Netflix’s new fantasy romance Genie, Make a Wish, starring Suzy and Kim Woo Bin, has pulled off a shocking turnaround — rising from early criticism to claim the #1 spot globally just two weeks after its release. Initially dismissed as “not the Kim Eun Sook we expected,” the drama has since captured audiences through powerful word-of-mouth and emotional storytelling.
According to Netflix’s official site TUDUM on October 15 (KST), Genie, Make a Wish topped the non-English global series chart for the week of October 6–12, with over 8 million total views (based on total hours viewed divided by runtime). The series achieved this feat only two weeks after its debut.
The show has dominated international rankings, entering the Top 10 in over 50 countries and reaching #1 in ten regions, including Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. In Korea, it maintained the top position for two consecutive weeks in both the TV-OTT buzz rankings and cast popularity index, with leads Suzy and Kim Woo Bin holding the #1 and #2 spots respectively.
Despite the initial hype surrounding Kim Eun Sook — the legendary writer behind Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Mr. Sunshine, and The Glory — early reviews were underwhelming. Viewers criticized the show for being “emotionally awkward,” “visually stunning but narratively flat,” and inconsistent in tone due to director Lee Byeong Heon’s unique comedic flair clashing with Kim’s signature melodrama.
The situation escalated when Lee Byeong Heon left mid-production, and Ahn Gil Ho (The Glory) took over as director — an unprecedented change. Surprisingly, this transition marked a turning point. From episode 4 onward, viewers began praising the series for its emotional depth, calling it “a slow burn that becomes addictively moving.”
The chemistry between Kim Woo Bin and Suzy, reuniting nine years after Uncontrollably Fond, was highlighted as the show’s strongest element. Kim’s portrayal of a thousand-year-old spirit known as the “Satan Genie” revealed both sharp wit and vulnerability, while Suzy delivered a nuanced performance as Ka Young, a woman detached from her emotions who gradually rediscovers her humanity. Their synergy has been described as “textbook-level romantic acting.”
The supporting cast also earned widespread acclaim — Ahn Eun Jin brought warmth and humor to the narrative, Noh Sang Hyun embodied a chillingly elegant “angel of death,” and Ko Kyu Pil, Lee Joo Young, and Woo Hyun Jin enriched the fantasy world with their distinctive performances.
In Korea, the buzz has been equally overwhelming. The official Genie, Make a Wish chatroom on Naver Open Talk surpassed 1 million visitors, marking a record high for domestic OTT discussions. Fans’ reactions like “Episode 5 blew me away,” “It starts slow but ends beautifully,” and “I’m rewatching it already” showcase the show’s growing cult status.
Once burdened by negative reviews, Genie, Make a Wish has now become the year’s most talked-about redemption story — proving that powerful performances, compelling writing, and audience reappraisal can turn even the most criticized project into a global success story.
Sources: Daum, Wikitree
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