Gong Yoo’s brand power rises as tvN’s ‘Goblin’ registers explosive ratings

Gong Yoo's popularity has risen to another level following the strong performance of his new drama "Goblin." Recently, the tvN drama's ratings rose to nearly twice its level as compared to its premiere episode.

With the successful debut of the new fantasy series "Goblin," Gong's brand reputation has also increased. An insider from South Korea's advertising industry told All Kpop that several companies have expressed interest for the "Train to Busan" actor to become their brand model.

Shortly after "Goblin" aired its first episode, around 50 advertisers contacted the South Korean actor's agency for a potential endorsement deal. Aired on Dec. 2, Friday, the tvN drama's premiere posted impressive ratings and even surpassed TV popularity scores of other hit dramas such as Lee Min Ho's "Legend of the Blue Sea" and "Descendants of the Sun."

When tvN released the second episode for "Goblin" on Dec. 3, Saturday, more companies joined the race to lock in an endorsement deal with Gong, according to the said insider. Around 60 to 65 advertisers were estimated to have contacted the actor during the fantasy series' debut weekend.

Gong already has nine brand ambassadorship contracts with several companies. Some of his brand endorsements include partnerships with a coffee brand, cosmetics, cars, various clothing labels and more.

Meanwhile, episode 3 of "Goblin" posted double-digit TV ratings with viewership shares at nearly twice its level as compared to the tvN series' first episode. Released on Dec. 9, the said episode reached a viewership rating of 12.5 percent, according to Nielsen Korea, as cited by OSEN.

TV ratings for "Goblin" episode 3 rose 6.2 percentage points from the premiere episode's rating of 6.3 percent. Viewership shares are also higher than episode 2 which posted a TV rating of 7.9 percent.

"Goblin," also known as "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," airs every Friday and Saturday on tvN. Watch the drama's teaser below: