If You Wish Upon Me
"If You Wish Upon Me" is a poignant South Korean drama that delves into themes of redemption, compassion, and the fulfillment of final wishes. The series stars Ji Chang-wook as Yoon Gyeo-ree, a young man with a troubled past, including time spent in an orphanage, juvenile detention center, and prison. Struggling to find his place in the world, Gyeo-ree is assigned community service at a hospice, marking the beginning of his transformative journey. At the hospice, Gyeo-ree becomes part of "Team Genie," a volunteer group dedicated to granting the last wishes of terminally ill patients. The team is led by Kang Tae-shik, portrayed by Sung Dong-il, whose compassionate leadership guides Gyeo-ree toward understanding the value of life and empathy. Choi Soo-young plays Seo Yeon-joo, a vibrant and dedicated nurse whose unwavering optimism and dedication to patient care inspire Gyeo-ree to open his heart and embrace change. Inspired by the real-life Ambulance Wish Foundation in the Netherlands, the drama presents a series of heartfelt stories as Team Genie endeavors to fulfill the final wishes of hospice patients. Each episode explores different narratives, highlighting the profound impact of granting these wishes on both the patients and the volunteers. Through these experiences, Gyeo-ree confronts his own emotional scars, learning to heal and find hope. "If You Wish Upon Me" is a touching exploration of human connection, the significance of compassion, and the journey toward personal redemption. The stellar performances by Ji Chang-wook, Sung Dong-il, and Choi Soo-young bring depth to their characters, making this series a must-watch for those seeking a heartfelt and inspiring story. The drama aired on KBS2 from August 10 to September 29, 2022, and is available for streaming on platforms such as Viu and Viki.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 당신이 소원을 말하면
🌎 Also Known As: If You Say Your Wish, Tell Me Your Wish
🎭 Genres: Romance, Life, Drama, Medical
🏷 Tags: Healing, Hospice Care, Found Family, Attempted Suicide, Character Development
✍ Screenwriter: Jo Young Soo
🎬 Director: Kim Yong Wan
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: August 10, 2022 – September 29, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday, Thursday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)
Best Scenes
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Gyeo-ree’s Transformation: Witnessing Yoon Gyeo-ree’s journey from a troubled past to finding purpose at the hospice is both heartwarming and inspiring.
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Team Genie’s Wish Fulfillments: Each episode showcases Team Genie granting patients’ final wishes, delivering emotional and memorable moments.
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Gyeo-ree and Yeon-joo’s Bond: The evolving relationship between Gyeo-ree and Nurse Seo Yeon-joo adds depth and warmth to the narrative.
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Tae-shik’s Leadership: Kang Tae-shik’s compassionate guidance of Team Genie highlights themes of empathy and community.
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Sonny’s Farewell: Gyeo-ree’s heartfelt goodbye to his beloved dog, Sonny, underscores the show’s exploration of love and loss.
Filming Locations
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Hospice Facility: The primary setting, a serene hospice, provides a tranquil backdrop that enhances the show’s contemplative mood.
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Seoul’s Urban Landscape: Various scenes capture the bustling city life of Seoul, contrasting with the hospice’s calm environment.
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Han River: Pivotal moments unfold along the Han River, symbolizing reflection and change.
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Traditional Markets: Scenes set in local markets add authenticity and cultural richness to the narrative.
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Countryside Retreats: Episodes featuring rural settings offer a peaceful contrast to urban scenes, emphasizing themes of healing.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Hospice Aesthetics: The warm and inviting design of the hospice reflects the show’s themes of comfort and care.
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Character Wardrobes: Costumes are thoughtfully selected to mirror each character’s personality and development.
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Color Symbolism: The use of soft, muted colors throughout the series enhances its calming and introspective atmosphere.
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Set Details: Attention to detail in set design, such as personal items in patients’ rooms, adds depth to storytelling.
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Lighting Techniques: Strategic lighting is employed to evoke emotions and highlight key narrative moments.
Themes and Messages
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Redemption: The series explores the possibility of personal growth and redemption, regardless of one’s past.
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Compassion: Emphasizing the importance of empathy, the show portrays how small acts of kindness can profoundly impact others.
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Community Support: It highlights the strength found in community and the significance of supporting one another.
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Facing Mortality: The narrative encourages open discussions about death, promoting acceptance and understanding.
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Healing: Central to the story is the journey toward emotional healing and finding peace.
Interesting Facts
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Inspired by Real Events: The storyline draws inspiration from the Make-a-Wish Foundation in the Netherlands, adding authenticity to the narrative.
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Ji Chang-wook’s Role: Known for action-packed roles, Ji Chang-wook showcases his versatility by portraying a more subdued character.
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Soo-young’s Performance: Choi Soo-young, a member of Girls’ Generation, delivers a compelling performance as Nurse Seo Yeon-joo.
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Sung Dong-il’s Portrayal: Veteran actor Sung Dong-il brings depth to the character of Kang Tae-shik, the compassionate leader of Team Genie.
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Emotional Depth: The series is praised for its realistic depiction of hospice care and the emotional journeys of its characters.
Awards
As of now, “If You Wish Upon Me” has not received any major awards. However, Sung Dong-il, who portrayed Kang Tae-shik in the series, was honored with the Best Supporting Actor award at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards for his performances in both “If You Wish Upon Me” and “Curtain Call.”
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no verified information or credible reports suggesting that any real-life romantic relationships developed among the cast members of “If You Wish Upon Me.” The actors, including Ji Chang-wook, Choi Soo-young, and Sung Dong-il, maintained professional relationships throughout the filming process. Speculations about personal relationships should be approached with caution unless confirmed by the individuals involved.
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