Genie, Make a Wish

Best Drama Of 2025

I can't say enough good things about this drama. The ML and FL are both fantastic, as is all the actors in this drama. The humor had me LOL in each episode. It is a quirky take on The Bible story about Satan and the story of Aladdin. It is not yet revealed if the ML is truly Shaytan ((Satan) or if the guy with wings will actually be the bad guy. That is purely my thoughts and not the actual facts of this drama. The 3 immortal brothers have been revealed, but Christ, the Archangel and the Genie seem pretty evident. I think surprises will have us all go "aha"! This drama will keep your attention throughout this series. So many fun and funny exchanges between characters without being slapstick that keeps you watching. You can watch this on Netflix in English, but I prefer to hear their actual voices and read subtitles.

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The Charming Chaos of an Immortal Genie

Genie, Make a Wish is the highly anticipated reunion of Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, penned by the acclaimed writer Kim Eun-sook. The premise is a twist on the classic tale: a Genie (Kim Woo-bin) who has been trapped for over a thousand years is awakened by Ga-young (Bae Suzy), a woman who lacks emotions. Together, they must navigate the modern world while the Genie attempts to grant her three wishes.

The series set out to tackle profound themes such as human greed and the moral consequences of wishes, all wrapped in a layer of absurd fantasy and sometimes childish comedy.

The Positive: Unique Chemistry and Performances

The undeniable strength of this drama is the chemistry between Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy. Both protagonists demonstrate a palpable connection that drives the romantic plot. Suzy’s portrayal of Ga-young, a character who operates with an almost total absence of emotion, is particularly fascinating and feels like a refreshing take on the female archetype.

Furthermore, the episodes that focus on the side stories of humans who make wishes and become corrupted by their ambition are often moving and effective, serving as an impactful meditation on human morality. The production has also been a commercial success in Korea, proving its ability to capture the public's attention.

The Negative: Confusing Tone and Irregular Pacing

The drama's reception has been notoriously mixed, primarily due to a conflict of tones. The narrative abruptly oscillates between moments of very serious existential drama and sequences of clumsy or slapstick comedy that feel out of place. This tonal confusion, combined with some special effects (CGI) that don't always measure up, can make immersion difficult, especially in the early episodes.

Many critics and viewers felt that the narrative was stretched out more than necessary, making the plot feel protracted and dense over its 13 episodes, leading to a drop in interest midway through the series. Some also felt that the writing of Kim Eun-sook, known for her polished wit, was diluted into more superficial humor.

Conclusion and Verdict

Genie, Make a Wish is not a perfect drama, but it is a chaotic and bold project that is worthwhile for certain viewers.

Recommended if:

You are an unwavering fan of Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, and you enjoy their dynamic together.
You are looking for a wild fantasy romantic comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously.
You are interested in stories with themes of morality and the consequences of greed.

Best to avoid if:

You expect the polished, emotionally nuanced narrative of Kim Eun-sook's other works (such as Goblin).
You prefer dramas with a consistent tone and swift pacing.

In summary, if you can tolerate a somewhat slow start and an uneven tone, and if you let yourself be swept away by the leads' chemistry and the absurd fantasy elements, the drama eventually finds its emotional balance in the later episodes, offering an entertaining, albeit irregular, viewing experience.

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Genie, Make a Wish – A Disappointing Misfire

Anticipation was high for *Genie, Make a Wish* due to the reunion of Suzy and Kim Woo-bin; however, the outcome was disappointing. The pacing of the series was excruciatingly slow, with entire episodes lacking any meaningful development. What began as a promising story unraveled because of weak writing and lackluster performances.

The fantasy elements were misused, diminishing their potential impact. Presenting wishful concepts without a proper understanding of one of the world's most important religions reduces spirituality to mere aesthetics. This approach trivializes cultural beliefs, making the experience uncomfortable for many viewers.

By the end, I had lost interest entirely, merely hoping for it to conclude. The OST, visuals, and talented cast deserved far better than this misstep.

For fans of Suzy and Woo-bin, I recommend rewatching *Uncontrollably Fond* instead.

Final Verdict: 1/10 – A disheartening waste of talent and time.

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odd and mediocre - but visually stunning

Honestly, this drama won't be leaving a lasting impression unlike ,uncontrollably fond' or ,goblin'. It's pretty evident, that production costs were immense - a lot was poured into cast, costumes, and CGI, which makes this drama visually stunning.
However, this comes at the expenses of the plot and dialogue, which no amount of pretty faces or effects can hide.

The conversations, especially between the leads, felt odd and confusing. Initially I thought the subtitles were messed up, but even changing the language settings and trying out dubbed versions didn't help, making it clear that the dialogues themselves were incoherent at times. Some scenes even felt like they were misplaced during editing. This didn't help the already controllable fondness and lukewarm chemistry between the leads.

The plot itself was somehow decent, though it felt strange seeing (non-native) Koreans speak so much Arabic - and I mean a lot. Since I don't speak the language, I can't judge its accuracy, but it didn't feel authentic. The same goes for the use of Arabic/biblical names and references. It's always risky to adapt elements from another culture without thorough research, and this show might have fallen into that trap. Why not draw from Korean folklore instead? There must be so much to work with there.

That said, the cast did a solid job, even if some characters didn't get enough screen time to shine. I especially liked Halmeoni, Ejlael, the side-kicks Sade and Iream and the villagers - I wish we had seen more of them and their interaction with one another. They should have made it into a 16-episode series and given more depth and scenes to the side characters as well, since they were undoubtedly more interesting than the main couple.
Also, along his journey with the character played by Suzy, the genie grants wishes to various beings - but instead of integrating these scenes meaningfully, they were randomly thrown into the main plot. It would have been better, if they had made it the other way around, focusing one episode on each of these stories and weaving the main plot in gradually
- especially since the earlier episodes mainly focus on the female lead trashing the male one...

There were repeated scenes of Ki Ga Young (Bae Suzy) physically abusing the genie - actually BEATING him UP - and above all, seemingly enjoying it. Genie, disregarding his unearthly powers, just takes it in. Those scenes are supposed to be funny, but the only joke here is that the writer's previous work, The Glory, condemns violence and bullying - yet here, flogging and deadly strikes are played off casually. Maybe there is supposed to be a distinction as the victim isn't human, but it still felt wrong. It was very uncomfortable to watch and I did skip some scenes.

Another letdown was the soundtrack. The writer's previous works are known for memorable OSTs, but this series didn't have a single catchy or emotional track that stood out.

All in all, the series was alright. The ending was fitting and satisfying, and the characters, costumes and CGI were impressive. Some flashback scenes, however, looked suspiciously AI-generated.

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Great Performances, Confusing Storytelling

The actors in “Genie, Make a Wish” were truly outstanding. Each performance felt sincere and full of emotion. The main story itself was also quite strong and had a lot of potential. However, the way it was told often made it hard to follow. Some scenes jumped too quickly from one event to another, and the transitions between fantasy and reality were sometimes unclear.

Even though the concept was interesting, the confusing storytelling made it difficult to stay fully engaged. With better structure and clearer direction, it could have been an amazing series instead of a slightly frustrating one.

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Watch it without any expectations then it’s entertaining!

