A KBS weekend mini-series is riding a wave of explosive popularity with only two episodes remaining until its finale. The drama at the center of the buzz is the historical romance ‘To My Beloved Thief’, starring Moon Sang Min and Nam Ji Hyun.
Episode 14, which aired on February 15, depicted a tense, life-or-death crisis in which Hong Eun Jo (played by Nam Ji Hyun) and Grand Prince Lee Yeol (Moon Sang Min) confirmed their true feelings for one another. The episode recorded a nationwide rating of 6.4 percent, according to Nielsen Korea, with a peak minute-by-minute rating of 6.9 percent.
After eliminating Im Sa Hyung (Choi Won Young) and securing evidence to end King Lee Gyu’s (Ha Seok Jin) tyranny, Lee Yeol headed to Uiju. Facing a brief separation, the two shared a long gaze and prayed for each other’s safe return.
In Lee Yeol’s absence, King Lee Gyu ordered the arrest of anyone connected to Gildong. Slaves belonging to the Office of the Inspector General whom Hong Eun Jo had saved, along with citizens who mentioned Gildong’s name, were dragged to interrogation sites regardless of age or gender. Though resentment toward the king filled the capital, those aware of Hong Eun Jo’s true identity remained silent to protect her.
As Lee Gyu grew increasingly ruthless, Im Jae Yi (Hong Min Ki) resolved to die under Gildong’s name in place of Hong Eun Jo. Shin Hae Rim (Han So Eun), Hong Eun Jo’s friend, and all those who had once been helped by Gildong also stepped forward to shield her.
Appearing in the marketplace as Gildong, the masked vigilante representing the people, Hong Eun Jo captured the corrupt official Im Sa Hyung. Meanwhile, Lee Gyu, tormented by hallucinations and paranoia, mobilized his troops to hunt down Gildong. Notices were posted throughout the capital claiming that the king had been poisoned by Im Sa Hyung’s scheme.
While evading officers, Hong Eun Jo was suddenly seized by someone—only to discover it was Lee Yeol. Having obtained proof that Im Sa Hyung had poisoned the king, Lee Yeol had rushed back to the capital. Relief washed over Hong Eun Jo at the sight of him, but at that very moment, Lee Gyu approached the fabric shop where they were hiding.
If discovered, not only Hong Eun Jo but also Grand Prince Lee Yeol, who had sheltered Gildong, would face grave danger. Determined to protect Lee Yeol, whom she believed would become the heart of a new era, Hong Eun Jo prepared to step out alone before the king’s soldiers. Watching her bid farewell, Lee Yeol pulled her close and kissed her.
On what could have been their final night, the two confessed their feelings. “My dream was always you,” he said, as they reaffirmed their love. Viewers are now eagerly watching to see whether the pair can overcome the looming crisis and secure a future together.
Industry observers note that the drama’s youthful historical romance appeal has successfully drawn both traditional sageuk viewers and romance fans. The dynamic between a female lead who is both a bandit and a medical officer, and a royal male lead, has been praised as refreshingly original.
Its brisk pacing has also been cited as a key factor in its success. The first four episodes quickly established the plot, character dynamics, and romance, maintaining strong engagement points in every installment. Ratings climbed from 4.3 percent in the premiere to the 6 percent range.
The dual-platform strategy, airing simultaneously on KBS2 and Netflix, has further boosted its reach. The terrestrial broadcast opened at 4.3 percent for Episode 1 and 4.5 percent for Episode 2, more than double the premiere ratings of its predecessor, 'Last Summer,' signaling a turnaround for KBS weekend dramas.
On Netflix, the series soared to No. 1 in the “Today’s Top 10 Series in South Korea” within three days of its release, surpassing popular titles such as 'Pro Bono,' 'Taxi Driver 3,' and 'Culinary Class Wars 2.'
The on-screen chemistry between Nam Ji Hyun, returning to the historical genre eight years after '100 Days My Prince,' and Moon Sang Min, five years her junior, has also fueled the show’s popularity. Nam Ji Hyun has drawn praise for portraying multiple identities, including medical officer Hong Eun Jo, vigilante Gildong, and even a soul-swapped Grand Prince Lee Yeol, adding remarkable depth to her character.
Moon Sang Min, particularly in Episodes 13 and 14, delivered a nuanced performance as Lee Yeol donned a butcher’s mask to protect Hong Eun Jo, skillfully navigating the starkly contrasting identities of royal and outlaw. His line, “I saw Joseon through the eyes of one woman. Wherever it leads, I want to go there with you,” was widely applauded for conveying his resolve to stand with the people.
With only two episodes remaining, Episode 15 of 'To My Beloved Thief' will air on February 21 at 9:50 PM KST.
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