Romantic Drama 'Beloved Thief' Captivates Viewers with Rising Ratings
The heartfelt romance between Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min is touching the hearts of viewers. The series started with a 4.3% viewership rating on the 3rd and has recently reached a peak of 7.1%. Previously, KBS faced a series of failures with dramas like 'Twelve', 'Eunsoo's Good Day', and 'Last Summer'.

In KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'Beloved Thief', the duo known as the 'Dodo Couple'—consisting of the noblewoman-turned-thief Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) and Prince Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min)—is capturing attention with their fateful encounters. Their relationship, which seems to constantly miss and reconnect, has viewers rooting for them.

Thanks to this, 'Beloved Thief' has entered the rankings of favorite broadcast video programs among Koreans and is currently 4th in TV drama buzz rankings. As the series approaches its second act, we take a look at the romantic narrative built by Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol as of January 27, 2026.

Romantic Drama 'Beloved Thief' Captivates Viewers with Rising Ratings
Meeting under mistaken identities, Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol's relationship began with misunderstandings. Their second encounter led to an unexpected kiss, marking the start of their story. Lee Yeol, intrigued by Hong Eun-jo, made efforts to continue their connection by gifting her medicinal herbs and visiting her workplace.

Realizing his feelings, Lee Yeol confessed his emotions without hesitation, showing his straightforward nature. However, Hong Eun-jo was set to marry Im Sa-hyung (played by Choi Won-young), who had saved her family. Despite her feelings for Lee Yeol, she coldly pushed him away, suppressing her emotions.

Just as their connection seemed to end, an unexpected event bound them closer than ever. Their souls swapped bodies, with Hong Eun-jo's spirit entering Lee Yeol's body and vice versa. This bizarre occurrence revealed secrets, such as Hong Eun-jo secretly keeping Lee Yeol's gifts.

Romantic Drama 'Beloved Thief' Captivates Viewers with Rising Ratings
After confirming their feelings, Lee Yeol took bold steps to annul Hong Eun-jo's unfair marriage and proposed himself as a new suitor, promising unwavering sincerity. However, Hong Eun-jo's father, Hong Min-jik (played by Kim Seok-hoon), opposed the marriage, unwilling to send his daughter to a palace filled with death.

Faced with this obstacle, Lee Yeol reluctantly stepped back but appeared just in time to save Hong Eun-jo once more, hinting at a deeper rescue narrative in the upcoming second act.

'Beloved Thief' continues to intrigue viewers with the rollercoaster romance of Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol. The fate of their love story remains a focal point of interest.

Catch 'Beloved Thief' every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM.

Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
Show original