If you were given three wishes, what would those be?
Any K-drama fan would hope for the reunion of Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy onscreen. They first appeared in Uncontrollably Fond (2016) as a former high school couple who find each other again later in life.
Netflix’s latest Korean title, Genie, Make A Wish, is making all those hopes come true as it stars Woo Bin and Suzy in a wicked twist of the world’s most famous folktales.
Unemotional Ka-young (Suzy) has lived her life under the supervision of her grandmother, whose vigilant gaze and hard-love methods have helped control her psychopathic traits. While wandering, Ka-young unexpectedly discovers a magical lamp, awakening the enigmatic spirit Genie (Woo Bin) from his millennia-long sleep. He assures her of three wishes.
Ka-young then discovers her wish-granting companion is, in fact, Iblis, commonly referred to as Satan, who is determined to show that humans can be corrupted. Every human who called upon Iblis succumbed to greed, confirming his theory — except for one, a girl from Goryeo (a Korean state established in the 1st century BC), who selflessly used all three wishes for others before she died. Due to her last request, Iblis remained confined in his lamp for 983 years.
“He’s a versatile character that requires the actor to draw on every emotion and facial expression he has… But as I watched Kim Woo Bin perform, I fully understood why people say actors have ‘a thousand faces,’” writer Kim Eun Sook (The Glory) said.
Woo Bin is a fan favorite for his iconic roles in The Heirs (2013) and School 2013 (2012). He has then evolved into a prominent figure in both film and television, persistently portraying a variety of complex characters who are deeper than they appear. Throughout the years, he has showcased his adaptability by engaging in various genres, from love stories like Uncontrollably Fond to high-octane films such as Master (2016) and Officer Black Belt (2024).
Suzy, meanwhile, gained popularity as part of the K-pop group Miss A. She initially captivated viewers in Dream High (2011) and has subsequently tackled various genres, including romantic fantasy in While You Were Sleeping (2017) and the noir thriller Anna (2022). She recently appeared in Wonderland (2024) and Doona! (2023).
“I thought it would be a tough role to play, but Suzy was more excited than nervous… When I watched the very first cut, the first thing I said was, ‘Wow, Suzy is incredible,’” Eun Sook added.
In the end, Genie, Make a Wish is more than just a whimsical tale about magic and desire — it’s a heartfelt reminder to be careful what we wish for and to recognize the power within ourselves to shape our own destiny.
Through its enchanting twists and emotional depth, the story shows that true fulfillment doesn’t come from granted wishes but from understanding ourselves and what truly matters.