Buried Hearts

Updated review of Buried Hearts♡

I started Buried Hearts with high hopes, mainly because Park Hyung-sik (Seo Dong-ju) was leading it. After seeing him as a regular guy bright and bubbly in his last k- drama Dr. Slump, I was excited to watch him transform into a darker, more intense character after Happiness kdrama and this revenge thriller plot was a perfect opportunity for me From the very beginning, the drama gave off gripping, moody vibes with keywords like revenge, hacking, and power all the things I love in a K-drama. Naturally, I jumped in with huge expectations.And honestly? It did fulfilled them but not BEYOND expectations, but it definitely delivered on what it promised. The plot kept me engaged, the twists kept coming, and the tension never let up.

A Dark, Addictive Ride Through Power and Emotion

Set within the powerful Daesan Group, Buried Hearts follows Seo Dong-ju, an intelligent and highly ambitious man working as the head of Public Affairs. On the surface, he appears loyal, but beneath lies a man calculating every move to climb to the top. His world is shaken when he meets Yeo Eun-nam (Hong Hwa-yeon), the granddaughter of Daesan’s chairman, who is on her own mission to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious death.

The drama masterfully blends elements of corporate warfare, mystery, revenge, and emotional trauma. While many shows deal with similar themes, Buried Hearts manages to weave them into a story that feels layered with psychological conflict, power plays, and unspoken tension.

Park Hyung-sik at His Absolute Best

Park Hyung-sik’s performance in this drama is arguably one of his best. He completely sheds his soft image from previous roles and steps into a colder, calculating persona with incredible ease. Every silent stare, tight-lipped smirk, and flicker of emotion added to his mysterious edge. His visuals? Just wow. His hairstyle alone deserves an award it’s slick, perfectly styled, and adds to his brooding intensity. The way he carries his suits, posture, and presence makes him magnetic on screen.
His transformation is so impressive that you can’t help but stay glued to the screen he’s truly the soul of this show. [while watching this i came across a lot of comments , reviews, videos anout how people didn’t enjoy this drama infact this is not their type of drama but still watched only for him] Honestly that says a lot about his performance right now he is the highest paid actor in south korea surpassing KSH. His portrayal of character is compelling and that draws people in

Trio of Power: The Male Leads Steal the Show

The backbone of this drama lies in its three strongest characters—Park Hyung-sik (Seo Dong-ju), Heo Joon-ho (Yeom Jang-seon), and Lee Hae-young (Heo Il-do). That promo poster with all three standing together is spot-on—it perfectly encapsulates the power struggle and dynamics of the series.
Heo Joon-ho, at 61, still has such incredible command over his performance. His character is despicable, ruthless, and manipulative and he plays it so convincingly, it’s hard not to hate him. Lee Hae-young, on the other hand, is calm and calculated. His presence is intense in a quiet way, and his performance brings a steady force to the storyline.

A Female Lead with Limited Impact

While the male leads were the pillars, the female lead didn’t hold as much narrative weight. Her performance was decent, and I don’t mean that negatively. The character itself didn’t demand much range or screen time, so casting a top-tier actress would’ve felt like a mismatch. For this role, the chosen actress was perfectly apt. She suited the story’s needs and did justice to the character.
If I had to compare, her vibe reminded me of the female lead in The Impossible Heir. Acting-wise too, both had a similar subdued approach but honestly, I liked the female lead in Buried Hearts more than Hong Suzu. She felt more fitting and delivered a stronger emotional connection.

Stunning Styling and Visual Execution

The costume and styling department deserves a standing ovation. Every outfit was crisp, classy, and perfectly matched each character’s aura. From Seo Dong-ju’s tailored suits to the subtle elegance in secondary characters’ clothing, it added so much to the drama’s elite and intense vibe.
Cinematically, Buried Hearts is beautifully shot. The dark palettes, moody lighting, and clean framing amplify the emotions and the corporate coldness the show revolves around. The soundtrack complements this perfectly subtle yet haunting, with tracks that linger in your mind.

Romance is just a sub-plot

This isn’t your typical love story. The romance in Buried Hearts is slow-burning, complicated, and built on tension rather than tenderness. The chemistry between the leads is intriguing, not passionate driven more by uncertainty, hidden intentions, and occasional vulnerability. It’s not your classic K-drama swoon-fest, but it works in the context of this revenge-driven world.

The Ending & Final Thoughts

The final episode left me feeling... neutral. Not particularly happy, not especially sad it just wrapped things up quietly. The resolution wasn’t overly dramatic, which might work for some and not for others. But I must mention one standout moment: Yeom Jang-seon’s wife’s performance in the last episode was surprisingly emotional and heartwarming. It was a subtle yet touching way to close the story.
If You’re Considering Watching This…
Don’t go into it with towering expectations. Buried Hearts won’t exceed them. But if you manage your expectations, it won’t disappoint either. It’s a well-acted, well-produced drama that delivers solid storytelling, gripping performances, and an atmosphere that keeps you on edge.
If you enjoy thrillers that involve power games, psychological tension, and morally grey characters—this is your kind of drama.

To Sum It Up:
Buried Hearts is a dark, layered revenge drama with excellent performances—especially from the male leads.
The styling and cinematography are top-notch and add to the overall experience.
Don’t expect a grand, emotional payoff at the end but appreciate it for what it is: a subtle, intense ride.
It’s not flawless, but it’s compelling and definitely worth your time.

💜Note:- All the points I've mentioned above are completely based on my opinion. You don’t have to agree with me; everyone has their own preferences. Some people may not like it, and some might, and that’s okay. No one should feel offended by this 🤍

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Total trainwreck

I LIKED:

- Lead actor Park Hyung Sik, pretty convincing.
- Il Do's and Seong Yu's sons

I DISLIKED:

Everyting else...
- Main story fed to you bit by bit but finally it's no fun.
- The SFL who acts despicable and illogical.
- Main villain who is just grotesque
- Most of the secondary characters that are in a posture for no good reason
- The music that was loud and stressful for nothing
...

IN SHORT:

Do not watch this. You will not be entertained. You will be led on by the writers and director with every stupid development possible but you will not enjoy this. Especially the end that is basically BS. 5/10.

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A revenge drama that took way too long to have thrilling stakes: finished it thanks to hot main lead

Let's be real : without Park Hyung Sik in the main role, I'm not sure I would have completed this revenge drama. Indeed, the story progressed in a sluggish way, after a (long) but somewhat gripping introduction, it took almost up to last quarter of the drama for the stakes to get really thrilling. The choices made by characters are often dumb and feel contrived by the pacing of the series : often there to add artificial drama rather than making real sense. The hero could have had his revenge multiple ways but writing purposely seemed to slow down his progress. Then when the story really picked up in its last arc, it seemed a bit too quick on the conclusion and handling of its aftermath.

The romance was not good : at no point of the story did I manage to care for the heroine : not sure what's the most at fault here : the scenario offering almost nothing to do to the character or the very bland way the actress Hong Hwa Yeon portrayed the role. Park Hyung Sik is the highlight of the series : he reaches here an upper level of hotness and charisma, each of his slow motion arrival feel like an angsty runaway. Among the remainder of the cast, I was particularly impressed by Lee Hae Young who played the most interesting antagonist among the foes that want to harm the main lead. Their interactions were the best part of the series.

One of the undeniable strong point of the series resides in its high production value. The sets and decors in which the characters evolve are quite magnificent. The hanok house of one of the villain, the company office...there are a lot of picturesque sets highlighted by a good directing and amazing job of the lighting department. The way that light frammed the characters was really striking over the course of the series.

I would not necessarily recommend this drama unless you are a fan of Park Hyung Sik or are truly an aficionado of revenge drama. The romance felt too bland to me and other than the hero, almost no secondary characters on "the good side" is interesting because of lack of solid background. The real stakes and angst come a bit too late and feel to short-lived with what felt like a rushed conclusion after a sluggish set up.

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Revenge Doesn’t Heal – It Haunts. Buried Hearts Is Proof

I just finished Buried Hearts, and it hit different.
While marketed as a revenge drama, it slowly unravels into something much more complex: a painful reflection on trauma, greed, and the emptiness that follows vengeance. What starts off strong and full of potential for dramatic revenge ends not with triumph—but with haunting silence.

