Even though tvN's 'Goblin: The Lonely and Great God' is primarily a Gong Yoo vehicle, it is difficult to imagine the drama without the charms of its supporting cast that includes the extremely lovable Kim Go-eun as Ji Eun-tak, Yoo In-na as Sunny and of course Lee Dong-wook as the Grim Reaper. Yet, screenwriter Kim Eun Sook did not want Dong-wook to be a part of the most popular drama.
Website Soompi reports South Korean actor Lee Dong-wook desperately wanted to be cast as the Grim Reaper in 'Goblin' but Kim Eun Sook had originally rejected him because apparently he did not fit the image she had in her mind of the character. Of course, we cannot imagine anyone else in the role now but the writer didn't feel he was apt for the part, despite his agency, King Kong Entertainment trying to persuade her.
However, Lee Dong-wook was not going to accept defeat. He kept fighting for the role, and they eventually gave in.
His agency was able to convince Kim Eun Sook to agree to meet with the 'My Girl' actor and have a one-on-one discussion. This is the chance Dong-wook had been waiting for. He successfully convinced Eun Sook that he was right for the part of the Grim Reaper and she had no choice but to offer him the role.
Soompi notes that following him receiving the role, he spared no expense in learning about the character and created the unique version of the grim reaper that fans see and love in 'Goblin.' His bromance with Gong Yoo's Goblin and his awkward but sweet interactions with Sunny are what makes the drama interesting, apart from the usual romantic plot of the Goblin and his bride. Needless to say, he is a key driving force of the series.
Recently, in episode 10 of the drama, we also learned about the identity of the Grim Reaper. It was not so subtly hinted, that the Reaper is very much the soul of the ancient king Wang Yeo of Goryeo, who had ordered the death of Gong Yoo's Kim Shin. Things are obviously getting more interesting in the highly rated drama with each episode.
