The series, which began with a 4.3% viewership rating and climbed to 6.3% by its fourth episode, follows the tumultuous life of Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun), whose fortunes swing between misfortune and serendipity.
Born to a noble father and a commoner mother, Hong Eun-jo finds herself shouldering the family's burdens after her father's sudden collapse. With her noble brother and mother unable to support the family, she takes it upon herself to earn a living.
By day, Hong Eun-jo works as a medical woman, and by night, she leads a double life as a thief. Her kind-hearted nature drives her to care for the sick at the Hyeminseo, and her empathy for their suffering leads her to steal from corrupt officials to aid those in need.
Known as 'Gil-dong,' meaning 'companion on the road,' Hong Eun-jo's reputation grows, attracting the attention of law enforcement. She narrowly escapes capture by Prince Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min), who recognizes her thefts stem from a place of compassion.
During the day, Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol's paths cross, leading to a budding romance. After helping Lee Yeol out of a difficult situation, he becomes enamored with her, pursuing her with bold flirtations and creating a subtle tension between them.
However, this budding romance is short-lived as Hong Eun-jo is set to marry Im Sa-hyung (played by Choi Won-young), who saved her family from ruin. To protect her family, she harshly distances herself from Lee Yeol, who leaves heartbroken.
Accepting an arranged marriage while ignoring her true feelings proves challenging for Hong Eun-jo. As she prepares to wed the elder of Im Sa-hyung's household, tragedy strikes when the elder passes away just as she crosses the threshold.
Hong Eun-jo's life is set to become even more dynamic as she and Lee Yeol experience a supernatural event that swaps their souls. The prospect of Hong Eun-jo navigating the royal court in a prince's body, and viewing Joseon from a royal perspective, piques viewers' curiosity.
'Beloved Thief' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM.
Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr