Nam Ji Hyun is set to make her long-awaited return to historical drama with the upcoming series To My Beloved Thief, premiering on January 3, 2024. The drama features Nam Ji Hyun as Hong Eun Jo, a woman who unexpectedly becomes a bandit, alongside Moon Sang Min, who plays Yi Yeol, a royal prince of the Joseon era. The series revolves around their intriguing soul-switching dynamic, leading them to save each other while protecting their society.
In her recent statements, Nam Ji Hyun expressed her excitement about returning to the sageuk genre after an eight-year hiatus. “It’s been a while since I last did a historical drama, so I feel excited, nervous, and full of anticipation,” she said. The actress emphasized her happiness about collaborating on a project that embodies the dedication and sincerity of the entire cast and crew, hoping it garners significant interest from viewers.
The script for To My Beloved Thief captivated Nam Ji Hyun for its engaging narrative and rich character development. “I was moved by each character’s backstory and how they come to understand and change through their relationships,” she noted. Notably, she appreciates how the growth of the main characters, Hong Eun Jo and Yi Yeol, extends beyond themselves, affecting their entire worlds.
Dialogue plays a crucial role in the series, with Nam Ji Hyun highlighting its lively and impactful nature. “The lines are very lively—some might even feel quite dramatic—but they carry a lot of power within the story,” she remarked, underscoring her hope that viewers will enjoy this aspect.
As for her character, Hong Eun Jo, who balances her role as a physician by day and a bandit by night, Nam Ji Hyun emphasized her unique charm. “Hong Eun Jo’s charm lies in her upright and resilient heart,” she stated. Although some of her actions might appear illogical at first glance, they resonate deeply when considering her warm yet strong nature. “Even when her life is at risk, she charges forward without hesitation.”
The actress dedicated time to shaping Hong Eun Jo into a multidimensional character. “What I focused on most was her gaze and attitude,” she explained. Hong Eun Jo encounters various individuals, necessitating subtle differences in her interactions with each. Maintaining basic courtesy, she carefully chooses her words based on the situation and expresses herself assertively, even in front of those of higher status.
While Nam Ji Hyun portrays a fearless character in many aspects, she also presents Hong Eun Jo as vulnerable in matters of love. “In front of love, she becomes incredibly small and hesitant with fear,” she elaborated, emphasizing her commitment to delivering a fully realized performance.
The collaboration between Nam Ji Hyun, the writer, and the director was instrumental in bringing Hong Eun Jo to life. “I had many discussions with the writer and director throughout this process, and those conversations helped me tremendously in understanding the project,” she concluded.
Fans can look forward to viewing Nam Ji Hyun in her new role when To My Beloved Thief premieres on January 3, 2024, at 21:20 KST. Until then, viewers can catch her performance in Good Partner available on Viki.
