Guardian: The Lonely and Great God aka Goblin (Korean: 쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 – 도깨비) is a fantasy romantic drama that starred Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun and Lee Dong-wook in leading roles. It aired on tvN from December 2, 2016 to January 21, 2017 for 16 episodes. Written by the popular drama writer Kim Eun-sook, the drama was a critical and commercial success as the final episode recorded 18% viewership while the show won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize for writer Kim Eun-sook and Best Actor for Gong Yoo.
Trailer
I. Synopsis
Gong Yoo plays Kim Shin, a military general from the Goryeo Dynasty, who was framed as a traitor and killed by the king. Years later, he becomes an immortal goblin, cursed to witness everyone he loved die as punishment. He uses his powers to help others while praying for his misery to end. The solution manifests itself in the Goblin's bride who has the power to pull out the sword, which can put an end to his immortality.
The Goblin's bride is Jin Eun-talk, played by Kim Go-eun, a cheerful high school student, who summons Kim Shin by chance. The story takes various twists and turns especially when a Grim Reaper, played by Lee Dong-wook, moves in with the Goblin and unravels their deeply rooted relations.
II. Cast
Main
| Actors | Characters |
| Gong Yoo |
Kim Shin - A 939-year-old immortal goblin and protector of souls who is in search for his bride, the only one who can remove the sword piercing through his chest. |
|
Kim Go-eun |
Ji Eun-tak - An optimistic and bubbly 19-year old high school student and the legendary Goblin's bride. |
| Lee Dong Wook |
Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo / Kim Woo-bin – A cynical yet humorous grim reaper (Angel of Death) who guides souls to their reincarnations or afterlives and Kim Shin's housemate. |
Supporting
| Yoo In-na |
Sunny / Kim Sun - The attractive owner of a chicken
restaurant who hires Ji Eun-tak. |
|
Yook Sung-jae |
Yoo Deok-hwa - A rebellious yet kind-hearted chaebol
heir and the only grandson of the Yoo family, a household that has the
responsibility of taking care of the Goblin. |
| Lee El |
Samshin - Goddess, the creator of birth and fate |
| Kim Byung-chul |
Park Joong-heon - a cunning and manipulative eunuch from the Goryeo Dynasty |
III. Soundtracks
IV. Reception
Viewership
The drama topped cable television ratings in its time slot with the final episode recording an 18.680% nationwide audience, making the episode the second highest rated in Korean cable television history.
Impact
The drama was so popular that it sparked various trends. Moreoever, the clothes and accessories which were worn by the actors saw an increase in sales. The drama also sparked parodies on social media.
V. Accolades
2017
| Awards | Recipient |
| 11th Korean Cable TV Awards |
- Best Drama - Best OST: Ailee (I will Go to You like the First Snow) - Rising Star Award: Yook Sung-jae - VOD Broadcasting |
| 5th Annual DramaFever Awards |
- Best Actor: Gong Yoo - Best Supporting Actor: Lee Dong Wook - Best Supporting Actress: Yoo In-na - Best Couple: Gong Yoo & Kim Go-eun - Best Melodrama |
| 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards | - Grand Prize (Daesang): Kim Eun-sook - Best Actor: Gong Yoo |
| 10th Korea Drama Awards | - Best Drama - Best New Actor - Yook Seung-jae |
| 2nd Asia Artist Awards | - Best OST: Ailee (I will Go to You like the First Snow) |
| 9th Melon Music Awards | - Song of the Year & Best OST: Ailee (I will Go to You like the First Snow) |
| 12th Asia Model Awards | - Asia OST Popularity: Chanyel & Punch (Stay with Me) |
2018
| Awards | Recipient |
| 32nd Golden Disk Awards | - Best OST: Ailee (I will Go to You like the First Snow) |
| 27th Seoul Music Awards | - Best OST: Ailee (I will Go to You like the First Snow) |
Comments 1
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motorp77
Good, a must watch !