Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min's characters finally connect on a deeper level.
In the 14th episode of KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'Beloved Bandit,' aired on the 15th, viewers witnessed a touching moment as Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) and Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min) shared a heartfelt kiss, dreaming of a future together despite looming challenges. The episode garnered a 6.4% viewership rating, with a peak of 6.9% during a scene where soldiers begin searching for Gil-dong, according to Nielsen Korea's nationwide data.
After discovering Hong Eun-jo's true identity as Gil-dong, Im Jae-i decided to protect the woman he loves and the oppressed commoners by halting the investigation into Gil-dong. However, Im Sa-hyung (played by Choi Won-young) sought to use the documents Im Jae-i gathered as leverage to purge Prince Lee Yeol.
Meanwhile, Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol were determined to find a justification to overthrow King Lee Gyu's (played by Ha Seok-jin) tyranny and eliminate Im Sa-hyung's faction. Lee Yeol set out for Uiju to find evidence of Im Sa-hyung poisoning King Lee Gyu, with Hong Eun-jo bidding him a warm farewell. Despite the brief separation, their longing for each other was palpable.
After Lee Yeol's departure, chaos erupted in the capital as King Lee Gyu ordered the arrest of anyone associated with Gil-dong. People of all ages, including the slaves Hong Eun-jo had helped, were dragged to the interrogation grounds, and the city was filled with the cries of the oppressed. Yet, those aware of Hong Eun-jo's identity remained silent, protecting her as King Lee Gyu's wrath continued to shock onlookers.
Witnessing this, Im Jae-i resolved to sacrifice himself in Gil-dong's name to protect Hong Eun-jo, who would willingly die for the people. Hong Eun-jo's friends, including Shin Hae-rim (played by Han So-eun), rallied to protect her. In response, Hong Eun-jo stepped forward as Gil-dong to represent the people and arrested the corrupt official Im Sa-hyung.
Simultaneously, King Lee Gyu, plagued by hallucinations, raised an army to hunt down Gil-dong. As rumors spread of King Lee Gyu's poisoning by Im Sa-hyung, Hong Eun-jo found herself in danger, narrowly escaping capture with the help of Lee Yeol, who had returned to the capital with evidence of the poisoning.
Reunited, Hong Eun-jo's anxiety melted away upon seeing Lee Yeol's face, bringing a smile of relief. However, their respite was short-lived as King Lee Gyu arrived at the fabric shop where they were hiding, heightening the tension. To protect Lee Yeol, who represented hope for a new world, Hong Eun-jo decided to face King Lee Gyu's forces alone.
As Hong Eun-jo prepared to leave, Lee Yeol pulled her into a tender embrace, sealing their bond with a kiss. With the possibility of it being their last night together, the two shared their dreams of a future side by side, leaving viewers eager to see if they can overcome the impending crisis.
The intense and emotional journey of Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min's characters continues in the 15th episode of 'Beloved Bandit,' airing on the 21st at 9:20 PM.
Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr