“Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” commonly known as “Goblin,” is a 2016-2017 South Korean fantasy romance starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, the series aired on tvN from December 2016 to January 2017. Its final episode recorded an 18.68% nationwide audience share, making it the seventh highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history. This groundbreaking series became a cultural phenomenon that redefined K-drama standards, winning numerous awards including the Grand Prize (Daesang) for writer Kim Eun-sook and Best Actor for Gong Yoo at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards. With breathtaking cinematography filmed across locations in Korea and Quebec City, Canada, an unforgettable OST that still dominates playlists, and a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, bromance, and comedy, “Goblin” remains one of the most beloved K-dramas of all time that continues attracting new fans years later.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More
| Info | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy Romantic comedy Drama |
| Language | Korean |
| Directed by | Lee Eung-bok (Ep. 1–16) Kwon Hyuk-chan (Ep. 5–16) |
| Star Cast | Gong Yoo Kim Go-eun Lee Dong-wook Yoo In-na Yook Sung-jae |
| Producers | Joo Kyung-ha Kim Ji-yeon |
| Production companies | Hwa&Dam Pictures |
| Written by | Kim Eun-sook |
| Cinematography | Park Sung-yong Kang Yoon-soon |
| Edited by | Lee Sang-rok |
| Country | South Korea |
| Original network | tvN |
| Original release | 2 December 2016 – 21 January 2017 |
| Running time | 60–90 minutes |
Table of Contents
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Storyline
Kim Shin, a decorated military general from the Goryeo Dynasty, is framed as a traitor and killed by the young king. He’s cursed by the Almighty to stay immortal forever, enduring the pain of seeing loved ones die as punishment for soldiers he killed protecting his country. Now 939 years old with a sword embedded in his chest, he searches for his destined bride—the only person who can pull out the sword and end his immortality. He meets Ji Eun-tak, a cheerful high school student who can see ghosts and claims to be the goblin’s bride. Living with an amnesiac Grim Reaper, their unusual household navigates love, destiny, and the painful truth connecting their pasts.
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth
Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.
1.Gong Yoo as Goblin/Kim Shin
| Info | Goblin/Kim Shin |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Gong Yoo |
| Salary Per Web Series | $25,000 |
| Net Worth | $14 million – $55 million |
2.Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak
| Info | Ji Eun-tak |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Go-eun |
| Salary Per Web Series | $50,000 – $100,000+ |
| Net Worth | $18 million |
3.Lee Dong-wook as Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo
| Info | Grim Reaper / Wang Yeo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee Dong-wook |
| Salary Per Web Series | $25,000 |
| Net Worth | $8 million |
4.Yoo In-na as Sunny/Kim Sun/Queen Sun-Hee
| Info | Sunny/Kim Sun/Queen Sun-Hee |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yoo In-na |
| Salary Per Web Series | $50,000 |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
5.Yook Sung-jae as Yoo Deok-hwa
| Info | Yoo Deok-hwa |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yook Sung-jae |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
6.Jung Ji-hoon as young Yoo Deok-hwa
| Info | Young Yoo Deok-hwa |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jung Ji-hoon |
| Salary Per Web Series | $750,000 |
| Net Worth | $20 million |
7.Kim Hyun-bin as Teenage Deok-hwa
| Info | Teenage Deok-hwa |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Hyun-bin |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
8.Lee El as Samshin
| Info | Samshin |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lee El |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
9.Kim Byung-chul as Park Joong-heon
| Info | Park Joong-heon |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Byung-chul |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
10.Kim Sung-kyum as Chairman Yoo Shin-woo
| Info | Chairman Yoo Shin-woo |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kim Sung-kyum |
| Salary Per Web Series | Not Known |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Web Series Awards
| Awards | Category | Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| NA | NA | NA |
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God Review
Gong Yoo delivers a career-defining performance as the immortal goblin, balancing ancient wisdom with childlike wonder beautifully. The bromance between him and Lee Dong-wook’s deadpan Grim Reaper creates comedy gold while the secondary romance between Yoo In-na and Lee Dong-wook breaks hearts. Kim Go-eun shines as the bubbly Eun-tak despite initial criticism about the age gap. The cinematography is stunning, the OST unforgettable, and the emotional depth extraordinary. Yes, there are excessive flashbacks and some repetitive moments, but the gorgeous storytelling, perfect cast chemistry, humor, and tearjerking scenes make this an essential watch. It’s funny, tragic, romantic, and utterly magical—a K-drama that lives up to the hype and continues captivating audiences worldwide. Absolutely rewatchable.
Disclaimer: The Data is collected from various sources and some from our own research. These data can be estimated and Primes World does not make any claims about the authenticity of the data.