Episode 3 Brief:
Iblis agrees to grant Ka-yeong’s first wish — she wishes that he must attempt to corrupt people. In other words, the next several people Iblis meets, he must offer them wishes, and if most of them choose selfishly, Ka-yeong loses; if most choose selflessly, Ka-yeong wins. Despite this wish, Ka-yeong remains emotionally detached — an enigma. Netflix+2Netflix+2

Detailed Plot Summary

Here’s what happens in more depth:

Setting up the wager: Ka-yeong makes her first wish. She demands a kind of test: Iblis must grant wishes to the next five people he meets, and whether they use them for selfish or selfless ends will determine the outcome of their wager. This establishes the moral experiment at the heart of the drama. Netflix+2Netflix+2
Iblis’s reaction: Even though Ka-yeong is emotionally distant and often seems uninterested, she takes on a strong moral stance. Iblis, who expects humans to fail immediately (to be selfish), is both curious and irritated by her challenge. He accepts. This sets the conflict in motion more clearly: his belief vs her ideal. Netflix+1
Ka-yeong as “enigma”: Ka-yeong’s aura of emotional detachment is emphasized. She doesn’t give much away — neither hopes, fears nor visible desire. This makes her reactions unpredictable. It also raises tension: can she be corrupted, or is she somehow above the test? Or does “emotionless” really mean “unable to feel,” or “suppressed memories/emotions”? Viewers are encouraged to wonder. Netflix+1
Introduction of the first wishers (teasers): While the full set of wishers is not yet completed in this episode, we get hints or setup about who Iblis will approach, what kind of wishes people might make, and how they might respond. This includes characters from Ka-yeong’s village/community. The stakes are shown: people have flaws and desires, but also possibility. Netflix
Moral tension & stakes raised: Because Ka-yeong’s life is on the line (or so is Iblis’s freedom depending on the result), every choice matters. Iblis’s role is not simply magical showmanship — he’s trying to push human nature, tempt it, manipulate. Ka-yeong is trying to prove a counterpoint: that despite all, humans are capable of goodness. The episode shows the tension between what people say they want vs what they do. Netflix
Character dynamics deepen: We see more of Iblis’s personality — his cynicism, his arrogance, but also a flicker of irritation or fascination at Ka-yeong’s resolve. Ka-yeong continues to be reserved, but there are small moments (dialogue, expressions) that suggest she’s observing not just morally but emotionally. Secondary characters start to loom (villagers, people connected to her past) as potential “wisher” candidates. Netflix

What Works & Stand-Out Elements

Strong premise in motion: The moment Ka-yeong’s first wish is made, the show’s central moral experiment becomes concrete. The abstract idea (“are humans corrupt?”) starts to be tested with real people and real decisions. This shift (from setup to test) helps propel the story forward.
Tension & mystery maintained: Ka-yeong’s emotional void remains compelling. Because she doesn’t show much, the audience wants to know what’s going on inside her. What made her this way? Is she truly emotionless, or hiding something? These mysteries keep the viewer engaged.
Contrast & character depth: Iblis is not just “evil genie” — his personality, interactions, and reactions show multiple dimensions. Ka-yeong’s detachment provides contrast: she is his opposite in many ways. Secondary characters (villagers) afford shades of morality — they’re not black-and-white.
Moral ambiguity & empathy: The idea that people might make mistakes yet still have the capacity to act selflessly is introduced. That ambiguity is often more interesting than simple “good vs bad” drama.
Visual / emotional cues: Even though Ka-yeong doesn’t show much outward emotion, small visual cues, pauses, looks, and the behavior of others around her (friends, family, villagers) help build the emotional atmosphere.

Weaknesses / What Could Be Improved / What to Look Out For

Risk of predictability: Once the rules of the test are set, some “wisher” stories could become formulaic: selfish wish → consequences; or selfless action saves the day. The show will need to vary its moral puzzles so it doesn’t feel repetitive.
Ka-yeong’s emotional arc balance: Because she is so detached, there’s a risk the audience doesn’t connect with her enough. The show has to gradually allow some vulnerability or internal conflict in her to make her more relatable.
Pacing: Introducing several wishers and moral dilemmas in one episode could feel rushed, or conversely, dragging if each is given too much time. The episode needs to juggle setup, character, tension and pacing well.
Stakes clarity: While Ka-yeong’s first wish sets the wager, making sure the consequences are clear (what exactly she’s risking, what “winning” or “losing” means practically) is important. If stakes feel vague, viewer investment may drop.

Themes & Takeaways from Episode 3

The nature of desire vs selflessness: The show questions what people really want, and whether they can see beyond themselves. Wishes often come from want, but also need.
Identity & memory: Ka-yeong’s emotional lack, her past (still unknown fully), and her interaction with Iblis raise questions: is she the same person she once was? How much of emotion is tied to memory?
Challenge to preconceived beliefs: Iblis believes humanity is corrupted; Ka-yeong believes in human goodness (or at least challenges his belief). This season is about testing those beliefs, not preaching one side.
Power & responsibility: With great power (wishes) comes temptation. Granting someone what they want has ripple effects — sometimes unintended.

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Why watch this episode:
- That’s where the central conflict properly begins (the test).
- It gives clearer insight into both lead characters (Ka-yeong / Iblis).
- It raises moral questions rather than giving easy answers — which makes the show more interesting.
- It adds stakes: you start caring what happens next.

My Thoughts & Predictions

What I liked the most: Ka-yeong making a bold, unconventional first wish. Rather than using a wish for power or rescue, she uses it to set a test. That shows she believes in nuance, rather than “wish for safety.” Also, Iblis’s reactions — frustration + intrigue — are both compelling.
What I’m watching for in upcoming episodes:
1. How the wishers’ stories unfold — whether they feel unique or repetitive.
2. Whether Ka-yeong starts to show cracks emotionally — small moments of internal conflict or empathy.
3. If Iblis begins to doubt his own hypothesis (that everyone is selfish) as more people act selflessly.
4. Reveal of Ka-yeong’s past / why she is emotionless; does this connect to the Goryeo girl backstory teased in promos and “ending-explained” articles.
Possible issue to avoid: If the moral test becomes too heavy-handed or overly sentimental, it might break the tone. The balance between fantasy, romance, and moral fable is delicate.

Final Verdict on Episode 3

Episode 3 of Genie, Make a Wish is a turning point. It transitions the series from setup into true conflict by putting the first wish-based test in motion. It deepens character intrigue, especially with Ka-yeong, whose emotional barrier remains but feels more layered. It also raises moral stakes and sets up what to expect: not just magical romance, but ethical dilemmas and character growth.

If Episodes 1-2 got you curious, Episode 3 makes it clear why the show could be something more than just romance + fantasy.

Episode 3: “The First Wish” (approximate title-theme)