"Added Tempest and not Genie make a wish?"- Internet reacts to Joynews24's 'Worst Kdrama of 2025" list

Joynews24’s annual year-end survey has stirred discussion after Tempest appeared among the “Worst K-drama of 2025” selections. The outlet polled 110 entertainment industry insiders, including producers, writers, and executives, to determine the most disappointing dramas of the year.

Joynews24’s ‘Worst K-drama of 2025’ top 5 list based on votes from 110 entertainment insiders

1. Twelve with 25 votes
2. When The Stars Gossip followed with 15 votes
3. Squid Game 3 with 10 votes
4. Tempest with 7 votes
5. Crushology 101 with 6 votes

While industry professionals shared their critical takes, public reaction to the list was mixed. Online viewers raised concerns over certain entries on the list, especially Disney+’s Tempest, while criticizing the absence of Genie, Make a Wish.

Genie, Make a Wish faced significant backlash for content considered offensive to Islamic religious values besides having negative audience feedback for poor storyline. One fan commented,

"You added Tempest and not Genie make a wish?? Lol"

Joynews24 rankings ignited strong opinions online. Several fans expressed disbelief over Tempest’s inclusions. They claimed that Tempest was one of the most well-made and impactful dramas of 2025, and its placement on the list had little to do with its actual quality. Some also suggested that external controversies and political tensions surrounding the series may have influenced its ranking.

Viewers shared their thoughts on social media about the dramas that made the list. While some disagreed with the inclusion of certain titles, others admitted that a few of the chosen series did fall short of expectations. Many viewers agreed that despite strong casts and significant budgets, the shows failed to deliver in terms of writing and character development.

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Tempest faces backlash in China as Twelve tops Joynews24’s ‘Worst K-drama of 2025’ list

KBS2 and Disney+ co-produced Twelve topped theJoynews24’s ‘Worst K-drama of 2025’ list. Co-produced by Ma Dong-seok it also starred Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Kyu-pil, Kang Mi-na and more. The drama received 28 votes, making it the most disappointing production of the year, according to industry respondents. Despite its early buzz for being a Korean superhero project inspired by the twelve zodiac signs, the series faced criticism for weak storytelling and subpar visual effects. Ratings dropped from a promising 8% during its premiere to just over 2% by the finale.

In second place was When the Stars Gossip, tvN’s big-budget space romance starring Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin. With a reported budget of 50 billion KRW and five years of production, expectations were high. However, the drama was panned for its unrealistic premise, awkward CGI, and reliance on clichéd romantic tropes. It concluded with an average viewership rating of 2.6%.

Netflix’s Squid Game 3 followed in third place with 10 votes, as insiders cited inconsistent storytelling and diminishing tension compared to its earlier seasons. Disney+’s Tempest ranked next, while MBC’s youth romance Crushology 101 took fifth place. Other titles mentioned next included KICKKICKKICKKICK, Gyeongseong Creature 2, and Confidence Queen.

Meanwhile, the Disney+ original drama Tempest starring Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won in the lead roles, becomes the subject of controversy following backlash from Chinese audiences. The dispute centers on lead actress Jun Ji-hyun and several scenes that drew criticism on Chinese social media platforms.

According to reports, online discussions intensified after a scene in which Jun Ji-hyun’s character, a presidential candidate and former UN ambassador makes a politically charged remark referencing China and nuclear weapons. The dialogue was viewed by some Chinese viewers as offensive, leading to widespread online criticism.

The debate grew further when audiences highlighted scenes set in Dalian, a port city in northeastern China. Viewers claimed the show presented the city inaccurately, using visuals that appeared to be modeled after Hong Kong’s older districts rather than Dalian itself. As the controversy continues, reports suggest that Jun Ji-hyun has faced unintended repercussions, including the temporary suspension of several brand advertisements.

Disney+’s Tempest follows Mun Ju, a former U.S. ambassador who discovers political corruption tied to a major assassination involving both Koreas. As she digs deeper, she crosses paths with San Ho, a mysterious mercenary with a hidden past. Together, they uncover a web of secrets and power struggles that threaten their lives and the balance between nations.

Edited by Adrija Chakraborty