Goblin, also known as Dokkaebi in Korean, is a ghost-like being who is immortal. They are cursed spiritual beings, and the only way to end their immortality and emotional pain is to take on a bride. This drama is about a Goblin named Kim Shin.
The story begins in ancient times in Korea. Kim Shin, played by Gong Yoo, is a great war general. But the young King at that time, played by Kim Min-Jae, is jealous of Kim Shin and kills him. Kim Shin becomes a Goblin, some sort of immortal ghost. At first, he thinks that he is blessed, but he realizes that he is cursed.
The drama starts 900 years later in the present day. Kim Shin has been waiting for an opportunity to end his immortal life by taking on a human bride.
One night, he saves a dying pregnant woman, played by Park Hee-Von. The woman gives birth to a baby girl named Ji Eun-Tak. It turns out that Ji Eun-Tak is able to see ghosts later on.
In the present day, Ji Eun-Tak is a high school student. She is still able to see ghosts, and she happens to meet Kim Shin. Now Kim Shin is able to take Ji Eun-Tak as a bride to end his immortal life.
The Review
Like many Korean dramas, “Goblin” has a bit of everything—melodrama, comedy, and romance. “Goblin” features a very creative storyline with elements of history, magic, and fantasy. One interesting aspect of the drama is that the timeline switches back and forth between the past, present, and future.
I really enjoyed the lead character Kim Shin, played by Gong Yoo. He made the role of Goblin really cool and hip. He portrays the character’s anger, pain, and frustration very well. Additionally, he plays a funny and very lovable character. Ji Eun-Tak, played by Kim Go-Eun, also did a very good job playing the role of Goblin’s bride.
What is so interesting about “Goblin” is that it deals with the sensitive topics of death and the afterlife. It is intriguing to see the grim reaper character, played by Lee Dong-Wook. Although the grim reaper is not a lead character, he plays a big role and makes a significant impact on the characters in the drama.
The romantic relationship between Kim Shin and Ji Eun-Tak started off pretty awkwardly because of the age difference. Remember, Ji Eun-Tak is a high school-aged character, and Kim Shin is over 900 years old. However, the relationship develops and feels natural after a while.
One thing you’ll enjoy about this drama is the amazing soundtrack and music. The drama features many popular artists such as Crush, Eddy Kim, Sam Kim, Soyou, Jung Joon Il, Ailee, Urban Zakapa, Kim Kyung Hee, and Han Soo Ji, among others. Here is one of my favorite songs by Soyou called “I Miss You.”
One aspect of the drama that I wasn’t so excited about is the ending. I wasn’t so satisfied with the ending. There are some parts that didn’t really make sense and I felt like the writer just decided to end it without give much thought. But don’t let the ending discourage you to start watching the drama. You might actually like the ending.
In the Nutshell
Overall, “Goblin” is a solid drama. Don’t let the weak ending discourage you from watching it.
I really enjoyed this drama. I thought the relationship between Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper were scene stealers. Watching the truth behind their friendship unfold as the drama progressed kept me tuning in each week. I too found the ending a little weak, but I guess I just used my imagination to figure out where the characters ended up. This drama has a lot of great acting and oy, that creepy scene with the villain spirit made me look away from my laptop! You are so right about the music! This drama really set a new standard in dramas- did they really build that ship for just that one scene? I would highly recommend this drama!