Actress Han Ji-hye Expands Her Acting Range with 'Beloved Thief'

Actress Han Ji-hye, known for her physical profile of 172cm and 47kg, born in 1984, continues to expand her acting spectrum with 'Beloved Thief' following 'No Next Life'.

Recently, Han Ji-hye made a striking transformation as an enigmatic nun in the KBS 2TV weekend mini-series 'Beloved Thief', capturing attention with her bold moves. Seamlessly transitioning between modern dramas and classic historical pieces, she has delivered a fresh energy to viewers by switching between contrasting characters in just over a month.

In her previous work, TV CHOSUN's 'No Next Life', Han Ji-hye played Yang Mi-sook, the rival and loyal friend of Jo Na-jung (played by Kim Hee-sun). Her glamorous visuals as a show host and her 'refreshing loyalty' in helping friends during crises made her an unforgettable 'lovable villain'. Her portrayal of a passionate and proactive woman left a lasting impression.

Leaving behind the cheerful energy of her previous role, Han Ji-hye showcased a completely different side in 'Beloved Thief'. Appearing in a monk's robe, she portrayed a nun with a serene smile hiding a chilling intensity, capturing the dual nature of her character with just a glance, dominating the tension of the drama.

A pivotal scene where she suppresses her grief over losing her son to the king and proposes to Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) to "change the ruler of this country" became a decisive point in the drama. Han Ji-hye completed the character's narrative with restrained emotions, showcasing her role as a 'key player' who controls the flow of the story.

From a trendy show host to a strategic mastermind, Han Ji-hye has proven her limitless spectrum with flexible acting that transcends genres and characters. Her irreplaceable presence raises curiosity about how she will influence the direction of 'Beloved Thief'.

'Beloved Thief' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM on KBS 2TV.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr