Fans of the new Netflix K-drama Genie, Make a Wish were treated to a major surprise with the unexpected appearance of one of South Korea’s biggest stars. Song Hye-kyo, celebrated for her roles in The Glory and Descendants of the Sun, made a special cameo that has become a major talking point of the show. Her role, though brief, is a key piece in the puzzle of the genie Iblis’s past.
The Big Reveal: Jinniya Appears
Song Hye-kyo appears in the drama as Jinniya, a powerful female genie. She makes her first entrance in Episode 8 when the main characters, Iblis and Ka-young, visit Old Dubai. Ka-young rubs a lamp, and Jinniya appears in a cloud of smoke, dressed in a stunning blue outfit that fans have compared to a Disney princess. The scene immediately becomes playful when Ka-young, played by Bae Suzy, recognizes the genie and blurts out, “Song Hye-kyo! Is that you?”
Jinniya cleverly responds, “Is this a famous face? You rubbed my jar so vigorously that I chose a face I liked from your region on Netflix.” This witty exchange breaks the fourth wall, adding a layer of fun for viewers. It is later revealed that Jinniya is not just any genie; she is Iblis’s ex-girlfriend, a fact that causes some immediate tension when the former lovers are reunited after more than a century.
Jinniya’s Role in the Story
Jinniya is much more than a nostalgic cameo; she plays a significant part in moving the story forward. She holds crucial information about the past that Iblis has forgotten. During their meeting, Jinniya reveals key details about Iblis’s brother, Shadi, and his son, helping Iblis start to connect the dots about his own missing memories.
She appears again in Episode 10, where she steps in to protect Ka-young from danger. Inside the safety of her lamp, Jinniya explains the tragic events of a past life. She tells Ka-young that in a previous incarnation, she was killed by a man named Muttalib. This death caused Iblis to unleash his fury on the world, cementing his belief in humanity’s corruption. Jinniya’s revelations are vital for both Iblis and Ka-young to understand their complicated connection across time.
The cameo also adds a touch of romance. At one point, Ka-young asks Jinniya if Iblis ever called her “Habibti,” an Arabic term of endearment. Jinniya’s irritated reaction makes it clear that Iblis has only used this special name for Ka-young, confirming the uniqueness of their bond.
Why the Cameo is a Big Deal
Song Hye-kyo’s appearance in Genie, Make a Wish is notable for several reasons. This marks her first-ever special cameo in a K-drama, which is a rare event for an actress of her stature. Reports suggest she flew to Dubai for just about ten hours specifically to film her scenes, showing her strong commitment to the project.
Her participation is driven by close professional and personal relationships. She has a strong working history with writer Kim Eun-sook, who also wrote The Glory and Descendants of the Sun. Additionally, Song Hye-kyo is known to be a close friend of co-star Bae Suzy. After her episode aired, she showed her support by posting a still from the show on her Instagram and tagging Suzy. A fan on social media perfectly captured the sentiment, gushing, “She’s such an ethereal beauty,” while another simply said, “Song hye kyo looks angelic.”
A Connected Universe of Cameos
Song Hye-kyo is not the only star to make a surprise appearance in the drama. In an earlier episode, Daniel Henney appears as a stray dog named Ppoppi who wishes to become a handsome man. These high-profile cameos add an extra layer of excitement for K-drama fans. Furthermore, the show includes playful references to other popular dramas; at one point, Kim Woo-bin’s genie transforms into his iconic character Choi Young-do from The Heirs, another series written by Kim Eun-sook, and also takes on the appearance of Song Hye-kyo’s character Moon Dong-eun from The Glory.
Understanding the Name “Jinniya”
For viewers curious about the name, “Jinniya” has a basis in folklore. The term comes from Arabic and Islamic tradition, where a jinn is a supernatural spirit. A female jinn is often called a jinniya. In stories, jinn are not inherently good or evil; they are complex beings with free will, much like humans. They can be helpful, fall in love, or sometimes cause trouble. The portrayal of Jinniya in Genie, Make a Wish as a powerful, knowledgeable genie with a romantic history fits well within these traditional concepts.
Behind the Scenes and Fan Reactions
The production of her scenes was as glamorous as her appearance. Song Hye-kyo’s dramatic smoky eye makeup and elegant blue costume made a strong visual impact. Fans on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were quick to express their delight. One fan wrote, “Seriously she holds my gaze every time I see her,” while another exclaimed, “omg the screaaaammm I let out.. She gorgeous asf.” The combination of her star power, narrative importance, and visual appeal made her cameo one of the most memorable moments of the series.
Credits: Netflix, gulfnews.com
