Goblin
쓸쓸하고 찬란하神-도깨비
"A mysterious romance between a goblin and a young human bride."
Overview
"Goblin" tells the epic story of Kim Shin, a decorated military general from the Goryeo Dynasty who is framed as a traitor and executed. A deity transforms him into a "Dokkaebi" (Goblin), cursing him with immortality as punishment for the soldiers he killed, but also as a reward for the people he saved. His curse is to watch his loved ones die over and over for 939 years. The only way to end his eternal life is to find his prophesied bride, a human who can see and remove the invisible sword embedded in his chest.
In modern-day Seoul, his path crosses with Ji Eun-tak, a cheerful and resilient high school student who, despite a tragic life, can see ghosts and, consequently, the Goblin himself. As their lives intertwine, Kim Shin finds himself living with an amnesiac Grim Reaper, who is tasked with guiding souls to the afterlife and happens to be the reincarnation of the very king who ordered Kim Shin's death. Their story is further complicated by Sunny, a charismatic chicken restaurant owner who is the reincarnation of Kim Shin's beloved sister, the former queen. Together, they navigate their intertwined fates, tragic past lives, and the complexities of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Goblin" revolves around the profound interplay of fate, free will, and the human condition. It explores the idea that life, however painful or prolonged, derives its meaning from the connections we forge and the choices we make. The series posits that even divine plans can be altered by acts of profound human sacrifice and love. Through its characters' centuries-spanning journey of suffering, forgiveness, and redemption, the show suggests that while destiny may set the stage ("God is just a questioner; destiny is a question I give"), the answers and ultimate meaning are found in our own actions and relationships. It is a narrative about finding grace in suffering, the bittersweet beauty of mortality, and the belief that love can transcend lifetimes.
Thematic DNA
Love and Sacrifice
Love is depicted as the most powerful, transformative, and ultimately sacrificial force in the series. Kim Shin's 900-year search for death is halted by his love for Eun-tak, making him desire life for the first time. Eun-tak, in turn, makes the ultimate sacrifice, choosing to die to save others, an act of human will that even a deity cannot predict. The tragic romance between the Grim Reaper and Sunny is also defined by sacrifice, as they choose to part ways in their current life to atone for their past and hope for a happier future reincarnation. The series consistently reinforces that true love involves profound selflessness.
Fate, Destiny, and Human Choice
The series constantly questions the balance between a predetermined path and individual free will. The meeting of the Goblin and his Bride is presented as destiny, yet their choices continually shape and alter that destiny. A deity figure in the show states, "God is just a questioner; destiny is a question I give. Find the answers yourselves," emphasizing that characters must navigate their own paths within the framework of fate. Eun-tak's final, selfless act is portrayed as a choice purely of human instinct, demonstrating that human will can override a planned destiny.
Death, Immortality, and Reincarnation
"Goblin" presents immortality not as a gift, but as a profound punishment marked by loneliness and grief. Kim Shin's eternal life is a curse of endlessly witnessing loss. Death, in contrast, is often portrayed as a peaceful release and a transition. The concept of reincarnation is central, suggesting that actions in one life affect the next. The characters are believed to have four lives, allowing for themes of atonement and second chances. The Grim Reaper's journey is one of atoning for the gravest sin of his past life to earn a peaceful reincarnation, highlighting the drama's intricate moral and spiritual framework.
Memory and Forgetfulness
The pain of memory and the mercy of forgetting are recurring motifs. Kim Shin is cursed to remember every death he has witnessed, while the Grim Reaper is punished by having no memory of his past sins. The "tea of forgetfulness" offered by the Reaper gives souls peace by erasing their earthly memories. The romance between the Reaper and Sunny is particularly tragic as their memories are repeatedly erased, forcing them to fall in love again and again, only to be confronted by the painful truth of their pasts.
Character Analysis
Kim Shin (Goblin)
Gong Yoo
Motivation
Initially, his sole motivation is to find the Goblin's Bride to remove the sword from his chest and finally die, ending his eternal suffering. This motivation shifts entirely to protecting and loving Ji Eun-tak. He becomes willing to sacrifice his chance at peace to ensure her happiness and safety, even if it means continuing his lonely existence.
Character Arc
Kim Shin begins as a being cursed with immortality, deeply lonely and yearning for death after 900 years of suffering. He is powerful yet melancholic, burdened by the memories of all the loved ones he has outlived. His meeting with Ji Eun-tak marks a pivotal change. Initially seeing her as merely the tool to end his existence, he slowly falls in love and, for the first time, desires to live. His arc is a journey from seeking oblivion to embracing life, culminating in him choosing to endure his immortality to be with Eun-tak through her reincarnated lives, transforming his curse into a bittersweet choice of eternal love.
Ji Eun-tak
Kim Go-eun
Motivation
Her primary motivation is to escape her abusive home and find a place where she belongs. She is drawn to the Goblin as a source of power, protection, and eventually, love. As their relationship deepens, her motivation becomes about saving Kim Shin and breaking the tragic cycle of their fate, wanting to live a normal, happy life with him.
Character Arc
Eun-tak starts as a cheerful but resilient high school student who leads a difficult life with her abusive aunt while being able to see ghosts. She is marked as the Goblin's Bride, a fate that both endangers her and offers her a connection she has never had. Her arc is a classic coming-of-age story layered with immense responsibility. She evolves from a girl seeking refuge and a sense of belonging to a woman who understands the weight of her destiny and love. Ultimately, she makes a conscious, selfless choice to sacrifice her own life to save others, demonstrating a maturity and courage that transcends her fated role.
Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo
Lee Dong-wook
Motivation
At first, his motivation is simply to perform his duties as a Grim Reaper. This changes when he meets Sunny, and his motivation becomes twofold: to understand the overwhelming, inexplicable sadness he feels and to uncover the identity of the man and woman in his visions. His ultimate goal becomes atonement for the sins he cannot initially remember.
Character Arc
The Grim Reaper is introduced as a dutiful but emotionally detached usher of souls, with no memory of his past life. His journey is one of rediscovery and atonement. As he falls for Sunny, fragments of his past as the tragic King Wang Yeo, who ordered the deaths of Kim Shin and his own queen, begin to surface. His arc is about confronting the immense sin of taking his own life, which led to his punishment as a Reaper. He transforms from an amnesiac functionary to a being overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow, who ultimately chooses to face his past and guides his former love to her next life before finally finding peace himself.
Sunny / Kim Sun
Yoo In-na
Motivation
Her initial motivation is simple: to live her life and perhaps find love. When she meets the Grim Reaper, she is driven by a desire to understand the strange, sad man who makes her cry for no reason. Upon recovering her memories, her motivation shifts to understanding the tragedy of her past and making a conscious choice about her future, separate from the men who defined her past life.
Character Arc
Sunny is a fiercely independent and charismatic woman who owns a small chicken restaurant. She appears straightforward but carries a deep sense of melancholy. Her arc is about reclaiming her identity. She is the reincarnation of Kim Sun, Kim Shin's sister and Queen of Goryeo. As she navigates her confusing relationship with the Grim Reaper, she begins to remember her tragic past life. Unlike the Reaper, she chooses to retain her memories in this life, bearing the full weight of her past tragedy. Her journey is about finding agency and choosing to break the cycle of suffering by ending her relationship in this life, hoping for a clean slate in the next.
Symbols & Motifs
The Sword
The invisible sword lodged in Kim Shin's chest symbolizes his curse, his past sins, and his profound, unending pain. It is both the source of his immortal power and the mark of his punishment for the thousands of lives he took as a general. Its removal signifies both his death and his ultimate release into peace.
The sword is a constant physical and metaphorical presence throughout the series. It is invisible to all except Ji Eun-tak, the Goblin's Bride. The central conflict revolves around whether she will fulfill her destiny by pulling out the sword, thereby ending his life. The sword was custom-made for the production, with CG effects used to create its ethereal green glow.
Buckwheat Flowers
In the language of flowers, as told by Kim Shin to Eun-tak, buckwheat flowers mean "lover." They symbolize the love, destiny, and connection between the two main characters.
Buckwheat fields are significant locations in the series. Kim Shin's grave in the Goryeo era is covered in them, and it is the setting for their wedding in the final episode. He frequently summons a field of buckwheat flowers, creating a beautiful and romantic backdrop for pivotal moments with Eun-tak.
Red Scarf
The red scarf worn by Ji Eun-tak symbolizes her identity, her connection to her mother, and a sense of protection. It is a constant visual marker of her character, representing her youth and warmth amidst her difficult life.
Eun-tak has worn the scarf since she was a child, as it was a gift from her mother. It's a key part of her signature look. The scarf became an iconic piece of merchandise, and fans visiting filming locations often wear red scarves to reenact scenes.
