Genie, Make a Wish

다 이루어질지니 ‧ Drama ‧ 2025
Completed
just a girl Flower Award1 Clap Clap Clap Award2
446 people found this review helpful
Oct 6, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 14
Overall 8.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5
This review may contain spoilers

WISH GRANTED, CHAOS DELIVERED!

***DISCLAIMER: THIS IS JUST MY OPINION. YOU DON’T HAVE TO AGREE AND I’M NOT HERE TO ARGUE WITH ANYONE.***



OVERVIEW:

Genie, Make A Wish is a fractured fairytale full of chaos, romance, comedy, and surprisingly deep emotion. It is basically about a young woman deemed a psychopath, completely devoid of any emotion, whose life is suddenly turned upside down when a 1000+ year-old genie shows up threatening to kill her.

The story follows Ka Young a mere human and Iblis, a mischievous and “evil” genie obsessed with proving humans are corrupt. Their wild, messy journey twists through wishes, secret mysteries, complicated feelings, and yes, a surprisingly intense love story. Fans of My Demon and under supernatural dramas will recognize the same mix of emotional pain, supernatural intrigue, and morally grey characters. I came for the reunited onscreen pairing, stayed for the magic and chaos, and was left wanting way more.

The best way to describe it? Aladdin meets Lucifer, a crossover where wishes, divine rules, and forbidden romance collide.



COMMENTARY (SPOILERS AHEAD!) :

• Initial Thoughts

The first three episodes hooked me instantly. The pacing, tension, and setup were perfect. The chemistry between Iblis and Ka Young was explosive, even though their backstory was heartbreaking. They gave off ill-fated lovers vibes, like their souls belonged together.

Their dynamic was very much enemies to lovers. Ka Young constantly gave him a hard time and he loved it. Every time she kicked, fought, or beat him up, I was dying laughing. They are so silly, literally losers in love and I adore them.

The show balanced intense, somber moments with lighthearted fluff. Beneath all the magic, it hits deep about love, loss, and the fleeting nature of life. It’s also about choices, showing how even as a human or supernatural being you get to decide who you want to be. Iblis, through loving Ka Young, changed his ways, finally bowing to a human and appreciating the fragility and bliss of life. Being with her across lifetimes felt like the epitome of soulmatism.


• Themes & Character Depth

The drama portrayed how different people respond to being granted three wishes. Some were consumed by greed and abused their power, forgetting what truly mattered, like family and love, while others realized they were happy with how their life was before or showed repentance for their previous sins. The show’s message was clear: greed destroys, but love redeems. You can’t alter the past, but you can make choices that shape a better future.

Ka Young herself embodied that message. Her life was rough, and her antisocial personality disorder acted like armor, shielding her from the full weight of abandonment and pain from her mother. No child deserves to be discarded for being different. Over time, her dark humor and constant threats became endearing because you could tell she would never truly cross the lines her grandma set. Ka Young’s conscious decision to continue learning and trying to be better, studying emotions and facial cues, following routines, and trying to stay calm for her grandma, touched my heart. Their relationship was one of the sweetest and most grounded aspects of the drama.

Pan Geum and Mi Ju’s story was heartbreaking in its own right. When Pan Geum became young again and heard what the villagers said about Ka Young, it crushed her. She was the only one who loved her granddaughter unconditionally despite her differences. That’s why she accepted Iblis so quickly. She knew he would stand by and love her granddaughter no matter what, and that brought the story full circle.


• Love & Loss

Ahn Eun Jin was perfect as young Pan Geum. She captured the same essence as Kim Mi Kyung and I honestly couldn’t imagine anyone else. The budding romance between Min Ji and young Pan Geum / Mi Ju was a little odd, but also sweet. I feel the show didn't really push the romance and made it one sided like an innocent crush. Was it unnecessary? A bit however, Min Ji was none the wiser so I just took it as her falling in love with a stranger… when she did come to know though I felt bad.

