TV
Tension Peaks as Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min Face a New Crisis in 'Beloved Bandit'
In the 15th episode of KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'Beloved Bandit' (directed by Ham Young-gul, written by Lee Sun), which aired on the 21st, viewers were on the edge of their seats as the treacherous Im Sa-hyung (played by Choi Won-young) threatened the newly established era of Hong Eun-jo (Nam Ji-hyun) and Lee Yeol (Moon Sang-min) after they overthrew the tyrant Lee Gyu (Ha Seok-jin). The episode achieved a personal best rating of 7.7%, with Lee Yeol's coronation scene peaking at 8.5%, according to Nielsen Korea's nationwide household standards.
Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol confirmed their feelings for each other with a kiss amidst Lee Gyu's pursuit of the bandit Gil-dong. Both were willing to sacrifice their lives to protect each other and boldly confronted Lee Gyu, revealing Im Sa-hyung's plot to poison the king and seize power, urging him to stop his tyranny.
However, Lee Gyu, already delusional from the incense's side effects, was haunted by hallucinations of a tiger. Fearing that the people would be massacred if Lee Gyu was left unchecked, Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol lured the king into the palace with the help of soldiers. Thanks to their counsel, Lee Gyu finally realized the truth behind his hallucinations and collapsed in despair, leading to the announcement of his abdication and the end of the coup.
Outside the palace, the people who had been helped by Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol declared themselves as Gil-dong, standing in solidarity. Successfully changing the throne's occupant without bloodshed, they looked towards a hopeful future with smiles, bringing a sense of poignancy.
Now king, Lee Yeol worked tirelessly to address the people's grievances, ensuring that Hong Eun-jo would no longer need to resort to banditry. He sent letters to Hong Eun-jo daily, expressing his longing, allowing her to finally sleep peacefully without resorting to theft.
However, this peace was abruptly shattered by a sudden crisis, heightening the tension. Im Sa-hyung, facing exile, realized Hong Eun-jo's identity as Gil-dong through a conversation with his son Im Jae-i (Hong Min-ki) and burned with vengeance. The unexpected disappearance of Im Sa-hyung from his cell further escalated the sense of danger.
The situation took a shocking turn when Im Sa-hyung confronted Hong Eun-jo on her way home after meeting Lee Yeol. With a knife to her throat, he menacingly declared, "You ruined everything, Gil-dong." At that moment, Hong Eun-jo broke the bracelet that had sparkled whenever their souls switched, leaving viewers eager to see if Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol can protect each other until the end.
The final chapter of the 'Dodo Couple's' suspenseful story will air on the 22nd at 9:20 PM on KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series 'Beloved Bandit'.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr
