Editorials 
What I liked about this show: Gong Yoo is my bias so whenever he is a drama I am blinded by this actor and his amazing talent. Even so, he did a really good job portraying a tortured, eccentric immortal that wants to end his existence once and for all. The entire cast did an amazing job and I do not believe that this drama was overhyped.
What I did not like: I don’t want to put a spoiler here, but there is something about Korean Dramas that have a similar ending that I just cannot enjoy. I give all drama props for not using this textbook like ending, unfortunately this drama ended in such a way that makes me sigh with disappointment...but overall it was still a good watch.
I did re-watch this...so it does have an amazing re-watch value, considering I never like to glance at dramas twice.
And the music is amazing and I had it on my place list for a couple years now.
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Fantastic Fantasy
I had some hesitation about watching this as wasn't sure I'd like I'd like the fantasy side of this. Boy was I wrong!Goblin, or Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is a brilliant love story across the ages.
The all start cast are superb headed up by Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) and the delightful Kim Go Eun. Their dynamics are perfect. The second leads of Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na are brilliant as well.
If like me, you had reservations about a fantasy style drama, put them to one side and watch this drama. You won't regret it. My heart however, really does it - it actually ached in certain scenes/episodes but I think Goblin is a right of passage for a kdrama fan and especially like me, you're new to this genre.
It's not perfect however - for the reason given above re heart pain - I'v e marked it down on rewatchability but don't let that put you off. I'm a big softy.
Secondly, let's talk about product placement - it's hilarious but annoyed some people. I didn't mind but it's the most obvious I've seen in al the drama's I've watched.
All in all - watch and enjoy. With hindsight I shouldn't have binged it in a few days - no wonder my heart hurts!
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This review may contain spoilers
This is in my top three favorite dramas. The OST has so many great songs and I listen to it on Spotify a lot. The Grim/Goblin bromance is highly entertaining and brings depth to the characters. They have such good chemistry that you feel like you are part of the drama. The Sunny/Grim story line is one of my favorites. The characters are lovable, quirky, and sometimes socially awkward. If you want to see more from these two actors together watch “Touch Your Heart”, it doesn’t have the same emotional intensity as this drama but it is still a good watch. Secretary Kim dancing and singing to BTS & EXO in front of grandpa is hilarious.In many dramas this character would turn on everyone but I am glad to see that the character has unconditional loyalty to the Goblin.
Kim Go Eun has so much energy in her high school character that it was making me tired watching her. Kudos to her make up artist and stylist that were able to make her look 10 years older and different from her high school character. She was able to tone down the energy but you still felt her passion.
Gong Yoo, what can I say about this fabulous actor. Watch the extras, they will show you how fun and serious about his craft he is. I loved when they were in the movie theater and they were watching “Train to Busan” and he comments about the decline of Korean cinema. I laughed a little too hard when Sunny was describing the Goblin to the medium and she said “Gong Yoo.” It’s these kinds of “inside” jokes in dramas that I finally get after watching so many of them.
I’m giving this drama 10 stars because there is character development and growth, the storyline is easy to follow and doesn’t have any blaring “jump the shark” moments. The OST adds to the drama and doesn’t distract the viewers from the story line. This may get some thumbs down but I’m going to say that the lack of PDA for this drama is a plus. There is a lot of looks of yearning but little physical contact until their relationship progresses. When there is kissing, its not a slow burn it’s like striking a match, quick and heated. I don’t feel like I’m being pandered to. Overall there is little to dislike unless you don’t like the genre, otherwise I highly recommend you watch it now!
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The perfect depiction of importance of life and death
With its interesting plot line and side stories, stellar acting, lovable characters, soulful OSTs, amazing cinematography and the evident hard work put into it by the staff and the writer, this drama deserves all the hype and high ratings it continues to get till this date.This drama has an eternal, ethereal beauty to it. The final scene was warm and happy and sweet. From the story to the cinematography, characters to their relationships everything had this unique, exquisite, attractive feel to it.
The characters were so well written, especially Ji Eun Tak/ Goblin's Bride (I know many people found her annoying but she is one of the best depicted mortal characters in here, I thought deeply about her character and she turns out to be the best out there) and of course, Kim Shin. The OSTs were exceptional and soulful. I literally know each and every soundtrack by heart.
This drama might have been slow paced, I don't know for this was my first drama, but the entire time was dedicated to the development of the characters and their stories.
The acting was extraordinary. The lead actors, along with supporting actors, were exceptional in portraying their role. I literally ship Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun and Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na (Even Yook Sungjae and his credit card!!)
What I really loved in this drama was that the characters and their stories were interconnected for a relevant reason. The love stories were tragic yet beautiful. I personally adored Kim Shin and Eun Tak's chemistry and story and them. I was entranced by their story and chemistry. The story of Kim Sun and Wang Yeo was also sweet.
The bromance between Kim Shin, Wang Yeo and Yoo Deok Hwa (mostly the former two) was exceptionally funny.
