KBS 2TV weekend miniseries ‘Dear Beloved Thief’

‘Dear Beloved Thief’ is heightening immersion through sweet chemistry among the cast.

The KBS 2TV weekend miniseries ‘Dear Beloved Thief’ (script by Lee Seon/ directed by Ham Young-geol/ produced by Studio Dragon) is sailing smoothly, rising to high rankings on global OTT platforms as well as generating strong buzz, thanks to a solid story and passionate performances from the cast.

First, it ranked fourth in the TV-OTT drama buzz rankings announced by the FUNdex of Good Data Corporation, a K-content competitiveness analysis firm. Also, on the global OTT specializing in Asian entertainment Rakuten Viki (Rakuten Viki), it entered the weekly TOP 5 in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania based on first-week viewership, and has remained in the TOP 5 through the third week of broadcast. In particular, in Southeast Asia it rose to No. 1 immediately after the premiere, marking a flying start, and it has maintained a weekly TOP 3 position, gaining global popularity. (as of 2026. 02. 03.)

Behind this popularity, performances and chemistry fully infused with the characters have shone. The released photos capture the cast enjoying friendly downtime, hinting at the secret behind their perfect teamwork.

First, the fresh smiles of Nam Ji-hyun (as Hong Eun-jo) and Moon Sang-min (as Lee Yeol) catch the eye. Loved so much by viewers that they have earned the nickname ‘Dodo (thief + Grand Prince Dowol)’ couple, their lovely two-shot adds warmth.

Hong Min-gi, who plays Im Jae-yi, and Han So-eun, who plays Shin Hae-rim, also strike matching V poses, radiating lovable energy. Lee Seung-woo, who plays Dae-chu and traded lively banter with Lee Yeol, shows cute synergy with Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min as well.

The appearances of the actors who meet as siblings and brothers on screen also draw attention. Nam Ji-hyun and Song Ji-ho, who portray the siblings Hong Eun-jo and Hong Dae-il (played by Song Ji-ho), reveal a genuine sibling vibe with lookalike smiles. By contrast, Moon Sang-min and Ha Seok-jin (as Lee Gyu) present a dignified, serious mood befitting their king and grand prince characters.

With such close-knit teamwork on and off camera, ‘Dear Beloved Thief’ has already signaled a shift in the relationship between Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) and Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min) through another soul swap, forecasting even more exciting developments.

In particular, when the soul of Hong Eun-jo entered the body of Lee Yeol and confronted Lee Gyu (played by Ha Seok-jin), the enemy of her father, it delivered edge-of-the-seat tension. Curiosity is surging over what changes the second soul swap will bring to the lives of Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol, and how their affection is deepening amid crisis.

Driven by the performances of the cast, the KBS 2TV weekend miniseries ‘Dear Beloved Thief’, which is producing real-time ‘Eundo’ addicts, will air Episode 11 at 9:20 p.m. on the 7th (Sat).