You’ve probably seen the posters. A scruffy Jung Il-woo, looking like he hasn't washed in a week, hauling a woman over his shoulder in a literal sack. It looks like a typical K-drama setup, right? But Bossam Steal the Fate isn't just another historical romance. It’s a messy, politically charged, and surprisingly grounded look at one of the weirdest loopholes in Joseon history.
Honestly, when I first heard the title, I thought of the pork dish. You know, the delicious boiled pork belly you wrap in lettuce? But the word bossam has a much darker, or perhaps more desperate, historical meaning.
What exactly was Bossam?
In the Joseon era, if you were a widow, you were basically stuck. Society was deeply rooted in Confucianism. That meant women were expected to be loyal to their late husbands forever. Remarriage? Forget about it. It was socially taboo and, for noble families, it could ruin their reputation.
Enter the custom of bossam.
Basically, a man would "kidnap" a widow by wrapping her in a blanket (the bossam) at night. Because it was technically a kidnapping, the woman could save face. She didn't "choose" to remarry; she was stolen. Often, these were planned ahead of time with the widow's family to give her a second chance at life. But in the drama, things go south fast.
The mistake that changed everything
Ba-woo, played by Jung Il-woo, is a guy living at the bottom of the food chain. He's a professional kidnapper-for-hire. One night, he bags a widow as usual, only to find out he’s snatched Princess Hwa-in (Kwon Yu-ri).
She’s the King’s daughter.
Not just that, she’s the daughter-in-law of Yi I-cheom, the most powerful and dangerous man in the palace. This isn't just a kidnapping anymore. It’s a political death sentence. The dynamic between them is fantastic because they are both technically "dead" to the world. The Princess has already been reported dead by her father-in-law to cover up the scandal, and Ba-woo is a fallen aristocrat living under a fake name.
Why this drama broke records
It aired on MBN, a smaller cable network in Korea. Usually, these shows get quiet ratings. But Bossam Steal the Fate became the highest-rated drama in the network's history, hitting nearly 10% nationwide.
Why? Because it’s smart.
The chemistry between Jung Il-woo and Yuri is palpable, sure. They even reunited for another drama called Good Job right after because fans loved them so much. But the real star is the writing. It doesn't treat the politics like a side dish. The power struggle between King Gwanghae and his ministers is actually terrifying. You feel the weight of every choice they make.
The Ba-woo and Su-kyeong dynamic
Kwon Yu-ri really surprised people here. As a member of Girls' Generation, there’s always pressure to see if idols can actually act in a sageuk (historical drama). She nailed it. Her character, Su-kyeong, isn't some damsel waiting to be rescued. She’s incredibly resilient. She goes from a sheltered royal to a woman who washes clothes by the river and survives on her own wits.
Ba-woo is equally complex. He’s rough around the edges—sorta grumpy, definitely traumatized. He has a young son named Cha-dol (played by Ko Dong-ha) who provides some of the best comic relief you’ll find in a period piece. The "found family" trope is strong in this one, and it works.
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Is it historically accurate?
Kinda. The king in the show, Gwanghaegun, was a real person. He’s one of the most debated figures in Korean history—often portrayed as a tyrant, but also a pragmatist who tried to keep Joseon out of the war between the Ming and Qing dynasties. The drama leans into this complexity.
The politics get heavy in the second half. If you’re just here for the romance, the last five episodes might feel a bit dense. There’s a lot of talk about the "Northern" faction and the "Western" faction, which can be confusing if you don't know the history. But the stakes are high. If Ba-woo and the Princess are discovered, everyone they love dies. Simple as that.
Why you should give it a chance
Most historical dramas focus on the palace. Bossam Steal the Fate spends a lot of time in the dirt. You see how commoners lived, how they ate, and how they survived. The cinematography is gorgeous, but it doesn't shy away from the grit.
If you're tired of the "perfect" male leads, Ba-woo is your guy. He's a gambler. He fights. He's flawed. But seeing him regain his dignity through his relationship with the Princess is genuinely moving.
How to watch it now
Currently, the drama is available on several streaming platforms depending on your region.
- Viki: Usually the go-to for most international fans.
- Wavve: If you’re in Korea or have access.
- Apple TV / Google Play: In some regions, you can buy the episodes individually.
The show is 20 episodes long. It’s a bit of a commitment, but the pacing is surprisingly tight for a sageuk. Just don't expect a typical fluffy romance. This is a story about survival, and it’s one of the best "underdog" stories to come out of Korean television in the last few years.
To get the most out of your viewing experience, pay attention to the subtext of the bossam custom. It’s a symbol for how these characters are trying to "steal" a destiny that the world tried to take away from them.
Start with the first three episodes to see if the chemistry clicks for you. If you aren't hooked by the time they start their life on the run, it might not be your style. But if you like high-stakes political intrigue mixed with a slow-burn romance, this is a must-watch.