Lee Kyu-han Cast as Shin Jin-won in KBS2's 'The Beloved Thief' Premiering January 2026

Actor Lee Kyu-han has been confirmed to join the cast of KBS2's upcoming Saturday-Sunday mini-series, 'The Beloved Thief,' scheduled to premiere on January 3, 2026.

Lee will portray Shin Jin-won, the stern elder brother of Shin Hae-rim (played by Han So-eun). Shin Jin-won is a character who values principles and rules, often admonishing his orphaned sister. However, his perspective shifts when it comes to Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun), whom he develops different feelings for despite his general disapproval of women's public activities.

'The Beloved Thief' tells the story of a perilous yet grand romance where the souls of a woman who becomes the world's greatest thief and the prince pursuing her become swapped, leading them to save each other and ultimately protect the people. Lee Kyu-han is expected to heighten the drama's immersion with his adept acting, portraying Shin Jin-won's complex emotions.

Known for his "trustworthy acting" in numerous works including 'Judge from Hell' and 'Battle for Happiness,' Lee Kyu-han has also showcased his versatile talent in the play 'My Mister' and the variety show 'Seeking Old Encounters.' His return to the small screen in 'The Beloved Thief' has garnered significant anticipation from fans.

Netizens reacted enthusiastically to the casting news, with comments like "Lee Kyu-han is finally back!", "So excited for 'The Beloved Thief'", and "Always a trustworthy actor, I'll definitely watch this drama too."