Genie, Make a Wish — A Full Dive into the Fantasy Rom-Com

Title: Genie, Make a Wish (translation: Everything Will Come True)
Release Date: October 3, 2025 Netflix+3Netflix+3Netflix+3
Episodes: 13 (~60 minutes each) Wikipedia+1
Platform: Netflix Global Netflix+2Wikipedia+2
Genre: Fantasy / Romantic Comedy Wikipedia+1
Writer / Creator: Kim Eun-sook (known for Mr. Sunshine, The Glory, etc.) Netflix+2Netflix+2
Director: Ahn Gil-ho Netflix+1

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Synopsis

Ka-yeong (played by Suzy) is a young woman born without capacity for emotions. She lives a life under her grandmother’s strict regime, with little color or warmth. One day she stumbles upon an ancient magical lamp in Dubai, and releases Iblis (Kim Woo-bin), a genie who has been sealed away for a thousand years. Netflix+2Wikipedia+2

Iblis gives Ka-yeong three wishes. But there’s a twist: Iblis is not a benign genie — he believes humans are corrupt, greedy, and unworthy. He’s made a bet with God (or a higher power) that he can prove all humans are inherently selfish by tempting them or making them use their wishes for selfish ends. Ka-yeong, however, resists — her emotional absence makes her “immune” in some way to being swayed easily. Netflix+2Netflix+2

Thus begins a kind of “test” / romantic fantasy journey: Ka-yeong vs Iblis, the wishes, their relationship, her past, secrets, rivalries (including Iblis’s brother), and the moral questions of desire, emotion, and what it means to be human. Netflix+2Netflix+2

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Cast & Characters

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What Sets It Apart

1. High-concept fantasy twist
   The genie trope is familiar, but here the genie isn’t simply granting wishes; there’s a cosmic / moral contest about human nature. That lifts the stakes. The idea of an emotionless person being granted wishes but not succumbing to corruption easily is interesting. Netflix+1

2. Star Power & Reunion
   Kim Woo-bin and Suzy reunite for the first time since Uncontrollably Fond (2016). Their pairing is much anticipated. Netflix+1

3. Writer pedigree
   Kim Eun-sook has a strong resume. Her dramas tend to have beautiful visuals, strong romantic tension, and mixing of genres (historical, fantasy, romance). If she can balance all elements well, this show has potential. Netflix+1

4. Setting & Tone
   It’s not just fantasy + romance; there are mystery, moral questions, and a supernatural/magical structure. The juxtaposition of an ancient genie adapting to modern world, along with Ka-yeong’s emotional void, creates tension and room for growth. Netflix+1

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Potential Weaknesses / Concerns

• Character likability / emotional accessibility: Ka-yeong starts off emotionless (“born without ability to feel emotions”) which can make it harder for viewers to connect with her early on. If her development is slow or unconvincing, it might feel off-putting.

• Tone missteps: The supernatural / fantasy setting with moral weight + romance + comedy is tricky to balance. If too much fantasy or moralizing, the romance might feel sidelined; conversely, if romance/comedy dominates, the fantasy stakes may feel superficial.

• Stereotype / cultural sensitivity: Early reactions and commentary suggest some viewers worry about how certain religious or mythological elements (e.g. the use of “Iblis,” which in many Islamic traditions refers to Satan) and the depiction of “genie” tropes are handled. If not handled carefully, it could come off as insensitive. (Note: this is based on viewer commentary, not confirmed plot issues.) Reddit

• Pacing / Plot complexity: With ancient history, a magical bet, three wishes, past lives, rivalries — there’s potential for plot to get convoluted. If the series doesn’t pace well, exposition might drag.

• Expectations: Because of the writer and cast, expectations are high. If it misses in emotional payoff or originality, criticisms may be sharp.

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What Fans of K-Drama Will Enjoy

• For those who like supernatural romance + moral drama (e.g. Goblin, Hotel Del Luna etc.), this will feel familiar but refreshed.

• If you enjoy character-driven stories: Ka-yeong’s emotional journey is central, as is Iblis’s cynical worldview and how/if he changes.

• Beautiful cinematography is likely: fantasy visuals, otherworldly settings, and the contrast of ancient vs modern will afford a lot of interesting visuals.

• The chemistry factor: Suzy + Kim Woo-bin fans will be drawn in to see how their pairing plays out after many years.

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Verdict — Is It Worth Watching?

Overall, Genie, Make a Wish looks promising. It has all the ingredients for a hit fantasy rom-com: strong leads, moral / supernatural stakes, a unique twist on the genie mythos, and a writer known for emotional depth and spectacle.

If the show can deliver on:

• believable character growth (especially emotionally for Ka-yeong),

• balancing fantasy / romance / comedy without diluting any one part,

• respecting sensitive mythological / religious references, and

• maintaining intrigue over 13 episodes without too much filler,

… then it could be one of the standout K-dramas of late 2025.

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What to Watch Out For

• First few episodes: they’ll need to hook us. Because Ka-yeong is emotionless, early connection may be harder; how well the show establishes her world, motivations, and stakes will matter.

• Wish usage: The “three wishes” formula is well-worn; how the show innovates or subverts expectations will be key.

• Villains / rivals: Iblis’s brother (and others) need to have convincing motivations so the conflict feels real, not contrived.

• Ending: Will it go more moralistic? Sweet? Bittersweet? Given the high concept, the ending’s nature will affect how satisfying the journey feels.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something magical and a bit offbeat — not your average rom-com — Genie, Make a Wish may be just what you need. It seems willing to explore emotional coldness, temptation, love, identity, and what it means to be human, wrapped up in fantasy packaging. For Suzy and Kim Woo-bin fans, and for those who like romance with real stakes, this looks like a treat.

If you want, I can also write a spoiler-review after all episodes drop (or mid-series) so you can decide if it’s still holding up! Do you want that?