Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also known as “Goblin,” is a Korean drama. It tells the story of Kim Shin, a general from the Goryeo Dynasty who becomes an immortal goblin after being betrayed and killed. Seeking to end his immortality, he looks for his bride, the only one who can release him. He meets a grim reaper and a high school student with a tragic past, leading to a tale of love, destiny, and sacrifice.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Drama Review |
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| Drama | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, AKA Goblin
쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 – 도깨비 गोबलिन द लोनली एंड ग्रेट गॉड |
| Channel | tvN and Netflix |
| Director | Lee Eung-bok (Ep. 1–16)
Kwon Hyuk-chan (Ep. 5–16) Yoon Jong-ho (Ep. 3–16) |
| Producers | Joo Kyung-ha and Kim Ji-yeon |
| Starring | Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na and Yook Sung-jae |
| Writer | Kim Eun-sook |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Release date | December 2, 2016 – January 21, 2017 |
| IMDB rating | 8.6/10 |
| Total episodes | 16 + 3 special episodes |
| First episode’s airing date | December 2, 2016 |
| Average episode length | 60–90 minutes |
| Language | Korean |
| Genre | Fantasy, Romance, Comedy |
| This show is | Fantasy and Romantic |
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Cast
| Actor | Role |
| Gong Yoo | Goblin / Kim Shin |
| Kim Go-eun | Ji Eun-tak |
| Han Seo-jin | Young Ji Eun-tak |
| Lee Dong-wook | Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo |
| Kim Min-jae | Young Wang Yeo |
| Yoo In-na | Sunny/ Kim Sun |
| Kim So-hyun | Young Kim Sun |
| Yook Sung-jae | Yoo Deok-hwa |
| Jung Ji-hoon | Young Yoo Deok-hwa |
| Kim Hyun-bin | Teenage Deok-hwa |
| Lee EI | Samshin |
| Kim Byung-chul | Park Joong-heon |
| Kim Sung-kyum | Chairman Yoo Shin-woo, |
| Jo Woo-jin | Kim Do-young |
| Yeom Hye-ran | Ji Yeon-sook |
| Jung Young-gi | Park Kyung-shik |
| Choi Ri | Park Kyung-mi |
| Ahn Ji-hyun | Go Jung-hyun |
| Park Kyung-hye | Virgin Ghost |
| Park Se-wan | Go Shi-won |
| Kim So-ra | Lee Jung-hwa |
Episode List
| Episode | Release Date |
| Episode 1 | December 2, 2016 |
| Episode 2 | December 3, 2016 |
| Episode 3 | December 9, 2016 |
| Episode 4 | December 10, 2016 |
| Episode 5 | December 16, 2016 |
| Episode 6 | December 17, 2016 |
| Episode 7 | December 23, 2016 |
| Episode 8 | December 24, 2016 |
| Episode 9 | December 30, 2016 |
| Episode 10 | December 32, 2016 |
| Episode 11 | January 6, 2017 |
| Episode 12 | January 7, 2017 |
| Episode 13 | January 13, 2017 |
| Episode 14 | January 20, 2017 |
| Episode 15 | January 21, 2017 |
| Episode 16 | January 21, 2017 |
| Special Episodes | |
| Episode 1 | January 14, 2017 |
| Episode 2 | February 3, 2017 |
| Episode 3 | February 4, 2017 |
Overview
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also known as “Goblin,” is a South Korean television series. The story revolves around Kim Shin, a 939-year-old immortal goblin and protector of souls, who is searching for his bride. This bride is the only person who can remove the sword piercing his chest, allowing him to finally rest in peace. Kim Shin’s life intertwines with a high school student named Ji Eun-tak, who despite her tragic life remains hopeful. As their fates entwine, they encounter a Grim Reaper and other characters, each with their own stories, leading to a complex tapestry of relationships and past connections.
Original SoundTrack
Album
Disc 1
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
| 1. | Round and Round | Heize & Han Soo-ji | 3:27 |
| 2. | Stay With Me | Chanyeol & Punch | 3:12 |
| 3. | My Eyes (내 눈에만 보여) | 10cm | 2:37 |
| 4. | Hush | Lasse Lindh | 4:20 |
| 5. | Beautiful | Crush | 3:47 |
| 6. | You Are So Beautiful (이쁘다니까) | Eddy Kim | 3:15 |
| 7. | Who Are You | Sam Kim | 4:21 |
| 8. | “I Miss You” | Soyou | 2:49 |
| 9. | First Snow (첫 눈) | Jung Joon-il | 4:56 |
| 10. | I Will Go to You Like the First Snow (첫눈처럼 너에게 가겠다) | Ailee | 3:49 |
| 11. | Wish (소원) | Urban Zakapa | 3:56 |
| 12. | Heaven | Roy Kim & Kim EZ | 4:19 |
| 13. | Love | Mamamoo | 2:57 |
| 14. | And I’m Here | Kim Kyung-hee | 4:07 |
| 15. | Winter is Coming | Han Soo-ji | 2:30 |
| 16. | Stuck in Love | Kim Kyung-hee | 2:39 |
| Total length: | 57:01 | ||
Disc 2
| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
| 1. | Dark Walk | Various Artists | 4:34 |
| 2. | Butterfly (나비) | Various Artists | 1:13 |
| 3. | First Love (처음사랑) | Various Artists | 4:54 |
| 4. | When You Open the Door (문을 열고 나가면) | Various Artists | 3:15 |
| 5. | Eun-tak’s Waltz (은탁의 왈츠) | Various Artists | 3:04 |
| 6. | Sparkling Wind (반짝이는 바람) | Various Artists | 3:12 |
| 7. | Small Beach House (바닷가 작은집) | Various Artists | 1:25 |
| 8. | When Time Stops (시간이 멈출 때) | Various Artists | 2:25 |
| 9. | One Day After A Hundred Years (그렇게 백년을 살아 어느날) | Various Artists | 0:18 |
| 10. | Amnesia (기억상실) | Various Artists | 3:07 |
| 11. | Their Only Moments (그들만의 시간) | Various Artists | 2:06 |
| 12. | No God’s Sword (무신검) | Various Artists | 1:02 |
| 13. | The Future I Saw Was Right (내가 본 미래가 맞았구나) | Various Artists | 0:34 |
| 14. | Whistling (휘파람을 불며) | Various Artists | 2:35 |
| 15. | Samshin & Deok-hwa (삼신과 덕화) | Various Artists | 2:10 |
| 16. | Feast of the Deities (신들의 만찬) | Various Artists | 3:01 |
| 17. | Pray (기도) | Various Artists | 1:45 |
| 18. | For That Excuse, I Wish I Could Stay Alive (그 핑계로 내가 계속 살아 있었으면 좋겠어) | Various Artists | 0:54 |
| 19. | Warriors Song | Various Artists | 4:34 |
| Total length: | 46:08 | ||
Goblin: The Lonely and Great God Story Line
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, commonly known as “Goblin,” is a K-drama series combining elements of fantasy, romance, and drama. The story centres around Kim Shin, an ancient warrior cursed with immortality as a goblin. He longs to end his life and can only do so with the help of his prophesied bride. The plot thickens when he meets Ji Eun-tak, a high school student who can see ghosts and has a mysterious connection to him. Their lives become intertwined with the Grim Reaper and others, leading to a journey of love, destiny, and sacrifice.
The drama unfolds as Kim Shin navigates his long, lonely existence, encountering various characters each burdened with their own sorrowful past. Ji Eun-tak, despite her tragic life, brings a ray of hope and cheerfulness into Kim Shin’s life. Their story is further complicated by the Grim Reaper, who shares a deep and tragic connection with Kim Shin. As the narrative progresses, secrets are unveiled, and the character’s fates are entangled in a poignant tapestry of love, loss, and redemption, set against a backdrop of supernatural elements.
Plot Summary
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God centres on Kim Shin, a former military general from the Goryeo Dynasty who is betrayed, killed, and cursed with eternal life. As an immortal goblin, he experiences the pain of outliving his loved ones. His only escape from immortality is to find a special bride.
The story takes a turn when he meets Ji Eun-tak, a high school student with a difficult life but a hopeful attitude. Their destinies intertwined, bringing them into a world of mystical events and deep emotions, where relationships and past secrets play a crucial role. This drama is a blend of romance, fantasy, and heartfelt storytelling.
Synopsis
The story is all about Kim Shin, a once-great warrior, who is unjustly killed and then cursed to live forever. His life changes when he meets Ji Eun-tak, a high school student facing her own hardships, but still cheerful. Their lives intertwine with a Grim Reaper and others, leading to magical and emotional events. The drama explores their connected lives, filled with love, challenges, and mysteries.
Parents Guide
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is a fantasy k-drama with themes of love, destiny, and the supernatural. It includes elements of romance, emotional conflicts, and some scenes of violence and sadness related to the character’s backstories. The show might be more suitable for older children and teenagers due to its complex plot and some intense emotional and fantasy elements. Parents should consider these aspects when deciding if it’s appropriate for their children.
Guardian: User and TV Reviews
- Absolutely mesmerising! The blend of fantasy and romance in ‘Guardian’ is perfect. Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun have incredible chemistry. A must-watch for anyone who loves a mix of emotional depth and mystical elements.
- This drama took me on an emotional rollercoaster. The storyline was unique, and the cinematography was stunning. It’s not just a love story; it’s about fate, sacrifice, and the complexities of eternal life.
