The world of K-dramas thrives on blending fantasy with heartfelt human emotions, and Genie, Make a Wish (2025) is the latest series to step into this magical arena. Premiering in 2025, this drama promises enchantment, romance, and lessons on what it truly means to get what you wish for. But does it shine bright like its lamp, or does it flicker under the weight of its lofty concept? Let’s dive deeper.
The Premise
Genie, Make a Wish centers on a lonely veterinary student, Ji Eun (portrayed by rising actress Kim Ji-eun), whose life takes a fantastical turn when she stumbles upon an ancient artifact during a late-night research project. Inside it resides Genie (played by Choi Hyun-wook), a mystical being bound to grant wishes—but with caveats that unravel both humor and heartbreak.
What begins as a lighthearted story of silly wishes and quirky interactions soon evolves into an exploration of identity, freedom, and the human cost of desire. The drama follows Ji Eun’s reluctant bond with Genie as both of them confront themes of belonging, sacrifice, and what true happiness means.
Performances
Kim Ji-eun brings charm and nuance to her role, balancing light comedy with profound emotional depth as Ji Eun grows from a timid dreamer to someone willing to make courageous sacrifices. Opposite her, Choi Hyun-wook delivers one of his most charismatic performances to date. His Genie is playful, mischievous, and yet tinged with sadness—a centuries-old being yearning for release.
The supporting cast, including Ji Eun’s best friend Min-ho (Yoo In-soo) and rival-turned-ally Doctor Han (Lee Sung-kyung), complement the leads beautifully. Their subplots provide much-needed humor and grounding amid the magical chaos.
Themes and Storytelling
At its heart, Genie, Make a Wish is about the universal human longing for connection and freedom. Wishes, though glittery on the surface, are revealed to be riddled with consequences. The show leans into moral ambiguity without ever becoming too heavy, weaving its lessons through fantastical yet relatable storytelling.
Each episode presents a mix of slice-of-life sweetness and magical realism. Ji Eun’s small, sincere wishes—like mending a broken relationship or helping abandoned animals—stand in sharp contrast with others’ manipulative desires, highlighting the duality of wanting versus needing.
Visuals and Worldbuilding
Visually, the drama leans into grand, dreamlike aesthetics with glowing backdrops, sparkling magic effects, and gorgeously shot nighttime Seoul scenes. The lamp itself becomes a symbolic centerpiece, and the cinematography often shifts between warm intimacy during Ji Eun and Genie’s conversations to colder, surreal tones when wishes go wrong.
Costume design also subtly reinforces the storytelling—Genie’s evolving wardrobe reflects his changing state of self-awareness and his connection to Ji Eun.
Strengths
- Magnetic chemistry between Kim Ji-eun and Choi Hyun-wook
- Clever blending of fantasy and everyday Korean life
- Emotional payoffs that feel earned rather than forced
- A thoughtful exploration of what “happiness” and “freedom” really are
Weaknesses
The pacing drags slightly in the midsection, with episodes 7–9 leaning too heavily on repetitive wish-of-the-week scenarios. Some viewers may also find the moral lessons a bit predictable, especially if accustomed to fantasy-romance tropes in K-dramas.
Final Verdict
Genie, Make a Wish (2025) is a delightful and heartwarming series that shines when it allows its characters’ vulnerability to guide the magic. While not flawless, its balance of whimsy, romance, and emotional storytelling makes it a standout in 2025’s K-drama lineup. If you love fantastical romances like My Roommate is a Gumiho or My Girlfriend is a Gumiho but crave a more modern, bittersweet edge, this drama is worth every episode.
Where to Watch
Genie, Make a Wish (2025) is currently streaming on KBS2 weekly and available for international audiences on Viki with English subtitles. Coming to Netflix on Oct 2, 2025.