Geo-politics is always interesting to decipher in pop culture. I begin with this statement purely because of the extreme difference in opinions regarding the ‘supposed controversy’.
One of my biggest take-aways from the first few episodes was, “damn! Korea and UAE are really amping up their collaboration game!” First with BTS’ JK performance, a steady rise in good quality influencers on either side of the planet, PSJ-CWS-PHS ad campaign and now a massive Netflix production with top stars (even the ones in cameo roles)!
Next few episodes I realized I should not look for plot holes or be disappointed by what was unfolding, cause it really felt like the scriptwriters didn't want it to be a very serious work of art either. With that out of the way, I started enjoying the Drama with all it’s comic punches.
They promised a Genie who was bumbling around in 2025 and Kim Woo Bin rolled with the character quite chaotically, all the while looking very fetching. ✅ They promised an unfeeling psychopathic female lead and Bae Suzy seemed like a perfect cast (Doona/Anna have already shown us she’s capable of playing such characters). And she delivers in style! ✅
Mythology is a very fav subject and genre of mine and I loved how they fused two very different cultural backgrounds into an entertaining story that’s completely believable as a kdramaland product - the feels, the vibes, the glam, a tasty bibimbap with lots of different things thrown in!
Personally, a tighter plot with less side stories would have been great along with more development in the original connection between the two nations. But that wasn’t the agenda, hence i’m not complaining at all.
If people accepted a sparkling Robert Pattinson vampire in Twilight, I'm absolutely not questioning a Genie called Iblis who makes you question why we are all rooting for ‘Satan’ who is clearly a very grey zone entity.
Let’s not turn everything in a religious battle OR expect commercial hits to win any critics awards.
Entertainment is sometimes, just for entertaining the masses. And that, I think, this drama managed to achieve in an acceptable capacity.

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Very wacky but in a good way. I had a blast watching it and it made me cry real tears. Also, fell in love again with Kim Woo Bin's acting. His comedic timing really carried a huge part of the show. Chemistry with Suzy was amazing. Suzy's acting really surprised me. She was so good. All supporting cast across the board were spot on. Especially the Haelmonis. The cameos were chaotic , hilarious, moving, unexpected, the meta references felt perfect. Also, I feel they really landed the ending, which most dramas struggle with.
Overall I experienced the whole gamut of emotions the show was selling. I laughed hard, felt giddy with joy, and was moved to tears. One of the best shows for me this year in terms of pure entertainment value. Chaotic, hilarious and moving are the keywords for this drama.
P.S: Even though I don't speak Arabic, I could tell the accents were not great. Wish they dubbed the Arabic for authenticity. But since my untrained ears could easily tune them out, it did not reduce my enjoyment of the show. They attempted something novel and unique, how successful that is will be a very subjective experience for each viewer.

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Confusing, Aviation comercial meets Aladdin meets Korea

I honestly do not really know how to rate this or how to review it... I find the religious/cultural/Psycopath parts confusing, very confusing and not in a good way but more of a is this okay, should I be watching this with a clear conscious, should this have been made at all? Then again I loved Aladdin as a kid.

I do like the leads and their characters. I like several of the side characters.

Kim Woo Bins smile and charm is worth at least 2 extra stars, and so is the look of death on Bae Suzys face. And yes I may bit a bit bias to the two.

As far as plot and drama its not really bad or anything it does have its good moments of sweet and adorable. It does have some low humour but also some decent humour here and there but it gets to be a bit draggy and is just not enough to keep me on my toes or very interested as I find the most interesting part of the plot to be how many flights between Korea and Dubai can one fit in the course of 13 episodes? As well as long for the dessert, not so much for finding a Genie but more sun and sand is so pretty. So I guess the Emirates PPL did make its way in to my mind.

If you are a fan of the leads and the makers of this show you may find yourself questioning your choices of fandom both if you choose to watch or not watch it.

As for those who are not really fans of any of the leads Id say nee, you can find better dramas in the stream...

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Every moment it cringed

The only reason I gave 5 instead of 1 is out of respect of the actors.

I really was looking forward to this and had high expectations, I loved Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, Secret Garden, The Glory, A Gentleman's Dignity and I was expecting another masterpiece despite not liking Suzy.

Oh was I wrong. Disappointment wa great from episode 1.

While a good drama makes me eager to watch one more episode, for this one all I thought was : Please, no more.

The story was so badly written and boring, and many times the viewer is left wondering where exactly this wants to go .

I'm in shock the same writer of my favorite drama has written literally the worse drama I ever saw. And I saw many.

The comedy was utterly bad and cringe, one would think it was made to make toddler laugh. As result, the actors performance during comedy moments was extremely awkward and forced.

