Actress Nam Ji Hyun has expressed her enthusiasm for her role in the upcoming historical drama, “To My Beloved Thief,” which is set to premiere on January 3, 2024. The series follows the story of Hong Eun Jo, portrayed by Nam, who unexpectedly becomes a bandit known as Gil Dong. She shares her life with Yi Yeol, a royal prince of the Joseon dynasty, played by Moon Sang Min, who switches souls with her during a pursuit.
Nam Ji Hyun’s Long-Awaited Return
This marks Nam Ji Hyun’s return to the sageuk genre after an eight-year hiatus. She described her feelings about this comeback as a mixture of excitement, nervousness, and anticipation. The actress stated, “Although the gap between my historical projects became unexpectedly long, I’m really happy to be able to greet viewers again with a great production.” She emphasized the dedication and sincerity of the cast and crew, hoping that the show garners significant interest and affection from the audience.
Nam Ji Hyun highlighted what drew her to the script of “To My Beloved Thief.” She remarked, “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 noted that this growth extends beyond the main characters, affecting their entire worlds.
The Complexity of Hong Eun Jo
When discussing her character, Nam Ji Hyun described Hong Eun Jo as a physician by day and a bandit by night. “Hong Eun Jo’s charm lies in her upright and resilient heart. If you look at her actions purely logically, there may be moments that seem hard to understand, but when you consider her warm yet strong nature, everything she says and does makes sense,” she explained.
Nam Ji Hyun elaborated on the character’s complexity, noting that even when her life is at risk, Hong Eun Jo charges forward without hesitation. “She tries to hide or deny this side of herself, but it eventually shows through—and in the end, she comes to acknowledge it,” she added. The actress focused on capturing the subtleties of Hong Eun Jo’s interactions with various characters in the series, ensuring that her gaze and attitude reflect the nuances of each encounter.
“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 Ji Hyun noted. She also emphasized how Hong Eun Jo’s fearless nature contrasts with her vulnerability in matters of love, adding depth to the character.
Throughout her preparation for the role, Nam Ji Hyun engaged in extensive discussions with the writer and director, which she found instrumental in shaping her understanding of the character and the overall project. With the premiere date approaching, audiences can look forward to an engaging portrayal that reflects both the challenges and growth of Hong Eun Jo.
As anticipation builds, viewers can catch Nam Ji Hyun in her current project, “Good Partner,” available on Viki.
