Netflix’s latest drama Genie, make a wish starring Kim Woo-bin has sparked controversy in Islamic communities, drawing criticism for cultural misrepresentation.
The recently released drama follows the story of a genie who grants three wishes to Suzy’s character. The genius Kim Woo-bin, however, refers to himself as Iblis, a high-level devil in Islamic tradition known for leading humans astray. This association caused an immediate reaction from viewers in Islamic countries.
Concerns about cultural inaccuracies have been raised since the trailer stage. Islamic netizens expressed dissatisfaction by leaving critical comments on Netflix’s official channels and YouTube accounts.
Addressing the issue, Kim Woo-bin commented during a press event, saying: “I think watching the drama will clear up little misunderstandings. If viewers follow the story to the end, they will understand.”
Despite these assurances, negative reactions continued after the full release. Many critics have pointed out potential misunderstandings between the portrayal of a genie and Iblis. International film and television review sites have seen a wave of negative reviews, citing that the drama:
- Inappropriately represents Islamic culture
- It portrays Iblis in a sympathetic or romanticized light, causing potential misunderstandings
- It glamorizes Satan, which contradicts Islamic beliefs
- Demonstrates ignorance of religion and its cultural context
As K-content gains global recognition, issues of cultural appropriation have surfaced repeatedly. Genie, make a wish it is another example where elements of a foreign culture have been borrowed and misrepresented, leading to criticism. Cultural appropriation refers to using or altering elements of another culture such as traditions, symbols, or art without proper understanding or respect.
A recent example includes MBC’s low-rating drama To the Moonwhose teaser featured actors wearing Islamic attire in comical dance sequences. The play mixed cultures from India, the Arab world, and Egypt in ways that were widely criticized for disrespect. After the backlash, the teaser was removed and an official apology was issued.
With the international spotlight on K content, domestic creators must be aware of cultural sensitivity and avoid misrepresenting other cultures to maintain respect and credibility on the global stage.
Sources: MyDaily
