The 2016 tvN drama "Goblin" marked the pinnacle of the Korean romantic fantasy genre. Its passionate performances, stunning visuals, and unique worldview continue to resonate with fans. Even after its conclusion, it continues to be replayed and revisited on reruns and OTT platforms, and its international popularity has elevated the status of Korean dramas. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of "Goblin," including its synopsis, plot, and viewership ratings, as well as filming locations, key factors in its popularity, and memorable lines.
Goblin Overview and Plot
"Goblin" was produced in collaboration with writer Kim Eun-sook and director Lee Eung-bok and aired for a total of 16 episodes from December 2016 to January 2017. The main cast included Gong Yoo (as Kim Shin), Kim Go-eun (as Ji Eun-tak), Lee Dong-wook (as the Grim Reaper), and Yoo In-na (as Sunny). The plot revolves around Kim Shin, a Goryeo Dynasty general who is unjustly killed by the king's jealousy. He then becomes an immortal goblin under a divine curse. He has long awaited a "goblin bride" who will grant him death, and one day, he becomes entangled with Ji Eun-tak, a high school student who appears as if by fate. The story of the goblin who longs for death and the girl who desperately desires life unfolds across fantasy and reality. The drama philosophically explores human life and death, fate, and love, while its comedic elements and romantic directing have earned it recognition as a drama that combines both popularity and artistic quality.
Analysis of Goblin Ratings and Reasons for Its Popularity
Despite being a cable drama, Goblin recorded an average viewership rating of 13.6% and a peak of 20.5% (Nielsen Korea nationwide), breaking the record for the highest viewership ratings in tvN history at the time. This performance rivaled even terrestrial dramas, and even after its conclusion, the drama continued to garner significant attention both domestically and internationally. The drama's popularity was largely attributed to Gong Yoo's exquisitely blended lead performance with charisma and gentle sensibility. Furthermore, his chemistry with Kim Go-eun and the subplot between Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na were also highly polished, creating multi-layered entertainment. Writer Kim Eun-sook's signature dialogue and witty scenarios also contributed to the drama's growing fanbase. The soundtrack also played a significant role in heightening the drama's immersion. Songs like Ailee's "I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" and Chanyeol and Punch's "Stay With Me" consistently topped music charts, becoming iconic and memorable tracks associated with the drama.
Global Reaction and Filming Location Information
Goblin is a representative drama that sparked a Korean drama boom beyond Asia, reaching North America and Europe. It is also considered a "lifetime drama" by international fans through Netflix and other OTT services. In China, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand, the drama dominated real-time search rankings upon its airing, and tours to its filming locations were even planned. Filming locations in Korea included the Jumunjin Breakwater in Gangneung, Jeongdongjin Beach, and Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, Quebec City (Canada) Old Town, Rue Petit Champlain, and Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, featured in romantic scenes in Goblin, inspiring a global sensibility. Thanks to these locations, these locations have become pilgrimage destinations for K-drama fans.
Top 5 Famous Lines from Goblin
1. “Every moment I spent with you was dazzling. Whether it was a good day, a bad day, or just the right day... Every day was wonderful.”
2. “When the sun sets, I think of the person I miss.”
3. “I loved you. For a very long time.”
4. “That person probably liked you for no reason, just because you were you.”
5. “I'll wait. If it's you... a thousand years will feel like a day.”
Review
This drama, which marked the pinnacle of Kim Eun-sook's melodrama, not only had a compelling storyline, but also showcased many scenes where the writer's signature tiki-taka style really shined. The writer's previous works were also highly successful, and I worked directly with Kim Eun-sook on the directing team for "Secret Garden." Every time I read the script, I was often impressed by the tense dialogue. Kim Eun-sook's hallmarks are her fast-paced dialogue and chemistry. If the detailed wordplay isn't properly translated into other languages, the humor can be lost, making subtitles particularly crucial. Despite the many clichés, Kim Eun-sook remains a leading figure in Korean romance dramas thanks to her exceptional writing, rich imagination, and a creative flair that makes you wonder, "Why are you twisting things like this?" Of course, the final episode of "Lovers in Paris" is an exception... Regardless, "Goblin" maximizes both comedic and emotional moments with its actors' synergy, straddling the lines of romantic comedy and traditional melodrama, and their realistic, almost ad-libbed performances. Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook's performances, in particular, were humorous, yet captivating when they revealed their hidden pain. This drama became the life's work of lead actors Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun. The unique story and directing, which explored life and death, past and present, sin and punishment, memory and oblivion, power and curse, while also portraying ordinary love, friendship, and life, all came together exquisitely. The mere fact that this drama showcases the performances of Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook, two of Korea's top male actors, makes it worth watching. With everything impeccable and seamlessly harmonized, it's no surprise that this drama, along with "Crash Landing on You," is still considered one of the best Korean dramas to get you hooked. Since many people are still reeling from the drama's finale, I wondered if a short special video, like a prequel or a follow-up to the story, could be created for all K-drama fans. Even now, nearly a decade later, this drama remains timeless and refined, and I believe it will long be remembered as one of the best Korean dramas of all time.
Goblin is more than just a simple romance; it conveys profound messages about life, death, fate, and choice. The beautiful visuals, chemistry between the actors, and relatable lines combine to create a national drama that is still talked about today. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend binge-watching it now.
