When it comes to Korean dramas, romance and human emotions take centre stage. But what happens when the characters aren’t exactly human? Here are some of the best Kdrama non-human characters that have stolen our hearts as the writers have mastered the art of blending the fantastical with the heartfelt, giving us otherworldly characters that are just as relatable—if not more—than their human counterparts
As the much-anticipated drama The Judge from Hell featuring Park Shin-hye as a demon-turned-judge and Kim Jae-young as a determined detective is set to release soon, the conversation around non-human characters in K-dramas is again coming to the forefront. With the theme of humanity being worse than demons at times, the show promises to delve into the complexities of justice and morality. But before its release, let’s take a look at some of the most iconic non-human characters in Korean drama history — the ones who have left a lasting impression and, in some cases, became fan favourites.
Sure, the romance in these shows is often central to the storyline (and who can resist?), but there’s something deeper about these characters that goes beyond the traditional K-drama tropes. Whether it’s a goblin longing for peace, a mermaid navigating human life, or a robot questioning the nature of love, these stories have offered us something more profound to hold on to.
Best Kdrama Non-Human Characters
Kim Shin – Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)
When we talk about non-human K-drama characters, it’s impossible not to start with Kim Shin, the goblin from Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Played by Gong Yoo, Kim Shin is an immortal goblin cursed to wander the Earth, longing for the one who can end his life. His journey is one of heartache, duty, and love, all tied together in a narrative that is both visually stunning and emotionally charged.
Kim Shin’s strength isn’t just in his supernatural powers; it’s in his vulnerability. His centuries-long existence is filled with loneliness and a yearning for peace, making his character arc deeply moving. As he falls for Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), we’re drawn into a romance that feels both fated and tragic, but ultimately fulfilling. his portrayal of the character is nothing short of mesmerizing, making Kim Shin a timeless K-drama figure.
Myul Mang – Doom at Your Service
In Doom at Your Service, Seo In-guk plays Myul Mang, the personification of destruction. His very existence causes ruin, and his heart is hardened by centuries of witnessing human suffering. However, when he meets Tak Dong-kyung (Park Bo-young), a terminally ill woman who enters into a life-altering contract with him, he begins to understand what it means to love and be loved.
Myul Mang’s journey from a god of doom to a being capable of deep emotion is both beautiful and poignant. His cold exterior hides a deep sadness, and it’s this complexity that makes him such a captivating character. We love him not just for his supernatural strength but for his gradual transformation into someone who dares to care.
Do Min-joon – My Love from the Star
Aliens and romance? It sounds like an odd combination, but My Love from the Star proves it’s a match made in Kdrama heaven. Kim Soo-hyun plays Do Min-joon, an alien who has been stranded on Earth for over 400 years. His powers—ranging from telekinesis to teleportation—are impressive, but it’s his struggle with human emotions that truly pulls us in. His love story with Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun), a haughty but lovable actress, is both hilarious and heartwarming.
Despite his otherworldly origin, Do Min-joon’s longing for love and connection is deeply relatable. His quiet, internal battles as he contemplates leaving Earth make his character all the more endearing, solidifying My Love from the Star as a must-watch.
Jang Man-wol – Hotel del Luna
IU’s portrayal of Jang Man-wol in Hotel del Luna is nothing short of iconic. As the centuries-old owner of a mystical hotel that caters to ghosts, Man-wol is a character steeped in bitterness and regret. Cursed with immortality, she’s stuck in a never-ending cycle of punishment until she can let go of her past sins.
Her journey toward redemption is compelling, but it’s her sass, impeccable fashion sense, and complex relationships that make her unforgettable. Man-wol’s story isn’t just about her love life; it’s about her growth as a person, and her eventual realisation that forgiveness—both of herself and others—is the only way to find peace.
Yeo-wool – Legend of the Blue Sea
Jun Ji-hyun stars as Shim Cheong, a mermaid in Legend of the Blue Sea, and she plays the role with an innocence that makes her utterly charming. When she falls in love with Heo Joon-jae (Lee Min-ho), a con artist, we see her struggle to adapt to human life while retaining her pure-hearted nature.
Shim Cheong’s unwavering devotion to Joon-jae, despite her differences, brings a magical element to the story that’s hard to resist. Mermaids have long been a symbol of unattainable love, but in this drama, Yeo-wool shows us that love, no matter how difficult or improbable, is worth fighting for.
Lee Yeon – The Tale of the Nine-Tailed
Lee Dong-wook’s portrayal of Lee Yeon, a nine-tailed fox (gumiho) in The Tale of the Nine-Tailed, gives us a brooding, yet charismatic character that has quickly become a fan favorite. As an ancient being who has lived for centuries, Lee Yeon’s primary goal is to protect the human world from supernatural threats, but his story is much more personal. His love for a human woman, which spans lifetimes, is a testament to his loyalty and devotion.
Though he’s a powerful being, it’s his moments of vulnerability—especially when it comes to love—that make Lee Yeon a character who stands out.
Dan – Angel’s Last Mission: Love
In Angel’s Last Mission: Love, L (Kim Myung-soo) plays Dan, an angel sent to help a blind ballerina, Lee Yeon-seo (Shin Hye-sun), find happiness. Despite his celestial origins, Dan is full of warmth, humor, and care. His innocence and playful nature are a stark contrast to the dark, emotional struggles of Yeon-seo, making their love story all the more impactful. Dan’s journey from a carefree angel to someone who grapples with the complexities of human love is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Han Yeo-jin – Are You Human Too?
Seo Kang-joon as Nam Shin III in Are You Human Too? brings us a robot character with more heart than many human protagonists. Programmed to protect his creator’s family, Nam Shin III starts to develop human-like emotions, questioning what it means to be truly human. His kindness and loyalty stand out, and as he learns more about love and life, we’re reminded of how powerful a non-human character can be when they show us the best parts of humanity.
Gu-won – My Demon
In the supernatural romantic drama My Demon, Song Kang takes on the role of Gu-won, a demon who finds himself stranded in the human world after losing his powers. What makes Gu-won truly stand out as a non-human character is his surprisingly adorable personality. Despite being a demon with a dark past, Gu-won’s playful, light-hearted nature makes him an unexpectedly lovable “lover boy.” His awkwardness in navigating human emotions, particularly in his interactions with Do Do-hee (played by Kim Yoo-jung), provides many humorous moments that endear him to the audience.
Gu-won may be a demon by origin, but he quickly becomes a fan favorite due to his soft, romantic side. His transformation from a powerful supernatural being into someone who experiences human vulnerability gives the character layers of warmth and charm. Whether he’s teasing Do-hee or clumsily expressing affection, Gu-won manages to balance his demonic origins with his tender side, making him an unforgettable non-human character in recent K-drama history.
These unforgettable characters show us that it’s not always about their supernatural abilities, but about their emotional depth, resilience, and capacity for love.
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