Kim Woo-bin practiced Arabic for months to perfect his role in Netflix’s ‘Genie, Make a Wish’
A scene from "Genie, Make a Wish" / Courtesy of Netflix
Actor Kim Woo-bin’s intense dedication to mastering Arabic dialogue for his role in the Netflix fantasy comedy “Genie, Make a Wish” has become a hot topic among viewers.
The series follows Genie (Kim Woo-bin), an ancient lamp spirit who awakens after a thousand years, and Ga-young (Suzy), an emotionally detached woman who becomes entangled in his world after receiving three wishes. The show has captivated global audiences with its offbeat humor, rich visuals and Kim’s transformation into a one-of-a-kind genie character.
According to production insiders, Kim spent months rehearsing his Arabic lines, listening to recorded pronunciations over a thousand times per line before filming began. Even during photo shoots and breaks on set, he was often seen with his earbuds in, quietly repeating his lines.
A scene from "Genie, Make a Wish" / Courtesy of Netflix
To bring depth and realism to the mystical character, Kim reportedly worked closely with an Arabic language coach throughout filming. He fine-tuned the tone and rhythm of each line to reflect Genie’s commanding presence and emotional nuance — from subtle shifts in intonation to the deep, resonant voice that became his character’s trademark.
Fans have praised his linguistic performance, saying, “He had a lot of Arabic dialogue, but it sounded surprisingly natural,” and “His deep voice sounds even sexier when he speaks Arabic.”
Kim Woo-bin / Xportsnews
Kim also underwent a complete visual transformation for the role — from his waist-length hair and layered Middle Eastern robes to elaborate action scenes. He trained extensively for wire stunts and executed dynamic sequences in front of green screens, impressing the crew with his focus and professionalism.
With Kim Woo-bin’s magnetic performance drawing praise, “Genie, Make a Wish” continues to stream exclusively on Netflix, enchanting viewers worldwide.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.