Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min experienced dramatic changes through a situation where their souls were swapped. The 5th episode of KBS 2TV's weekend mini-series "Beloved Thief" aired on January 17, featuring Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun) and Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min) inhabiting each other's bodies and embarking on a journey to find clues for resolution. This episode recorded a 7% viewership rating according to Nielsen Korea, setting a new personal best. In particular, the scene where Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol meet Dae-bi (played by Kim Jung-nan) reached a peak rating of 7.7% per minute.

Hong Eun-jo, injured and unconscious as Gil-dong, woke up in Lee Yeol's body. With the help of Shin Hae-rim (played by Han So-eun), whom she met by chance, she escaped the palace and headed to the place where she had collapsed. Later, hearing a report from Officer Kang Yoon-bok (played by Moon Tae-yoo) that traces of Gil-dong were found in Lee Yeol's body, she confirmed that no one was lying around and proceeded to the Prime Minister's residence. Finally finding her own body, Hong Eun-jo realized that the soul occupying it was Lee Yeol's. This shocking situation caused Lee Yeol's soul to inhabit Hong Eun-jo's body and Hong Eun-jo's soul to inhabit Lee Yeol's body.

The two tried to reverse the soul swap but grew frustrated as they could not return to their original bodies. During this process, their hidden secrets were revealed. Hong Eun-jo's lie about being engaged to Im Jae-yi (played by Hong Min-ki) to avoid an arranged marriage with the Prime Minister's eldest elder was exposed, and Lee Yeol revealed to Hong Eun-jo that he was the king's younger brother, a prince. Although the revelation of their hidden circumstances increased confusion, they agreed on the importance of maintaining their daily lives.

Hong Eun-jo and Lee Yeol spent the night sharing information about the people around them and their relationships, identifying their respective roles and positions, and seeking ways to substitute for each other. Through this process, they gained a deeper understanding of one another. Lee Yeol, in Hong Eun-jo's body, confronted her mother and came to understand Hong Eun-jo's life of putting herself second to protect her family. Hong Eun-jo's mother's deep love and care for her daughter were strongly felt.

Meanwhile, Hong Eun-jo, in Lee Yeol's body, took on the role of the prince in the palace and learned about the king's illness, pox. She pointed out inappropriate medical practices and offered worried advice. However, the king scoffed at Lee Yeol's attitude and responded coldly. This revealed the harsh reality within the royal family, heightening tension.

Additionally, a disturbance occurred late at night. While Hong Eun-jo, as Gil-dong, was guarding the palace in Lee Yeol's form, a fake Gil-dong disguised as a butcher appeared in the marketplace, was struck by an arrow, and died. This incident quickly spread rumors that "Gil-dong is dead," amplifying confusion and suspicion. The appearance of a fake Gil-dong in place of the real one suggests the involvement of a mastermind attempting to manipulate the situation.

Judging that the mastermind would come to retrieve the fake Gil-dong's body, Hong Eun-jo, in Lee Yeol's body, went to the gravesite. There, she confronted a mysterious figure wearing a black bamboo hat and was shocked to realize that the person was Lee Yeol in her own body.

This episode attracted viewers' attention with the dramatic developments and the performances of Nam Ji-hyun and Moon Sang-min. The next episode, episode 6, is scheduled to air on January 18 at 9:20 PM.