The scene where Pan Geum finally died hit hard but I was annoyed that Ka Young didn’t weep then. I guess everyone grieves differently, and we need to remember that Ka Young’s go-to mechanism is not feeling anything. Even though she had tears well up in her eyes at the thought of losing Iblis, in my opinion it was like she couldn’t bring herself to believe her grandma was really gone. She was trying to cope while also just generally being her emotionally numb self. We finally saw the extent of her being unable to express her emotions and repressing them in as she breaks down in the desert before dying too. In a way, I found it ironic because her intention was always to die along with her grandma, and in that regard, she got her wish. But as it turned out, her grandma wished her another life, and she got reincarnated which to me was the best possible ending for the couple. I only wish the grandma came back in some form as well.


• Performance Highlights

Suzy absolutely slayed in this role, she ate and left no crumbs. She was phenomenal as Ka Young, effortlessly embodying the stoic, ice-cold, almost expressionless vibe of a character who is hard to read yet completely captivating. Her character was meant to be stoic and detached, but in very small the moments she let her guard down, it was clear there was an actual person beneath the personality disorder, someone still capable of "caring" deep deep down and trying to protect her friend(s) and family. Those glimpses were beautiful and felt entirely authentic.

Her acting landed perfectly. I loved the scene where Iblis shocked her by taking charge and kissing her back, seeing the subtle shock on her face was everything. Additionally, the scenes of her beating up Iblis and threatening the bad guys had me dying. She seems so frail but has this insane energy that makes those moments hilarious. Her outfits were always on point, matching her character’s cool, untouchable aura. She is a visual who owns every frame she is in. For me, her performance here surpasses her previous projects. She brought a grounded authenticity to Ka Young, never overplaying charm or forcing emotions, yet leaving you completely charmed by every scene.

Woo Bin was such a delight to watch in this role. I finally got to see his sassy and funny side, which was a refreshing change from the more stoic, reserved characters he usually plays similar to roles like Ka Young. His timing and delivery were impeccable, and the way he expressed humor and subtle sarcasm made him instantly charming without ever feeling forced. It was fun to see him lean into this lighter, more expressive side while still keeping moments of depth when the story called for it. For me, it showed a versatility that I hadn’t fully appreciated in his previous roles, and it made his character incredibly engaging and memorable.

The scene where Iblis tried on different outfits had me laughing hysterically, I even had to replay it. Seeing him dressed up as Choi Young Do from The Heirs was such a trip down memory lane and honestly was not on my bingo card. The fact that Woo Bin still looks almost the same after 11 years is crazy. Then there’s the moment when she punches him in the face, which was just as hilarious. They’re truly so silly together, and their dynamic deserves to be cherished. They definitely give grumpy², but she brings out his fun side and softens him whenever they’re together. The scenes after their first kiss were also adorable, especially when Ka Young kept tracking him down just because she wanted to kiss him again.


• Chemistry

The chemistry between Woo Bin and Suzy was absolutely electric and I found myself giggling and kicking my feet quite often anytime they'd interact. Their interactions crackle with tension, humor, and vulnerability, making even the smallest gestures feel full of emotion. Ka Young isn’t really one for emotions or affection, which made the moments she did show them all the more powerful. Every time she hugged him, I melted a little. The scene where it seemed like she almost had tears in her eyes, her eyes red at the thought of losing him, was genuinely touching.

Suzy did well in the intense moments and also the funny lighthearted ones. Woo Bin matched her perfectly, balancing charm, wit, and tenderness, creating a dynamic that felt natural and entertaining. Whether they are bickering, teasing, or sharing quiet moments under the stars, the sparks between them are undeniable. Their energy elevates every scene, drawing the viewer in and making even the lighter, comedic moments feel meaningful. The tension, warmth, and understated vulnerability in their relationship are what make their connection so compelling and memorable, truly the emotional heartbeat of the series.


• Past Lives & Sacrifice

The past life backstory between Iblis and Ka Young was heartbreaking. Woo Bin nailed every expression, you could feel and see the pain in his eyes. I got déjà vu watching him suffer again like in Uncontrollably Fond. But finally, they got their happy ending. Seeing them be reunited and have a happy ending in this drama / life highkey healed me.

The sacrifice of Min Ji making her last wish knowing she would forget Ka Young but making it so she would be able to live out her dreams, was bittersweet. I only wished Min Ji had said, “I hope you reunite with the ones* you miss,” instead of “the one you miss,” so she could remain in Ka Young’s life despite the rule that after the final wish, the wisher forgets everything. I wish they had included this loophole or something.

