Gong Yoo: 5 Things You Should Know About Goblin

After impressing us all with his fatherly portrayal in the 2016’s Korean blockbuster “Train to Busan,” Gong Yoo left us longing for our own protector in his recent role in the TV series- “Goblin.” He starred in this hit, together with Kim Go Eun, Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Ah. The Hallyu star played the role of Kim Shin- an immortal guardian and a protector of souls. His versatility as an actor manifested in his characterization as an unbeatable warrior- a ferocious beast during battles, yet warm, protective and a little foolish in his core.

Our Kim Shin, alongside Ji Eun Tak, the Grim Reaper and Sunny made us laugh, cry, and love hard in this romantic fantasy drama. As it ended, we all felt a sense of sepanx (separation anxiety) from the squabbles-turned-cuddles of Kim Shin and Eun Tak, and the cat and mouse relationship of Sunny and Grim Reaper .

We know you are longing for the Goblin. That is why we listed some facts about him that will keep him closer to your heart

1. Gong Yoo is not his real name

Our favorite guardian is named Gong Ji Cheol. The star chose his stage name, Gong Yoo- combining his parents’ surnames.

2. He rose to fame in Coffee Prince

Before being the nation’s most wanted “Goblin,” our Gong Yoo was first a “Coffee Prince.” In this TV series which aired in 2007,  he played the role of an arrogant and wealthy young man- Choi Han Kyul. In this drama, he is forced by his grandmother into blind dates. As stubborn as he can be, Han Kyul isn’t the type of guy to commit to only one woman.

He rebels against his grandmother- he hires a guy, Go Eun Chan to be his gay lover to escape being set up to women.  He then learns that Eun Chan is a woman. Gong Yoo received Excellence Award as an actor in the 2007 MBC Drama Awards for his lead role in “Coffee Prince.”

3. Gong Yoo used to be a VJ

Some of us have tried working part-time to make extra cash for schooling. Gong Yoo was just like us during his youth. Unlike the goblin we know who just makes gold out of nothing, Gong Yoo worked as a video jockey during his university days to make money.

4. Gong Yoo is not ready to settle down yet

Despite the fact that our Kim Shin has already found his bride in our favorite Korean TV series, “Goblin,” Gong Yoo is still a bachelor. The 37-year-old mentioned about being afraid of marriage and parenting. It seems like the goblin will not be looking for his real-life bride soon. Yes. We know. That saddens us too. Our dream of marrying Gong Yoo is now shattered.

5. Gong Yoo constantly rejected Goblin’s scriptwriter for 5 years

In the previous year, scriptwriter Kim Eun Sook revealed that Gong Yoo turned down roles offered to him for the past five years. Kim is the scriptwriter of hits such as “Secret Garden,” “Lovers in Paris,” and “Descendants of the Sun” which was also a hit all over Asia.

Gong Yoo mentioned that he had personal issues in the past which made him afraid of dramas. When Kim offered him the lead role of “Goblin,” Gong Yoo met with her and said he’ll do the role. Thank goodness he accepted the role! Can you imagine “Goblin” with a different leading man? Good thing scriptwriter Kim is persistent.

That’s it! We hope we brought our beloved Goblin closer to you!