This drama is perfect in its imperfections. The way it ended was the only way I know it could have ended. I expect myself re-watching it by the end of 2026 (I want it to be something special to me). All I know is that I wouldn't have got interested in K-dramas if not for this. It was The Perfect K-drama for me.
I hope you all shall try watching this drama without having any second thoughts (I doubted too if I should watch it but I nevertheless love it).
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Just wow
I genuinely don’t know why it took me this long to finally watch Goblin, but I finally did, and hoo boy, was it one heck of a ride. Despite a very small number of supporting characters, this drama kept me engaged the whole time through its vibrant cast of main leads. Each character’s personality seemed to bring something new and interesting to the table, and I was at the edge of my seat the entire time because of the suspense that the main conflict created. I didn’t see too much of a problem between the characters’ ages, unlike some reviews, and while I did find it a tad awkward at first, I quickly adjusted and was able to support the characters’ romance despite the age gap. The complexity of the plot sadly left me a tad confused at times because of the abrupt editing that happens in some scenes, however the timed comments on viki helped me piece the plot together a bit easier, so I would definitely recommend you turn those on from time to time. I think it’s safe to say that I was crying during every episode once we got closer and closer to the finale, and I could remember having the absolute worst headache after finishing the drama because of how emotional and stressed I was getting. Some reviews warned of the less-than-happy ending, so I was terrified to find out what happened to the leads. To my surprise, the ending actually turned out to be quite happy (though some may perceive it as a tad bittersweet, which I do kind of agree with), though it wasn’t without its fair share of emotional rollercoasters. Overall, I believe the production of this drama was absolutely fantastic, and while I would love to rewatch it to experience the characters’ relationships one more time (the bromance and the sismance though!!! Ahhh, I”m in love!!!), however I don’t think my poor, poor heart can handle this for the second time. The OST was one of the best I have ever listened to (though I still believe nothing tops Mr. Sunshine’s OST) and I would for sure recommend anyone and everyone to watch this drama as soon as they can. It’s pretty much a classic at this point, and it for sure deserves to be called that! Happy watching, and please have some tissues and some Ibuprofen nearby (if you get headaches from crying your eyes out like me!).Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
? My Eternal K-drama: A Love Letter to Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) ❄️
I’m writing this here on kisskh, but no words could ever fully express how much Goblin means to me. 🥹 It’s been 8 years since I first watched it, and it still holds the #1 spot in my heart — untouched, unchallenged. ✨ This drama isn’t just a story... it’s a part of me now. I’ve rewatched it so many times that I honestly lost track, so I didn’t update the rewatch count here — please forgive me! 🙈 But every time I revisit it, it feels like home again. Every snowfall, every line, every moment just hits.The bromance between Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper is EVERYTHING. 💀🕯️ Their dynamic was hilarious, touching, and genuinely one of the best male friendships I’ve ever seen on screen. From awkward roommates to ride-or-die soulmates — I laughed, cried, and absolutely adored them. Gong Yoo and Lee Dong-wook were the heart of this emotional rollercoaster, and their scenes together made the pain more bearable and the laughter more golden. 😂🖤
And of course, Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak… oh my heart. 💔🌨️ Their love story was tragic, ethereal, and deeply moving. The way she called him “Ahjussi”, the way he looked at her like she was the light in his eternal night — I can’t describe how utterly beautiful their chemistry was. Ji Eun-tak wasn’t just a character; she was hope, she was healing. Kim Go-eun and Gong Yoo were pure magic together, and they made me believe in fate, miracles, and love beyond lifetimes. 💘☂️
Goblin is not just my favorite K-drama — it’s my emotional support drama, my standard, my forever pick. 💫 Even after all these years, “Stay With Me” by Chanyeol and Punch is still my ringtone — and hearing it still makes my heart ache in the best way. 🎧😭 I’ll never stop loving this drama. It's a masterpiece I’ll carry with me always — in every snowfall, in every quiet moment, and in every part of me that still believes in something greater than this world. 🕊️💭
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Brilliant - well, I think so
It took me some time to get to watch this, despite reading rave reviews elsewhere, partly due to doubts about the story-line and concern about a snot-and-tears drama with a tragic ending, which I dislike, and partly due to access (cannot afford multiple streaming subscriptions). But a family member finally signed me onto Netflix (thanks, sis!) and the wait was definitely worthwhile.It's more difficult to review something when you have enjoyed it as thoroughly as I have, than just venting about bad or irritating things, but there are a couple of reasons I found this excellent other than the other positive reviewers whose views I endorse - it manages to successfully blend, comedy, romance, the supernatural, and thriller aspects into a cohesive whole, without it being jarring. You can watch it superficially if you want, or it can get you thinking on various topics such as how the world has changed over history and what it must feel like to experience such change, and whether it makes you feel that everything is just on repeat, or whether you still experience change as fresh and new.
