Nam Ji Hyun is set to captivate audiences with her return to historical drama in the upcoming series “To My Beloved Thief,” premiering on January 3, 2024, at 9:20 p.m. KST. The drama features Nam Ji Hyun as Hong Eun Jo, a woman who unexpectedly becomes a bandit named Gil Dong. The plot thickens as Yi Yeol, portrayed by Moon Sang Min, a royal prince of the Joseon dynasty, switches souls with her while pursuing her.
Reflecting on her return to the sageuk genre after an eight-year hiatus, Nam expressed a mix of excitement and anticipation. “It’s been a while since I last did a sageuk, so I feel excited, nervous, and full of anticipation,” she stated. She acknowledged the lengthy gap between her historical projects but emphasized her happiness to greet viewers once more with a high-quality production. Nam added, “This is a project filled with the dedication and sincerity of so many people, so I hope it receives lots of interest and love.”
The script for “To My Beloved Thief” was a significant factor in her decision to take on the role. Nam explained, “The script is incredibly fun. I was moved by each character’s backstory, the way they influence one another, and how they come to understand and change through their relationships.” She highlighted that the character development extends beyond Hong Eun Jo and Yi Yeol to impact their wider worlds.
Character Depth and Development
Nam Ji Hyun elaborated on the character of Hong Eun Jo, who leads a double life as a physician by day and a bandit by night. “Hong Eun Jo’s charm lies in her upright and resilient heart,” she explained. While some of her actions may seem illogical at first glance, Nam emphasized that her warm yet strong nature brings clarity to her choices. “Even when her life is at risk, Hong Eun Jo charges forward without hesitation,” she added.
In shaping the character, Nam focused on Hong Eun Jo’s gaze and attitude, stressing the need for subtle differences in her interactions with various individuals. “While she maintains basic courtesy, she chooses her words carefully depending on the situation, and even when facing someone of higher status, she speaks up to persuade them if something feels wrong,” Nam noted. She described how Hong Eun Jo’s fearless nature regarding personal matters contrasts with her hesitance in romantic situations, creating a fully three-dimensional character.
Collaboration with the series’ writer and director played a crucial role in her understanding and portrayal of the character. “I had many discussions with the writer and director throughout this process, and those conversations helped me tremendously in understanding the project and bringing the character to life,” she remarked.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of “To My Beloved Thief,” audiences can also catch Nam Ji Hyun in her current role in “Good Partner” on Viki. The new drama promises to blend action, emotion, and compelling character arcs, marking an exciting chapter in Nam Ji Hyun’s career.