The only relief was seeing Min Ji going back to the desert in Dubai to watch the genies waltz years later. Behind the swirling sands, seeing Iblis and Ka Young dancing again was adorable, and of course, he’s still stepping on her toes after all this time.


• Highs and Lows: Where they (almost) lost me

Somewhere in the middle, the drama lost me a little. Making the genie out to be Satan felt over the top. The dynamic between Iblis and Ejllael reminded me of Lucifer with the fallen angel, brother conflict, and heaven versus hell storyline. Ejllael was lowkey hot and that made it hard for me to hate him.

One thing that annoyed me was how everyone could just suddenly enter Iblis’ lamp. There was no mechanism to decide who could enter or exit. As long as you were a supernatural or had a supernatural being bring you in, you could basically walk in. Don’t even get me started on Khalid also being able to get in too… that pissed me off.

Additionally, Shadi’s storyline with his son Khalid, a half-spirit, half-human child who endured illness then became immortal through body / soul swapping and sought even more control, and power felt drawn out and frustrating. The revelation of the decrepit old man behind the child’s body was shocking / terrifying and darkly humorous, adding a surreal twist to the narrative. Khalid’s relentless havoc, manipulative nature, and pure envy made him a character I couldn’t wait to see meet his end. When this tiny terror was finally was killed by Iblis, I couldn’t help but cheer. This messy father-son dynamic, steeped in supernatural elements and moral ambiguity, added depth to the story, highlighting themes of power, identity, envy, greed and the human desire for control.


• Flaws & Missteps

The biggest flaw or downfall of this drama, in my opinion, was how much lore it tried to cram in. Angels, demons, shapeshifters, gods, all at once. I really liked Sade and Irem, their shapeshifting had genuine potential, but so much of the storytelling got lost along the way. The wish logic was inconsistent as well. Every time someone made a wish, there was always one person who remembered, like the old lady who recalled her daughter’s past life, or Halmoni Pan Geum becoming young and turning into Mi Ju, only for someone else to piece it together and use it against her. At times, it just felt like there was too much going on, which made it hard to fully follow or invest in the story. I can understand why some people gave up. You really had to pay close attention to certain scenes to keep up, or it was easy to get confused.


• Visuals & Sound

The cinematography was stunning and captured the feeling essence of the village life, the beauty of Dubai as well as the magic of it all. The cherry blossom scenes were definitely my favorite not to mention the stargazing moments where it seemed like they were the only two people on earth.

On the other hand, I do think the fight sequences between Iblis and Ejllael had some wonky CGI, but honestly, that was part of the fun for me. It added a layer of humor and kept things lighthearted. I mean, everything can’t be perfect, and i just accepted the drama for what it was… flaws and all.

The OST was amazing, especially Lover by Ha Hyung Sang, Your Other Name by Kwon Jin Ah, and A Night Full of You by Suzy, which perfectly captured the melancholic yet hopeful tone of the series.


• Controversy

Some viewers have raised concerns about the use of the name “Iblis,” which in Islamic scripture is a jinn who refused to bow to Adam and was cast out of Heaven. I understand why that could feel uncomfortable or even offensive to some. I do think it came across as careless and insensitive to their religion to use that name when they could’ve easily chosen something else. I’ve also seen people say the drama was “romanticizing Satan,” but I personally I didn’t see it that way while watching. The story focuses on a genie (not the literal devil) and the name “Iblis” seems to have been used more as a cultural reference since the setting ties to the Middle East. I would say it’s similar to how other adaptations like Aladdin have drawn from the same folklore.

I am not Muslim, so I approached it like I usually do with fantasy-heavy dramas like My Demon and Doom At Your service. I tried to keep an open mind and separating my own beliefs from the story. That helped me focus more on the plot and the characters’ personal and collective journeys rather than the religious implications. Still, I think anyone who’s sensitive to those themes should do a little research first so they know what to expect.


