Fans of Kim Woo-bin were treated to a major surprise in the seventh episode of the Netflix series Genie Make a Wish. The actor briefly transformed into his iconic character, Choi Young-do, from the classic 2013 K-drama The Heirs. The nostalgic moment, which included a famous line from the older show, has become a highlight for viewers.
A Blast from the Past
In Genie Make a Wish, Kim Woo-bin plays Iblis, a genie trying to win a bet with the emotionless Ka-young, played by Bae Suzy. In episode 7, Iblis attempts to manipulate Ka-young by using strong emotions like love, joy, and sorrow. As part of this plan, he changes his appearance to that of Choi Young-do, the charismatic and sometimes cruel high school heir that first made Kim Woo-bin a star.
The scene directly connects the new fantasy romance to one of the most beloved K-dramas of the last decade, offering a fun Easter egg for long-time fans.
The Heirs Scene Recreated
The moment is designed to be instantly recognizable. Iblis, now looking exactly like Choi Young-do, speaks a popular line from The Heirs to Ka-young.
The dialogue, “Why are you always holding stuff like that? Makes me want to protect you,” is delivered in what fans have described as a “very Young-do style.” Ka-young’s reaction in the scene confirms its effectiveness, as she admits that the transformation is “oddly convincing.”
Before appearing as Choi Young-do, Iblis had also transformed into other famous K-drama characters to try to impress Ka-young, including Han Ki-joo from Lovers in Paris and Moon Dong-eun from The Glory. However, it was the appearance of Choi Young-do that stood out the most.
Behind the Scenes of the Reunion Drama
Genie Make a Wish marks the reunion of Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, who previously starred together in the 2016 drama Uncontrollably Fond. The series, which was released in full on October 3, 2025, on Netflix, was written by the acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun-sook. Kim Eun-sook is also the writer behind The Heirs, Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, and The Glory, making the Choi Young-do callback a playful nod from the writer to her own past work.
The inclusion of this scene shows the writer’s awareness of the audience’s nostalgia and Kim Woo-bin’s most popular roles. The moment successfully blends humor with a deep-cut reference that resonates strongly with dedicated K-drama fans.
Kim Woo-bin’s Emotional Connection to the Drama
While the Choi Young-do scene was a lighthearted moment, Kim Woo-bin has shared that the overall story of Genie Make a Wish is deeply emotional. He revealed that the script moved him to tears.
The actor’s emotional connection to the story is felt in the later episodes, which take a more serious turn as Iblis and Ka-young’s past is revealed and their relationship develops.
A Cameo-Filled Series
The surprise appearance of Choi Young-do was not the only cameo that got people talking in Genie Make a Wish. In a later episode, superstar Song Hye-kyo made a special appearance as Jinniya, a female genie and Iblis’s ex-girlfriend.
Her cameo added another layer of star power to the series and was another example of the show’s playful and interconnected K-drama universe.
Viewer Reactions to the Series
The release of Genie Make a Wish on Netflix sparked a range of reactions from viewers. Some found it to be perfect light entertainment, with many praising the visual appeal of the lead actors. However, the show also faced some criticism, with some viewers finding the dialogue overly childish and the humor weak. This division in opinion made the series one of the more talked-about K-drama releases of the season.
Despite mixed reviews, the clever use of nostalgia in episodes like episode 7 provided a memorable talking point and demonstrated the power of a well-placed pop culture reference.
Also Read: Suzy and Kim Woo Bin’s Acting Faces Criticism in New K-Drama Genie Make a Wish
