A decade after its premiere, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God remains the gold standard for every fantasy-romance K-drama that follows.

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Ten years ago, on December 2, 2016, Viu premiered the first episode of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, better known worldwide as Goblin. What began as one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of the year quickly became a cultural phenomenon, proving that fantasy romance could capture mainstream audiences—not just fans of supernatural storytelling.

Penned by acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, whose previous hits included Secret Garden and The Heirs, Goblin tells the story of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a legendary Goryeo general cursed with immortality. After centuries of wandering the world, he searches for the only person who can end his eternal life: his destined bride.

That destiny leads him to Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a cheerful high school student with the extraordinary ability to see ghosts. Alongside them is the unforgettable Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook), Kim Shin’s unlikely housemate whose sharp wit and evolving friendship with the goblin became one of the drama’s biggest highlights. The stellar cast is rounded out by Yoo In-na and Yook Sung-jae, whose performances added warmth and emotional depth to the story.

When the finale aired on January 21, 2017, Goblin achieved a nationwide rating of 18.68%, making it one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. The series also earned major recognition at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards, where Kim Eun-sook received the prestigious Daesang (Grand Prize) and Gong Yoo won Best Actor.

More Than Just a Hit Drama

What truly sets Goblin apart is not just its ratings or awards, but its enduring influence on the fantasy-romance genre.

The idea of an immortal being falling in love with an ordinary human wasn’t new. However, Goblin perfected the formula by blending breathtaking cinematography, heartfelt romance, clever humor, and emotional storytelling into a series that resonated with audiences across generations.

Since then, nearly every major fantasy-romance K-drama has inevitably been compared to Goblin. Whether it’s Hotel Del Luna, Tale of the Nine-Tailed, or other supernatural love stories, fans and critics alike continue to use Goblin as the benchmark for the genre.

Its cultural impact reached far beyond television screens. Filming locations in Quebec City, Canada—especially the famous red door in Petit Champlain, affectionately known by fans as the goblin’s “door to Canada”—became must-visit destinations for international tourists. The drama’s original soundtrack dominated Korean digital music charts, while fashion and beauty items featured in the series, including Gong Yoo’s Lanvin coats, Kim Go-eun’s Lancôme lipstick, and Lee Dong-wook’s signature fedora, saw remarkable spikes in sales.

Celebrating a Decade

Nearly ten years later, Goblin continues to hold a special place in the hearts of viewers around the world.

In March 2026, tvN announced that the main cast would reunite for a special travel variety show celebrating the drama’s 10th anniversary. Titled Guardian: The Lonely and Great God 10th Anniversary, the reunion is scheduled to premiere on Viu on July 6, 2026, offering fans a nostalgic look back at one of Korea’s most beloved dramas.

Few television series remain culturally relevant enough to warrant a decade-long celebration. Goblin is one of those rare exceptions—a timeless story whose emotional resonance, unforgettable characters, and cinematic storytelling continue to inspire both audiences and creators alike.

Before joining the cast on their nostalgic journey in Gangneung starting July 6, revisit the drama that set the standard for fantasy romance. All 16 episodes of Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, complete with Indonesian subtitles, are available to stream on Viu.