• Suggested Audience

I would recommend this drama especially to those who enjoyed My Demon. That one missed the mark a bit and didn’t make sense for me because the mortal/immortal situation would have prevented a real relationship. Here, both characters eventually become immortal since Ka Young is reincarnated as a genie. They can finally be together without the suffering. My only gripe is no final kiss before they dispersed to fulfill their daily genie wishes but maybe I’m just greedy.

The ending was hopeful and happy, so anyone who was wondering can rest easy.




FINAL THOUGHTS:

Overall, I give this drama a solid 8/10. Genie, Make a Wish was flawed, messy, and chaotic, but also endearing, and the ending left me happy for the most part. It made me laugh, swoon, and even tear up. By the resolution, I felt like I, like Ka Young, went through the five stages of grief—feeling the heartache, joy, and a little magic all rolled into one. Honestly, my younger self would never believe the day would come where the Uncontrollably Fond couple would reunite and finally get their happy ending. It was truly sweet seeing their journey come full circle.

NB: This drama definitely won’t be for everyone so tread carefully. Luckily for me it was entertaining and ended up being right up my alley.

Once again, this is just my opinion and I never intend to offend anyone who thinks differently.


Thanks for reading & happy watching!
˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

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Completed
Stormborn
302 people found this review helpful
Oct 5, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

The therapy we've been wishing for a long time.

Genie, Make a Wish is the drama that healed me after the heartbreak that Uncontrollably Fond (2016) has caused me. Kim Woo Bin and Suzy's chemistry is still the best! And now, with a lot of improvements.

Despite, the craziness of the plot. It greatly introduced the audience to a mythology, a take into angels vs demons (genies). It is also very entertaining and a nice salute to writer Kim Eun Sook and her past projects.

Kim Woo Bin showed his comedic chops, very different from his dominant persona from his past Kdramas. He still made us cry with his drama and crying but the highlight is his comedic take to Genie/Iblis. Suzy showed her improvement (comapared to Uncontrollably Fond). Her psychotic smile always gets me and makes me laugh. She also showed her acting prowess towards the end (dessert crying scene). Their chemistry is still undeniable and I'm very grateful for them reuniting in this project. Those kissing scenes were epic!

This kdrama looks like a collaboration that everyone has been waiting for. Despite some flaws on the story-telling, I would still recommend this drama, specially to those who watched Uncontrollably Fond. This is our therapy. This is the kdrama we've been wishing for. Let's enjoy this one!

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Completed
Ti02
278 people found this review helpful
Oct 4, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

Its entertaining with great visuals!

Firstly, I am glad I watched it till the end, despite the toxic comment section spreading nonsense.

Negatives-The writing is bad in major parts. I really don't care about the religious stuff, but despite that the writing sucks in some portions, which is weird because the plot was amazing. The pacing, transitions, could all have been way better. But that's on the makers, writers, directors. Ahn Eun Jin was not utilized to her potential. The climax fight scene could have been better.

Positives- Its entertaining, if you pass through a few first episodes. There is humor, happiness, friendship, love, star crossed lovers, fantasy, mystery. The ost is nice. The visuals, vfx is amazing! I think that was the best part. The leads did well, looked good and had good chemistry. The others in the main cast did amazingly well. Steve Noh, was too good. The supporting cast, village people and their humor was good. I loved the ending. Also special mention for all the children casted- the young girl who played Suzy's childhood, made me fear her when she got angry, the main villain despite being just a child stood in front of experienced actors and gave such a fine display of emotions.

Not the kdrama of the year, but not as bad as the reviews suggests. Watch it and decide for yourself. Particularly loved the fact that Suzy and Kim Woo Bin could reunite for another drama, huhh, missed them so much!

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Completed
reverie
265 people found this review helpful
Oct 4, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

AN HONEST TAKE: Almost Perfect, Almost Problematic

༆ Genie, Make a Wish—Don’t be fooled by its calm beginning . The opening episodes feel like another typical Netflix drop, something you watch out of convenience rather than genuine interest. But somewhere around episode three, the story begins to find its rhythm and before I realized it, I was genuinely invested. The pacing tightens, the emotional beats start landing and the fantasy element blends naturally into the romance.


