"Goblin" is currently under fire despite its success as some netizens said that the show is promoting pedophilia to viewers.
According to All Kpop, while some netizens find the story or plot really refreshing in comparison with other Kdramas, they are concerned about the Lolita premise of the show. With just four episodes currently aired, some fans are expressing concern on Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun characters.
Kim Go Eun plays the role of a high school student, which is a minor, while Gong Yoo's goblin character is portrayed by an adult male in his 30s. Some people directly posted comments on show's official website hoping that the writer will reconsider the love line between the two.
Some of the audience said that it is uncomfortable to watch some of the scenes of the two and to hear some of the lines of a young girl to an adult male such as: "Let's have babies and live happily" and "What type of women do you like? Wifely? Sexy? Professional? Should I change everyday?"
Pedophilia or even May-December affairs are a big deal for South Korea that remained orthodox and conservative on certain issues. Idols that had Lolita concepts in the past have been criticized by netizens.
"Goblin" shot up to the top of the charts and dethroned other Korean dramas like "The Legend Of The Blue Sea" and "Descendants Of The Sun" that star Hallyu actors Lee Min Ho and Song Joong Ki, respectively.
Not only that "Goblin" has surpassed "The Legend Of The Blue Sea," it shockingly doubled its rating score. This means that it also overtook Park Bo Gum's "Moonlight Drawn By Clouds" and "Reply 1988" and Song Joong Ki's "Descendants Of The Sun".
Gong Yoo's popularity is thanks to his hit movie "Train To Busan". The movie has garnered acclaim from various countries worldwide and bagged a Hollywood remake. His role of being the hero in the film catapulted his celebrity status.