To My Beloved Thief is one of the most anticipated historical K-dramas set to arrive in early 2026. Blending romance, comedy, fantasy, and palace intrigue, this series promises a refreshing twist on the classic thief-and-prince storyline. With Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min leading the cast, viewers are already excited to see a vibrant pairing in a story full of humor, charm, and unexpected magic.
Quick Drama Facts: To My Beloved Thief
- Drama Title: To My Beloved Thief
- Original Title: Eun-ae-haneun Dojeok-nim-a (Dear Bandit)
- Genre: Historical, Romantic-Comedy, Fantasy
- Network: KBS2
- Release Date: January 3, 2026
- Episodes: 16
- Airs On: Saturdays & Sundays, 21:20 KST
- Writer: Lee Sun
- Director: Ham Young-geol
- Production Company: Studio Dragon
To My Beloved Thief: Plot Summary
To My Beloved Thief unfolds in a vibrant historical era where class divisions run deep, corruption thrives in the palace, and a mysterious thief steals from the powerful to help the oppressed. At the center of the story is Hong Eun-jo, a clever and fiercely independent woman who secretly becomes a legendary bandit known for stealing from greedy aristocrats.
Opposite her is Grand Prince Yi Yeol, a calm yet sharp royal tasked with identifying and capturing this elusive thief whose actions have stirred unrest among the elites. However, fate has far more elaborate plans. A supernatural event causes Eun-jo and Prince Yi Yeol to switch souls, leading to uproarious comedy, chaotic misunderstandings, and reluctant cooperation.
As they attempt to navigate palace life and survival in each other’s bodies, they begin uncovering secrets that threaten the kingdom — and gradually, feelings that neither expected. The drama promises exciting chases, witty banter, emotional depth, and a charming love story born out of the most unpredictable circumstances.
Cast of To My Beloved Thief/Image Credit: KBS Drama
Cast & Character: To My Beloved Thief
Nam Ji-hyun as Hong Eun-jo
A brave, resourceful woman who becomes a righteous thief. Her dual life forces her to confront danger daily while protecting the weak. Nam Ji-hyun’s versatile acting brings both humor and heartfelt emotion to the role.
Moon Sang-min as Grand Prince Yi Yeol
A dedicated prince known for his intellect and sense of justice. After unexpectedly swapping souls with Eun-jo, he must navigate life as a thief while concealing his true identity. His character promises comedic chaos and deep emotional growth.
Supporting Cast: Choi Won-young, Han So-eun, Ha Seok-jin, Hong Min-gi
Reasons to Watch
1. A Unique Fantasy Twist in a Historical Setting: While many sageuks focus on political conflict or tragic romance, To My Beloved Thief spices things up with a comedic soul-switching element, making it refreshing and fun.
2. Fresh, Exciting Chemistry: The pairing of Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min is widely anticipated. Their dynamic — switching roles, personalities, and social positions — sets the stage for hilarious clashes and heartwarming development.
3. A Strong Female Lead: Hong Eun-jo’s character is bold, daring, and righteous, bringing a compelling female-driven storyline as she challenges societal norms while protecting the powerless.
4. High-Quality Production: With Studio Dragon involved, viewers can expect strong world-building, cinematography, detailed costumes, and immersive sets typical of high-profile weekend dramas.
5. Balance of Romance, Humor & Intrigue: The drama blends genres seamlessly — offering laughter, adventure, suspense, and emotional romance without leaning too heavily on one tone.
To My Beloved Thief is gearing up to be a charming, refreshing, and visually captivating sageuk perfect for fans of fantasy rom-coms and historical adventures. With its exciting soul-switch plot, engaging leads, and polished production, the series is set to deliver a delightful watch from start to finish. Make sure to mark January 3, 2026, on your drama calendar — this will be a weekend drama worth tuning in to.