Dongju is the heart of the story. His journey to avenge his mother seems justified… Until he achieves it. What follows is a man who can no longer tell right from wrong. In the final scenes, we see him adrift—alone on a yacht, holding a pistol. Did he end it all? Did he find peace? The drama doesn’t answer—and that’s what makes it powerful.

The family who once lived humbly with a bakery in the suburbs slowly reveals their darker desires. Their transformation after entering Daesan is one of the most jarring in the series—driven by greed and backed by the shady and ambitious Yeom Jangseon, a political figure who manipulates power behind the scenes. Watching them justify betrayal in pursuit of inheritance makes you wonder: were they always like this, or did money change them?

Deokhui—delusional, obsessive, and emotionally unstable—ends up depressed after her son Taehyun dies. Her guilt festers from orchestrating the murder of Dongju’s mother, a plan born from jealousy and denial. Even when given chances to admit the truth, she doubles down, dragging everyone down with her.

The painting in the final scene, where Eunnam adds a woman to the solitary man on the yacht, feels symbolic. It's like she's trying to give Dongju the peace he never found, even if only in art.


This drama doesn’t hand out justice or comfort. It leaves everyone with pieces of what they wanted—and the weight of their choices. The ending is open, and honestly, not everyone will like that. Some may feel the revenge arc wasn’t impactful enough. But maybe that’s the point: revenge doesn’t heal—it corrodes.

This drama left me thinking:
"The best revenge is moving on and living well.
But what if the pain runs too deep for that?"

A slow-burn tragedy disguised as a revenge drama. Dark, emotional, and thought-provoking—definitely worth the watch, but only if you're ready for an ending that refuses to spoon-feed you closure.

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Buried hearts

This review will have a lot of spoilers, maybe not at the beginning but still, read only if spoilers do not bother you (as me), I will not put more warning about it.
It was one of my most anticipated dramas from 2025 and in general it did not dissapoint, maybe I am not the biggest fun of ending (more later) but as whole I had really good time and that is the reason why I could not rate it lower than 8/10. Sometimes it is a little like Vincenzo 2.0. but family version.
Park Hyung Sik - once again in badass role but not cute badass like in Happiness but psycho badass (which makes me even more hyped for Twelve - as if I was not already since PHS will be there and my favourite Seo In Guk), some of his decisions do not make any sense, also I feel like in the end he could find friendly ground with his father......I loved his chemistry with HHY (yes, I liked them as couple, wished more), also ending showed that revenge did not make him happy at all, quite opposite unfortunately
Hong Hwa Yeon - she was cute, chemistry was on point (even with KSH) and she also had every right to seek revenge, I feel like I am one of few people who liked her and liked main couple
Lee Hae Young - his acting was sooo good, I see him as gray character (well most of them was like that), I think that his sacrifice made perfect sense
Yoon Sang Hyeon - I do not know why but I thought he might be into boys.....his fate did not make sense that way, SPOILERS: if he was the one who jumped it would make more sense or if it was CWM's mother...............
Cha Woo Min - I was so happy when I saw him but to be honest I feel like they destroyed his character, him and PHS and YSH would have made perfect bro trio (wasted opportunity), I do not see any justification why his character should go villain (maybe a little toward YSH's mother but not him), especially since he was such sweet at the beginning (so yeah maybe some sense was to make him go that way, but I prefered not), his curly hair in episode 10 were great!
Kwon Soo Hyun - I expected him to go against his uncle, more frenemies with PHS at the end ( and I am happy about it), it was nice to see him acting again
Huh Joon Ho, Kim Jung Nan and Do Ji Won in my opinion were the biggest villains and if really bad things happened to them I would no complain but well
ENDING - if last episode cut after family dinner it would be great, if it ended after the kiss it would be great, in general if it ended the way it ended it would be great but not this f*cking scene with pushing YSH, the only thing I really did not like, simply this happening other way would make more sense for me than this one
To sum up - if not the ending I would probably rate 9/10 but still it was really good (maybe it would be better to make all episodes out one day or release 8 episodes one week and next week rest or if it was 12 episodes?), still in my opinion worth watching, cause acting was amazing!!!

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A Complex Tale That Deserved More Time

"Buried Hearts" (2025) deserves at least an 8.0 ratings. It would have been 8.5 if they had finished it well.

