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Goblin

Goblin

20169
DramaComédiaSci-Fi & Fantasy
Estreia
02/12/2016
País
Coreia do Sul
Produções
Hwa&Dam PicturesStudio Dragon
Em sua busca por uma noiva que possa quebrar a sua maldição imortal, um guardião de almas de 939 anos encontra um caçador de almas e uma estudante enérgica com um passado trágico.

About

A 939‑year‑old immortal guardian seeks a bride to break his curse. He meets a grim reaper and a spirited student.

Set in modern Seoul with flashbacks to the Goryeo period, Goblin follows a centuries‑old guardian of souls, bound by a sword lodged in his chest. Determined to find his destined bride and regain peace, he crosses paths with a cheerful high‑school girl who can see ghosts, and a cynical grim reaper who has lost his memories. Their intertwined lives create romance, humor, and deep questions about fate, love, and the value of a single life. The series blends fantasy, drama, and comedy, offering heartfelt moments while exploring the consequences of immortality and the burdens of protecting others.

What to know

  • 16 episodes plus 3 special chapters
  • Original Korean title “도깨비” (Dokkaebi)
  • Stars Gong Yoo, Kim Go‑eun and Lee Dong‑wook
  • Written by acclaimed writer Kim Eun‑sook
  • Aired on tvN, available on Netflix with subtitles
  • Mix of modern setting and historical flashbacks
  • Themes of love, death, and destiny

Watch if

If you enjoy stories that blend romance and fantasy with a touch of humor, and you like characters who grow through their relationships, Goblin offers a satisfying mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and supernatural intrigue.

Skip if

Skip Goblin if you’re uncomfortable with lingering sadness, frequent flashbacks to the past, or want a fast‑paced action series. Its gentle pacing and emotional depth may feel slow for viewers who prefer intense drama or thriller elements.

romance elementsfantasy violencepsychological elementsslow burndark tonesuspensefullanguage somelanguage strongsad tonemature themes
Premise Overview
Set in contemporary Seoul with interwoven flashbacks to the Goryeo period, Goblin follows a 939‑year‑old guardian of souls cursed to live forever. He is bound by a sword lodged in his chest and must find his destined bride to break the curse. The story unfolds through his encounters with a cynical grim reaper and a bright‑spirit student who can see ghosts, creating a blend of romance and supernatural intrigue.
Characters & Dynamics
The cast centers on Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), an immortal goblin with a tragic past; Ji Eun‑tak (Kim Go‑eun), a bubbly high‑school student who sees ghosts; Wang Yeo (Lee Dong‑wook), a grim reaper who has lost his memories; and Yoo Deok‑hwa, the goblin’s nephew who leases the goblin’s house. Their interactions explore friendship, love, and the weight of their supernatural duties, adding humor and depth to the narrative.
Historical Backdrop
Although primarily set in present‑day Korea, Goblin uses flashbacks to the Goryeo dynasty to reveal the goblin’s origins and the events that forged his curse. These historical scenes enrich the story, providing context for the goblin’s sense of duty and the cultural significance of the red door, a symbol of death and rebirth in Korean folklore.
Romantic Tension
The romance between the goblin and the student develops slowly, marked by misunderstandings and growing affection. Their relationship is tested by external pressures, including the goblin’s curse and the grim reaper’s involvement. The series balances heartfelt moments with light comedy, keeping the tension engaging without rushing the emotional payoff.
Supernatural Mechanics
Central to Goblin’s mythology is the sword embedded in his chest, which keeps his immortality alive. The grim reaper, a former king, and the student, a 'Missing Soul', each hold pieces of the puzzle needed to free the goblin. The show explains these supernatural rules gradually, allowing viewers to understand the stakes without overwhelming exposition.
Tone & Style
Goblin mixes humor with melancholy, creating a bittersweet atmosphere that feels both light and reflective. The dialogue is witty yet thoughtful, and the pacing allows emotional beats to resonate. The show’s visual style uses lush cinematography and symbolic imagery, such as the red door, to underscore its themes of life, death, and destiny.
Episode Structure
Goblin spans 16 main episodes plus 3 special chapters. Each episode builds on the previous one, weaving flashbacks and present‑day plotlines. The series balances character development with overarching plot arcs, ensuring that each episode contributes to the larger story while offering self‑contained moments of humor or emotion.

