Genie Make A Wish Sparks Debate and Praise
Input
Modified
Netflix’s Genie Make A Wish sparks debate over Iblis. Mixed reactions on story, visuals, and performances. A daring fantasy romance dividing viewers.
Netflix once again took the spotlight with the release of All Will Come True on October 3, the newest drama from acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun Sook. Known for blockbuster works such as Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, and The Glory, Kim Eun Sook’s name has long been synonymous with high-quality, buzzworthy K-dramas. Starring Kim Woo Bin as the Genie and Suzy as Ga Young, the series reunites the two actors nine years after Uncontrollably Fond (2016). Special appearances by Song Hye Kyo, Kim Ji Hoon, and Daniel Henney added to the early hype. Yet behind these huge expectations, the show sparked intense debate for touching on highly sensitive themes.
A Bold Fantasy Romance Full of Experimentation
All Will Come True tells the story of Genie (Kim Woo Bin), a lamp spirit who awakens after a thousand years, and Ga Young (Suzy), an emotionless human granted three wishes. The plot moves across past and present timelines, mixing romance with the whimsical fantasy style Kim Eun Sook is known for. The series also stands out with its exotic Middle Eastern settings, including Dubai, and Arabic dialogues that bring a fresh tone to the story. According to IMDb, the drama is categorized as a Korean romantic comedy with 13 episodes and currently holds a 6.1/10 rating based on more than a thousand user reviews, showing how divided the audience really is.
However, the early episodes were met with heavy criticism. Many viewers found the fantasy world childish, the humor awkwardly placed, and the characters’ backgrounds poorly explained. A mid-production director change from Lee Byung Hun to Ahn Gil Ho was also seen as disrupting the show’s tone. The blend of fantasy and comedy felt clumsy to some, reducing immersion.
Beyond technical flaws, the biggest controversy came from the portrayal of Iblis. Several Muslim viewers voiced discomfort over the use of the name Iblis and the romanticization of a figure deeply tied to evil in Islam.
“Barely 2 minutes into #GenieMakeAWish and I’m supposed to sit through this. Why on earth would they adopt the whole Iblis concept straight from Islam?? In our faith he’s literally the embodiment of ultimate evil & now like we’re really meant to root for an Iblis love arc?? Nahhh”
“As a Muslim, I REFUSED to watch GENIE, MAKE A WISH even though I was eagerly waiting for this drama. Because it’s clearly against my faith. Romanticising Iblis and make it as a protagonist, while God and humans are the antagonist is just wrong.”
“I thought maybe concept toh diff hoga obv but no, that’s legit disrespecting a religion. If writer knows this much about Islam then he/she must know how much Muslims hate Iblis.”
Some viewers expressed disappointment after waiting so long, only to drop the show.
“I didn’t, dropped it. You know I am too woke for this but I waited too long for this.”
Still, other audiences tried to take a more relaxed perspective, reminding that jinn and devil myths predate organized religion.
“Muslim viewer chiming in. The first ep is absolutely hilarious and people need to remember these names and stories predate any organised religion so chill when watching. Also Suzy is doing so well!”
“Ok WOW!!! I liked this SOO much!!! I’m also Muslim and I grew up in UAE so EXTRA treat for me. Loved this ep so much I hope it stays this good!”
Chemistry and Special Appearances That Redeem the Show
Despite its rocky start, many agreed the second half managed to revive the series. The story became more emotional, Kim Eun Sook’s signature poetic dialogues returned, and the chemistry between Kim Woo Bin and Suzy grew more heartfelt. Viewers who nearly gave up early on ended up feeling rewarded for staying until the end.
One of the most talked-about highlights was Song Hye Kyo’s surprise appearance. She plays a mysterious spirit, stunning viewers with her blue veil look and witty, sarcastic lines. Her presence was described as goddess-like and instantly captivating. Daniel Henney and Kim Ji Hoon also added humor and emotional depth, enriching the story.
Longtime Kim Eun Sook fans were thrilled by clever meta references sprinkled throughout, from the SIESTA shopping mall nodding to The Glory to playful twists on iconic past lines. These details felt like an inside joke for loyal viewers.
Many who finished the drama said the second half delivered touching moral reflections about making good choices in a tempting, imperfect world.
“Be patient with the childish start for a while. Over time, the drama becomes heartbreaking, thrilling, touching, and chaotic.”
“I cried my eyes out, then laughed out loud, then was amazed.”
“There are some bad reviews, but as someone who finished it, I think it’s a good piece of work.”
Overall, All Will Come True is a bold, experimental fantasy romance that is far from flawless but undeniably daring. For those sensitive to religious themes, especially the use of the name Iblis, it can feel offensive. But for viewers willing to treat it purely as fantasy, it still offers stunning visuals, strong performances, and a meaningful emotional payoff in the latter half. Kim Eun Sook once again proves her willingness to take risks, though this time the gamble sparked one of the most divided reactions in recent K-drama history.
Sources: Netflix, Reddit r/KDRAMA discussions, Xport News, Ize&Ize, MK Sports
Similar Post
Comment
13 Responses
Daniel Henney’s smile made the whole story lighter
His role was small but his presence felt like a warm breeze through the drama.
Why’s everyone debating so hard over this drama?
I just skimmed the article and the story actually sounds pretty unique. Might ask my daughter later what the fuss is about, she’s the real K-drama expert in the house!
I was so hyped for this drama but almost dropped it early. Glad I stayed, the later episodes really hit different emotionally.
Sounds fair, it really just comes down to personal taste and how people feel about the themes.
Does anyone know if Kim Woo Bin and Suzy will have more emotional scenes together later? Their early chemistry feels too cold for me
As a Muslim, I’m really conflicted. The use of the Iblis name feels uncomfortable, but the acting is so good. Anyone else feel torn like this?
Totally! I get why it’s upsetting but I’m trying to see it as pure fantasy.
If you’re waiting for sparks, stay patient. It pays off later.
Its rating is quite low for a main cast that was expected to make the drama a big hit. Is this because of the controversy, or is the quality itself being questioned?
Kim Eun Sook loves controversy. First The Glory, now this Iblis romance?
She knows exactly how to make people talk, even if it offends some.
But I think people will forget the controversy in a few months but remember Suzy & Woovin’s reunion. It was all a PR gamble, and it worked
I love creative risks, but this kind of controversy isn’t cool. Using real religious figures, especially in a romantic way, can cross a line. As a fan of storytelling and culture, I think writers should respect boundaries, not blur them for shock value…
I completely agree @mendozas Creativity is powerful, but sensitivity is equally important. There’s a difference between being bold and being careless with cultural or religious meanings. Some stories shouldn’t need to provoke pain to feel profound.