I haven’t come across such a complex yet engaging story in quite some time. The story pulls you in fast, with layered characters, sharp twists (90% unexpected everytime), and emotions. Unlike melodrama, this tackles trauma, guilt, and redemption in a grounded way..

The writers took some creative liberties, especially with the male lead’s storyline. I agree that a few of those decisions might not sit well with everyone, but personally, I felt they added to the unpredictability of his arc. Despite these choices, the show remained faithful to its main plot and emotional core.

Each character was thoughtfully written. Even the side characters had their own purpose and development, which added richness to the narrative. It’s rare to see that kind of balance. Every character felt like a real person.

However, I have to admit that the last few episodes didn’t quite live up to the rest of the drama. The pacing dropped, and it transitioned into a more slice-of-life tone. You could feel the fatigue of the writers and directors. It was as if the writers had poured everything into the buildup but ran out of steam toward the end. The emotional weight that carried the earlier episodes started to fizzle out.

This story was too intricate and ambitious to wrap up in just one season. It deserved a slower, more nuanced ending, or perhaps even a second season to fully explore the aftermath and give closure to the characters we grew attached to.

Still, I would absolutely recommend "Buried Hearts" to anyone who enjoys emotionally intense dramas with strong character development. Despite its flaws, it’s a story that stays with you.

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Buried Hearts – A Cultural and Narrative Masterpiece

Buried Hearts was, in my opinion, a masterpiece. But to truly appreciate it, one must understand a few key aspects of Korean culture and society. These are insights I’ve formed over years of watching Korean dramas, variety shows, reality TV, and YouTube content. Here are three important cultural points that, I believe, make the story feel both authentic and grounded:
1. Money equals power in Korea. If you have wealth, you can influence nearly anything—status, justice, politics.
2. Guns are not easily accessible. Unlike in the U.S., ordinary citizens can’t just buy firearms. However, due to mandatory military service, most Korean men are trained to use them.
3. Politics is deeply corrupt, perhaps even more so than in many other countries. Power plays, backroom deals, and manipulation are a common theme.
Because of these elements, Buried Hearts felt incredibly realistic. It didn’t shy away from showing what people are capable of when driven by greed, revenge, or the hunger for power. The drama checks every box: Doing anything to acquire wealth; eliminating enemies through any means other than guns; and playing dirty politics and using money to rise in power? 

The Story: At the heart of the drama is Seo Dong-ju, a brilliant and loyal corporate secretary who initially seeks money and influence by serving his boss with unwavering devotion. His strategy? Follow in the footsteps of the current son-in-law of the chaebol family by charming and marrying the granddaughter of the chairman.
But things don’t go as planned. Dong-ju unexpectedly falls in love with Eun Nam, unaware at first that she is the actual granddaughter. Eun Nam, in turn, has her own revenge agenda—believing her stepfather murdered her biological father under her mother's command, she marries the nephew of Yeom Jang-seon, a powerful and manipulative political kingmaker who operates behind the scenes to control both corporate and governmental power to gain power for her retaliation. 
Betrayed and nearly assassinated by Yeom Jang-seon, Dong-ju escapes and retaliates by stealing 2 trillion won from him to protect himself. As the story unfolds, Dong-ju survives attempts on his life, loses his memory, and his sister, Dong-ju uncovers the truth about his own parents’ deaths, rises to become the chairman of the company he once served as a secretary, and eventually loses everything—his love, his ideals, and the very soul he bargained away for power.

The storytelling was tight and intricate—there were no plot holes. Every detail, every twist, every emotional beat clicked into place like pieces of a puzzle. It’s rare to find a drama where the rewatch value is so high—I’ve personally watched it four times, and each time I discover something new.
Every actor delivered powerful, emotionally resonant performances, particularly Park Hyung-sik, who carried the emotional weight of the story with nuance and intensity. Buried Hearts isn’t just another revenge melodrama—it’s a reflection of a society where power games are played in shadows, and ambition comes at a cost. It’s thrilling, tragic, and thought-provoking. A must-watch, especially for those who want to understand the cultural subtext that drives the drama’s realism.

