In episode 11 of KBS2’s historical romance drama
aired on February 7, Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol finally found themselves standing on opposite sides of fate. Faced with a choice between love and political conviction, the two characters made irreversible decisions that left viewers holding their breath.
The episode follows the aftermath of the shocking soul exchange between Hong Eun-jo, played by Nam Ji-hyun, and Lee Yeol, portrayed by Moon Sang-min. What began as a deeply emotional romance is now swallowed by the rising tide of rebellion, pushing their relationship into a far more dangerous and tragic territory. The moment they revealed the truth of their switched souls to Dae-chu marked a peak nationwide rating of 7.5 percent, becoming one of the most talked-about scenes of the episode.
Earlier, Lee Yeol openly defied King Yi-gyu in an attempt to protect Hong Dae-il, Eun-jo’s brother. The confrontation escalated into violence, triggering the fateful soul exchange. Trapped in another’s body and facing her enemy directly, Eun-jo chose restraint over revenge, prioritizing Lee Yeol’s safety above her own grief and anger.
Meanwhile, Lee Yeol’s soul, now living in Eun-jo’s body, stepped forward to clear Hong Dae-il’s name before the king. With help from allies, he managed to calm the king’s fury just before it spiraled out of control. Though separated by circumstance, both continued to act solely to protect the other, heightening the emotional weight of their divided struggle.
Lee Yeol’s devotion reached its most poignant point at Hong Min-jik’s grave, where he vowed to remain by Eun-jo’s side no matter the cost. Yet his resolve was tested when he uncovered a devastating truth. While investigating the mystery surrounding Gil-dong, Lee Yeol learned that rebel forces planned to elevate him to the throne, using Eun-jo as part of their strategy. Without realizing it, he had already become the centerpiece of a dangerous conspiracy.
At the same time, Eun-jo, living in Lee Yeol’s body, was shaken by revelations about the king’s tyranny, her father’s unjust death, and the suffering of the people. Discovering that Lee Yeol was the rebels’ chosen successor forced her to confront a painful question: whether to protect the man she loves or pursue a vision of a better world.
The episode’s climax came when Lee Yeol rushed to Eun-jo and begged her to escape with him. Her response was unwavering. “I can’t go.” Their feelings remained unchanged, but their paths no longer aligned. His trembling uncertainty and her firm resolve closed the episode with a lingering sense of heartbreak.
As the rebellion moves closer to the surface, the tragic conflict between love and history is set to intensify. Episode 12 of To My Beloved Thief airs on February 8 at 9:20 p.m., continuing the story of two lovers pulled apart by destiny.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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