Netflix’s highly anticipated series 'Genie, Make a Wish' has sparked mixed reactions among viewers.
The 13-episode fantasy romantic comedy follows Genie, a jinn who awakens after a thousand years, and Ga Young, a human devoid of emotions. Together, they navigate three wishes in a stress-free, whimsical storyline. The entire series was released on October 3, coinciding with the first day of Korea’s seven-day Chuseok holiday. Netflix strategically timed the release to capture holiday viewership.
Expectations were high because the show is written by acclaimed writer Kim Eun Sook, known for multiple hits, and stars popular actors Kim Woo Bin and Suzy. However, once released, 'Genie, Make a Wish' received polarized reviews. Critics and viewers pointed to overly childish dialogue and weak humor. Some said, “I was excited but disappointed,” “I stopped watching halfway,” and “I couldn’t even get through the first episode.”
On the other hand, some praised the series as light entertainment. Comments included, “Perfect for killing time,” “Suzy looks like a walking photobook. I can’t stop watching,” and “The most fun drama I’ve seen recently.” While positive reviews exist, negative responses currently dominate.
The production faced hurdles even before release. The series was originally directed by Lee Byung Heon, but a directorial change occurred and Ahn Gil Ho, who previously worked with Kim Eun Sook on 'The Glory,' took over for the latter part of filming. No members of the production team attended the press conference, which is unusual because directors usually participate to discuss their work. Additionally, the ending credits of episodes 1 through 13 list neither Lee Byung Heon nor Ahn Gil Ho. Only Kim Eun Sook is credited for the script.
Despite divided opinions and production challenges, interest in the series remains high. Whether 'Genie, Make a Wish' can overcome criticism and achieve strong ratings during the golden holiday period remains to be seen.
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