When Guardian: The Lonely and Great God — better known as Goblin — aired in late 2016, it wasn’t just another K-drama. It was a global phenomenon that blended fantasy, romance, and destiny with poetic perfection. Written by Kim Eun-sook (of Descendants of the Sun fame), Goblin became one of the most beloved and highest-rated dramas in Korean cable history. Eight years later, its characters — an immortal goblin, a grim reaper, and two fated lovers — still linger in fans’ hearts.
1. Gong Yoo
Gong Yoo played Kim Shin — the immortal Goblin cursed to wander the earth — which became one of his most iconic acting roles. Already a household name before Goblin, the series solidified his place as a Hallyu legend. After Goblin, Gong Yoo made a powerful comeback with the sci-fi film Seo Bok (2021) and headlined Netflix’s space thriller The Silent Sea (2021), where his intense, emotional performance drew global praise. Fans also caught a surprise cameo from him in the smash-hit Squid Game (2021), which went viral worldwide. In 2024, Gong Yoo returned to television in The Trunk, a mystery-romance series centered around a secretive marriage contract business. Despite maintaining an extremely private personal life, Gong Yoo continues to command international respect and remains one of Korea’s most bankable and admired actors.
2. Kim Go Eun
As Ji Eun Tak, the bubbly “Goblin’s bride,” Kim Go Eun captured hearts with her sincerity and emotional range. Goblin propelled her into global fame and opened doors to some of her most diverse and challenging roles yet. In The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), she starred opposite Lee Min Ho in a parallel-universe fantasy romance. She continued to prove her acting depth with Yumi’s Cells (2021–2022), a groundbreaking live-action and animation hybrid that depicted a woman’s emotional world through charming “cells.” Kim’s momentum carried into Little Women (2022), where she delivered a nuanced portrayal in a suspenseful modern retelling of the classic novel. She has also been active in film, fashion, and philanthropy, serving as a global ambassador for Chanel and supporting multiple social causes. Kim Go Eun’s ability to balance mainstream success with meaningful roles shows how much she’s matured since her days as the Goblin’s cheerful bride.
3. Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong Wook’s transformation as the charming yet melancholic Grim Reaper, Wang Yeo, remains one of Goblin’s most memorable performances. The role revitalized his career, allowing him to explore an impressive variety of genres in the years that followed. He came back with Life (2018), a medical drama that showcased his intensity and leadership on screen. He then reunited with Goblin co-star Yoo In Na in the hit rom-com Touch Your Heart (2019) — a fan-favorite pairing that reignited their beloved chemistry. That same year, he took a darker turn in the psychological thriller Hell Is Other People (2019), proving his range beyond romance. Lee further expanded his fantasy repertoire with Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020) and its prequel Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023), both of which earned strong fanbases across Asia. His dynamic performances continued in Bad and Crazy (2021) and the action-thriller A Shop for Killers (2024) on Disney+. From fantasy to crime, Lee Dong Wook remains one of the most versatile and consistently respected actors of his generation.
4. Yoo In Na
Yoo In Na’s portrayal of Sunny — the witty, warm-hearted owner of a fried chicken shop and reincarnated queen — added emotional depth and humor to Goblin. Her heartbreaking chemistry with Lee Dong Wook’s Grim Reaper character became one of K-drama’s most iconic side romances. Following Goblin, Yoo In Na continued to shine in leading roles. She reunited with Lee Dong Wook in Touch Your Heart (2019), charming audiences with her comedic timing and elegance. She later starred in The Spies Who Loved Me (2020) as a wedding dress designer caught in a double life of espionage, and in Snowdrop (2021–2022), where she portrayed a mysterious doctor entangled in a political conspiracy. Beyond acting, Yoo In Na has maintained her popularity as a radio DJ and fashion personality, admired for her warmth, poise, and engaging voice. Despite her fame, she has kept her personal life remarkably private, focusing instead on her career and loyal fanbase.
A Legacy That Endures
Even years after Goblin’s finale, its stars continue to dominate the industry with projects that redefine their careers. Gong Yoo remains a cinematic powerhouse, Kim Go-eun a symbol of versatility, Lee Dong Wook a genre-bending actor, and Yoo In Na a timeless favorite in romantic dramas.
—-Karen Mwenda
#WhereAreTheyNow #Goblin #GoblinKdrama #CastofGoblin #kcrush #kdrama #koreandrama #GongYoo #KimGoeun #LeeDongWook #YooInNa #GuardianTheLonelyandGreatGod #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #2016KDrama #drama
User Review
( votes)Related Articles
Where Are They Now? ‘Descendants of the Sun’ Kdrama Cast
Remember the global phenomenon that was Descendants of the Sun (DOTS)? Six years after its explosive 2016 run, this military-romance K-drama captivated millions with its high-stakes action, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry between its leads.... Read More
Where Are They Now? H.O.T.
For those of us who came of age during the dawn of the K-pop industry, the name H.O.T. evokes a sense of nostalgia that is hard to match. Their music was the soundtrack to the youth, and their breakup in 2001 was a moment of collective heartbreak... Read More
Where Are They Now? – PLAYBACK
PLAYBACK (플레이백) debuted in 2015 with the single “Playback”. Despite strong talent and fan support, the group went inactive by 2018 and unofficially disbanded soon after. Since then, the members have branched into acting, solo music,... Read More
Where Are They Now? – VIXX
From their mythological vampire beginnings to powerful sci-fi imagery, VIXX have always told stories. Today, even as their group activities have slowed, each member continues to build their own narrative—on stage, screen, and beyond. Ken (Lee Jae... Read More
Where Are They Now? Wonder Girls
Once reigning as one of K-pop’s first global girl groups, Wonder Girls captured hearts with their catchy hits like “Nobody”, “Tell Me”, and “So Hot.” This iconic five-member girl group under JYP Entertainment, left... Read More
Where Are They Now? – XY (J-pop Band)
XY is a Japanese boy band formed in 2023 through the Yoshiki Superstar Project X, a talent competition produced by renowned musician Yoshiki. Combining rock band elements with a dance-vocal unit, XY captivated audiences with their energetic... Read More
Where Are They Now? – Ladies’ Code
Ladies’ Code was one of K-pop’s most promising girl groups under Polaris Entertainment. Debuting with a fresh sound and strong vocal performances, the group quickly gained a dedicated fanbase. However, their journey was marked by both triumphs... Read More
Where Are They Now? – The East Light
The East Light was a South Korean band under Media Line Entertainment and debuted in November 2016 with the “Holla” single. The group comprised 6 members including Lee Seokcheol, Lee Seunghyun, Jung Sagang, Lee Eunsung, Kim Junwook, and Lee... Read More
Where Are They Now? – Anda (안다)
Dubbed “Korea’s Lady Gaga”, South Korean singer Anda (안다) made waves in the K-pop industry with her unique sound and bold image. From her early debut to joining YG Entertainment’s subsidiary YGX, Anda’s career was filled with promise.... Read More
Leave a Reply