Actor Kim Woo-bin's commitment to his work is again gaining applause globally after recently coming clean about his rigorous preparation for Netflix's "Genie, Make A Wish."
In an interview last week, according to KBZoom, the actor revealed that he rehearsed every Arabic line in the drama more than 1,000 times in order to best become his character, a mystical genie who has slept for a thousand years. The fantasy romantic comedy chronicles Genie (portrayed by Kim Woo-bin), who meets Ga-young (played by Suzy), an emotionless female who is granted three wishes.
In an effort to bring out the ethereal and ageless quality of the character, Kim was said to have worked for months perfecting his Arabic pronunciation, tone, and emotional range. One staff member divulged, "He never wasted a single moment. Whether in the dressing room or during downtime, he was always practicing with his headphones on."
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The actor also closely collaborated with an Arabic language coach during production to make sure that his delivery was accurate and emotionally engaging. The Chosun Daily noted that Kim's resolve went beyond memorization — he set out to deliver "dignity and warmth" with every line.
Audience appreciation from across the globe has been apparent. Social media comments like "His Arabic lines sound incredibly smooth," and "The deep tone of his voice makes the character even more magical," illustrate the global range of his performance.
Industry watchers have commented that Kim Woo-bin's work brings another element of cultural truthfulness to "Genie, Make A Wish," something which is not common in most mainstream Korean productions.
Fans still look up to him for inspiration for his toughness, and off-screen, even for his commitment to acting. In an interview on YouTube's Fairy Jae-hyung channel, Kim reminisced about his fight with nasopharyngeal cancer, with which he was diagnosed in 2017.
He commented, "That time taught me how to love myself and others better. I learned to cherish things I used to take for granted."
After undergoing rehabilitation for a few years, Kim Woo-bin has now returned to the limelight with full vigor. His dedication to "Genie, Make a Wish" not only showcases his professionalism but also demonstrates his enduring fervor for his life and art.