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Buried Heart (Ongoing Korean Drama)

Amidst the current flurry of ongoing K-dramas, "Buried Heart" stands out as a truly exceptional gem. It's the only one that has genuinely captured my attention, proving to be both memorable and worthy of a re-watch – a testament to its compelling narrative and captivating performances.

While Park Hyung Sik's undeniable visual appeal is certainly a bonus, it's his performance that truly shines in "Buried Heart." He delivers a masterclass in acting, portraying a character vastly different from anything he's tackled before. The depth and nuance he brings to the role are truly remarkable. He's not just playing a character; he's inhabiting it, showcasing a level of skill that elevates the entire drama. This is, without a doubt, the best acting I've seen from him.

"Buried Heart" offers a refreshing departure from typical K-drama tropes. The storyline is gripping, the pacing is excellent, and the emotional depth is palpable. The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, contributing to the overall excellence of the series.

If you're looking for a K-drama that will leave a lasting impression, "Buried Heart" is a must-watch. It's a testament to the power of compelling storytelling and exceptional acting, and it's quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites.

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A Gripping Finale of Revolution and Resilience"

Buried Hearts stars Park Hyung-sik as Seo Dong-ju, a calculating secretary infiltrating the corrupt Daesan Group, and Huh Joon-ho as Yeom Jang-seon, a sinister tycoon. The story revolves around a stolen 2-trillion-won slush fund, blending betrayal, ambition, and a fraught romance with Hong Hwa-yeon’s Yeo Eun-nam.

**Depth**: Park Hyung-sik delivers a career-defining performance, layering Dong-ju’s cold pragmatism with raw grief, especially in scenes exposing his tragic past. Huh Joon-ho’s chilling charisma makes Yeom a magnetic villain, his every move a calculated power play. The drama excels early, with tight pacing and morally gray characters clashing in a web of lies—think chess with human stakes. Visually, it’s stunning: dark, moody shots mirror the characters’ inner turmoil.

**Flaws**: Around episode 8, the narrative splinters. Subplots like corporate espionage and predictable K-drama clichés (amnesia, secret siblings) dilute the tension. The romance, initially tender, feels inconsistent, undermined by forced conflicts. The finale polarizes—its gritty realism resonates with some, but others find it abrupt, leaving key arcs unresolved (e.g., Dong-ju’s ultimate fate).

**Verdict**: *Buried Hearts* is a flawed gem. It hooks with intense performances and early brilliance but stumbles with overambition. Perfect for fans of *Penthouse* or *The Childe*, who crave dark twists, but brace for a bumpy second half. Park’s acting alone makes it a must-watch.

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Does it really ends like that?

Soo it ends like that 😐.
No buried heart 2?!! 👀
He didn't shoot himself right? Or he did 🤐
How I was happy seeing the 2 young (uncle & nephew) being friendly together and smiling. And then, suddenly ☠️
And Mr professor still laughing!
So who wins if that's the final of buried hearts?
Enunam & dong ju, did not get their happy endings, like how they were planning at first episode, married together.
It gives raise that seonu and his mother will direct the company. However, the vault code they don't have.
The 2 trillion won still untouched.
I think, there must be like 1 or 2 episode more, like to clear that, and got an happy ending in other words, to end well.

Nice kdrama, for me a 8/10.
Enunam 💫

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Someone got fired mid writing

This drama was so good up until ep 11-12, every character had a purpose and a storyline but either someone got fired in the midst of writing this drama or they signed for far too many eps than originally needed and had to make fillers. It all just suddenly started getting repetitive, the story was going absolutely nowhere and all the subplots and other characters just basically disappeared to give even more room to yeom jangseon trying to kill dongju every 30 mins. They also changed dongju like he suddenly started having feelings for those that wronged him (esp ildo) and completely ignored those who supported him from the start which made no sense given the first half of the drama.
The ending was just the cherry on top, time is nonexistent like they just jump one year into the future and basically nothing has changed, dongju is just so deep into his depression he leaves everything he worked so hard for and then in the last 5-10 mins he kisses eunnam after ignoring her storyline for more than half of the show and taeyun gets KILLED BY SEONU???? how do you even end a drama like this? nothing has been concluded at all?????
anyways the overall rating is an 8/10 just because the first half was too good I genuinely had high hopes and I rather hang on to that.

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