Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) is a 2016-2017 South Korean fantasy romance drama that became a cultural phenomenon. Written by Kim Eun-sook, the same writer behind Descendants of the Sun and The King: Eternal Monarch, the drama stars Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae. It blends romance, fantasy, comedy, and deep emotional themes, making it one of the most beloved K-dramas of all time.
Plot Summary
The story follows Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a decorated general from the Goryeo era who is cursed with immortality and becomes a goblin. He can only be freed from his immortal existence when his destined goblin bride removes the sword embedded in his chest. After wandering the earth for 900 years, he meets Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a high school girl who claims to be his fated bride. Alongside them, we also follow the story of Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook) and Sunny (Yoo In-na), whose past lives are intertwined with the goblin’s tragic fate.
Strengths
Unforgettable Romance – The love story between Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak is beautifully written, full of heartwarming moments, poetic dialogues, and deep emotional weight. The Grim Reaper and Sunny’s romance is equally touching and tragic.
Strong Cast and Chemistry – Gong Yoo delivers one of his most iconic performances, perfectly capturing the goblin’s loneliness, humor, and warmth. Kim Go-eun portrays a cheerful yet melancholic character convincingly. Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na’s second lead romance is just as captivating.
Bromance and Humor – The dynamic between Goblin and the Grim Reaper is one of the show’s highlights. Their bickering, friendship, and hilarious interactions provide comedic relief while also showcasing deep emotional bonds.
Stunning Cinematography – The visuals in Goblin are breathtaking, from the snowy landscapes of Canada to the beautifully shot fantasy elements like time-traveling doors and mystical rain scenes.
Unforgettable OST (Soundtrack) – Songs like Beautiful (Crush), Stay With Me (Chanyeol & Punch), and I Will Go to You Like the First Snow (Ailee) became instant classics, elevating the emotional impact of the series.
Emotional Depth and Themes – Beyond romance, Goblin explores deep themes of life, death, fate, and redemption. The storytelling is poetic and philosophical, making it more than just a love story.
Weaknesses
Age Gap Controversy – Some viewers found the romance between a 939-year-old goblin and a 19-year-old high school girl uncomfortable. However, the drama treats their relationship with emotional sincerity rather than physical attraction.
Slow Pacing in the Middle Episodes – While the beginning and end are intense and engaging, some middle episodes drag with repetitive scenes or side plots.
Bittersweet Ending – While poetic and meaningful, the ending left many viewers heartbroken. Some wished for a more conventionally happy conclusion.
Final Verdict
Rating: 9.5/10
Goblin is a masterpiece that combines fantasy, romance, comedy, and deep emotional storytelling. It has iconic characters, breathtaking cinematography, and an unforgettable OST that leaves a lasting impact. While some parts may feel slow, and the ending is bittersweet, the overall experience is deeply moving and rewarding.
Recommended for: Fans of emotional, poetic, and visually stunning fantasy dramas. If you loved Crash Landing on You, Hotel Del Luna, or The King: Eternal Monarch, this is a must-watch!
