The son of Goblin, also known as "Son of Goblin – Oneshot" or "Spider-Man: Son of the Goblin," tells the story of a powerful goblin who is cursed with immortality and tasked with helping people with his powers while navigating the complexities of human emotions and relationships. This action-packed series, penned by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, explores themes of sorrow, forgiveness, and hope amidst the backdrop of ancient evil and the struggle between light and darkness.
Plot Introduction
The series begins with Kim Shin, a former Goryeo Dynasty general framed for treason and ultimately killed by his own king. years later, he is revived as an immortal goblin, cursed with the pain of watching his loved ones die. He becomes a guardian of souls, driven by his desire to find the courage to end his curse and rest in peace.
Cast介绍
The cast of "Son of Goblin" is led by Gong Yoo in the central role of the mysterious goblin/kim Shin. Kim Go-eun, known for her comedic touch, plays Ji Eun-tak, a high school student with the gift of seeing ghosts. Lee Dong-wook essays the role of Grim Reaper/Wang Yeo, an immortal being tasked with guiding souls to their afterlife while dealing with his own past. Yoo In-na and Yook Sung-jae round out the main cast as Sunny and Yoo Deok-hwa, respectively.
Episodes and Release Details
The series consists of 16 regular episodes plus 3 special episodes, released over two seasons. The first season aired on tvN from December 2, 2016, to January 21, 2017, earning critical acclaim and becoming a cultural phenomenon in South Korea. An extended universe spanning multiple series, including "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" and "Spider-Man: Son of the Goblin Vol 1," has also been released, deepening the story's complexity.
Reception and Awards
"Son of Goblin" was a hit among international audiences, leading to parodies and sparking various fashion trends. The series received multiple awards, including the Grand Prize (Daesang) for writer Kim Eun-sook at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards. Despite its critical success, the drama also faced criticism for its consumer product placements and overly dramatic plot.
Viewership and Streaming
The series consistently topped cable television viewership ratings in its time slot, with the final episode reaching an 18.68% nationwide audience share, ranking as the second-highest rated drama in Korean cable television history.
"Son of Goblin" is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant series that combines fantasy elements with deep character development. While it faced challenges such as product placements and over-dramatic storytelling, the combination of an engaging plot, standout performances, and high production values has made it a standout in the world of Korean dramas. Its universal themes, rich characters, and memorable score make it a standout work that resonated with audiences globally.