- I was captivated from the first episode. The plot is beautifully woven with elements of history and fantasy. It’s a bit sad at times, but the humour and touching moments make it worth it.
- One of the best K-dramas out there! The story is deep and thought-provoking with well-developed characters. It’s a bit heavy for younger viewers but highly recommended for those who appreciate a good fantasy tale.
- A fantastic drama with a mix of genres that keeps you hooked. The soundtrack is also amazing and complements the story perfectly. Some scenes were a bit too intense for me, but overall, it’s a great watch.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Award and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
| 2017 | First Brand Awards | Special Award | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Won |
| 11th Korean Cable TV Awards | Best Drama | Won | ||
| Best OST | Ailee (I Will Go to You Like the First Snow) | Won | ||
| Rising Star Award | Yook Sung-jae | Won | ||
| VOD Broadcasting | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Won | ||
| 5th Annual DramaFever Awards | Best Actor | Gong Yoo | Won | |
| Best Supporting Actor | Lee Dong-wook | Won | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | Yoo In-na | Won | ||
| Best Couple | Gong Yoo & Kim Go-eun | Won | ||
| Best Melodrama | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Won | ||
| 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards | Grand Prize (Daesang) | Kim Eun-sook | Won | |
| Best Drama | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Nominated | ||
| Best Director | Lee Eung-bok | Nominated | ||
| Best Screenplay | Kim Eun-sook | Nominated | ||
| Best Actor | Gong Yoo | Won | ||
| Best Actress | Kim Go-eun | Nominated | ||
| 12th Asia Model Awards | Asia OST Popularity | Chanyeol (EXO), Punch (Stay With Me) | Won | |
| Brand of the Year Awards | Actor of the Year | Gong Yoo | Won | |
| 12th Seoul International Drama Awards | Outstanding Korean Drama OST | Ailee (I Will Go to You Like the First Snow) | Won | |
| 1st Soribada Best K-Music Awards | Best Hallyu OST | Won | ||
| 10th Korea Drama Awards | Best Drama | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Won | |
| Best Production Director | Lee Eung-bok | Nominated | ||
| Best Screenplay | Kim Eun-sook | Nominated | ||
| Top Excellence Award, Actor | Lee Dong-wook | Nominated | ||
| Top Excellence Award, Actress | Kim Go-eun | Nominated | ||
| Excellence Award, Actress | Yoo In-na | Nominated | ||
| Best New Actor | Yook Sung-jae | Won | ||
| Best Original Soundtrack | Crush (Beautiful) | Nominated | ||
| Soyou (I Miss You) | Nominated | |||
| Star of the Year Award | Yook Sung-jae | Won | ||
| Popular Character Award | Kim Byung-chul | Won | ||
| Park Kyung-hye | Won | |||
| 3rd Fashionista Awards | Best Fashionista – TV & Film Division | Gong Yoo | Nominated | |
| Yoo In-na | Nominated | |||
| Global Icon | Lee Dong-wook | Nominated | ||
| 2nd Asia Artist Awards | Best OST Award | Ailee (I Will Go to You Like the First Snow) | Won | |
| 22nd Asian Television Awards | Best Drama Series | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God | Nominated | |
| 19th Mnet Asian Music Awards | Best OST | Chanyeol (Exo), Punch (Stay With Me) | Nominated | |
| Crush (Beautiful) | Nominated | |||
| Ailee (I Will Go to You Like the First Snow) | Won | |||
| 9th Melon Music Awards | Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
| Best OST Award | Won | |||
| Kakao Hot Star | Nominated | |||
| Crush (Beautiful) | Nominated | |||
| 2018 | 32nd Golden Disc Awards | Best OST Award | Ailee (I Will Go to You Like the First Snow) | Won |
| 27th Seoul Music Awards | Best OST Award | Won |
FAQ’s
Is Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and Goblin the same?
Goblin, also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, is often seen as one of the best Korean dramas.
Is Goblin a sad ending?
Goblin ends happily, but it has many sad scenes and surprising moments. It's really emotional, especially when Kim Shin, the main character, vanishes after fighting a bad spirit.
Is Goblin worth watching?
In Goblin, the fall and winter scenes are really beautiful. The main story is about the love between Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak, but the friendship between the male characters also adds warmth to the show. This drama, released in 2016, continues to be popular, with fans watching it again and again over the years.
Why is Goblin the best drama?
Goblin is a fantasy show, but its strength is in the character’s relationships and funny moments. The series talks about life, death, and the impact of our actions. It also focuses on the value of friendship, love, and dealing with regret.
Why is Goblin so popular?
The Korean drama Goblin, also called Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, is really popular because it has a new and interesting story. This story mixes fantasy, love, drama, and supernatural themes.
