K-Drama: “You're born to be a goblin's bride.”

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God | 쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 - 도깨비 (2016)

This week, we’re throwing it back to a modern classic. Good actors and a good storyline with plenty of fantasy elements! If you haven’t seen Goblin: The Lonely and Great God yet, this is your sign ✋ Although it was first released about 5 years ago, this drama is still one of those dramas that I still remember quite clearly. For those who watched the drama when it came out, can you believe that it’s already been 5 years since it was released? 🥺

tvN | Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

Goblin is a drama with fantasy elements, based around Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) who died a tragic death as a military general back in the Goryeo Era. As a punishment for all the wrong-doings in his life, he has been cursed with immortality ever since then, and forced to live as a “Goblin”. Goblins are popular in Korean folklore for being deities with supernatural powers, often portrayed as having evil or mischievous intentions towards humans, but occasionally also helping them out. In the present day of this drama, Kim Shin is 939 years old, stuck in his immortality on Earth until he can find his “Goblin Bride” to break the curse and end his life (but of course, still looking mighty fine!). He then meets Kim Eun-Tak (Kim Go-Eun) who comes to the conclusion that she is his bride because she can see his invisible sword going through his chest 🗡️

tvN | Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

As it becomes clear that she may be the key to end his curse and let him finally leave his centuries-long life, things get a little complicated as they fall in love and Kim Shin begins to second guess his desire to go for the first time. Along with our cute main leads, we also get a side love story with a Grim Reaper (Lee Dong Wook) and a mysterious yet flamboyant woman named Sunny (Yoo In-Na). This side story is also a major tear-jerker and could very well have been their own story in itself! 😭

tvN | Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

Despite this plot about immortality, goblins and other deities, you get some quality acting from experienced actors that are able to carry a  certain intensity to their acting, while still keeping other scenes humorous and lighthearted. There will be some scenes that leave you bawling while feeling the raw emotion of these characters, but laughing your head off in others (look out especially for the wholesome bromance between Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper 🥰). 

tvN | Goblin: The Lonely and Great God

Since Goblin touches on topics like immortality, death and reincarnation, it’s one of those deep dramas that make you question the purpose of life and love 🤔 There’s some beautiful cinematography and iconic OSTs to go along with it that I still listen to this day. Some of my favourites are:

• Sam Kim - “Who Are You”
• Eddy Kim - “You Are So Beautiful”
• SoYou - “I Miss You”

All of these factors combined make the drama all the more entertaining to watch, so if you’re ready to go on a journey of emotions, click here to start watching the trailer! 💕