Netflix’s K-drama ‘Genie: Make A Wish’ ratings plummet after religious insensitivity scandal

Netflix’s latest fantasy K-drama Genie: Make A Wish has sparked widespread criticism online, with viewers accusing the series of misrepresenting Islamic teachings and disrespecting religious beliefs.

The show, starring Kim Woo-bin and Suzy, premiered recently and has since become the focus of heated discussions across social media platforms.

Centred on a mystical being who grants wishes to a human protagonist, the series has been accused by many viewers of “romanticising” Iblis — a figure in Islam associated with ultimate evil. Critics argue that the drama distorts the religious significance of the term for the sake of entertainment, calling it an inappropriate use of sacred concepts.

While some users attempted to clarify the differences between the concepts of “Iblis” and “Genie,” most reactions have been critical. Several viewers have also accused Netflix of cultural insensitivity, claiming the platform has repeatedly mishandled cultural and religious themes.

Due to the controversy, Genie: Make A Wish has become one of the lowest-rated K-dramas of the year.

The show holds an average 6.8/10 on Ratingraph. On Rotten Tomatoes, audience reviews are overwhelmingly negative, with several giving it just 0.5 out of 5 stars. Many users on IMDb have rated it 2-/10 amid complaints over plot and portrayal. 

As of now, neither Netflix nor the production team has issued a statement in response to the controversy.