Breaking: To My Beloved Thief Is Exploding—and Viewers Can’t Look Away

This Was Supposed to Be “Just Another Sageuk”… Until It Wasn’t

Every year, a few dramas look promising. And then there’s the one that suddenly takes over everyone’s timeline. To My Beloved Thief didn’t ease into 2026 — it kicked the door open.

After just two episodes, fans aren’t asking if they’ll keep watching. They’re asking how this drama got so addictive, so fast.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: This Show Just Changed the Game

KBS 2TV’s new historical romance To My Beloved Thief (은애하는 도적님아) premiered on January 3 and 4, and the response was immediate.

Episode 1 opened at 4.3% viewership. Episode 2 climbed to 4.5%. Even more telling? The peak minute hit 5.7%. That’s not curiosity — that’s commitment.

The buzz backed it up. In its very first week, the drama landed at number five in TV drama discussion rankings — impressive for a show that barely just started airing.

What Fans Are Actually Losing It Over

At the center of the hype is the pairing.

Nam Ji-hyun plays Hong Eun-jo, a skilled thief living a double life. Moon Sang-min is Lee Yeol, a rigid, rule-bound prince. On paper? Enemies. On screen? A chemistry that’s already pulling viewers in.

The real hook isn’t just romance — it’s how quickly these characters make you care.

Fans keep pointing out how polished everything feels. The visuals are cinematic. The pacing doesn’t drag. The writing and direction give the story confidence instead of overexplaining every emotion.

This isn’t just a love story — it’s a full aesthetic experience.

Episodes 3 and 4 Are Where Things Get Dangerous

The next episodes, airing January 10 at 9:20 PM KST, are where the main romance is set to truly ignite.

And no, this isn’t a painfully slow burn.

Fans are already buzzing about what’s coming: rain-soaked tension, a turning-point kiss, the ongoing cat-and-mouse chase between thief and prince — and side characters whose stories are about to spiral into full-blown drama.

Add to that the show’s upcoming international exposure, and it’s clear this conversation is about to get much louder.

Why This Matters for K-Drama Fans Right Now

Only two episodes in, To My Beloved Thief has already locked itself in as the weekend drama to watch.

Viewership rising from episode one to episode two says everything. People aren’t sampling — they’re settling in.

This is what happens when strong acting, clean storytelling, and a classic historical romance setup actually work together instead of competing for attention.

If you haven’t started yet, now’s the moment. Because once episodes 3 and 4 hit, spoilers will be everywhere — and this is not the drama you want ruined in your group chat.