Nam Ji Hyun is set to return to the small screen with her new historical drama, To My Beloved Thief, which premieres on January 3, 2024, at 21:20 KST. The drama features her as Hong Eun Jo, a woman who unexpectedly becomes a bandit, known as Gil Dong, following a supernatural soul switch with Yi Yeol, a royal prince portrayed by Moon Sang Min. Their intertwined fates lead them to save each other while ultimately protecting their community.
Nam Ji Hyun’s Return to Historical Drama
After an eight-year hiatus from the sageuk genre, Nam Ji Hyun expressed her excitement about returning to historical storytelling. She stated, “It’s been a while since I last did a sageuk, so I feel excited, nervous, and full of anticipation. Although the gap between my historical projects became unexpectedly long, I’m really happy to greet viewers again with a great production.” She emphasized the dedication and sincerity of the entire cast and crew, hoping for a warm reception from audiences.
The actress highlighted her reasons for taking on the role, noting the engaging script and the depth of the characters. “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 remarked. Nam Ji Hyun particularly appreciates how the character development of Hong Eun Jo and Yi Yeol extends to those around them, enriching the overall narrative.
Connecting with Hong Eun Jo
Hong Eun Jo, who balances her life as a physician by day and a bandit by night, showcases a blend of resilience and warmth. Nam Ji Hyun described her character as having “an upright and resilient heart,” adding that while some of her actions may appear illogical, they stem from a strong and compassionate nature. “Even when her life is at risk, Hong Eun Jo charges forward without hesitation,” she explained, highlighting the character’s internal struggles and eventual self-acceptance.
In preparing for the role, Nam Ji Hyun focused on how Hong Eun Jo interacts with various characters throughout the story. “There needed to be subtle differences in how she interacts with each of them,” she noted. While maintaining courtesy, she carefully chooses her words based on the situation. Nam Ji Hyun explained that Hong Eun Jo possesses courage in her personal matters but becomes vulnerable when it comes to love, adding depth to her character.
Throughout the development process, Nam Ji Hyun engaged in extensive discussions with the writer and director to better understand the project and to bring Hong Eun Jo to life. This collaborative approach has significantly informed her portrayal, making the character feel fully dimensional.
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. This return to historical drama promises to captivate viewers with its rich storytelling and dynamic characters.
