No Korean drama has gained more popularity than Netflix's "Genie, Make a Wish," which is currently at the number one spot on Netflix Vietnam's Top 10 list.
Written by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook — of "The Glory" and "Goblin" fame — the fantasy romance has become a trending issue since its premiere.
A good part of the hype is about lead Suzy, who works with the first-time in almost ten years alongside the very charismatic Kim Woo-bin after their heart-wrenching coupling in Uncontrollably Fond (2016).
In the drama series, Kim Woo-bin plays an enigmatic genie who is awakened upon summon by Ki Ka-young (played by Suzy), a wealthy heiress who has antisocial personality disorder.
She was left with her grandmother after her mother abandoned her. Ki Ka-young hides her pain behind a cold and glamorous exterior.
The drama, according to KBZoom, intertwines fantasy and romance and delves into themes of sympathy, greed, and ethical dualism.
The publication added that some light-hearted moments and celebrity guest appearances — including Song Hye-kyo's cameo — add to its mass appeal.
In spite of Suzy's long reputation as Korea's most gorgeous star, her acting remained one of controversy. For years, critics called her performance "stiff" or "expressionless."
However, her more recent projects, such as Vagabond, Start-Up, and Anna (2022), displayed evident improvement and depth in terms of emotion.
But "Genie, Make a Wish" has fanned the old debate again. On a popular Korean online forum, one netizen posted, "Her character is supposed to be emotionally detached, but it just feels like her acting is frozen."
Another viewer, however, came to her defense and posted, "Her expressionless style fits Ki Ka-young's psychology perfectly."
A K14 contributor wrote that Suzy's breathtaking visuals tend to overshadow the criticism, with many fans going on record that her beauty alone holds viewers over. "She's so stunning, I can forgive everything," wrote one commenter.
Even her co-star Kim Woo-bin expressed his admiration in an interview, stating, "Suzy looks exactly the same as she did nine years ago."
At 31, Suzy still belongs to both innocent youth and elegant charm, holding the audience captive in each and every scene. Whether attired in designer couture or comfortable street wear, she exudes effortless charm.
Ultimately, "Genie, Make a Wish" confirms one thing: even amidst conflicting opinions, Suzy's visual wizardry is irrefutable — a beauty so powerful, she neutralizes her detractors, if only temporarily.
