx. 222,000 USD) per episode in appearance fees alone, has once again fallen victim to illegal leakage.
According to industry sources, on October 6, it was confirmed that the entire series of 'Genie, Make a Wish' is being streamed on an illegal video content site.
The site can be accessed without any major restrictions by searching for the site name on Google, allowing viewers to watch the series for free.
This issue of illegal site leaks is a highly sensitive matter that can determine the success or failure of the original content. Netflix's strategy of simultaneously releasing major content worldwide, regardless of the time difference between countries, was precisely a measure to prevent such leaks.
The entire OTT (Over-The-Top) industry is in shock as high-budget, highly anticipated works are being leaked onto illegal streaming sites immediately after their release. The industry finds itself helpless in the face of this situation.
Previously, major investments like Netflix's 'Squid Game 3' (the biggest title of the year) and Disney+'s 'Tempest' were also successively leaked on illegal streaming sites.
'Genie, Make a Wish' had garnered immense attention even before its release, as hit writer Kim Eun Sook (of 'Descendants of the Sun,' 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,' 'The Glory') has teamed up with Kim Woo Bin and Suzy.
Netflix announced that the new original series 'Genie, Make a Wish' climbed to No. 1 on the 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea' just one day after its release on the 3rd.
The series is a fantasy romantic comedy about a lamp genie (portrayed by Kim Woo Bin) who wakes up after a thousand years of career hiatus, and an emotionless human named Ga Young (played by Suzy), as they navigate three wishes.
Netflix chose the strategy of releasing all 13 episodes at once on the 3rd to capitalize on the holiday boom. Viewer interest was immediately gathered on the series after its release, with ultra-luxurious cameo appearances by stars like Song Hye Kyo and Daniel Henney adding to the buzz.
While reactions to the show are sharply divided—some calling it "too childish" and others deeming it "perfect for killing time"—it continued to draw significant attention due to its impressive cast lineup.
Despite the government intensifying its crackdown on illegal streaming sites, it has been insufficient to stop them. The illegal streaming sites continuously change their access domain addresses to evade the dragnet and remain operational.
It has been observed that users are constantly searching for the changed sites. The scale of damage to K-content is spreading rapidly. Alarmingly, most of Netflix's Korean works are being leaked onto these illegal streaming sites.
Industry estimates suggest that the total copyright damage caused by leaks on illegal distribution sites amounts to approximately 5 trillion KRW (approx. 3.7 billion USD).
SEE ALSO: Kim Woo Bin confirms his next drama project after 'Genie, Make A Wish'
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