There is a compelling story, interesting characters, a good bromance, comedy and a tragic romance. The soundtrack, editing, production values, costumes, food and locations are all top notch. This is quality all around, and done very well.

The 2 male leads have a genuine bromance going on, loads of chemistry, so much a viewer could feel it. These 2 were hilarious and look very different. The Goblin looks like the cute guy from next door but the Gong Yoo's charisma is so OFF the charts, it's virtually IMPOSSIBLE to not like him and thus the character he plays. You can't buy that. He has it. Lee Dong Wook as the Grim Reaper is classically handsome with sexy bedroom eyes. He literally smolders while exuding tall, handsome and mysterious vibes. Irresistible really. With this amount of eye candy and camaraderie, what's not to love?

As a bonus, both these actors make every item of clothing they wear look appealing, sleek, chic AND sexy. From long, tailored coats and beautiful knit sweaters to perfectly ironed pants, I don't think I've ever seen a drama where I NOTICED the cut and quality of clothes on the main actors because I felt they enhanced the look / feel of the clothes. Just gorgeous. These 2 could easily make a living as male models, I bet they could even make a sack look expensive and sexy. Mmmm. The female leads clothes were nice. and I have to give kudos to Yoo In Na who plays Sunny for making her square platform high heels look sexy as work shoes (impractical in real life but hey those shoes looked great). All in all the fashion in this show is top notch, kudos to the stylist.

The story actually played out very well. I could have used way less flashbacks but it was okay. The soundtrack melds seamlessly with the scenes they are used in. The songs are ear candy and sentimental. There are 2 sets of romances and both are very well done. The 4 leads have good chemistry together. As a viewer I was actively rooting FOR both couples to get together as I thought they needed some long term happiness not just short bursts of joy. If a drama gets me invested, it's a good drama. All the acting was fantastic, even the side and smaller characters.

The locations chosen for this show were varied and high quality. The Goblin's house for example, each room has a different feel, style and vibe. Canadian scenery set was wonderful. The field of buckwheat flowers. Snow. All in all the production budget spent on locations, costumes, props and special effects were well used. It worked to transport the viewer to different locales.

They managed to sneak in a fair amount of product placement too - visit Canada. Eat a steak there and bring back a maple leaf and was that a bottle of Canadian Maple Syrup? There's a lot of cars featured, and one subtle/prominent Tag Haeur watch. Also, for some strange reason, watching this will make you crave steak, wine, Soju and Olive Chicken. I don't know why. Actually I do know why, but I can't help it.

Overall this is an almost perfect (editing could be tighter) blend of historical plus modern rom com with a dash of bromance thrown in. It's a must watch for those who like great Korean Drama.