After a string of disappointing weekend miniseries despite casting top-tier stars, KBS has finally found a breakthrough. The network’s latest weekend drama, To My Beloved Thief, starring Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min, has steadily climbed the ratings since its premiere, reversing the slump that had plagued KBS’ weekend schedule.
The historical fantasy novel follows Hong Eun Jo (played by Nam Ji Hyun), a woman who lives a double life as a healer by day and a virtuous thief by night. His fate becomes intertwined with that of Prince Yi Yeol (Moon Sang Min) when the two unexpectedly exchange souls. As they struggle to adapt to new realities, they eventually learn to understand each other and join forces to protect the people.
The series debuted with a domestic rating of 4.3% (Nielsen Korea) and continued to gain momentum, reaching 7.3% in episode 12, its highest viewership to date. The steady upward trajectory marks a rare success for KBS weekend miniseries in recent years.
Previously, high-profile productions such as Twelve, Walking on Thin Ice and Last Summer had failed to meet expectations despite the presence of famous actors including Ma Dong Seok, Lee Young Ae and Lee Jae Wook. Both ratings and buzz have remained lukewarm, leading to growing concerns about the competitiveness of KBS’ weekend dramas. In this context, the success of To My Beloved Thief is seen as a significant turning point.
Industry observers attribute the drama’s popularity to its fresh blend of genres and the cast’s stable performances. While the body-swapping cliché isn’t new, incorporating it into a historical setting adds a distinctive touch. Nam Ji Hyun, in particular, received praise for convincingly portraying contrasting personalities within a single character, shifting emotional tones without any exaggeration. His nuanced performance anchors the drama and increases viewers’ immersion.
The on-screen chemistry between Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min was also widely noticed. Their playful and fast-paced romantic exchanges, especially after the soul swap, add to the show’s charm. Supporting actors like Hong Min Gi and Han So Eun further strengthen the narrative with solid performances that complement the leads.
Cultural critic Ha Jae Geun pointed out that KBS’s core audience skews toward middle-aged and older viewers, who traditionally prefer historical dramas. He explained that the historical genre alone naturally draws interest, and the addition of an extreme yet comedic soul-swapping premise will appeal to weekend viewers who enjoy dynamic and thought-provoking plots. He added that although the concept of soul-swapping in a historical drama may initially seem unconventional, Nam Ji Hyun’s convincing portrayal stabilizes the narrative and allows the drama’s strengths to shine.
Beyond television ratings, the series also achieved excellent results in trend rankings. In the first week of February, it ranked fourth on the integrated TV-OTT drama chart and has consistently remained among the top titles on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Wavve. The drama also entered the Top 5 in overseas regions, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, signaling growing global interest.
With a few episodes left until the finale, attention now turns to whether To My Beloved Thief can maintain its upward momentum and end on a high note, solidifying its place as the series that revitalized KBS’s struggling weekend miniseries.
Sources: Naver