It would have been a lot better if the show had a dark, serious tone. I don't know what they were trying to create, maybe a Korean Odyssey style, but it clearly did not work.

The story was poor, the characters not developed, and you could hardly feel for them, let alone they way they fell in love in the past life ( did they? Not really much happened ) was completely rashed and anticlimactic .

The side stories felt superficial and not necessary, same as the side character, they had little to no relevance to the story and they were not developed as we are used to.

I loved every single character in Goblin and Mr. Sunshine for example here was not the case .

The "inclusive" best friend was totally awkward and out of contest, clearly put there just to please Netflix standards, and the interaction with the grand mother were uncomfortable and awkward. Seriously Wtf.

The actress of the Grandmother was a waste of talent here, same Steve Noh and Woon Bin .

I'm really sorry to say, but Suzy disappointed yet again.

No, it's not her character with no emotions, she's always like that, a robot.

More than a psychopath she seemed on sedatives and taking poses for a photoshot.

It was really hard to watch, to me she did not deliver even when she was supposed to have emotions.

The Ost was practically absent.

I really don't know what they were thinking when they wrote this drama but it certainly was a big disappointment.

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Chaos in Couture

This drama feels like watching four shows at once—fascinating, baffling, and chaotic. Entertaining, but embrace the unpredictability and let it surprise you.

GENRE JUGGLING GONE WILD

The show's biggest challenge is its genre identity crisis. One moment, you’re chuckling at some dark comedy, the next you’re on the edge of your seat during a thriller sequence. Before you can settle in, it morphs into a mythical fantasy, then swerves hard into melodrama. It’s a wild mix that doesn't always transition smoothly. A huge shout-out to the actors, especially Kim Woo Bin, who navigate these abrupt tonal shifts with impressive skill, switching personas as fast as the show switches genres.

FASHION STATEMENTS OR COSTUME CONFUSION?

This sense of unpredictability extends beyond just the genre. The wardrobe department, for example, seems to have given the characters their own identity crises. Our female lead, played by Suzy and looking fabulous as ever, is a proclaimed psychopath running a repair shop in the countryside. One day she’s in a dreamy floral dress, the next a power suit, and then quiet luxury. Her incohesive styling feels more like a reflection of a multi-personality disorder than a psychopath’s quirk. The same goes for our Genie. He might appear in a preppy, Hamptons-ready Ralph Lauren look in one scene and a 90s club manager outfit in the next. The clothes are nice, but they don't help define who these people are.

HEAVENLY ROLES, EARTHLY QUESTIONS

The show's bold choices aren't limited to costumes. Casting Korean actors as characters with biblical and Arabic origins is a notable move, reminiscent of Hollywood’s ongoing debates about representation. The show gives a quick explanation, but it still raises questions about authenticity and intent. Honestly, it kind of mirrors the drama’s own identity crisis—bouncing between silly comedy and serious themes. These shifts are creative, sure, but they can feel a bit all over the place, leaving you to wonder if it all comes together or just adds to the chaos.

A VISUAL GRAB BAG

The same lack of cohesion crops up in its visual world. The settings feel like they were picked from a hat. We jump from comic book-style animations to a cheesy studio set of a desert that looks like it was borrowed from a daytime soap opera. Then, we’re thrown into a scene heavy with CGI, only to be pulled back to what looks like a slick tourism commercial. It’s visually jarring and makes it hard to feel grounded in the story.

SUBPLOTS PLAYING HIDE AND SEEK

This patchwork quality continues with the plot, which is a tangle of subplots. Some feel completely disjointed, while others disappear for several episodes only to reappear with a dramatic "ta-da, it was all connected!" It feels less like clever storytelling and more like a narrative scramble.

GRANDMA’S GREAT DISCONNECT

Even the heart of the story isn’t immune to this disconnect. Ga Yeong’s grandmother begins as a powerful presence in the story—her strength and warmth shine through evocative flashbacks, where she lovingly raises a child with a social disorder. But in the second half, everything changes: after the female lead wishes for her grandmother to become her own age, the character’s appearance and personality shift so drastically that it becomes hard to bridge the emotional gap. The two versions feel worlds apart, and this disconnect ultimately weakens the story’s emotional core.

