Actress Lee El, known for her transformative role as the Samshin Grandmother in the hit 2016 drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (also known as Goblin), recently shared details about the intensive makeup process required to portray the deity. During a broadcast appearance on the MBC variety show Radio Star, Lee explained that the intricate transformation took several hours, often leaving her unrecognizable to her own castmates during production.
The Transformation Process for the Samshin Grandmother
Lee El’s portrayal of the Samshin Grandmother, a deity of childbirth and fate, required a complete physical overhaul. According to her interview on Radio Star, the production team utilized heavy prosthetic makeup and specialized hair styling to transition the then-34-year-old actress into an elderly woman.
The process was so effective that it frequently caused confusion on set. Lee recounted instances where she would arrive at the filming location in full character, only to find that colleagues such as Gong Yoo, Lee Dong-wook, Kim Go-eun, and Yoo In-na did not immediately recognize her. The makeup was designed to be seamless, often requiring Lee to remain in the chair for significant periods before filming could commence.
Impact on the Production of ‘Goblin’
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God remains one of the highest-rated dramas in Korean cable television history. The series, written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, relied heavily on its fantasy elements and character-driven narratives. Lee El’s performance was noted for its duality; she switched between the elderly Samshin Grandmother and her younger, modern-day avatar.
This performance served as a significant breakout moment for Lee. While she had appeared in numerous supporting roles prior to 2016, the complexity of the Samshin role highlighted her versatility. The production’s commitment to practical effects, including Lee’s extensive makeup, helped establish the visual language of the series, which balanced supernatural elements with grounded human emotion.
Legacy of the Role
Years after the series concluded, the behind-the-scenes effort remains a frequent topic of discussion in Korean entertainment media. The Samshin Grandmother character is often cited as a prime example of how character acting and makeup design can elevate a television performance.
For fans of the series, Lee’s stories about the set provide a rare look at the technical challenges of K-drama production. The contrast between her youthful appearance in public and the elderly, white-haired deity seen on screen continues to be a point of interest for viewers revisiting the classic series. As the show maintains its popularity on streaming platforms, the dedication of the cast and the makeup department continues to be recognized as a key element of its enduring success.
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