Netflix is brewing something extraordinary with “Genie Make a Wish“ – a romantic comedy K-drama that promises to be one of 2025’s most anticipated releases. Written by The Glory’s Kim Eun Sook and starring the beloved duo Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy, this magical tale is set to enchant audiences worldwide.
The series marks an exciting reunion for fans who fell in love with Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy’s chemistry in the 2016 hit drama “Uncontrollably Fond.” Now, nearly a decade later, they’re back to weave another romantic story that blends fantasy with heartfelt emotions.
Table of Contents
What is “Genie Make a Wish” About?
“Genie is a spirit that comes out of lamp. He is full of emotional excess and goes back and forth between different emotions. Ga Young is someone who lacks emotion. She happens to call Genie out of his lamp and is granted 3 wishes to make.”
This premise sets up a classic opposites-attract scenario where an emotionally volatile genie meets a woman who struggles to express feelings. The dynamic promises both comedic moments and touching character development as these contrasting personalities navigate their unlikely bond.
Release Date and Production Details
| Production Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 3, 2025 |
| Platform | Netflix Global |
| Episodes | TBA |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy, Fantasy |
| Director | Lee Byung Hun |
| Writer | Kim Eun Sook (The Glory, Goblin) |
| Production | Studio Dragon & Hwa&Dam Pictures |
| Filming Period | February 3 – October 24, 2024 |
Netflix confirmed the October 3, 2025 release date with an official announcement trailer, building anticipation among K-drama enthusiasts worldwide. The production wrapped filming in October 2024, indicating a substantial post-production period to perfect the magical elements.
Cast Analysis: Powerhouse Performances Ahead
Kim Woo Bin as Genie – A Triumphant Return
Kim Woo Bin takes on the titular role of the emotionally complex genie, marking another significant project in his inspiring comeback journey. After taking a hiatus in 2017 due to nasopharyngeal cancer diagnosis, Kim returned to acting in 2022 with renewed passion and deeper emotional range.
Recent Kim Woo Bin Filmography:
Black Knight (2023) – In this Netflix dystopian series, Kim Woo Bin played 5-8, a legendary delivery driver in a post-apocalyptic world where air pollution forced survivors to depend on oxygen masks. His portrayal of the stoic yet compassionate courier showcased his ability to balance action with emotional depth.
Our Blues (2022) – Kim’s comeback role as Park Jung Joon, a fisherman living on Jeju Island, demonstrated his matured acting style post-recovery. The character’s struggles with identity and belonging resonated deeply with audiences, proving Kim’s enhanced emotional authenticity.
Officer Black Belt (2024) – This action-packed Korean movie on Netflix featured Kim Woo Bin in the central character role, further establishing his versatility in different genres.
Bae Suzy as Ga Young – The Emotionally Guarded Protagonist
Bae Suzy portrays Ga Young, a woman who “lacks emotion” – a departure from her typically warm on-screen personas. This role promises to showcase new facets of her acting range.
Bae Suzy’s Netflix Journey:
Doona! (2023) – Suzy played a “beautiful and mysterious former K-pop idol” living above a college student, exploring themes of fame, identity, and second chances. Her nuanced portrayal of a retired idol grappling with past and future earned critical acclaim.
Vagabond (2019) – As Go Hae-Ri, an NIS agent working undercover at the Korean embassy in Morocco, Suzy demonstrated her action chops alongside Lee Seung-gi. The thriller followed their investigation into a plane crash conspiracy, showcasing her versatility in high-stakes drama.
Start-Up (2020) – Playing Seo Dal Mi, an aspiring entrepreneur, Suzy brought relatability to the startup world’s challenges. The series became a global phenomenon, cementing her status as a Netflix favorite.
Uncontrollably Fond (2016) – The drama that first paired her with Kim Woo Bin, where their undeniable chemistry created one of K-drama’s most beloved couples. Their reunion in “Genie Make a Wish” promises to recapture that magic.
Supporting Cast Ensemble
The series boasts an impressive supporting cast that adds depth to the magical world:
| Actor | Role | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ahn Eun Jin | Mi Ju | Hospital Playlist, Red Heart |
| Steve Noh | Su Hyeon | TBA |
| Ko Kyu Pil | Sayyid | Supporting roles in various dramas |
| Lee Joo Young | Min Ji | Itaewon Class, Times |
| Kim Mi Kyung | TBA | Veteran actress, Sky Castle |
| Kim Ji Hoon | TBA | Flower of Evil, River Where Moon Rises |
| Song Hye Kyo | TBA | Descendants of the Sun, The Glory |
The inclusion of Song Hye Kyo, another Kim Eun Sook collaborator, adds star power and suggests potential flashback sequences or pivotal character connections.
Kim Eun Sook: The Mastermind Behind the Magic
Writer Kim Eun Sook brings her Midas touch to “Genie Make a Wish.” Her portfolio includes some of K-drama’s biggest hits:
- The Glory (2022-2023) – Netflix’s revenge masterpiece
- Goblin (2016) – The supernatural romance that defined a generation
- The King: Eternal Monarch (2020) – Parallel universe romance
- Descendants of the Sun (2016) – Military romance phenomenon
Kim Eun Sook’s specialty lies in creating emotionally complex characters within fantastical or high-concept settings. Her ability to ground supernatural elements in genuine human emotions makes her perfect for “Genie Make a Wish.”
