Guardian The Lonely and Great God Cast (Goblin) includes Gong Yoo as the 939-year-old immortal Goblin, Kim Shin, Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak, his “goblin bride” destined to end his immortality, Lee Dong-wook as the mysterious Grim Reaper, Wang Yeo, and Yoo In-na as Sunny, the chicken restaurant owner with a deep connection to the other characters.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) is a captivating South Korean fantasy drama that aired in 2016-2017. Written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, the show blends romance, fantasy, and supernatural elements, quickly becoming one of the most beloved K-dramas of all time.
The story follows Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo), a 939-year-old immortal goblin cursed with eternal life. In order to end his suffering, he must find his “goblin bride,” a human woman who holds the key to breaking his curse. That woman is Ji Eun-tak (played by Kim Go-eun), a young woman with a tragic past who can see ghosts. As their lives intertwine, they discover that their fates are bound by a deeper, more profound connection than they could ever have imagined.
Guardian The Lonely And Great God Cast
Gong Yoo as Kim Shin (The Goblin)
- Role: Kim Shin is a 939-year-old immortal goblin who was once a great general in the Goryeo Dynasty. After a tragic event, he is cursed with immortality and serves as a protector of souls. To end his endless life, he must find his “goblin bride,” who has the power to break the curse. His character is wise, noble, and burdened with sadness, but his relationship with Ji Eun-tak gives him hope.
- Role: Ji Eun-tak is a bright and optimistic young woman who has the unique ability to see ghosts. She has a tragic backstory, having lost her family at a young age, but she remains hopeful about her future. Eun-tak’s life becomes intertwined with Kim Shin’s when she is revealed to be his “goblin bride,” destined to end his immortality. As their relationship evolves, Eun-tak’s character becomes central to the plot’s emotional core.
Lee Dong-wook as Wang Yeo (The Grim Reaper)
- Role: Wang Yeo is the Grim Reaper who guides souls to the afterlife. He has no memory of his past and is a mysterious figure with a cold demeanor. His role is to help souls move on, but over time, he forms a bond with Kim Shin, as the two have a deeper connection rooted in their past lives. His relationship with the goblin plays a pivotal role in the storyline, especially when his past is revealed.
Yoo In-na as Sunny (Yoo Deok-hwa)
- Role: Sunny is a lively and strong-willed chicken restaurant owner. She is also a key figure in the lives of Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper. Sunny and the Grim Reaper have a complicated and deep connection, with a twist related to their past lives. Throughout the series, Sunny’s love story adds a layer of complexity and emotional depth.
Supporting Characters
Yook Sung-jae as Yoo Deok-hwa
- Role: Yoo Deok-hwa is a wealthy and somewhat spoiled young man who is the grandson of the Goblin’s landlord, Yoo Il-sik. As the series progresses, Deok-hwa becomes an important character, learning of his own past and role in the larger narrative. Despite his initial carefree attitude, he eventually shows depth and growth, especially in his relationships with Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper.
Kim So-eun as Cheong-sim
- Role: Cheong-sim is a loyal and kind-hearted woman who works for Sunny at her chicken restaurant. She plays a supporting role in the lives of the main characters, providing moments of warmth and comfort throughout the series.
Jo Woo-jin as Yoo Il-sik
- Role: Yoo Il-sik is the grandfather of Yoo Deok-hwa and the landlord of Kim Shin. Though his role is more minor, he provides comic relief and is a key figure in the storyline involving the goblin’s home and his relationship with Deok-hwa.
Lee El as Kim Sun
- Role: Kim Sun is the sister of the Goblin, Kim Shin. She appears in the show’s later episodes and plays a critical role in the narrative, especially as the story delves into the characters’ pasts and fateful connections.
Ahn Gil-kang as Goblin’s First Guardian
- Role: The first guardian of the Goblin, who originally gave him the curse of immortality. This character’s backstory ties into the mythology of the Goblin’s existence and plays a part in understanding the greater mystery surrounding his immortality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is a testament to exceptional storytelling, bolstered by a stellar cast that brought its complex characters to life. The performances of Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Kim So-eun helped create a deeply emotional and captivating experience for viewers. Their chemistry and the nuanced portrayal of their respective roles were central to the series’ success, making it not just a popular drama but also one that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. The show’s unique blend of fantasy, romance, and introspection, paired with the strong cast, ensures its place as a beloved classic in Korean television.
Taxi Driver Cast & Their Role (2021)
(FAQs)
Who played the role of Kim Shin (Goblin)?
Gong Yoo played the character of Kim Shin, the immortal goblin. His performance as a centuries-old guardian struggling with loneliness and a desire for redemption became one of his most iconic roles.
Who is Ji Eun-tak in Goblin, and who played her?
Kim Go-eun portrayed Ji Eun-tak, a bright and optimistic young woman who becomes entangled in the lives of the goblin and the grim reaper. Her chemistry with Gong Yoo’s character was a central part of the drama’s emotional appeal.
Who played the Grim Reaper (Wang Yeo)?
Lee Dong-wook played Wang Yeo, the Grim Reaper, who has lost his memory and is tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife. His interactions with Kim Shin were central to the show’s blend of humor, mystery, and emotional depth.
Who is Sunny, and which actress played her?
Yoo In-na played Sunny, a restaurant owner who is the love interest of the Grim Reaper, Wang Yeo. Her character adds charm and complexity to the series, balancing the story’s lighter and more dramatic moments.
Who is Deok-hwa in Goblin, and who portrayed him?
Kim So-eun played Deok-hwa, the third-generation heir to a wealthy family who becomes involved with the supernatural characters. Although his role is more humorous and quirky, it still contributed significantly to the show’s dynamic.
How did the cast prepare for their roles in Goblin?
The cast underwent extensive preparation for their roles. Gong Yoo, for example, took the time to reflect deeply on the emotional weight of his character. Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and others also worked closely with the director and scriptwriters to understand their characters’ backstories and motivations.
Did any of the cast members win awards for their performances?
Yes! Gong Yoo won several awards for his portrayal of Kim Shin, including Best Actor at various Korean drama award ceremonies. Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and Yoo In-na also received recognition for their roles, with many winning or being nominated for prestigious acting awards.
What is the relationship between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun off-screen?
While Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun have an age gap, their off-screen relationship has been described as close and respectful. They were praised for their strong on-screen chemistry, which many fans believe translated to a genuine friendship behind the scenes.
How did the cast feel about the show’s success?
The cast was overwhelmed by the massive success of Goblin, both in South Korea and internationally. They expressed gratitude for being part of such a meaningful project and for the overwhelming love from fans.
Did the cast continue to work together after Goblin?
After Goblin, many of the cast members went on to work on separate projects. However, Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, and Yoo In-na have all continued to enjoy successful careers in both television and film.