Maple Leaf
A falling maple leaf symbolizes love and destiny. There is a saying mentioned in the drama: "If you catch a falling maple leaf, you will fall in love with the person you are walking with."
During their first trip to Quebec, Canada, Eun-tak catches a falling maple leaf while walking with Kim Shin. She presses the leaf in a book, preserving it as a cherished memory and a symbol of their budding romance. The maple leaf later becomes a crucial object that helps her regain her memories after they are temporarily erased.
Jade Ring
The jade ring symbolizes the tragic past and intertwined fates of the Queen (Kim Sun) and the King (Wang Yeo). It represents their lost love, the king's guilt, and the promise of their eventual reunion.
The ring is first seen on the hand of the Queen as she dies in the Goryeo era. In the present, both the Grim Reaper (Wang Yeo's reincarnation) and Sunny (the Queen's reincarnation) are inexplicably drawn to it at a street vendor's stall. Their shared desire for the ring sparks their modern-day relationship, acting as a catalyst for them to uncover their past lives.
Memorable Quotes
너와 함께한 시간 모두 눈부셨다. 날이 좋아서, 날이 좋지 않아서, 날이 적당해서. 모든 날이 좋았다.
— Kim Shin
Context:
This line is famously recited by Kim Shin in Episode 12 before he asks Eun-tak to pull the sword from his chest, intending to sacrifice himself to defeat the villain Park Joong-heon. It serves as his heartfelt, poetic confession and farewell.
Meaning:
"Every moment I spent with you shined. Because the weather was good, because the weather was bad, and because the weather was just right. I loved every single day." This quote encapsulates the core of Kim Shin's love for Eun-tak. After centuries of monotonous existence, she brought meaning and brilliance to his life, regardless of external circumstances. It's a profound declaration that his happiness was entirely dependent on her presence.
메밀꽃의 꽃말이 뭔지 알아요? 연인.
— Kim Shin
Context:
This is said in Episode 2, during one of their early conversations in a buckwheat field that Kim Shin magically summons. It's a key moment that defines one of the central symbols of their romance.
Meaning:
"Do you know what the meaning of buckwheat flowers is? 'Lover'." This simple line establishes a crucial symbol for the couple's relationship. It transforms the buckwheat flower from just a plant into a secret language and a representation of their fated love.
인간의 희생은 신이 계산할 수 없는 영역이고, 내다볼 수조차 없겠지. 그건 그 순간의 본능이고, 오롯이 한 인간의 선택이니까.
— Grim Reaper
Context:
The Grim Reaper says this in the final episode (Episode 16) after Eun-tak chooses to sacrifice her life by driving her car into the path of a runaway truck to save a bus full of kindergarten children. Her death was not fated; it was her choice.
Meaning:
"Human sacrifice is a realm that God cannot calculate or even predict. It's an instinct that comes out in a moment, and a choice made solely by that human." This quote highlights a major theme of the series: the power of human will versus divine fate. It suggests that the capacity for self-sacrifice is a uniquely human trait that can alter destiny in ways even gods cannot foresee.
기억해. 기억해야 돼. 넌 도깨비 신부야.
— Ji Eun-tak
Context:
In Episode 14, after Kim Shin has turned to ash and been forgotten by everyone as a consequence of divine intervention, Eun-tak feels an inexplicable sorrow. She writes this note to herself in her journal, desperately trying to cling to a memory she can't place, before breaking down in tears. Her subconscious is fighting to remember him.
Meaning:
"Remember. You have to remember. You are the Goblin's Bride." This line signifies Eun-tak's fight against forced forgetfulness and her determination to hold onto her identity and her connection with Kim Shin. Memory is a battleground in the series, and this quote is her declaration of war.
Episode Highlights
Episode 1
This episode masterfully sets the stage for the epic saga. It establishes Kim Shin's tragic past in the Goryeo era, his curse of immortality, and his 900-year search for the Goblin's Bride. It also introduces Ji Eun-tak, her tragic childhood, and her ability to summon the Goblin by blowing out a candle. The first meeting between the two leads on a rainy street is now iconic.
The first episode perfectly blends historical tragedy, fantasy, and modern romance. It lays the foundation for all the central conflicts, introduces the main characters and their motivations, and establishes the show's unique tone and stunning visual style.
