Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), is no longer human. Once a hero to his soldiers and a general to his country, he’s now cursed to wander forever as a Goblin – both a reward for his loyalty and bravery, while a punishment for those whose blood was spilled by his sword. Its cold steal forever embedded in his heart, or until that is, he meets his Goblin Bride; the only person who can see and remove the sword – and thereby end his curse of immortality. But in meeting his bride, he may just realise he wants to live.
Enter the tragically troubled eighteen-year-old, Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun), but is she the Goblin Bride? And what difference would that make? Their chemistry being absurdly explosive and from their first meeting the adventures grow, as does the romance, until its apparent the Goblin is acting like a little child. For it’s been far too long since he’s had a care, or even interest in anyone – and in the flashbacks to his scowling face its questionable if he ever did.
Image is courtesy of
Andy Wai Kit
Typical of many good Korean dramas there are plenty of twists and turns, and a multitude of subplots that run alongside, such as the interweaving connections of the past and present. All of which may just link to a second couple you’ll root for; the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-Wook) and chicken-restaurant owner Sunny (Yoo In-Na).
A common thread that ties the four characters together is loneliness, but with Ji Eun Tak entering their lives (although she’s the most Cinderella of them all), she starts to change them – her bubbly personality rubbing off, even if they resist. In the case of the Goblin his eyes become a little less thunder and lightning, as he begins to once again connect to the world. One of the key relationships that alter for the Goblin, aside from the romantic interest, is his friendship with the Grim Reaper – their “bromance” being a key highlight of the show. Its sheer humour breaking the darker parts of the series up, (though it may change at times to be the reverse). It doesn’t matter if this tactic of enemies to besties has been over-played, for it’s done brilliantly here, their antics shooting straight out from the screen – and so much so that you’ll feel part of this mischievous duo.
The acting is fantastic, and many a time I had to rewind a scene because I was struggling to see through tear-streamed eyes, or laughed so hard that I gave myself a stitch. The show’s ability to conjure such strong emotions from the viewer making it one of the most revisited drama series. Kim Go Eun is flawless in her role as Ji Eun Tak, playing both her resilience and vulnerability with equal measure, while her partnership with the charming Gong Yoo is well-balanced, their characters playing off each other with ease. However, it’s the Goblin that steals the show with actor Gong Yoo’s skilful mannerisms subtly revealing everything the character feels; from a little droop in the shoulder, or the sharp glance that softens as he looks on – both of which tell of his defensive walls coming down. Not to mention Gong Yoo is able to switch from anger, to an over-excited puppy with just a click of his fingers.
This is the perfect series to start your exploration of Korean dramas, though it might cause you to have too high a bar, for this show has everything and more; magic-realism, history, drama, romance, and comedy. Its pacing is done well, and with sixteen one hour episodes they develop the most interconnected spider web, and one that you’ll find yourself happy snuggling into even as the spider approaches – just as long as it lets you watch the series one more time.
Director: Lee Eung Bok
Other notable works:
- Sweet Home 2022 –
- Sunshine 2018
- Descendants of the Sun 2016
- Secret Love 2013
Writer: Kim Eun-sook
Other notable works:
- The King: Eternal Monarch 2020
- Sunshine 2018
- Descendants of the Sun 2016
- Heirs 2013
- Secret Garden 2010-2011
