In the 7th episode of KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'Beloved Bandit' (directed by Ham Young-gul, written by Lee Sun), aired on the 24th, Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min) transcends social boundaries with a touching confession to save Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) from humiliation, stirring viewers' emotions. The episode garnered a 6.6% viewership rating, with the scene of Hong Eun-jo burning Lee Yeol's denial peaking at 7.6%, according to Nielsen Korea's nationwide household standards.
Returning to his original body, Lee Yeol realizes that someone had threatened Hong Eun-jo with a knife just before their souls were swapped. He rushes to her side, relieved to find her unharmed, and embraces her. Hong Eun-jo, in turn, comforts Lee Yeol, acknowledging the return of his soul.
Having gained deeper insights into each other's worlds through the soul swap, Lee Yeol resolves to rescue Hong Eun-jo from the oppressive family of Im Sa-hyung (played by Choi Won-young), who despises and persecutes her. He confronts Im Sa-hyung, who had arrested him on charges of hiding Gil-dong, and secures a promise to cease investigations in exchange for covering up Im Sa-hyung's weaknesses, thus protecting Hong Eun-jo's secret.
Freed from accusations, Lee Yeol visits Hong Eun-jo, who is worried about him, and shares the events that transpired during the soul swap, suggesting they return to their daily lives. He also expresses jealousy by gifting her a lock, referring to Im Jae-i (played by Hong Min-ki), who had looked at Hong Eun-jo with peculiar eyes, as a wolf.
Meanwhile, Lee Yeol prepares a proposal letter for Hong Eun-jo, awaiting her father Hong Min-jik's (played by Kim Seok-hoon) arrival in Hanyang, unaware of the truth about his daughter's marriage. Determined to save Hong Eun-jo from social disparity and ancient customs, he decides to marry her to transform her life filled with misfortune into one of happiness.
However, the moment of proposal arrives unexpectedly. Witnessing Hong Eun-jo being assaulted by Im Seung-jae (played by Do Sang-woo), Lee Yeol decides to rescue her from the household immediately. Handing her the proposal letter filled with sincerity, he declares, "I'm marrying you," and extends his hand, saying, "This is my proposal."
Lee Yeol's heartfelt confession stirs a storm in Hong Eun-jo's heart. She, too, has deeply felt Lee Yeol's genuine care and affection since the soul swap. His gaze, filled with pure love, disregarding social status and public opinion, makes Hong Eun-jo want to let go of everything and take his hand.
Yet, at that moment, Im Jae-i interrupts with the words, "You can't leave until you die in this house," creating a tense atmosphere. As Lee Yeol and Im Jae-i glare at each other, a chilling tension fills the air, leaving viewers curious about whose hand Hong Eun-jo will choose amidst the conflict between ideals and reality.
The 8th episode of KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'Beloved Bandit,' where viewers can hear Nam Ji-hyun's response to Moon Sang-min's heartfelt proposal, airs on the 25th at 9:20 PM.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr