South Korean actor Gong Yoo plays the lead character of Kim Shin, also known as Goblin, in tvN's 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.' (Photo : YouTube/DramaFever)
The Contents Power Index rankings are out, tabulating the most influential dramas for the first week of December. "Goblin," which stars "Train to Busan" actor Gong Yoo, took the first place beating SBS' "The Legend of the Blue Sea" and MBC's "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo."
tvN's fantasy drama topped the Contents Power Index with far more mentions on online platforms than any of its rivals. It took the top spot with a recorded 7,449 points, while SBS' "The Legend of the Blue Sea" fell to the second place, garnering only 4,315 points, according to CJ E&M, as cited by The Kpop Herald.
The news comes as no surprise to many given the main cast's tremendous popularity at home and abroad. The tvN drama kicked off its run on Dec. 2 with an average audience share of 6.7 percent.
Following its premiere, the "Train to Busan" actor, who plays an immortal goblin and protector of souls named Kim Shin, posted a message filled with gratitude and promises on his fan café, as cited by Soompi. He admitted he was more anxious about the tvN drama than a movie premiere, thanking his fans across the globe for cheering him on.
"Tomorrow night, we will join hands and make even more amazing scenes for everyone," Gong added. "The road ahead is long and sleepless, but please, support us so that the 'Goblin' team can continue to forge ahead without any accidents and with smiling faces."
Gong then expressed gratitude toward director Lee Eung-Bok, screenwriter Kim Eun-Sook and production staffs for making such a wonderful production. In reference to the scene where his character suddenly appears whenever Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) blows out a candle, the Hallyu star concluded his message stating, "And each of you holds up a candle."
"Goblin" marks Gong's return to the small screen since wrapping up KBS 2TV's "Big" in 2012. During the drama's press conference on Nov. 22, "The Age of Shadows" actor revealed why he took a five-year break from TV dramas.
Speaking before a predominantly Korean crowd, Gong admitted he had a fear of TV series, but was encouraged after a three-hour meeting with the show's director and screenwriter. He revealed he was anxious about the possibility that he would not be able to show his best acting.
Check out Gong as Kim Shin in tvN's "Goblin" here:
