Official channel: · YouTube
Main cast
- Gong YooKim Shin (the Goblin)
- Kim Go-eunJi Eun-tak
- Lee Dong-wookThe Grim Reaper
- Yoo In-naSunny
- Yook Sung-jaeYoo Deok-hwa
Official soundtrack & books
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Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) OST Pack 2 (2CD)
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Goblin Photo Essay (Korean edition)
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Goblin Novel, Vol. 1 (Korean edition)
What it's about
Kim Shin was a Goryeo general who was cursed to live forever as a goblin, with the sword that killed him still in his chest. Only his 'goblin bride' can pull it out and let him rest. After 939 years he meets Ji Eun-tak, a cheerful high-school student who can see ghosts, while sharing his house with a grim reaper who has lost his memories.
It was written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, the duo who later made Mr. Sunshine.
Why people love it
Its 20.5% peak rating was the record for a tvN drama until Crash Landing on You in 2020. At the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards, Kim Eun-sook won the TV Grand Prize and Gong Yoo won Best Actor.
The soundtrack, the snowy, melancholy mood and the bickering 'bromance' between the goblin and the grim reaper all became part of its legend.
Where to watch & good to know
It's on Netflix in many countries; check your region (it may be listed as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God). There are 16 episodes.
Visit the Jumunjin breakwater in Gangneung, where Eun-tak first meets Kim Shin; fans still line up to recreate the shot. Take the KTX from Seoul to Gangneung (about two hours), then the SEA TEA bus to the 'Goblin Filming Location' stop.
More on K for All
Watch on NetflixFilming location (VisitKorea)Gangneung and the Goblin breakwaterGangneung by KTX day courseK-drama day in Seoul (Ikseon-dong)More K-dramas