THE IKEA EFFECT OF STORYTELLING

Overall, 'Genie, Make a Wish' is a tough show to connect with on a deeper level. It’s a beautiful, chaotic mess. But if you’re looking for pure entertainment and can switch off your brain, it’s a fun, unpredictable ride. Just don't ask too many questions and go with the flow. Watching this show is like assembling IKEA furniture without the manual—confusing, occasionally frustrating, and far from perfect, but not a bad experience overall.

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kim woobin and suzy being back together is the best part <3

this is my first review and before i start, let me say that i'm actually a muslim myself.
now, i know a lot of people are upset with the fact that the genie is literally portrayed as a shaytan and iblis and mocks islam which i get because i had the same opinion when i watched the trailer but then i decided to tune in because i loved woobin and suzy in uncontrollably fond and i was so happy that they were back together. and after watching it, yes many things are adapted from iblis from islam but also they just used it as a name? because they refer to him as a genie, as shaytan and as iblis which i wish they had not because not everything is same, they could really have avoided that by naming him iblis but it makes sense for him to be named that considering the plot. this is more like the western show lucifer yk? and lucifer was literally romanticised in it. they aren't really romanticising iblis but rather the genie if you give it a watch. but i understand if you're mad, but still i would suggest that you see it as fiction and tune in once yourself and then judge it instead of hearing it from others.
now coming to the plot, i actually really enjoyed this though it got messy at times because i feel like they tried to fit in way too many storylines in just 13 episodes. considering the amt of storylines they should have gone for the usual 16 episodes length. not to mention that i was kinda :/ abt the screentime that woobin and suzy had. i wish we had more of their scenes together and their relationship developing instead of adding a bunch of subplots which turn out flat at the end. i really loved minji and the grandma and even irem and sade, they were some of my favourite characters and storylines and i think that was enough, the rest should have been given to the main characters instead of showing us five more side stories which had three wishes each.
i absolutely adore minji's character and her friendship with kayoung. i love how we finally have a side character who's not really just a plot device for the main character and has her own story and her being a butch lesbian isn't treated as something weird or a big deal and just normalised.
the grandma stole my heart and her story was so so heartwarming though i wish we had more of the old grandma because we saw her for a very short time, i wish we got more scenes with that actress though i loved the young grandma ver, eunjin did a great job portraying her!
i absolutely love suzy i can't stress enough just how great of an actress she is, she deserves sm more recognition because the way she acts as a psycopath who can't show emotions and does full justice to it? oh bae suzy the actress that you are!
not to mention kim woobin omg i'm so happy he's recovered, hale and hearty and back because he's a gem. his character might act really silly and goofy in the beginning but in the second half, esp ep 4-ep5 onwards you really get to see him getting serious and woobin's range as an actor. he was genuinely so so good i enjoyed every second of him on screen.
woobin and suzy reuniting was the best part tho and i'm so very happy that we got them in a drama together esp after uncontrollably fond which broke my heart into a million pieces. their chemistry is off the charts and so insane omg they are adorable on screen together and i adore them so so much i need them to be in like another drama together RIGHT NOW.
i wish there were more osts because i loved the ost by suzy but we barely had any music in this show which was a little bit of a letdown.
the cgi was actually pretty decent too i think netflix did a pretty good job and i didn't find the cgi ruining my experience in any way.
my only complain would be that i wish i had more of kayoung and the genie scenes because they weren't enough considering they were the main characters and the entire story was about them. if you look back you realise that the side characters and the subplots actually take A LOT of time which was really not necessary. and if they really did plan to do that then they should have atleast increased the length of the show.
overall i had fun and i would give it a solid 7.5/10 and i think you should watch it yourself before really forming an opinion on it just listening to others. it is a fun cute decent watch esp if you loved woobin and suzy, you can atleast tune in once.

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