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 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* (2025), a South Korean revenge drama on SBS and Disney+, 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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Seo Dongju Deserved Better—Welcome to My Villain Era

Buried Hearts had a start that felt really promising because of the slush fund, the revenge setup and the memory loss, which really had me hooked, but the drama lost its grip in the middle. Everything started to feel so repetitive and dragged. It felt so emotionally draining to finish the drama leading me to push myself to finish because it most definitely would have ended up in my "On Hold" list if I didn't.

From the first to the sixteenth episode, Seo-Dongju kept suffering non stop. Either the man became the target himself or lost bonds close to him with no room for him to catch his breath or gain a moment of stability. Although, it felt as if he was the only one carrying the whole drama, his character still lacked a lot. He fought for a vague sense of justice for an ending that didn't even feel satisfying. His breakdown after he had gained control made me question everything. What was his definition of revenge and why was he trying to get to it when it felt so pointless in that moment? Every single loss he had experienced felt so hollow because the tragedies kept piling up. It's as if there was no time to process the emotional connection a character had with Seo-Dongju to be able to feel his loss.

The most unbearable part for me in the drama was the unnecessary "romance" the writers dragged on. It was so frustrating to see Eunnam come up on screen because why was she in the light of redemption? How could she leave Seo-Dongju when he needed her the most? He experienced so much grief and dealt with it on his own only for her to waltz back into his life with some half-hearted emotional line like "For me, you come before everyone else" like didn't you actually prove that when you chose to marry someone else over HIM? And then it's the audacity of questioning Seo-Dongju how he expects to be forgiven because of what Huh Ildo did. So isn't your choice for marriage to someone else over love and communication perhaps a bigger concern and a decision you should be begging for forgiveness for from Seo-Dongju instead? He had no one by his side. Not one person. And yet the viewers are expected to accept the reconciliation and forget whatever happened. The romance felt so forced and the expectation to forgive Eunnam's betrayal was highly unrealistic because the reassurance of her presence by Seo-Dongju's side felt meaningless after the damage had already been done. Moreover, her character was just so inconsistent because her decisions left my questions unanswered. Choosing Yeom Hicheol made no sense if she was just going to divorce him eventually. What was her motive? If she didn't care about losing the shares later, why did she even choose the marriage? Just to make Seo Dongju go through that period of suffering? Was she ever on his side? Did she even love him? None of it made sense.

Park Hyung-Sik really gave his all—an incredible performance. But it just wasn't possible for him alone to carry the whole show. Although, he did well, the script of the drama didn't really give me a chance to feel connected to his character. Loss after loss after betrayal after trauma—it all happened so quickly and intensely that at some point, it just numbed me. And it's as if his own character was numb too or more like, he felt less human. How can someone go through so much in such less time and not break? There was no real emotional processing, no moments of healing, or glimpses of joy to make the suffering bearable or meaningful. Just an endless cycle of heartbreak. Every time something went wrong, my brain literally went "Oh God, not again. Give him a break."

Overall, I felt really disappointed with the show, especially due to repetitiveness of the plot and its very unsatisfying ending. Most characters were inconsistent with their written personalities especially Eunnam and Seonu and how others would turn their back on Dongju randomly. Also, the show would have been more interesting after Seo Dongju's father had died a bit later after some sort of connection had been built. The universe really was against Dongju and maybe things would have been different if he wasn't attacked from all sides by almost every character on the show.

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