Korean drama fans, prepare for the most romantic case of mistaken identity in Joseon history. KBS’s upcoming weekend drama To My Beloved Thief pairs Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min in a body-swapping historical rom-com where the thief he’s chasing by night is the woman he’s falling for by day—and neither knows it. The first teaser dropped December 2nd, revealing electric chemistry and rooftop action that promises to make this the must-watch drama of early 2026.
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To My Beloved Thief Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Air Time | 9:20 PM KST (Fridays & Saturdays) |
| Network | KBS2 |
| Episodes | TBA (Weekend Drama) |
| Genre | Historical Romance, Fantasy, Comedy |
| Director | Ham Young-geol (The True Love of Madam) |
| Writer | Lee Sun (Debut – Studio Dragon Contest Winner) |
| Where to Watch | Viki (International Streaming) |
The Plot: When Day Meets Night
Hong Eun Jo unexpectedly becomes a bandit known as Gil Dong, while Prince Yi Yeol pursues her identity, leading to their souls switching when they cross paths. The drama explores what happens when two people from opposite worlds literally walk in each other’s shoes.
By day, Hong Eun Jo works as a royal physician, treating patients with compassion despite her low social status as an illegitimate child. By night, she transforms into the notorious thief “Gil Dong”—a Robin Hood figure who steals from corrupt officials to feed the poor. Her double life puts her on a collision course with Prince Yi Yeol, the king’s charming younger brother who enjoys playing detective and has made catching the infamous thief his personal mission.
The teaser shows Hong Eun Jo moving secretly into the night as the curfew bell rings, leaping across rooftops while evading troops including Prince Yi Yeol. But during daylight hours at a busy market, the two meet by chance—and sparks fly. The prince becomes captivated by this spirited physician who speaks her mind regardless of his royal status, completely unaware she’s the very criminal he hunts after sunset.
The supernatural twist? Their souls suddenly swap, forcing them to navigate each other’s vastly different lives. When their souls are switched, the two end up saving each other and ultimately protecting the people.
Meet the Cast: Talented Stars Lead Historical Fantasy
Nam Ji Hyun as Hong Eun Jo / Gil Dong
Fresh off her legal drama success in Good Partner, Nam Ji Hyun tackles a dual challenge: playing both a compassionate physician and daring thief. She portrays a female court physician of humble status but strong character, speaking her mind clearly and highlighting the character’s bold traits. This marks another strong female lead in her growing filmography, showcasing her range from modern procedurals to historical fantasy.
Moon Sang Min as Prince Yi Yeol
Prince Yi Yeol possesses striking looks, tall stature, and natural grace, enjoying wandering around the capital seeking amusement and particularly detective work. Far from a typical serious prince, Yi Yeol visits the police bureau to solve cases and entertains palace staff with tales of his heroic exploits. Though others misunderstand his eccentric behavior, everything he does is part of a carefully laid plan to protect those dear to him.
Moon Sang Min brings playful charm to this role following his recent hit Cinderella at 2AM, proving his versatility across modern and historical settings.
Supporting Cast
The ensemble includes Hong Min-ki as Im Jae Yi, a powerful aristocrat’s second son who controls the royal court, and Han So-eun as Shin Hae Rim, a noble lady with romantic ideals. Hong Min-ki exuded quiet charisma during the script reading, while Han So-eun displayed charming appeal. Additional cast members include veterans Choi Won-young, Ha Suk-jin, Kim Jung-nan, and Kim Seok-hoon, bringing depth to the palace intrigue.
For more K-drama coverage and Asian entertainment news, check out our Korean drama guide at TechnoSports.
What Makes This Body-Swap Drama Different?
Body-swap dramas have become increasingly popular in Korean television, but To My Beloved Thief adds fresh twists to the formula. Setting the supernatural switch in the Joseon Dynasty creates unique comedic situations—imagine a pampered prince trying to perform medical procedures or a commoner thief navigating strict royal protocols.
The thief-and-pursuer dynamic adds romantic tension beyond typical body-swap scenarios. The prince’s daytime infatuation with the physician creates dramatic irony when he chases her nighttime persona, building toward the inevitable revelation. The tagline captures this perfectly: “The thief I’m chasing… is the woman I’ve been searching for.”
Unlike pure comedies, this drama promises deeper themes about class inequality, gender restrictions, and using privilege to protect the powerless. Hong Eun Jo’s motivation for stealing—helping those society ignores—resonates with contemporary social justice themes while remaining rooted in historical context.
Behind the Scenes: Chemistry and Collaboration
Director Ham Young-geol, known for balancing romance with social commentary, leads this ambitious production. Writer Lee Sun brings fresh perspective as a Studio Dragon writing contest winner making her debut with this project.
During the script reading, actors gradually found their rhythm together, with characters’ struggles, blooming romance amid tension, and palace power struggles all intertwining to create an immersive experience. The chemistry between Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min impressed the production team, with their playful back-and-forth promising electric on-screen romance.
Interestingly, both leads will co-host the 2025 KBS Drama Awards on December 31st before their drama premieres, giving fans a preview of their real-life chemistry just days before the show begins.
How to Watch To My Beloved Thief
Ready to catch this body-swapping adventure? Here’s your viewing guide:
- Korean Broadcast: Watch on KBS2 every Friday and Saturday at 9:20 PM KST starting January 3, 2026
- International Streaming: Episodes will be available on Viki with English subtitles shortly after Korean broadcast
- Catch Up on Cast: Watch Nam Ji Hyun in Good Partner and Moon Sang Min in Cinderella at 2AM on Viki to see their recent performances
- Follow Updates: Check Soompi’s drama section for episode recaps, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes content
For more K-drama streaming guides and recommendations, visit TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Is To My Beloved Thief based on a webtoon or novel?
No, To My Beloved Thief features an original screenplay by debut writer Lee Sun, who won Studio Dragon’s prestigious writing contest. While the story draws inspiration from the legendary Korean folk hero Hong Gil-dong (similar to Robin Hood), it’s not a direct adaptation. The female protagonist’s name references this cultural icon while creating an entirely new narrative about a woman living a double life in Joseon. This original storytelling approach gives the writer freedom to blend historical elements with fantasy romance without being constrained by source material.
Q: How long will To My Beloved Thief run?
As a KBS weekend drama, To My Beloved Thief will likely run for 16-20 episodes, airing twice weekly on Fridays and Saturdays at 9:20 PM KST. KBS hasn’t officially announced the total episode count yet, but this length is standard for weekend dramas in this time slot. The premiere on January 3, 2026 means the drama will run through late winter or early spring, depending on final episode count. Weekend dramas typically offer more episodes than weekday series, giving writers room to fully develop both the romance and the political intrigue promised in the synopsis.