I like the way the 'not-normal-human' characters are fully-fledged people, with a range of emotions and growth during the series. For example - to those dissing the Reaper's acting - I felt the reserve sat well with the character and the emotions he displayed were well-conveyed. The way the ML and GR oscillate between staid old men and nervous teens was funny, illustrating how people can feel awkward and unsure of themselves no matter how old they are!
I will definitely rewatch in the not too distant future.
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what is the hype about…?
Maybe it’s a product of its time, or maybe this should have been my first drama instead of watching it years after getting into the genre but I really struggle to understand the hype. I’ve started this drama three times. On the third attempt, I told myself I just needed to be patient and find the right mindset but that wasn’t it either apparently.The age gap is the strangest part, and it’s made even more noticeable by the complete lack of chemistry between the main leads. Honestly, the only remotely interesting part of this drama was the Grim Reaper and his backstory. This is one of the slowest dramas I’ve ever watched?! it took seven episodes for anything to really happen. I ended up skipping a lot and I can confidently say I didn’t miss much, because there are only minor plot developments every few episodes.
Overall, this is one of the worst dramas I’ve ever watched, which is a shame because I did enjoy the bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper and I was really hoping to be as hyped and excited about this show as everyone else around me. Hard pass.
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sad
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This review may contain spoilers
The last episode
This Kdrama is good, sorta, I just feel like some parts were unnecessary. For a quick example, why did the main character have to die just to be reborn looking exactly the same? it did not really change the story, in my opinion. I feel like they just had an extra 30 min for the last episode, and did not know what to add, so they just threw that idea. Also, the reaper and sunny relationship was lowkey annoying to watch. it felt endless to me.This k drama did make me shed a tear when Eun Tak pulled out the sword from Kim Shin if I have to be honest, and the cinematography was very visually pleasing
The song slaps though, I still listen to it,
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Must watch??
Athis one is my most fav drama... i love Gong yoo and lee dong wook's acting... its truly amazing even yoo in haa and kim go eun are one of the best actresses... the storyline is good and the music is truly mesmerizing... i am totally innlove of theis drama... its a must watch if you are a drama lover..😍🥰🤩 it has comedy, tragedy, romance, terror and all kinds of emotions... you will fall in love with Kim shin... you will feel pity.. you will feel happy.. you will feel content by the end of the drama.. so go for it..Was this review helpful to you?
ACTING/CAST: Nothing much needs to be said about their acting and cast. Everything about it was PERFECT....FLAWLESS! Each played out their characters extremely well and each of them are able to tug at your heartstrings with each of their crying scenes! Let's just say, i cried with them at a few of these scenes. Each character had beautiful chemistry; especially the chemistry between the Goblin and Ji Euk Tak. Gong Yoo (Goblin) is honestly so damn handsome and ahem...hot, and his smile is so adorable! And Lee Dong Wook (Grim reaper) is so beautiful he catches me off guard sometimes. Kim Go Eun (Ji Eun Tak) is such an adorable girl. I can't believe she's 26 when she looks like an actual high schooler. When she matured in the drama, she became so beautiful when all she did was change her hair and outfits, and a little bit of her makeup. Yoo In-na (Sunny) was beautiful to me from the beginning til the end! She looks so young for a 35yo too. Yook Sungjae (Deok Hwa) was hilarious and i loved how lost he looked half the time. I first knew him as a BTOB member so i know how weird and funny he is in reality. So his acting caught me off guard a few times since this is my first time seeing his acting and i noticed how amazing he really is, especially during those serious moments like the one in ep 12 when they were at a bar.
MUSIC: In my opinion, Goblin had the best music and OST's. MY favorites were probably Crush's Beautiful, Ailee's I Will Go To You Like the First Snow, Sam Kim's Who Are You, and Chanyeol and Punch's Stay With Me. Each song was played at perfect moments which suited the scene. When you thought the scene was heartbreaking enough, the song that plays will make that heartbreak even worse. I didn't get sick of any of the OST's that played as i usually do with a few other dramas. So if you're a sucker for good, beautiful OST's, this drama is for you!
REWATCH VALUE: Okay first off, i gave the rewatch value a 9.5 because i don't fully know if i would be able to go through all that heartbreak again because i honestly almost couldn't take it at a few points. Other than that, i would've given it a 10. I would rewatch it for the funny moments and amazing plot, as well as for the romantic moments between the characters.
OVERALL: I put off finishing the drama when i finished until ep 11, not because it wasn't good but because the story of the characters was going so well and everyone seemed so happy. And i knew it was going to go downhill from there and the past was going to catch up to them sooner or later. This drama was absolutely flawless. It was hilarious and i LOVED the bromance relationship between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper! Loved their little antics. I regret putting this drama off for so long but i did not regret watching it and finishing it off in one day one bit. I knew this drama was an amazing drama because after i finished it, i no longer knew what to do with my life.
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