Rising Ratings: 'Beloved Thief' Shines Amid KBS Drama Struggles

KBS weekend mini-series have faced a string of failures with 'Twelve', 'Eunsoo's Good Day', and 'Last Summer'. However, 'Beloved Thief', starring Nam Ji-hyun, is experiencing a rise in viewership. 'Eunsoo's Good Day' was highly anticipated as Lee Young-ae's return to KBS after 26 years but fell short of expectations.

In 'Beloved Thief', Nam Ji-hyun plays Hong Eun-jo, who lives a double life as a physician by day and a thief named Gil-dong by night. She crosses paths with Lee Yeol, played by Moon Sang-min, a prince from a different world. Their relationship evolves as they become each other's world, moving in unison. The show's ratings have climbed from 4.3% in its first episode to 7.3% by the 12th episode, marking a successful run. Let's delve into the key moments that highlight the chemistry between the two leads.

Hong Eun-jo, while living as Gil-dong, comes across incriminating evidence against the corrupt official Kim Deok-han, played by Son Byung-ho. After much deliberation, she decides to hand it over to Lee Yeol, who had previously turned a blind eye to her thievery, recognizing it as an act of goodwill.

However, Lee Yeol is bound by a past promise to King Lee Gyu, played by Ha Seok-jin, to live quietly. This promise makes it difficult for him to accept Gil-dong's request. Despite initially rejecting her plea, Lee Yeol is moved by her sincerity and ultimately decides to inform King Lee Gyu about the official's misconduct.

As a physician, Hong Eun-jo aids patients in a plague-stricken area, only to discover a plot to burn it down under the guise of creating a royal hunting ground. She seeks help from the police and rushes to evacuate the patients. Upon hearing of her peril, Lee Yeol also rushes to the scene, helping protect Eun-jo and the people. Together, they deliver justice to those who intended harm, providing a thrilling sense of satisfaction.

Learning that King Lee Gyu is abusing courtesans under the influence of drugs, Eun-jo and Lee Yeol decide to rescue them. With the help of the Queen Dowager, played by Kim Jung-nan, the Queen, played by Kim Ji-soo, and Shin Hae-rim, played by Han So-eun, they successfully smuggle the courtesans out of the palace.

Despite King Lee Gyu's relentless pursuit, Eun-jo and Lee Yeol rely on each other, dividing roles to tackle the crisis. They manage to evade capture and ensure the courtesans' safe passage to a secure location.

As trust builds between them, Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min's characters are set to deepen their relationship. The next chapter of their story unfolds in episode 13 of 'Beloved Thief', airing on the 14th at 9:20 PM.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr