Celebrated writer Kim Eun Sook has returned with Netflix’s latest series Genie, Make a Wish, offering more than just a romantic comedy. Through the character of Kayoung — a self-proclaimed psychopath who tries to live making “good choices” — Kim raises a profound question: is a person defined by their nature, or by the choices they make?
Kim shared, “Kayoung believes she was born with an evil nature, but she learns to interpret love from her grandmother and her village. She strives to make good choices throughout her life. Then, the question arises — does that make her good, or bad? This is the essence of what I wanted to explore: that choices, not innate nature, define human character, and love is what leads those choices in the right direction.”
The series, released on October 3, quickly gained global traction. According to Netflix’s Tudum rankings, it garnered 4 million views within just three days, placing 5th in the non-English global category. Domestically, it remains the No. 1 Netflix series in Korea and has entered the Top 10 in 46 countries, including Saudi Arabia, India, and Singapore.
Part of its success lies in Kim Eun Sook’s trademark witty dialogue and philosophical undertones. Beyond its rom-com façade, the show explores themes of morality, destiny, and the essence of love, leaving audiences rewatching to catch every nuance. Memorable lines like “You’re still terribly adorable”, “In the next life, let’s meet again”, and “Can’t I kill for someone else’s sake? Doesn’t that count as love?” are already becoming fan favorites.
Kim also praised her cast, noting Suzy’s flawless delivery of Kayoung’s inner conflicts and Kim Woo Bin’s layered portrayal of Genie. She highlighted special cameos by Song Hye Kyo, Daniel Henney, and Kim Ji Hoon: “Song Hye Kyo was truly like a goddess, Daniel Henney was truly like a ‘dog’, and Kim Ji Hoon was the very essence of the search party. Thanks to them, the drama gained an extra spark.”
Ultimately, Kim revealed she wrote the story while reflecting on a simple yet universal question: If you had three wishes, what would they be? She hopes the series resonates across languages and cultures as a story about love, choices, and humanity.
Sources: nate
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