Production Excellence: Studio Dragon’s Magic Touch
Studio Dragon, Korea’s premier content production company, brings technical excellence to the project. Their partnership with Hwa&Dam Pictures ensures high production values worthy of the magical premise.
The eight-month filming period suggests elaborate set pieces, special effects, and careful attention to the fantasy elements that will bring the genie’s world to life.
What Makes This Different from Other Fantasy Romances
“Genie Make a Wish” differentiates itself through several key elements:
Emotional Contrast – The pairing of an emotionally excessive genie with someone who lacks emotion creates unique storytelling opportunities beyond typical romantic comedy tropes.
Proven Chemistry – Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy’s established rapport from “Uncontrollably Fond” provides a solid foundation for audience investment.
Contemporary Setting – Unlike historical fantasy dramas, this modern-day setting allows for relatable scenarios mixed with magical elements.
Kim Eun Sook’s Touch – Her track record of elevating genre concepts with sophisticated character development promises depth beyond surface-level fantasy.
Global Appeal and Netflix Strategy
The series represents Netflix’s continued investment in premium K-drama content. Following successes like “The Glory,” “Kingdom,” and “Squid Game,” the platform recognizes the global appetite for Korean storytelling.
The World Health Organization emphasizes emotional well-being in modern life, making the drama’s exploration of emotional expression particularly timely. The series’ themes of connection and personal growth align with global conversations about mental health and emotional intelligence.
Explore more about Korean entertainment trends and Netflix’s content strategy on our platform.
Anticipation and Fan Expectations
The reunion of Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy generates enormous excitement among international K-drama fans. Social media buzz surrounding the project indicates strong pre-release interest, particularly given both actors’ individual Netflix successes.
Kim Woo Bin’s health journey and triumphant return adds an inspirational layer to the project. His recovery and active return to entertainment makes every new project feel like a celebration of resilience.
Technical Aspects and Visual Spectacle
Director Lee Byung Hun’s vision, combined with Studio Dragon’s resources, promises visually stunning magical sequences. The genie concept allows for creative special effects that could rival international fantasy productions.
The series’ production timeline suggests significant post-production work on magical elements, indicating Netflix’s commitment to high-quality visual storytelling that can compete globally.
Cultural Impact and Industry Significance
“Genie Make a Wish” represents the evolution of K-drama from regional content to global entertainment. The Korea Creative Content Agency continues supporting productions that showcase Korean creativity on international platforms.
The series combines traditional Korean storytelling sensibilities with universal themes of love, growth, and emotional healing. This blend positions it perfectly for cross-cultural appeal while maintaining authentic Korean narrative elements.
Learn more about K-drama’s global influence and entertainment industry trends in our detailed analyses.
Conclusion: A Magical Return Worth Waiting For
“Genie Make a Wish” promises to be more than just another romantic comedy. With Kim Eun Sook’s proven writing prowess, the beloved Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy reunion, and Netflix’s production backing, October 2025 can’t come soon enough.
The series represents hope, healing, and second chances – both for its characters and for Kim Woo Bin’s inspiring personal journey. As audiences prepare for this magical return, “Genie Make a Wish” stands poised to become another Korean cultural export that captures hearts worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes “Genie Make a Wish” different from other fantasy K-dramas, and why is the Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy reunion so significant?
A: “Genie Make a Wish” stands out through its unique emotional dynamic – pairing an emotionally excessive genie with a woman who lacks emotion, creating fresh storytelling opportunities beyond typical fantasy romance tropes. The Kim Woo Bin and Bae Suzy reunion is particularly significant because their chemistry in “Uncontrollably Fond” (2016) became legendary among K-drama fans. Additionally, this marks Kim Woo Bin’s continued triumphant return after his cancer recovery, making every project feel inspirational. The series is written by Kim Eun Sook, who created hits like “The Glory” and “Goblin,” ensuring sophisticated character development within the fantasy premise. The combination of proven chemistry, exceptional writing, and Studio Dragon’s high production values positions this as potentially one of 2025’s most impactful K-dramas.
Q: How have Kim Woo Bin’s recent Netflix projects like “Black Knight” and “Our Blues” prepared him for his role as the Genie, and what can viewers expect from his performance?
A: Kim Woo Bin’s recent Netflix projects have showcased remarkable range that perfectly prepares him for the emotionally complex Genie role. In “Black Knight” (2023), he played 5-8, a stoic delivery driver in a dystopian world, demonstrating his ability to convey deep emotions through subtle expressions. “Our Blues” (2022) marked his comeback after cancer treatment, where he portrayed Park Jung Joon, a fisherman dealing with identity struggles – this role revealed his enhanced emotional authenticity post-recovery. These performances show his mastery of characters who struggle with internal conflicts, making him ideal for a genie who “goes back and forth between different emotions.” Viewers can expect a performance that balances comedic timing with profound emotional depth, drawing from both his pre-illness charisma and his post-recovery maturity. His real-life journey of overcoming adversity adds genuine layers to any character dealing with emotional complexity.