༄ The highlight of the drama for me was definitely the chemistry between the leads. Even as someone who’s watched countless Kdramas, I rarely find couples who genuinely feel romantically connected. Too often, they come across as overly vanilla or sibling like just to seem wholesome. And don’t even get me started on those awkward, boring kisses that I usually skip! But here, despite the playful banter, the romance felt real. The kissing scenes were beautifully directed and the chemistry between Kim Woo-bin and Suzy was undeniable,maybe because they’ve worked together before, their comfort showed on screen.

༄ When it comes to performance, Kim Woo-bin does exactly what he does best. Grounded, nuanced acting with a touch of charm. He transitions smoothly between intensity and softness, making even the lighter moments feel sincere.

༄ As for Suzy, this was my first time watching her, and honestly, the criticism she often receives feels unfair. There’s a bias against idol turned actors, especially those who fit a conventional beauty standard but she proves herself here. Her portrayal of a woman numb to emotion, someone learning how to feel and navigate moral boundaries, was subtle yet powerful. And yes, her styling deserves a mention.Even in simple mechanic outfits, she radiated confidence and allure.

༄ However, the one major flaw I can’t overlook is the decision to name the genie “Iblis.” It was unnecessary and culturally insensitive. They could have easily made him a traditional djinn or an original mythical being without touching something so sacred and controversial. The backlash was completely justified. I only continued watching because the name was barely mentioned after a few times but still, the creators should have known better.Honestly, I didn’t expect much because it was from Netflix but it’s disappointing all the same.

What disappoints me most is that after months of feeling burnt out on Kdramas, this was the first one I watched without skipping a single scene. It finally pulled me out of my slump. And yet, just when it had me fully invested, the show made such an avoidable blunder.

So despite the chemistry, visuals, and performances pulling me in, I can’t ignore the choice to name the genie “Iblis.” It was careless and disrespectful and that decision took away from what could’ve been an almost perfect drama. The show had the heart and spark to be a 9.5 but because of that one tone deaf choice, it’s not for me —a story that shines bright, yet stumbles where it should’ve shown sensitivity.
.............. ✶✶✶

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Ongoing 13/13
heisenberg97
262 people found this review helpful
Oct 9, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Ongoing 14
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Really don't understand the hate!!!

I was really confused whether to start watching this or not seeing the hate it was getting.

But I always liked Bae Suzy's acting and I knew she wouldn't disappoint and decided to watch it just for her.

Surprisingly episodes finished one by one and I kept thinking it might be the next episodesm where things might get boring but that never came, atleast till the 10th episode where I am right now. And I am pretty sure in the pending 3 episodes as well it won't disappoint.

Hence to all the people who are confused seeing the reviews, just go ahead and watch.
It surely isn't something incredible but very much worth watching especially for their incredible chemistry.

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Completed
bubblylynnn
245 people found this review helpful
Oct 6, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 8.5

Did Netflix's Most Anticipated KDrama of 2025 Live Up to the Hype? I think YES!

Since the announcement of Kim Eun Sook's new Netflix kdrama last year, there has been extreme anticipation that only grew with the addition of our leads Suzy and Kim Woo Bin, who were to reunite after their tearful kdrama many many years ago.
Before I get into some brief specifics, I just want to say that this drama was GREAT, and there will always be conflicting reviews over nitpicky details, so just watch it and make an opinion yourself 🙂
I tried to watch this slowly, since they blessed us by releasing all episodes at once, but I finished it all on day 3🥲.

First of all, the cinematography was breathtakingly beautiful. Netflix dramas usually are, and this one did not disappoint, the setting and use of vibrant colors✨ along with their CGI, really setting the bar high for high quality content. Without spoiling, the last episode has an incredibly simple yet beautiful scene with just our two leads🌸🌸 But overall, they filmed in real locations which adds on to the realistic vibe of the drama.

The chemistry of the two was also, amazing. Despite having worked together before in a very heartwarming yet saddening kdrama with an ending that left viewers disappointed, the fact that Suzy plays an apathetic psychopath in this drama really had me curious about how she would pair with Kim Woo Bin. If she had no emotions, how would she pair well with her male lead? BUT NO. Her acting was superb, and despite being a psychopath, she was raised by her grandma who integrated strict rules that helped her keep her morals in check and her apathy only added to the humor of her bickering-to-lovers relationship with our genie. Kim Woo Bin, our said genie🧞‍♂️, is also amazing in this. His character is "Satan" so technically he has no remorse or care for humans, but the gradual affection he forms for Suzy is witty yet admirable-- especially later on, when he really shows his versatility as an actor with his heartbreaking acting. Bravo!

