On the October 17th episode of KBS2TV's 'Beloved Bandit' (directed by Ham Young-gul, Lee Ga-ram/written by Lee Sun), the storyline took an unexpected turn as the characters Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) and Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min) found themselves in each other's bodies.
During the episode, a bewildered Hong Eun-jo, now in Lee Yeol's body, asked the spirit of Lee Yeol residing in her body, "So, you're the second son of the former king?"
When Lee Yeol confirmed, Hong Eun-jo further inquired, "Does that mean you're the brother of the current king and a prince of Joseon?" Lee Yeol affirmed once more, adding, "You seem surprised by my handsome appearance, as rumored."
Hong Eun-jo, without responding, gazed into the distance. Feeling awkward, Lee Yeol remarked, "When you woke up, weren't you in the palace? I thought you had guessed." Hong Eun-jo remained silent, lowering her head. Lee Yeol questioned, "Why are you suddenly so quiet?" Hong Eun-jo replied, "I don't know what to say. The reason my words keep disappearing is because of the weight of the title 'prince.'"
Lee Yeol, flustered, asked, "Why are you acting unlike yourself?" Hong Eun-jo responded, "I'm recalling all the words I've spoken so far. Is there any treason among them? If so, will you give me time to apologize?" Lee Yeol suggested she continue as usual, but Hong Eun-jo retorted, "Do you mean I should continue as usual and risk losing my head? I've never even met anyone from the royal family before."
She continued, "But suddenly, I'm facing someone at the pinnacle of the royal family. Isn't it overwhelming?" Lee Yeol explained, "That's why I didn't tell you. Everyone finds it difficult and uncomfortable, so I didn't hide it because the title 'prince' is grand." However, Hong Eun-jo couldn't hide her anxiety, and Lee Yeol instructed her to act as him.
By Chae-ryung Lim, TenAsia Reporter syjj426@tenasia.co.kr