The weekend drama To My Beloved Thief delivered its most shocking moment yet in episode 13, as Hong Eun-jo (Nam Ji-hyun) voluntarily stepped forward and declared herself the masked thief to protect Prince Yi Yeol (Moon Sang-min) from political danger. The episode, which aired on February 14, 2026, saw ratings jump to a nationwide average of 6.9% with a peak of 7.9% per minute during the confession scene .
With only three episodes remaining in the 16-part series, the fusion historical romance continues to captivate audiences as the double life of the female lead finally comes under direct threat from royal authorities.
Eun-jo’s Desperate Race to Save an Injured Yi Yeol
Episode 13 opened immediately after the soul swap between Hong Eun-jo and Prince Yi Yeol ended, with both characters returning to their original bodies . However, the relief was short-lived. Yi Yeol had fallen into a dangerous situation due to a scheme, leaving him severely injured and unconscious near the water.
Eun-jo rushed to the location where Yi Yeol had collapsed. She found the prince in critical condition, barely breathing and with visible wounds. With panic in her heart, she pulled him to safety and desperately worked to tend to his injuries . This moment marked a significant role reversal in their relationship.
Throughout the series, Yi Yeol had repeatedly been the one to rescue Eun-jo during life-threatening situations. When her identity as the thief Gil Dong was close to exposure, he chose to look the other way, understanding that her actions came from “a warm heart” . He had always appeared at critical moments to protect her from harm.
This time, however, the tables turned. As Eun-jo held the unconscious prince’s hand, she whispered emotionally, “You cannot sleep for too long. I have forgotten how to survive the winter alone” . Her words revealed her deep feelings and genuine fear of losing him.
The Chicken Soup Scene Brings a Moment of Sweetness
Amid the tension, episode 13 also offered viewers a quiet and tender moment between the lead couple. Earlier in the drama, Yi Yeol had jokingly mentioned wanting to eat the hen at Eun-jo’s house. Remembering his playful words, she prepared chicken soup for him during his recovery .
This led to what fans are calling their “hen date” scene, a simple yet heartfelt moment that highlighted their growing closeness. The production team had previously hinted at this development, stating that for the first time, the crisis would fall on Yi Yeol instead of Eun-jo, creating a new turning point in their relationship .
Political Tensions Rise as Evidence Points to a New Suspect
While Eun-jo focused on saving Yi Yeol, political maneuvering continued at the palace. The faction known as Sunungjai celebrated new developments when evidence emerged linking an arrow to Gil Dong, shifting suspicions about past incidents. This discovery came from the investigations of Jay Yi, who reported his findings directly to the King .
Once Yi Yeol regained consciousness, he became determined to uncover who was truly behind the attack against him. He requested help from his loyal allies Dechu and Yunbach to dig deeper into the matter. Their investigation eventually pointed to Sahiang as the main suspect behind the conspiracy .
The situation grew more complicated when Yi Yeol turned to Jay Yi for assistance. However, Jay Yi refused to help, explaining that he prioritized Eun-jo’s safety over confronting his own father . This refusal added another layer of tension to the already complex web of loyalties and betrayals.
Im Jae-yi Faces a Difficult Choice
Episode 13 also explored the growing conflict between Prince Yi Yeol and Im Jae-yi (Hong Min-gi) . The two men, who had been trying to protect the same person, found themselves on the verge of an unavoidable clash .
After forming a connection with Eun-jo, both Yi Yeol and Jae-yi had gradually opened up to each other. Once they realized they shared the same feelings for her, their relationship became delicate and complicated. They often engaged in sharp, competitive tension over small matters, yet whenever it came to protecting Eun-jo, they silently joined forces and stood on the same side .
However, this fragile balance began to crack due to the actions of the Chief Royal Secretary’s eldest son, Lim Seung-jae (Do Sang-woo) . He secretly attempted to eliminate Yi Yeol, suddenly becoming a powerful new enemy to both Eun-jo and the prince .
Newly released stills from the episode showed the three characters standing face-to-face in a darkened setting, creating a charged and uneasy atmosphere. Eun-jo looked at Jae-yi with a firmer, more resolute expression than ever before, while Yi Yeol gently took her hand as if to stop her, hinting at the heavy tension hanging between them .
So far, Im Jae-yi had helped Eun-jo only within the limits allowed by the name and status granted to him by his family, never crossing that line. Viewers are now left wondering whether he will choose a different path and ultimately point his sword at Yi Yeol .
The Shocking Confession: “Arrest Me. I Am Gil Dong”
The episode’s most dramatic moment came in the final minutes. As political tension reached its peak and a royal order targeted the mysterious thief Gil Dong, Eun-jo realized that Yi Yeol could become the real victim of the investigation .
Despite the danger, Yi Yeol had expressed his unwavering trust in her earlier, saying, “No matter where it ends, I will go with you” . This line contributed significantly to the episode’s peak rating of 7.9%.
Just as conflict between the key characters was about to explode, Eun-jo revealed a mask and declared before everyone, “Arrest me. I am Gil Dong” . Her sudden confession stunned everyone present and marked the episode’s most significant turning point.
This bold move immediately became the highlight of the night. Eun-jo stepped forward and claimed she was the thief to shield Yi Yeol from further danger . By sacrificing her own safety, she demonstrated just how far she was willing to go for the man she loved.
Ratings Success and Viewer Response
The emotional weight of episode 13 clearly resonated with audiences. According to Nielsen Korea, nationwide ratings reached 6.9%, with a peak of 7.9% during the confession scene . This represents a significant increase from the premiere episodes on January 3 and 4, which recorded ratings of 4.3% and 4.5% respectively .
To My Beloved Thief follows the story of Hong Eun-jo, a woman who lives a double life. By day, she works as a dedicated physician treating patients at the Hyeminseo clinic. By night, she becomes the masked thief Hong Gil-dong, stealing from corrupt nobles to help the poor . Her actions attract the attention of Prince Yi Yeol, a charming royal who enjoys solving crimes as a hobby.
The series combines romance, comedy, and fantasy elements, centered on a unique body-swap plot that forced the leads to understand each other’s struggles intimately . Written by Lee Sun and directed by Ham Young-geol, the drama is produced by Studio Dragon.
Where to Watch To My Beloved Thief
To My Beloved Thief airs on KBS2 in South Korea every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM KST . For international viewers, the drama is available on Viki worldwide, with subtitles in multiple languages. Some regions in Asia may also have access through Wavve .
Episodes typically become available on streaming platforms within a few hours after the Korean broadcast, though subtitle completion times can vary depending on the platform .
The drama consists of 16 episodes in total, with two new episodes releasing each weekend. With episode 13 now aired, only three episodes remain until the finale .
Episode 14 is scheduled to air on February 15, 2026. Based on the previews, viewers can expect to see the consequences of Eun-jo’s shocking confession and how Yi Yeol will react to her sacrifice. The production team has hinted that the romance between the leads will grow even deeper amid the repeated dangers they face .
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