Netflix’s Genie, Make A Wish promised to be a dazzling return for Kim Woo Bin and Suzy, but while the series offers striking visuals and thought-provoking themes, it doesn’t fully deliver the magic viewers hoped for.
Directed by Ahn Gil Ho and penned by renowned writer Kim Eun Sook, the drama blends fantasy and romance to explore human greed, faith, and redemption. The story begins when Ka Young accidentally awakens Genie, a mystical being imprisoned for a thousand years, and becomes the holder of three wishes. Instead of embracing miracles, Ka Young challenges him, questioning whether humans are doomed to corruption by their own desires.
What sets the series apart is its philosophical depth. Rather than leaning on predictable wish-fulfillment tropes, it frames the narrative as a wager between two opposites—Ka Young, a young woman hardened by trauma and distrust, and Genie, a spirit who views humanity as weak and selfish. Through their clash, the drama examines loneliness, vulnerability, and the boundaries of empathy. Kim Eun Sook transforms the age-old “three wishes” motif into a layered metaphor about morality, temptation, and the pursuit of love.
Visually, the drama impresses with sweeping desert landscapes and symbolic use of light and shadow, but the CGI sometimes feels inconsistent, pulling viewers out of its fairytale atmosphere. The script also suffers from over-ambition. In just 13 episodes, it attempts to tackle themes of philosophy, faith, healing, and romance, which occasionally dilutes the emotional impact and makes certain dialogues feel heavy-handed.
Performance-wise, Kim Woo Bin delivers a standout portrayal of Genie (Iblis). He skillfully balances arrogance and vulnerability, crafting a complex figure who evolves from a detached trickster to someone capable of compassion and love. His nuanced acting and flashes of humor add unexpected depth, making his character the highlight of the show.
By contrast, Suzy’s performance as Ka Young is uneven. While she visually suits the role of a cold, intelligent heroine, her delivery sometimes lacks emotional weight, especially in moments that demand raw vulnerability. Compared to Anna, her performance here feels restrained and less impactful. Still, her willingness to take on such a challenging role shows her desire to grow as an actress.
Despite these flaws, the chemistry between Kim Woo Bin and Suzy remains compelling. Nearly a decade after Uncontrollably Fond, their reunion carries a natural synergy that keeps the central relationship believable and engaging. Their push-and-pull between reason and emotion resonates, even if it doesn’t always reach explosive heights.
Ultimately, Genie, Make A Wish is a visually captivating and conceptually daring drama that sometimes falters under the weight of its ambitions. With Kim Woo Bin’s exceptional performance and Suzy’s risky but imperfect attempt, the series stands out as a unique addition to Korea’s fantasy romance genre—beautiful and thoughtful, but not quite the spellbinding wish it aspired to be.
Sources: kenh14