The humor of our writer was also a key factor that had me entertained throughout. Kim Eun Sook is one of Korea's most famous drama screenwriters, and the drama references her past works like. Goblin, Secret Garden, Heirs and The Glory in such an amusing way you really don't realize what's happening until something pops up and makes you laugh out loud👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. She includes references to "brands" like "Disney, Marvel, Netflix" and hints at others like "Micky Mouse, Hyun Bin from Secret Garden" in subtle ways that are really fun to identify if you know. Definitely helped ease the tension from some of the harder topics the drama focuses on.

There's a great balance of happy, sad, love, heartbreak, etc. throughout. Obviously the last few episodes will have its devastating realization (I don't remember the last time I cried so hard in a kdrama, Suzy's acting is phenomenal) only to build up to the real ending. If you want to know whether it's a happy or sad ending... give it a watch! I'm so glad I did🥰

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Completed
DramaloverPanda
256 people found this review helpful
Oct 5, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
I almost never review dramas that I love purely because they are typically saturated with an over abundance of positive reviews. But this drama seems to have the opposite and I'm not understanding why. I loved this drama. The actors, the characters, the story. I loved it all. The comedy hit well, each episode felt exciting and did not drag, the cast had chemistry, the locations were great, and the story was original enough that I did not find myself constantly comparing it to others I have seen.

A story about a genie with a twist. They packed in quite a bit of information but for me the thread of thought was easy to comprehend and made enough sense. Then you have a psychopath finds his lamp and their story begins to unfold with secrets and dangers coming to the surface.

To knock some points off I'd say there were two things that were unexplored or bothered me. First is Ga Yeoung's mother and family and them telling her they died just to abandon her. There is a bit of a plot hole here for me as the grandmother's longing for her daughter that is obviously selfish and also abandoned her mother with Ga Yeoung was hard to relate to. Then the feelings that Choi Min Ji developed for the grandmother in her younger state felt uncomfortable to me as well and added nothing to the narrative.

Otherwise I really enjoyed binge watching this and found myself laughing often and crying there at the end. I definitely recommend it for a fun watch.

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Completed
VineBucker
247 people found this review helpful
Oct 7, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

tbh It's good not bad guys

It's been a long time since I watched a movie as entertaining Genie. The fantasy rom-com plot is captivating, mixed with humor and emotion. Suzy, especially portraying the cold, psychopath like character, she truly understands the character's depths. I saw a bit of myself in her, having experienced similar feelings, which made me connect and love her performance even more. Kim Woobin is also amazing, and their chemistry is so good, I like him so much after Black Knight. Definitely a must watch for relaxation, and I’ll be rewatching it for sure!
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Completed
Mouse
238 people found this review helpful
Oct 7, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 10

Loved it

I dont understand why there are such bad reviews, but it's like they say ' to each his own'.
I loved it. The acting was great. The storyline, although it is about a genie and the usual 3 wishes, this one had a different perspective which I've not seen before.
I was interested throughout the show and really enjoyed it. I gave it a 10. Watch it before making a decision.
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Completed
Mirihild
236 people found this review helpful
Oct 4, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Don't be fooled by the silly outrage, it's a good watch

I will preface this by saying that i haven't watched many K-dramas, so I review this show at face value.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the drama. It was a captivating watch, I really enjoyed the storyline and the buildup of the story and characters. It is a silly and whimsical drama with some really nice visuals, beautiful music, funny comedy, and great acting and chemistry between the leads. I personally enjoy slow buildups and didn't at any point feel like the story dragged.

Some people might find the main roles abit jarring and not as traditionally romantic, as they are both morally gray, but I felt like it was played off well, apart from some inconsistencies in the writing of the genie.