Episode 4
After weeks of denying it, Eun-tak finally proves she is the Goblin's Bride by revealing that she can see the sword in Kim Shin's chest. This revelation shocks Kim Shin, who had begun to doubt her claim. The episode features their first trip to Quebec, Canada, creating some of the series' most breathtaking and romantic visuals, including the moment Eun-tak catches a falling maple leaf.
This episode solidifies the central premise and shifts Kim Shin's perspective. What was once a theoretical quest has become a stark reality. He now faces his impending death, forcing him to confront his burgeoning feelings for Eun-tak and the true weight of his curse.
Episode 10
A pivotal episode for the secondary couple. The Grim Reaper and Sunny's relationship deepens, but a shocking revelation occurs when Kim Shin sees the portrait of his sister, the Queen, and realizes that Sunny is her reincarnation. This moment was the most-watched minute of the episode, achieving a 15% rating.
This episode connects the past and present timelines in a deeply personal and tragic way. It re-contextualizes the Reaper and Sunny's romance, revealing it to be intertwined with Kim Shin's own tragic history, setting up the major conflicts for the rest of the series.
Episode 13
This is the emotional and action-packed climax of the Goryeo-era storyline. Eun-tak is threatened by the ghost of the evil eunuch Park Joong-heon. To save her, Kim Shin finally confronts his destiny. He has Eun-tak pull the sword from his chest, using its fiery power to destroy the villain before turning to ash himself. The heart-wrenching goodbyes in this episode are considered some of the most powerful in the series.
Marked as the highest-rated episode by fans, this episode delivers the moment the entire series had been building towards: the removal of the sword. It provides a devastating, yet heroic, climax that fundamentally changes the nature of the story, leaving the remaining characters and the audience to grapple with the immense loss.
Episode 16 (Finale)
The finale brings a poignant and bittersweet conclusion. After Kim Shin returns, he and Eun-tak share a few years of happiness before she unexpectedly dies in her first life, sacrificing herself to save a group of children. The Grim Reaper and Sunny also find closure, walking into the afterlife together to be reborn. The final scenes show Eun-tak being reincarnated and finding Kim Shin again, promising to find him in all her subsequent lives.
The finale provides a satisfying resolution that stays true to the show's core themes. It offers closure for most characters while underscoring the Goblin's eternal, lonely fate, now redefined as an endless wait for his love. It affirms the power of choice and the enduring nature of love across lifetimes.
Philosophical Questions
Is immortality a gift or a curse?
The series extensively explores this question through Kim Shin. Initially, immortality is presented as an absolute curse, a punishment defined by the pain of watching loved ones perish repeatedly for nine centuries. His existence is one of profound loneliness and a desperate desire for death. However, after falling in love with Eun-tak, his perspective shifts. The very eternal life he despised becomes something he wants to preserve to spend more time with her. The series concludes that the value of life, whether mortal or immortal, is defined not by its length but by the love and connections experienced within it.
How much of our lives are governed by fate, and how much by our own choices?
"Goblin" presents a world where destiny is a powerful force, intertwining characters across centuries. The prophecy of the Goblin's Bride is a clear example of a fated path. However, the narrative repeatedly emphasizes the power of human will. The deity figure in the show explicitly states that destiny is merely a question posed to humans and that they must find the answers themselves. The most definitive exploration of this is Eun-tak's death. It was not fated; it was a spontaneous choice born of selfless instinct to save others. This act of human sacrifice is shown to be something even a god cannot predict, suggesting that while fate may draw the map, our choices determine the journey.
What is the relationship between sin, punishment, and redemption?
Each of the main characters is dealing with the consequences of past actions. Kim Shin is punished for the lives he took in war, the Grim Reaper is punished for taking his own life out of jealousy and guilt, and both must undergo a long process of atonement. Redemption is not easily granted. It requires centuries of suffering, confronting past sins, and ultimately, acts of forgiveness and sacrifice. The Grim Reaper's entire existence is a penance, and only by fully accepting his past and fulfilling his duties can he be released. The series suggests that redemption is a painful, arduous journey, but one that is necessary to find peace.
Alternative Interpretations
While the ending is generally seen as a bittersweet romance, some viewers interpret it more tragically. One interpretation focuses on the cyclical nature of Kim Shin's suffering. Although Eun-tak promises to find him in her subsequent lives, she only has a limited number (the show suggests four in total). This means Kim Shin is ultimately doomed to an eternity of finding, loving, and losing her, with increasingly long periods of loneliness in between. This perspective frames the ending not as a triumph of love, but as the continuation of his punishment in a new, more emotionally painful form.
