The drama wrapped up on a high note, setting a new personal best in its finale.
The final episode of KBS 2TV’s weekend miniseries 'To My Beloved Thief' aired on February 22, delivering a pink-tinted happy ending for Hong Eun Jo (played by Nam Ji Hyun) and Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang Min), who overcame every obstacle to stand by each other’s side.
The finale recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 7.6 percent, while a scene featuring Lee Yeol speaking with his young nephew peaked at 8.4 percent per minute, marking the show’s highest rating ever (Nielsen Korea nationwide households).
In the final broadcast, Hong Eun Jo refused to fall to the threats of the disgraced and fallen Im Sa Hyeong (played by Choi Won Young). Risking her life, she used her wit to subdue him. After reading a letter left behind by Im Sa Hyeong, Lee Yeol rushed to the scene to rescue Hong Eun Jo, and the two narrowly escaped danger. As Hong Eun Jo recovered at Lee Yeol’s residence, the pair cherished their time together and deepened their affection.
Yet unresolved responsibilities loomed over Lee Yeol. As a king sworn to protect his people, he also had to care for his young nephew, who was struggling amid the political fallout surrounding his dethroned father. Moreover, Hong Eun Jo’s circumstances made it impossible for her to officially become his wife. After much deliberation, Lee Yeol decided not to hold a wedding. Instead, he resolved to pass the throne to his nephew in the future before returning to Hong Eun Jo.
Hong Eun Jo, who deeply understood Lee Yeol’s sincerity as he placed a ring on her finger and promised their future, willingly agreed to wait. Time passed, and when Lee Yeol finally came to greet her, Hong Eun Jo ran toward him in flower shoes, her face lit with excitement. The two, who had long been each other’s dream and salvation, became lovers and walked forward together on a path of happiness.
The drama also revealed a long-forgotten connection between the couple. The young girl who once saved Lee Yeol from drowning in a river during childhood turned out to be none other than Hong Eun Jo. In line with Hong Eun Jo’s wish, “If there is another life, I hope to be with the Grand Prince,” the story further depicts the two reuniting in modern times, offering viewers a tightly sealed, full-circle happy ending.
Viewers praised the reincarnation finale, commenting, “This is the best ending we’ve seen in a long time,” “I’ve never seen such a perfect final episode,” “It wasn’t predictable, which made it better,” and “The quality of the dialogue was incredible until the very end.”
From their first meeting to their reunion, 'To My Beloved Thief' crafted a seamless romance narrative between two individuals from vastly different social standings whose souls were swapped, leading to a series of transformative events. Alongside Hong Eun Jo and Lee Yeol, characters such as Im Jae Yi (played by Hong Min Ki) and Shin Hae Rim (played by Han So Eun) portrayed young people confronting harsh realities, forging new dreams, and growing as they achieved them.
At the heart of the series were the passionate performances of its cast. Nam Ji Hyun fully embodied the bold and confident Hong Eun Jo, drawing viewers deeply into the story, while Moon Sang Min impressed as the devoted and steadfast Lee Yeol. In addition, rising actors including Hong Min Ki and Han So Eun delivered natural performances that created memorable scenes and resonated with audiences.
Ahead of the finale, the lead actors also shared heartfelt closing remarks filled with gratitude and bittersweet emotions.
Nam Ji Hyun, who played the tireless physician Hong Eun Jo living “48 hours in a 24-hour day,” said, “I sincerely want to thank all the viewers who loved Hong Eun Jo and 'To My Beloved Thief.' I prepared very hard because this was a project where I wanted to show many different sides of myself, and I’m truly happy to have received even greater love in return.” She added that she hopes the drama will remain one viewers revisit whenever they need comfort.
Moon Sang Min, who portrayed the straightforward and devoted Grand Prince Lee Yeol, shared, “As the finale approaches, I feel both sad and wistful. That’s how precious this project is to me. Thanks to the viewers who stayed with us for eight weeks, many good things happened.” He added, “I’m grateful to everyone who began 2026 with 'To My Beloved Thief,' and I hope this year is filled with happiness for all.” He ended with a playful line directed at fans: “Lee Yeol and Moon Sang Min adore you,” drawing smiles from viewers.
Hong Min Ki, who depicted Im Jae Yi’s complex dilemma between family duty and love, reflected, “While living as Im Jae Yi, I met many precious connections. From my chemistry with Hong Eun Jo (Nam Ji Hyun) to the bromance with Lee Yeol (Moon Sang Min), and even the close friendship with Hong Dae Il (Song Ji Ho) and Kim Seung Baek (Baek Jae Woo), I gained tremendous strength from the love we received.” He concluded by expressing deep respect and gratitude to the director, writer, staff, and fellow actors who worked together on the series.
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