The new Netflix K-drama Genie, Make A Wish brings back a beloved pairing from 2016 that didn’t get a happy ending. The co-stars I’m talking about are Kim Woo-Bin and Bae Suzy. From tragic romance to comedy-fantasy, nearly a decade after their first drama together, the pair has graced our screens in a completely new light, and I’m absolutely loving it. Genie, Make A Wish tells the story of an antisocial psychopath named Ki Ka-Young and a genie, who returns after nearly a millennium. This genie, named Iblis, can grant you 3 wishes. But that’s not all; Ka-Young and Iblis have a special connection, which the show dives deep into as it progresses. There’s a lot going on here, so if you need help separating the many subplots, check out our recap. But, if you’re just here to see who plays who in this comical K-drama, then let’s get straight into it.
Kim Woo-Bin as Iblis
Kim Woo-Bin rose to fame in the acting world after his hit negative role on the OG global hit K-drama The Heirs. Also yes, the Cho Young-Do cameo is exactly what you were waiting for. Despite sharing screen space with an already established superstar, Lee Min-Ho, Woo-Bin’s model appearance and fantastic villain vibes stole hearts across the world (mine included). But in 2017, soon after the success of Uncontrollably Fond, also starring Bae Suzy, the actor was diagnosed with cancer and took a break from acting. Fans were devastated, especially because of the fate of his character on the show that he had just completed. But he made a comeback co-starring with his real-life long-term partner, Shin Min-Ah, in 2022’s Our Blues. The actor’s next big role was in a show called Black Knight, which was not up to his caliber for sure. A couple of movies later, we finally have him in a role that feels like it’s written for him. Starring as Iblis, the genie in Genie, Make A Wish. Iblis is an evil but lovable genie, in your typical K-drama style. However, it’s his comedic timing that truly brings the show to life. He definitely makes the role.
Bae Suzy as Ki Ka-Young
Bae Suzy returns after the hit drama Doona! in the role of a psychopath. We’ve seen a stoic Suzy many times before, but Ki Ka-Young might be her most fun role yet. Yes, there’s still some crying and a lot of ramp walking, but she definitely shines in this role as a murderous psychopath who grows up under so many rules that even if she had the chance to kill someone, she couldn’t. I think Ki Ka-Young is one of Suzy’s best roles yet, and she seems to be getting even more beautiful as time passes. Honestly, that one YouTube clip is so cleverly shot with her hair on her face, and in the mechanic attire, she’s going to steal hearts all over again. No wonder she’s called the nation’s first love.
Ahn Eun-Jin as Lee Mi-Ju
Here’s your spoiler warning before you keep reading on. Ahn Eun-Ji is a surprise entry on this show as Ki Ka-Young’s grandmother, but in her younger form. The actress is exceptional as always and really shines with her special dialect and grandma language. The actress, who’s been around for a while, and her breakout role in Hospital Playlist. While this is yet another supporting role, Mi-Ji is a memorable character who steals the show every time she’s on screen. There’s no doubt she’s a fantastic actress, and she really shines in Genie, Make A Wish.
Noh Sang-Hyun as Ejllael
The last time I saw this actor, he was playing Baek Isak in Pachinko season 2. The actor is incredibly talented and won the Best New Actor award for his breakout role in Love In The Big City, also starring Kim Go-Eun, where he plays a gay man. While I haven’t seen much else of his, I feel like this might be his most commercial role yet, which means we get to see his abs on display and his morally gray acting skills, i.e. the role is pretty crucial to the show, and he’s very convincing as an angel with black wings named Ejllael.
Lee Joo-Young as Choi Min-Ji
Big spoiler warning here. Lee Joo-Young plays Ki Ka-Young’s lesbian best friend, Choi Min-Ji. I really appreciate that her character is well respected, and we never have to question the idea that she’s gay or anything like that; it’s naturally written into the script, and the only reason there’s an element of surprise is because of who she ends up falling in love with. The actress has been in more movies than shows, but she’s been in some big OTT shows such as Aema, The 8 Show, and The School Nurse Files.
Ko Kyu-Pil as Sade
Sade is Iblis’ mystical jaguar in his human form, and he’s exactly as adorable as his cat form. If you were to talk about veteran actors, Ko Kyu-Pil is a name you can’t miss. The actor has been in so many of our favorite TV shows and movies that there’s no way to keep track. Most recently, we saw him in Twelve, The Fiery Priest, Frankly Speaking, and even Queen Of Tears.
Woo Hyun-Jin As Irem
But when we look at the second mystical creature, Ejllael’s owl, she’s played by a new actress who is only one show old in the industry. You may have caught her in Tale Of The Nine Tailed 1938, but if not, she’s certainly going to catch your attention as Irem because of her striking looks and her exciting role.
