The highly anticipated Korean romance series "Genie, Make a Wish" is set to premiere on Netflix this Friday, bringing together beloved stars Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin in a twisted take on the classic genie fairy tale. The 12-episode Netflix original series presents a dark and unconventional story featuring a satanic genie who encounters a woman born without emotions, creating a unique exploration of human nature and desire.

At a press conference held on Monday, Kim Woo-bin, who portrays the malevolent genie, described how the series uses the familiar genie concept to examine profound themes. "The script was incredibly powerful," Kim explained. "I was so drawn to it that I found myself cherishing every scene and felt a deep commitment to bringing this world to life." The actor emphasized that the show raises "refreshing" questions about human nature, desire, love, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

The series centers around the complex relationship between the genie and Ga-young, played by Bae Suzy. After sleeping for a millennium, the genie is accidentally awakened by Ga-young in a Dubai desert. In return for his freedom, he grants her three wishes, but his motives are far from benevolent. The genie, firmly convinced that all humans are inherently corruptible, pressures Ga-young to make her wishes quickly so he can prove his cynical theory about human nature.

However, the genie's manipulative plan encounters an unexpected obstacle. Ga-young suffers from antisocial personality disorder, which makes her completely immune to his psychological influence and threats. This creates a fascinating dynamic between the two characters, as the genie finds himself unable to corrupt someone who lacks the emotional responses he relies on to manipulate others.

Kim Woo-bin described his character as remarkably complex and multi-dimensional. "He's cheerful and strong, but can be cruel and frightening. Then there are moments where he seems pathetic or even cute," the actor explained. "I tried to convey the sense that he is completely comfortable in his own skin even though others might find him unsettling." This nuanced portrayal promises to showcase Kim's acting range in a role that demands both charm and menace.

Bae Suzy offered her own perspective on her challenging character, describing Ga-young as "an attractive psychopath." Despite her innate inability to feel emotions normally, Ga-young makes conscious efforts to live a moral and harmonious life, guided by the teachings and wisdom of her grandmother. "Ga-young follows her own set of rules and routines, ultimately leading a more upright life than normal people do," Bae explained, highlighting the character's paradoxical nature.

The series boasts an impressive creative team led by Kim Eun-sook, one of Korea's most celebrated screenwriters. Kim Eun-sook has created numerous mega-hit television series that have captivated audiences both domestically and internationally, including "Secret Garden" (2010), "Heirs" (2013), "Descendants of the Sun" (2016), and "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (2016-17). Her most recent success, the revenge thriller "The Glory," aired on Netflix from December 30, 2022, to March 10, 2023, and became one of the most-watched Korean dramas on the streaming platform.

The directorial duties for "Genie, Make a Wish" were taken over by Ahn Gil-ho, who previously directed "The Glory." Ahn stepped in after the departure of the series' initial director, Lee Byeong-heon, who is known for his work on popular films such as "Extreme Job" (2019) and "Dream" (2023), as well as television series including "Be Melodramatic" (2019) and "Chicken Nugget" (2024).

The upcoming series marks a significant reunion for the two lead actors, who previously worked together in the 2016 KBS drama "Uncontrollably Fond." Their return to the screen together has generated considerable excitement among fans who have been eagerly awaiting their collaboration. The chemistry between Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin, combined with the unique premise and acclaimed creative team, positions "Genie, Make a Wish" as one of Netflix's most promising Korean original series releases.