[Interview] Nam Ji-hyun Wraps Up "To My Beloved Thief"

The drama "To My Beloved Thief", which heated the small screen in early 2026, concluded its run on the 22nd with its 16th episode, bringing the story to a grand close. Recording a final episode rating of 7.6% and a peak of 7.7% (episode 15), the series ended on a high note, led by Nam Ji-hyun, who once again proved her 'sageuk success' reputation.

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Meeting reporters at a café in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 24th, Nam Ji-hyun shared, "Since everyone gave their best, I think we can let the show go with peace of mind", wearing a relieved smile.

Regarding the drama's success, she remained humble: "Ratings aren't something we can control, they're a gift from above". Although she worried about viewership early on, she ultimately trusted that "if the script is fun and we make it well, viewers will watch", pouring her energy into the production.

Nam Ji-hyun played Hong Eun-jo, a layered character who is a calm female physician by day and a righteous thief, 'Gil-dong', by night. The role also involved a soul-switching storyline with Grand Prince Dowol Lee Yeol, played by Moon Sang-min, presenting significant acting challenges.

She explained, "The writer's intention with the soul switch was not just the fun of gender reversal, but to help the two characters deeply understand each other's lives". To achieve this, she and Moon Sang-min shared detailed behavioral cues in advance. She noted, "When the souls switched, Sang-min portrayed Eun-jo's lower status by clasping his hands in front, while I fixed which hand rests behind the back when portraying Lee Yeol".

Praising her co-star, she said, "Thanks to Sang-min's friendly nature and ability to lead the atmosphere, I could gain strength even in difficult scenes".

Regarding their much-discussed vocal harmony, she added, "His calm and lyrical voice brought Lee Yeol's poetic lines to life. I could imitate everything during the soul switch, but matching his vocal tone was physically difficult; it's that strong".

About the modern-day reincarnation ending, she described it as 'a small gift prepared for viewers who stayed with the sageuk for eight weeks', adding that it followed the script and connected to Eun-jo's sky lantern wish. The final shoot, filming in modern clothing after eight months in hanbok, felt both unfamiliar and meaningful for the cast.

Nam Ji-hyun hopes "To My Beloved Thief" will be remembered as 'a comforting drama to revisit in difficult times'. She reflected that the story of lonely characters filling each other's gaps and growing together is something modern audiences need. "As an actress, I showed so much that I feel refreshed, with no regrets", she said.

Having already completed filming for the TVING drama "The Analects", she shared that she is currently exploring 'how to rest'. While she spent her 20s shedding her child-actor image to become a trusted performer, she now hopes to broaden her spectrum in her 30s. "I'd like to try roles such as a chaebol family member or a drama set in 1930s Gyeongseong", she said with a smile, adding that a profession that constantly presents new challenges suits her well.

Like Hong Eun-jo's keywords, 'sincerity and devotion', Nam Ji-hyun's future filmography is expected to be filled with the genuine passion she brings to her craft.