KBS2 has officially announced the release date for Nam Ji Hyun and Moon Sang Min’s upcoming historical romance drama, now titled “To My Beloved Thief.” The series was previously known as Dear Bandit during the pre-production and filming stages.
KBS2 confirmed that To My Beloved Thief will premiere on January 3, 2026, at 9:20 PM KST, airing every Saturday and Sunday. The network also revealed new behind-the-scenes photos from the drama’s first script reading on November 25. They confirmed the main cast lineup and gave fans a first look at the chemistry between its leads.
“To My Beloved Thief” is a romantic and comedic period drama set in the Joseon era. The story centers on Hong Eun Jo, played by Nam Ji Hyun, a woman born into a low social class who works as a female physician. Despite her modest background, she has a fierce personality and never hesitates to speak her mind.
Circumstances lead her to secretly become the greatest thief in Joseon. She is known for stealing from corrupt nobles to protect the common people.
Moon Sang Min stars opposite her as Prince Lee Yeol, a grand prince who seems cool and stoic at first glance. However, he is actually clever, humorous, and obsessed with investigating cases around the palace. Although he is a royal, he dreams about solving mysteries rather than sitting still.
Their relationship takes a dramatic and comedic turn when the two unexpectedly swap souls. Forced to live in each other’s bodies, Eun Jo and Lee Yeol must survive palace politics, protect secrets, and confront their own limits from a completely new perspective. As they struggle through confusion and emotional chaos, a romance slowly begins to form between them.
The script reading showed strong synergy between the leads, with Nam Ji Hyun confidently portraying Eun Jo’s strength and humor. Moon Sang Min showed witty delivery and playful energy.
The drama also features Lim Jae Yi as the quiet but intimidating second son of a powerful noble family. Han So Eun plays Shin Hae Rim, a noblewoman raised in luxury.
The production team said the story will explore themes including romance born under pressure, personal limits, and hidden palace tensions.
“To My Beloved Thief” is written by Lee Sun, directed by Ham Young Geol, and produced by Studio Dragon. Filming wrapped in mid-October this year and the series is expected to be one of KBS2’s biggest openings of 2026.
“To My Beloved Thief” begins airing January 3 at 9:20 PM.