This is going to be a fascinating historical drama. We are already quite excited about Dear Bandit. Expect romance, comedy, and imagination. Its plot involves a soul-swap storyline and an amazing cast.
This is everything you need to know about the upcoming 2026 K-Drama.
K-Drama Dear Bandit Plot
The backdrop is set in the Joseon Dynasty. It’s about two people who become unexpectedly linked. And since it’s a romantic comedy set in the past, there will be a lot of funny and heartwarming scenes.
Our main character is Hong Eun Jo, who is the daughter of a nobleman and a slave. She lives a double life, as a famous thief and a good person. Her name is Hong Gil Dong. In this smart gender-swapped version of Hong Gil Dong, Eun Jo steals from corrupt officials to help the needy while masking her identity.
Prince Yi Yeol, on the other hand, is a brilliant and good-looking royal who is passionate about solving puzzles. He is investigating the true identity of the elusive robber, Hong Gil Dong. But when he first sees Hong Eun Jo, he falls in love with her. A magical twist causes the two to switch souls, making things more complicated as they must live each other’s lives and defend themselves simultaneously.
Characters and Cast
This story comes to life thanks to a great ensemble. For a soul-swap drama to work, the chemistry between the main characters has to be good. “Dear Bandit” has a good cast of actors.
- Nam Ji Hyun plays Hong Eun Jo, a robber with a secret identity. She is known for playing a range of roles. Her persona is a new take on the famous figure Hong Gil Dong, with a modern feminist twist on the old story.
- Moon Sang Min plays Prince Yi Yeol, a lovely and smart prince. Moon Sang Min is a rising talent. The main conflict and comedy in the drama stem from his character’s path from chasing a criminal to falling in love and then practically walking in her shoes.
- Ha Seok Jin as King Yeon San / Yi Gyu. Ha Seok Jin, a seasoned actor, plays the King of Joseon in a supporting role. He adds weight and experience to the cast.
- Kim Suk Hoon plays Eun Jo’s father, a complicated nobleman who is the father of the main character.
- Im Sa Hyeong is played by Choi Won Young. Choi Won Young is a well-known actor in historical dramas we expec.
- Hong Min Ki plays Im Jae I, who is the last supporting character in the movie.
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Production Details
The most important production information for the K-drama “Dear Bandit” is as follows:
- Network: KBS2
- Episodes: 12
- Airing Schedule: The series is scheduled to air on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Premiere Date: January 2026
- Filming Status: Production and filming officially began in March
The drama will have 12 episodes, so it will tell a tight, concentrated plot without any extra fluff.
Why This K-Drama Will Be Different?
There are a few things that make “Dear Bandit” different from other historical dramas. It’s not just a regular sageuk; it’s a mix of genres and concepts that make something fresh.
The soul-swap idea is common in K-dramas, but not so much in historical ones. “Dear Bandit” takes this popular fantasy aspect, similar to the classic “Secret Garden,” and sets it in the Joseon dynasty. This mix gives a prince and a criminal a new platform to hone their comedy and character development as they navigate a world they don’t know.
A New Version of Hong Gil Dong
Many times, the story of Hong Gil Dong, a Korean Robin Hood-like person, has been changed. “Dear Bandit,” on the other hand, gives a creative, gender-swapped rendition. The story looks at identity, gender norms, and justice from a different angle by making the famous bandit a woman.
A Perfect Mix of Genres
The show does a great job of mixing a range of genres. It assures that the viewing experience is rich and varied. You can expect exciting action scenes, funny scenarios that will make you laugh out loud, swoon-worthy romance, and a little bit of magic, all set against the lovely backdrop of historical Korea.
