“Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”, released on December 2, 2016, is considered one of the classic K-dramas. Also known as “Goblin,” this K-drama has become a fan favorite thanks to its exceptional narrative, mystical elements, cast, and music.
The plot revolves around Kim Shin, played by Gong Yoo, a cursed immortal who must wait for his mortal bride to end his 900 years of suffering. The story becomes complicated with the arrival of Ji Eun-tak, played by Kim Go-eun, who pretends to be his fiancée, giving rise to a complex love story. Lee Dong-wook, as the Reaper, lives in the same house as Goblin, creating a heartwarming chemistry. Kim Go-eun’s performance as Ji Eun-tak brings a special charm despite the romance with an age difference.
1- My Demon
“My Demon,” a mystical K-drama similar to “Goblin,” aired in 2023, starring Song Kang and Kim You-jung. The series explores themes like love, redemption and cultural folklore.
Do Do-Hee, played by Kim Yoo-jung, is the heiress of the group Future with an arrogant and cynical attitude towards love. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes involved with Jeong Gu-won, a 200-year-old demon, played by Song Kang.
Gu-won, who thrives on making deals with humans, unexpectedly loses his demonic powers after meeting Do-Hee. To prevent her demise, he enters into a contractual marriage with her and must protect her, which leads to a budding romantic relationship.
The striking performance of Song Kang and Kim Yoo-jung, some comical scenes, and the interesting plots are aspects that fans of “Goblin” can appreciate. The K-drama is available for streaming on Netflix.
2- Tale of the Nine-Tailed
In 2020, the K-dramas “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” and “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” were released on Amazon Prime Video. Based on the folklore of Gumiho (the nine-tailed fox), this K-drama tells the story of this creature, wandering the earth for centuries in human form and waiting for the reincarnation of his first love, A Eum.
Lee Dong-wook stars as Lee Yeon, an ancient mountain spirit who sacrificed his divine status to resurrect. Nam Ji-ah, played by Jo Bo-ah, is a television producer specializing in supernatural stories. Haunted by a childhood car accident, Ji-ah remembers a mysterious man who saved her and later identifies him as Lee Yeon through CCTV footage. Bok Hae-ja’s character as the Snail’s Bride might probably remind fans of the Goblin’s Bride in “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.”
3- While You Were Sleeping
Although this K-drama is not similar in terms of storyline, fans of “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” will also enjoy the K-drama “While You Were Sleeping”, written by Park Hye-ryun. Released in 2017, it stars Bae Suzy and Lee Jong-suk.
The main character, Nam Hong Joo, played by Bae Suzy, can foresee future events through his dreams. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Jung Jae Chan, played by Lee Jong Suk, a newly appointed prosecutor who moves into her neighborhood. The K-drama also features Han Woo Tak (Jung Hae In), a police officer whose life is saved by Jae Chan and who then begins to have prophetic dreams. This romantic series, similar to “Goblin”, can be viewed on Viki.
4- The King: Eternal Monarch
In 2020, “The King: Eternal Monarch” aired on Netflix and had a parallel universe theme. Fans of “The Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” will be able to appreciate this K-drama thanks to its mystical aspect.
The series depicts two worlds: present-day South Korea and the Kingdom of Korea in 1994. The young crown prince, Lee Gon (Jeong Hyun-jun), survives a stabbing and keeps half of the legendary flute, Manpasikjeok, after a mysterious figure intervenes. The next day, Lee Gon becomes the new ruler of the Kingdom of Corea, holding a police badge of his mysterious savior, dated November 11, 2019 and issued to Lieutenant Jeong Tae-eul.:Twenty-five years later, in the fall 2019, King Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) rules the Kingdom of Corea. Still haunted by the events of his childhood, he is obsessed with the mystery behind the police badge.
The inclusion of a parallel world adds spice to this mystical K-drama, available on Netflix.
5- The Bride of Habaek
Another K-drama similar to “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” is “The Bride of Haebak”, released in 2017 and based on mythological characters. The plot revolves around Yoon So-ah, a destitute psychiatrist, and Haebak, the God of Water, sent to Earth to collect the Stones of the Gods in order to become King of the Land of the Gods. Yoon So-ah, played by Shin Se-kyung, is linked to the gods because of an ancestral promise. Haebak (Nam Jo-hyuk) loses his powers and must find his fellow Gods and the God Stones, moving in with Yoon So-ah with his servant, Nam Soo-ri. His friends, Moo Ra, Bi Ryeom and Joo Dong, are reluctant to help him.
In addition to the fantasy elements, the K-drama offers soothing visuals that may appeal to “Goblin” fans. It is available for free on Viki.