Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

“Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” (Korean: “쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 – 도깨비”), also known as “Goblin”, is a critically acclaimed South Korean television series that captivated audiences with its blend of fantasy, romance, and drama. Aired on tvN from December 2, 2016, to January 21, 2017, the series consists of 16 episodes and 3 special episodes. It achieved a remarkable 18.68% nationwide audience share for its final episode, making it one of the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean television history.

Plot Synopsis

The story centers on Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a 939-year-old goblin and former military general from the Goryeo Dynasty. Betrayed and cursed with immortality, he seeks his “Goblin Bride,” the only one capable of removing the sword lodged in his chest and ending his eternal life. His life intertwines with Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a high school student who can see ghosts and believes she is the prophesied bride. As their fates converge, they navigate love, destiny, and the complexities of their intertwined pasts.

Adding depth to the narrative is Wang Yeo (Lee Dong-wook), the Grim Reaper, who shares a house with Kim Shin. Their bromance adds humor and poignancy to the series. Sunny (Yoo In-na), a fried chicken restaurant owner, and Yoo Deok-hwa (Yook Sung-jae), Kim Shin's nephew, further enrich the storyline with their own mysterious connections to the supernatural world.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Gong Yoo as Kim Shin.
• Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak.
• Lee Dong-wook as Wang Yeo (Grim Reaper).
• Yoo In-na as Sunny.
• Yook Sung-jae as Yoo Deok-hwa.

Reception

“Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” received numerous accolades, including:

• Grand Prize (Daesang) for writer Kim Eun-sook at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards.
• Best Actor for Gong Yoo at the same awards.
• Multiple wins at the tvN 10 Awards.
• Recognition by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism at the Korea Content Awards.

Its blend of compelling storytelling and strong performances solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Notable Soundtrack

The series' soundtrack played a significant role in its emotional impact, featuring memorable tracks such as:

• "Stay With Me" by Chanyeol & Punch
• "I Will Go to You Like the First Snow" by Ailee
• "Beautiful" by Crush
• "Hush" by Lasse Lindh

These songs complemented the drama's themes of love and longing, resonating deeply with viewers.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

Aired on tvN.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: TVING, Netflix, Disney+.
• Globally: Viu, Rakuten Viki.

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