Another point of discussion is the nature of the deity's intervention. Some see the divine power in the series as benevolent but cryptic, offering challenges that lead to growth. Others view it as cruel and arbitrary, particularly in the decision to erase memories and inflict prolonged suffering on its characters. The nine years Kim Shin spends in a desolate limbo after his first "death" is seen by some as a needlessly cruel addition to his already immense punishment, questioning the ultimate morality of the divine justice presented in the show.
Cultural Impact
"Goblin" was more than a television show; it was a cultural phenomenon in South Korea and a significant driver of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) internationally. Upon its release in 2016, it achieved record-breaking viewership for a cable network drama in Korea, with its finale being one of the highest-rated in cable history. The series' influence permeated pop culture, spawning countless parodies and memes. Its fashion, particularly Gong Yoo's long trench coats, became a major trend. The show's soundtrack was a massive commercial success, with its songs topping music charts and becoming synonymous with the drama itself. The filming locations, both in South Korea and Quebec, Canada, became major tourist destinations, with fans creating a "Goblin effect" on local economies. Critically, the series was praised for its ambitious storytelling, high production values, stunning cinematography, and the compelling chemistry of its cast. It set a new benchmark for fantasy-romance dramas in Korea, paving the way for other high-concept shows. Its legacy is that of a drama that masterfully blended epic mythology with intimate human emotion, leaving a lasting mark on both the television industry and its global audience.
Audience Reception
"Goblin" was met with widespread critical acclaim and massive audience popularity, both domestically and internationally. It became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history. Audiences overwhelmingly praised the epic storyline, the seamless blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy, and the high production quality, including its stunning cinematography and special effects. The chemistry between the entire main cast was frequently cited as a major strength, particularly the central romance between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun and the fan-favorite "bromance" between Gong Yoo's Goblin and Lee Dong-wook's Grim Reaper. However, the series did face some criticism. A notable point of controversy was the age gap between the 939-year-old Goblin and the high-school-aged Eun-tak, which some viewers found uncomfortable despite the fantasy context. Others pointed to the pervasive and sometimes overt product placement within the show. The pacing in the final few episodes was also a point of debate, with some feeling it was rushed or left certain questions unanswered. Despite these criticisms, the overall verdict from audiences was overwhelmingly positive, solidifying "Goblin" as a modern classic in the K-drama canon.
Interesting Facts
- The show's writer, Kim Eun-sook, pursued lead actor Gong Yoo for five years for various projects before he finally accepted the role of Kim Shin.
- Actor Lee Dong-wook was so determined to play the Grim Reaper that he actively fought for the role after initially not being the writer's first choice.
- The iconic sword that impales Kim Shin was a custom-made prop. To create the illusion of it being in his chest, Gong Yoo had to wear a special suit, and the ethereal green smoke was added with computer graphics.
- The series caused a massive surge in tourism to its filming locations, particularly Jumunjin Beach in Gangneung, South Korea, and various sites in Quebec City, Canada. Fans still flock to these spots to reenact famous scenes.
- The show's original soundtrack (OST) was immensely popular, with nearly all its songs dominating the music charts in South Korea, a rare feat for drama OSTs.
- Writer Kim Eun-sook and director Lee Eung-bok had previously worked together on the massive hit drama "Descendants of the Sun."
Easter Eggs
In Episode 1, when Ji Eun-tak is a child, she is visited by the Grim Reaper. The actress playing the Grim Reaper's assistant in this scene is Kim So-hyun, who also plays the young Queen Kim Sun in the Goryeo-era flashbacks.
This is a clever bit of dual casting. While her primary role is the Queen, her appearance as a reaper hints at the intertwined nature of the afterlife and the past. It serves as an early, subtle clue about the deep connections between the characters' past and present lives. Kim So-hyun and Kim Min-jae made key cameo appearances as the younger versions of the Queen and King.
In one scene, the Grim Reaper and Sunny are watching a historical drama on television. The drama they are watching features an actor who looks remarkably like the Grim Reaper.
This is a meta-joke, as the actor on the TV is Lee Dong-wook himself, playing into the idea that Sunny finds him handsome and that his face has a classic, actor-like quality. It's a lighthearted moment that breaks the fourth wall for a comedic effect.
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