Previews January 3rd To my beloved thief is a historical romance infused with fantasy elements, starring Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min. From the first episode, the series stands out for its emotional depth, elegant storytelling, and an unexpectedly compelling approach to a familiar cliché.
Nam Ji Hyun plays Hong Eun Jo, a woman born from a forbidden relationship between a nobleman and a slave. Because of his origins, he grows up facing harsh realities far beyond his years, gaining a deep understanding of the suffering endured by ordinary people, especially after his father becomes gravely ill. By day he works as a doctor, treating the sick and the poor. By night, she transforms into a righteous thief known as “Hong Gil Dong”, who steals from corrupt elites and redistributes wealth to those in need.
Moon Sang Min takes on the role of Prince Yi Yeol, a royal who becomes intrigued by the thief’s mysterious and daring actions. Initially driven by curiosity and a desire to discover the truth, Yi Yeol soon finds himself falling in love with Hong Eun Jo the moment their paths cross.
As if that wasn’t enough, the story takes a dramatic turn when the two characters mysteriously switch bodies. This supernatural twist puts every carefully guarded secret at risk, forcing both Eun Jo and Yi Yeol to confront hidden truths, not only about each other, but also about themselves.
Despite using the well-worn body swap motif, To my beloved thief was widely praised for avoiding clichés. Viewers say the plot feels meaningful rather than gimmicky, with the body swap serving as a significant catalyst for character growth. Eun Jo must finally learn to live for herself instead of endlessly enduring hardship, while Yi Yeol is pushed to understand empathy and responsibility beyond his privileged life.
Much of the praise was directed at Nam Ji Hyun’s performance, which audiences describe as “insanely good.” Her performance as Eun Jo captures a wide emotional range – resilience, pain, intelligence, repressed anger and silent rebellion – making the character feel deeply human. Moon Sang Min, meanwhile, has attracted attention for his striking visuals and growing screen presence, quickly winning over viewers.
Asian audiences responded enthusiastically after the first two episodes, expressing both admiration and eagerness in anticipation of the next episodes airing on January 10 and 11. Comments range from praise for Nam Ji Hyun’s acting skills, despite her discrete historical images-to the excitement of chemistry and the fears of a potential sad ending.
With strong performances, a promising narrative and an emotional resonance already established so early, To my beloved thief is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of early 2026. Two episodes in, and many viewers already feel like they’re too invested: hooked, involved, and counting the days until the story continues.
Sources: K14
