| Native Title | 은애하는 도적님아 |
| Also Know as | My Beloved Thief, Dear Thief, Dear Bandit, Eunaehaneun Dojeoknima |
| Director | Ham Young-Geol |
| Writer | Lee Sun |
| Distributor | KBS2 |
| Air Time | Saturday, Sunday 21:20 |
| Content Rating | 15+ - Teens 15 or older |
| Runtime | 16 episodes |
| Genre | Historical, Drama, Romance, Comedy, Supernatural |
| Language | Korean |
| Country | South Korea |
| Release Date | 2026-01-03 |
| End Date | 2026-02-22 |
In the vibrant landscape of 2026 Korean dramas, few have captured hearts quite like "To My Beloved Thief." This historical romance blends comedy, supernatural twists, and heartfelt emotions into a tale that's as thrilling as it is tender. Airing from January 3 to February 22, 2026, on KBS2, the series unfolds over 16 episodes, each clocking in at around 70 minutes. Directed by Ham Young-geol and penned by Lee Sun, it transports viewers to the Joseon era, where secrets, stolen kisses, and soul-swapping antics create an unforgettable narrative. If you're craving a mix of righteous rebellion, princely charm, and forbidden love, this is your next binge.
"To My Beloved Thief" (native title: "은애하는 도적님아", also known as "Dear Bandit") is a refreshing take on the sageuk genre, infusing historical fiction with lighthearted comedy and a dash of the supernatural. Set against the backdrop of Joseon's turbulent class divides and royal intrigues, the story follows a dual-life heroine whose path crosses with a playful prince in ways neither could have imagined. Produced by Studio Dragon, the drama premiered to buzz, offering viewers a weekend escape filled with witty banter, high-stakes heists, and swoon-worthy romance. Its episodic structure builds tension gradually, making each installment a perfect blend of laughs, gasps, and sighs.
In the shadows of Joseon, Hong Eun-jo leads a life of quiet defiance. By day, she's a compassionate physician at the Hyeminseo Clinic, healing the afflicted with a warm smile and unyielding resolve. By night, she dons the mask of the legendary thief Gil-dong, robbing corrupt officials to redistribute wealth to the needy – a righteous bandit born from her family's hardships after her father's illness. Her daring exploits draw the eye of Grand Prince Yi Yeol, the king's clever younger brother, who moonlights as an amateur detective, solving cases with a mix of eccentricity and sharp intellect.
Fate throws them together in a chance encounter under the moonlight, sparking an instant attraction laced with suspicion. But when an unforeseen mishap causes their souls to switch bodies, Eun-jo and Yeol must navigate each other's worlds: she, thrust into royal opulence and political intrigue; he, grappling with the dangers of thievery and the weight of the commoner's struggles. As they race to reverse the swap while protecting their secrets, they uncover deeper truths about identity, loyalty, and love. Amidst rival suitors, scheming nobles, and a kingdom on the brink, their bond deepens, proving that sometimes, the greatest theft is of one's heart.
"To My Beloved Thief" hit the ground running, debuting with a solid 4.3% nationwide rating – more than double its predecessor's finale – and steadily climbing from there. Episode 2 rose to 4.5%, episode 3 surged to 5.3%, and by the latest outings, it peaked at 5.6%, holding strong in the top 10 despite stiff weekend competition.
Viewership numbers echoed this upward trajectory, averaging over 1,000 in thousands by mid-run.
Fans have embraced its breezy tone and emotional payoff, awarding it an 8.0/10 user score from thousands of watchers, praising the seamless blend of humor, action, and heart that keeps viewers hooked week after week.
The body-swap trope gets a fresh Joseon twist, leading to hilarious mishaps – like a prince fumbling through a heist or a thief charming courtiers – that highlight the stars' comedic timing.
Yeol's standout line, "Is there a man you love? I’m flirting with you – and now I’m really going to start," captures his cheeky confidence, a moment Moon Sang-min called his favorite for its honest spark.
Moon Sang-min trained in martial arts, archery, and horseback riding to nail Yi Yeol's detective flair, coordinating with stunt teams for seamless, injury-free scenes.
Marking her return to historicals, she delved into Eun-jo's gaze and poise to differentiate her "sunlit" healer from the "shadowed" thief, drawing from deep script discussions for authenticity.
The story serialized as a Naver Webtoon starting December 27, 2025, adding a modern interactive layer for fans.
Ha Sung-woon's "Loving You" sets the romantic mood, with its heartfelt lyrics underscoring the leads' fated pull.
Filming spanned eight months in Gyeongnam Province's stunning locales, from ancient houses to misty mountains, capturing Joseon's ethereal beauty.
"To My Beloved Thief" is a delightful reminder of why we fall for K-dramas: its ability to weave profound themes of justice and self-discovery into a wrapper of pure escapism. Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min's chemistry crackles, turning a simple thief-prince meet-cute into a soul-stirring journey. Whether you're here for the laughs, the lore, or the love, this series delivers on all fronts, leaving you rooting for underdogs and dreaming of moonlit chases. In a year packed with hits, it stands out as a beloved bandit of the small screen – stealing your time and heart in the best way possible.
Airing on KBS2 from January 3 to February 22, 2026.
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