A scene from “If Wishes Could Kill” / Courtesy of Netflix
The Netflix original series “If Wishes Could Kill” is gaining traction worldwide, proving that strong storytelling and fresh faces can compete in the global market without relying on big-name stars.
Released April 24, the series recorded 2.8 million views — calculated by dividing total watch time by the show’s runtime — within just three days. It ranked No. 4 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for non-English TV shows and entered the Top 10 in 37 countries, including South Korea, Mexico, India, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.
“If Wishes Could Kill” follows high school students who become entangled in a deadly curse triggered by a mysterious app that grants wishes. The series marks the first major directing project by Park Yoon-seo, who previously worked on “Kingdom” Season 2 and “Moving.” It features a cast of rising actors, including Jeon So-young, Kang Mina, Baek Sun-ho, Hyun Woo-seok and Lee Hyo-je, with special appearances by Jeon So-nee and Noh Jae-won.
Set in a school environment, the series may remind viewers of works such as “All of Us Are Dead” and “Duty After School,” but it takes a different approach. Instead of relying on zombies or creatures, it foregrounds distinctly Korean elements such as shamanism, fate and fortune-telling. By blending a coming-of-age narrative with occult mystery and incorporating a modern mobile app as a central device, the series taps into the anxieties and desires of teenagers in a more immediate and relatable way.
Rather than delivering momentary scares through creatures, “If Wishes Could Kill” builds tension through a structure of choices and consequences. Characters are repeatedly pushed into difficult situations where their own decisions lead to unavoidable outcomes, gradually heightening suspense. The narrative tightly weaves together the origins and consequences of the curse, deepening the characters’ dilemmas as the story unfolds.
One of the most notable aspects of the series is its casting. Unlike many global productions that rely on star actors to secure early attention, “If Wishes Could Kill” places newcomers at the center. This approach enhances immersion, allowing the story to stand on its own rather than leaning on established star images. The cast delivers solid performances, contributing to the overall quality of the series.
The global response to “If Wishes Could Kill” highlights how Korean-style occult themes, combined with a well-structured narrative and emerging talent, can resonate with international audiences. Attention is now turning to how far the series can sustain its momentum.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Source: Korea Times News
