Disney’s live-action Snow White has turned out to be more than just a fairytale—it’s become a lightning rod for global debate. From casting controversies to unsettling CGI choices, the film has stirred mixed reactions worldwide. But amid the chaos, one element has captured near-universal praise: Suzy’s enchanting OST performance in the Korean version of “Waiting On A Wish.”
Let’s dive into why Suzy’s portrayal is considered the only truly magical part of this otherwise polarizing reboot—especially in Korea.
Global Critique: A Divided Kingdom Over Disney’s Snow White
Disney’s Snow White remake has left critics worldwide deeply divided. In the U.S., Variety praised it as one of Disney’s better reimaginings, lauding Rachel Zegler’s vocals and Gal Gadot’s villainous charisma. The Hollywood Reporter echoed a similar sentiment, calling the film “mostly captivating.”
However, many others were not as enchanted. The Guardian labeled it “exhaustingly awful,” while The Times slammed the script and visual effects as “watery and ineffectual.”
The CGI dwarfs drew particular ire, being described as “creepy,” “waxy,” and “grotesque” by multiple reviewers. Some argued Disney tried too hard to modernize the story, diluting its charm in the process.
Even politically, the film has become a lightning rod, criticized by conservative pundits for its “woke” elements, while some progressives viewed the cultural and diversity effort as performative.
🗞️Media Reaction
▪️Variety called it one of the “better reimaginings.”
▪️The Hollywood Reporter praised its visuals and acting.
▪️The Guardian, however, dubbed it an “exhaustingly awful reboot.”
▪️The Times criticized its “watered-down” emotional depth and “ineffectual” visuals.
▪️On Rotten Tomatoes, the film scored a troubling 47%, one of the lowest among Disney’s live-action remakes.
Korean Reaction: A Tale of Two Snow Whites
In South Korea, where audiences value both storytelling and aesthetic alignment with traditional tales, the backlash was swift.
From the trailer release, Korean netizens expressed their dissatisfaction online, questioning Zegler’s casting with remarks like:
Criticism wasn’t limited to Zegler’s appearance—it extended to the plot, pacing, and characters. The CGI dwarves and animals were described as unsettling and even “nightmare fuel.” One commenter wryly praised Disney’s bravery in “at least keeping the YouTube comments section open.”
The film debuted in Korea two days before its U.S. release and failed to top the local box office, trailing behind other films despite heavy promotion. Viewers on CGV’s review system gave it a lukewarm 69% Golden Egg score.
Yet amidst the storm, Suzy emerged as the film’s saving grace in Korea. Her OST and music video were met with immense praise, with fans proclaiming, “This is the Snow White we wanted.”
Suzy’s “Waiting On A Wish”: The Unexpected Saving Grace 💫
In the middle of the backlash, one magical voice pierced through—Suzy’s.
The former Miss A idol and beloved Korean actress sang the Korean version of the official OST, “Waiting On A Wish,” and starred in a stunning music video that instantly went viral. Dressed in a red cloak, surrounded by snowfall and fantasy visuals, Suzy delivered exactly what fans expected from a Disney princess—grace, emotion, and magic.
Korean fans immediately declared:
Why Suzy Resonates as Korea’s Snow White 👑
Suzy holds a unique place in Korean pop culture as “The Nation’s First Love.” Her beauty, poise, and emotional authenticity strike a chord with audiences. While the Hollywood version of Snow White tried to modernize the tale with a feminist “leader-in-training” angle, Suzy’s interpretation leaned into classic Disney nostalgia—and won hearts.
Her vocals, while not overly powerful, carry sincerity and softness, perfect for the dreamlike tone of the story.
In contrast to Disney’s casting of Rachel Zegler—controversial due to her comments and departure from the original character’s appearance—Suzy embodied what many viewers were craving: a fairytale that feels like home.
The Power of Korean Soft Power 🌏
Suzy’s rising prominence in the global Disney scene is not a fluke. Korea’s cultural exports—K-dramas, K-pop, and cinematic storytelling—are now trusted sources of quality and emotion worldwide. Disney Korea’s decision to feature Suzy may have been local at first, but it quickly gained global attention.
It’s another example of how Korean soft power can transform even the most turbulent projects into moments of magic.
Final Thoughts: The Snow White We Wanted
Disney’s Snow White remake may go down as one of its most polarizing films, but it unintentionally gave the world a gift—Suzy’s timeless performance. In a world of CGI overload and culture wars, her voice and visuals reminded fans of what Disney magic used to feel like: simple, pure, and heartfelt.
As global audiences continue to debate casting and storytelling choices, Suzy’s rendition of “Waiting On A Wish” stands untouched—a fairytale moment in an otherwise chaotic release.
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FAQs
Why is Rachel Zegler’s casting in Snow White controversial?
Zegler, a Latina actress, was cast in a role traditionally defined by having “skin as white as snow.” The casting received both praise for diversity and criticism for straying from the original tale.
What role did Suzy play in the movie?
Suzy didn’t act in the film but sang the Korean version of the OST, “Waiting On A Wish.” Her performance and visuals were widely praised in Korea.
How did audiences react to the CGI dwarfs?
Many viewers found the CGI dwarfs off-putting and creepy. Some also criticized Disney for not hiring actors with dwarfism, arguing it erased representation.
Was Suzy ever considered for the role of Snow White?
No official reports suggest she was considered, but many fans believe she would’ve been a perfect fit after seeing the OST MV.
Why was the film’s premiere scaled down?
Due to public controversies—including cast remarks, political stances, and cultural debates—Disney reduced red carpet press access and scaled back global promotions.
Is Suzy’s OST available worldwide?
Yes, Suzy’s “Waiting On A Wish” is available on Disney Korea’s official platforms and includes subtitles for international fans.