I see alot of outrage in the reviews about "misappropriation" of islamic theology, but i find this ridiculous. Nowhere does this drama claim to be a religious drama and a representation of Islam, it is a fictional story. All stories created out there, are more or less inspired or based off religious theology, wether its the bible or the quoran or any other religious texts. There are many many examples of beloved movies created inspired from or based on biblical stories, so why Islam is treated as more sacrilegious by the critiquers in a completely fictional creation, i will never understand.

Religious texts are inherently telling stories of human lives and their relationships with eachother, the earth and greater purposes, so it is completely normal that writers take inspiration from these.

That was my little tangent.

All in all, really enjoyed the drama, and definitely recommend watching!

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Completed
Kaelee Naksu
251 people found this review helpful
Oct 3, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 3
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

You need to Watch This !

An anticipated drama that revealed a poster reminiscent of Aladdin, we couldn't help but think about it. Despite the extravagant ensemble, there are several points where I have mixed feelings.
What I like:

Original concept: The story of a genie forced to grant three wishes to a woman who feels nothing is intriguing and adds a modern fairytale dimension.
Direction: The sets, lighting, and scenes shot in exotic locations like Dubai create a visually stunning atmosphere!
Leading couple: The reunion of Suzy and Kim Woo-bin, which I wanted to see again, and screenwriter Kim Eun-sook is known for writing popular dramas.
The music!! Finally, an album for a Netflix production.
The kissing scenes!
The problems:

Uneven atmosphere: I found them alternating between romance, comedy, and fantasy in a somewhat awkward manner. Characters: The heroine, played by Bae Suzy, is deliberately distant and cold, which is unsettling.
Pacing: A somewhat long start that lacks fluidity.
Sensitive references: The use of terms related to religion or myths may bother some fans.
The numerous characters and underlying plots

This is a drama that plays on magic, love, and the fairytale side, but can be disconcerting due to its sometimes strange tone and irregular pacing.

It will especially appeal to those who enjoy fantasy K-dramas with a strong visual dimension and atypical characters, but it might be less suitable for those looking for a classic or very realistic plot. Overall, it's not perfect, but to attack the acting, as I've read in some places, I don't agree. For me, it was both a challenge and a reunion, like a gift for us (fans of this pairing), so I'm satisfied with the whole thing because there's still a huge amount of work in 13 episodes with lots of elements and special effects throughout!

I recommend it despite its imperfections.

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Completed
brev
242 people found this review helpful
Oct 5, 2025
13 of 13 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Feel-good fantasy with Humor

This was a really good watch in my opinion. it manages to strike a delicate balance between emotional storytelling and light-hearted charm — something not every show dares to do.

While some viewers online have criticized the inclusion of “unnecessary scenes,” I saw those moments as deliberate choices — the kind of comic relief and human warmth that keep a story from feeling too heavy. Life isn’t all heartbreak and intensity; sometimes, laughter and absurdity are what make the emotional parts land even deeper. Those lighter scenes let the characters breathe, and they allow us, as the audience, to breathe with them.

The show excels in blending romance, fantasy, and slice-of-life elements without losing focus. The chemistry between the leads feels genuine — not overly dramatized, but natural and evolving. There’s a tenderness to their interactions, an almost whimsical rhythm that mirrors the show’s central theme: that magic often hides in everyday acts of kindness and connection.

Visually, Genie Make-A-Wish is stunning. The cinematography captures both the dreamlike quality of the genie world and the grounded realism of human emotion. The soundtrack ties it all together beautifully — soft, nostalgic, and sometimes playful, enhancing every mood without overpowering the story.

What I appreciated most, though, was the balance — between sorrow and joy, fantasy and reality, laughter and longing. The show doesn’t rush to deliver constant plot twists or tear-jerking moments; instead, it gives space for emotions to unfold naturally.

In the end, Genie Make-A-Wish isn’t trying to be a flawless, high-stakes thriller. It’s a feel-good, emotionally resonant fantasy about second chances, self-discovery, and love — and for me, that’s exactly what made it worth watching.

⭐ Final Thoughts: 8.5/10 – A heart-warming, beautifully balanced drama that reminds us that magic isn’t always about grandeur — sometimes, it’s about the small, meaningful moments that make us smile.

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Genie, Make a Wish poster

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  • Score: 7.9 (scored by 17,620 users)
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