Genie Make a Wish: Kim Woo-bin and Suzy’s Epic Fantasy Romance

Netflix’s highly anticipated Korean drama “Genie Make a Wish” premiered on October 3, 2025, just in time for Korea’s Chuseok holiday, bringing together two of Hallyu’s biggest stars in a supernatural romantic comedy that promises to redefine the genre. With breathtaking filming locations spanning from Dubai’s iconic landmarks to Korea’s charming countryside, this fantasy series combines heart, humor, and visual spectacle in ways viewers haven’t seen before.

A Star-Studded Cast Led by Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy

The series marks the highly anticipated reunion of Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, who previously captivated audiences together in the 2016 drama “Uncontrollably Fond.” This time, they’re bringing an entirely different chemistry to the screen. Kim Woo-bin takes on the role of Jinn, a devilish and emotionally excessive genie who has been sealed in a lamp for 983 years. As the chief of all genies, he possesses extraordinary powers and can grant nearly any wish except raising the dead or time travel.

Bae Suzy portrays Ga-young, a cold and impassive woman who lives by strict rules and lacks emotional expression. Having spent her life under her grandmother’s watchful care, Ga-young’s psychopathic tendencies have been carefully managed through discipline and routine. When she accidentally becomes Jinn’s master after discovering his lamp in the desert, their worlds collide in the most unexpected way. The twist? Ga-young insists she has no use for wishes and believes humanity isn’t as flawed as the cynical genie thinks.

The supporting cast brings remarkable depth to the story. Ahn Eun-jin plays Mi-ju, a mysterious visitor staying in Cheongpung Village for a month, mixing flashy modern style with retro vibes. Noh Sang-hyun appears as Su-hyun, a good-looking do-gooder who secretly owns multiple buildings in town and moonlights as a grim reaper, becoming Jinn’s instant frenemy. Go Kyu-pil takes on the role of Said, Jinn’s familiar whose true form is a jaguar but currently appears as a round-cheeked, teddy-bear-like human named Seo Yi-deuk. Lee Joo-young rounds out the main cast as Min-ji, Ga-young’s one true friend and a dentist whose quirky, ride-or-die bond with Ga-young provides both comedy and emotional depth.

Stunning Filming Locations of Genie Make a Wish

One of the most exciting aspects of “Genie, Make a Wish” is its spectacular filming locations. Production took place from early February to October 24, 2024, with principal photography spanning multiple countries and diverse landscapes.

The series opens with breathtaking scenes filmed in Dubai in February 2024. The UAE city’s iconic landmarks take center stage, including the futuristic Museum of the Future, the vibrant waterfront district of Al Seef, the bustling Sheikh Zayed Road, and the vast Arabian desert where Ga-young first encounters the mysterious lamp. These Dubai sequences provide a cinematic quality that elevates the fantasy elements, showcasing the production’s commitment to visual grandeur.

Back in Korea, the fictional Cheongpung Village serves as the primary setting where Jinn follows Ga-young and becomes entangled with the eccentric locals. The series also features dazzling nightscapes of Seoul, shot with unique cinematography that presents the familiar city in an entirely new light. The contrast between Dubai’s golden deserts and modern architecture against Korea’s intimate countryside settings creates a visual journey that mirrors the emotional arc of the characters.

The Creative Vision Behind the Magic of Genie Make a Wish

“Genie, Make a Wish” comes from the pen of legendary screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, known for her exceptional romantic comedy instincts and hit dramas. Originally, Lee Byeong-heon was attached to direct but stepped down due to personal reasons and was replaced by Ahn Gil-ho, who brings his own distinctive visual style to the project. The series was produced by Hwa&Dam Pictures, with Netflix acquiring global distribution rights in May 2024.

The combination of Kim Eun-sook’s sharp, quotable dialogue with lush fantasy world-building creates something truly special. The show swings seamlessly between reality and the supernatural, incorporating punchy action sequences, offbeat humor, and surprisingly profound emotional moments. The chemistry between all cast members, not just the leads, creates an ensemble dynamic that keeps viewers engaged throughout.

A High-Stakes Romance Built on Three Wishes

At the heart of “Genie Make a Wish” is a unique premise that sets it apart from typical romantic comedies. Jinn, having been sealed away for nearly a millennium, believes that through granting wishes, he reveals the darker, greedier sides of human nature. Ga-young, however, challenges his cynical worldview with her disciplined lifestyle and belief that people aren’t inherently doomed.

When Ga-young becomes Jinn’s new master despite having zero interest in making wishes herself, they enter into a life-or-death wager centered around three wishes made by other people. This premise allows the series to explore various human desires and moral dilemmas while the two protagonists navigate their evolving relationship. Their dynamic shifts from adversarial sparring to something softer and more tender, with neither of them prepared for the butterflies that follow.

The supporting characters’ storylines interweave beautifully with the main plot. Mi-ju’s mysterious presence adds layers of intrigue, while Su-hyun’s dual identity as a wealthy landowner and grim reaper creates fascinating conflicts with Jinn. Said’s complete adaptation to modern life provides comic relief, and Min-ji’s unwavering friendship with Ga-young offers heartwarming moments that balance the supernatural elements.

Why “Genie Make a Wish” Is Must-Watch Television

This series arrives at the perfect moment, timed to capture audiences during Korea’s important Chuseok holiday when families gather and entertainment consumption peaks. The combination of star power, exotic locations, fantasy elements, and emotional depth creates a complete package that appeals to both casual viewers and serious K-drama enthusiasts.

The show’s exploration of emotional connection through the lens of a woman who lacks feelings and a magical being who has lost faith in humanity offers profound commentary wrapped in entertaining storytelling. Viewers can expect everything from laugh-out-loud comedy to action-packed sequences to moments that tug at the heartstrings.

With its cinematic production values, including those stunning Dubai desert scenes and innovative cinematography throughout, “Genie Make a Wish” demonstrates Netflix’s continued commitment to producing premium Korean content that can compete on the global stage. The series proves that Korean dramas can successfully blend multiple genres while maintaining the emotional authenticity that makes them so beloved worldwide.

As Kim Woo-bin and Suzy reunite nearly a decade after their previous collaboration, they bring maturity and deeper chemistry to their performances. Fans who loved them in “Uncontrollably Fond” will appreciate how they’ve grown as actors, while newcomers will discover why these two are considered among Korea’s most bankable stars.

“Genie Make a Wish” is more than just another romantic comedy—it’s a visually stunning, emotionally resonant journey that asks what it means to be human, what we truly wish for, and whether love can bloom between the most unlikely pair. With all episodes now available for streaming on Netflix, this is the perfect time to discover why this fantasy romance is casting a spell on audiences around the world.