FAQ

What is Goblin about?
Goblin follows a 939‑year‑old immortal guardian of souls who seeks a bride to end his curse. He meets a cynical grim reaper and a spirited student who can see ghosts, creating a mix of romance, humor, and supernatural intrigue. The show blends modern Seoul with historical flashbacks, exploring themes of fate and love.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters are Kim Shin (the goblin), Ji Eun‑tak (the bride‑seeker), Wang Yeo (the grim reaper), and Yoo Deok‑hwa (the goblin’s nephew). Each brings a unique perspective on death, love, and duty. Their interactions drive the story’s emotional core.
Why does the goblin have a sword in his chest?
The sword is a relic from the time of the goblin’s death, symbolizing his curse and immortality. It keeps him alive but also forces him to seek a bride to remove it. The narrative explains the sword’s significance gradually.
What role does the Grim Reaper play?
The grim reaper, originally a king, guides souls and assists the goblin in his quest. He struggles with lost memories, adding a layer of mystery. He also serves as comic relief.
Who is the bride?
The bride is Ji Eun‑tak, a high‑school student who can see ghosts and is destined to free the goblin. She brings optimism to the story. Her journey is central to the plot’s emotional stakes.
How do the flashbacks fit into the story?
Flashbacks to the Goryeo period provide context for the goblin’s past and the origin of his curse. They reveal the history of the red door and the goblin’s duty. They enrich the narrative without overwhelming the viewer.
Is Goblin a romantic drama?
Yes, Goblin contains many romantic elements, including a slow‑burn love story between the goblin and the bride. It also balances humor and heartbreak. Viewers can expect heartfelt moments.
How many episodes are there?
Goblin consists of 16 main episodes and three special chapters that extend the story. The series runs roughly 60‑90 minutes per episode. The episode count offers a satisfying arc.
Where was Goblin filmed?
Most scenes were shot in South Korea, with notable locations in Seoul, Gimje, and Quebec City, Canada. The production used these locations to create a mix of historical and modern settings. It showcases scenic beauty.
Who wrote Goblin?
The series was written by Kim Eun‑sook, known for her work on Secret Garden and Descendants of the Sun. Her writing blends romance and fantasy seamlessly. She also crafted the intricate backstory.
When did it air?
Goblin aired on tvN from December 2, 2016 to January 21, 2017. It was released in 16 weekly episodes with a final episode featuring special content. The series gained high ratings.
Is there a sequel?
There is no official sequel. However, the series has spawned a feature film and spin‑offs in other media. Fans often discuss potential continuations. The story remains self‑contained.
How long is each episode?
Episodes range from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the episode’s pacing and special content. The longer runtime allows for character depth. It’s a standard length for Korean dramas.
Are there special episodes?
Yes, Goblin includes three special chapters that were aired after the main series concluded. They provide closure and extra context. They are available on streaming platforms.
What is the significance of the red door?
The red door appears in several scenes as a portal between worlds. It is a symbol of death and rebirth in Korean folklore. The door’s appearance signals important plot turns.
Is Goblin available in English?
Yes, the series is available on Netflix with English subtitles. Subtitles are available in multiple languages, making the show accessible worldwide. Streaming services host the episodes.
What language is the show in?
Goblin is primarily in Korean. It contains occasional English phrases, especially in the school setting. Subtitles are provided for non‑Korean speakers.
Does it contain violence?
The series contains mild fantasy violence, such as sword fights and supernatural battles. There is no graphic gore. The violence serves the plot and is not gratuitous.
Are there cultural references?
Yes, Goblin incorporates Korean folklore, such as the dokkaebi (goblin) and red door symbolism. It also references historical Korean dynasties. These cultural elements add depth.
What are the ratings like?
Goblin received high viewership ratings for a cable drama. It achieved an average share of around 12%. Critics praised its storytelling and performances.
What themes does Goblin explore?
The show examines love, fate, death, and the weight of immortality. It also looks at how people grow through relationships. Themes of family legacy and destiny are highlighted.
Is the story based on a manga?
No, Goblin is an original television drama. It is not adapted from any existing manga or novel. The story was written specifically for the screen.
Why is the goblin called Dokkaebi?
Dokkaebi is a term from Korean folklore meaning a goblin or spirit. The character embodies traditional folklore traits while having a modern twist. It ties the story to Korean mythology.
How do the characters evolve?
Throughout the series, each character faces personal challenges that drive growth. The goblin learns to open up emotionally. The grim reaper regains memories, and the bride learns to accept her role.
Where can I stream Goblin?
Goblin can be streamed on Netflix worldwide with subtitles. In South Korea, it was available on tvN’s platform. International audiences can also find it on local streaming services that license Korean dramas.

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