Jeon So-nee Dominates ‘If Wishes Could Kill’ as Scene-Stealing Shaman “Haetsal”

Jeon So-nee delivers a commanding performance that extends well beyond a typical special appearance in Netflix series If Wishes Could Kill.

The drama follows high school students who receive sudden death warnings tied to a wish-fulfilling application called “Girigo.” Jeon plays Haetsal, a shaman who pursues the origin of the curse and supports the central characters, elevating tension across the narrative.

'If Wishes Could Kill' Jeon So-nee. Photo by Netflix.

From the outset, the production emphasized fresh casting, bringing together a lineup of rising actors. Director Park Yoon-seo explained that the role of Haetsal required an experienced performer capable of stabilizing the ensemble, leading to Jeon’s casting. She meets that expectation with a controlled yet layered portrayal that strengthens overall immersion.

Within the story, Haetsal is both the older sister of Ha-jun (Hyun Woo-seok) and a figure who abandons ordinary life to walk a spiritual path. She identifies the app not as a mere program but as a curse born from vengeful spirits, offering critical insight into the students’ crisis.

Her presence becomes most decisive when Se-a (Jeon So-young) is pushed to the edge of life and death within the cursed space. Haetsal intervenes with spiritual insight and firm authority, functioning as a narrative compass.

Jeon navigates the potentially complex shamanistic elements with clarity, grounding them through restrained yet forceful acting. Alongside emerging actors such as Jeon So-young, Baek Sun-ho, and Hyun Woo-seok, her performance maintains the drama’s balance and cohesion.

Jeon So-nee is set to continue her active run with the upcoming Netflix project Love Affair.

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