Buried Hearts (2025) is an overreaching corporate revenge drama that delves deeply into betrayal, power, and ambition's steep price. The drama's plot is riddled with political slush-fund hacks, boardroom stabbing contests, and private grudge matches, but at times its narrative is overly florid and poorly paced.
Synopsis
In this segment,
Central to it is Seo Dong-ju, an erstwhile obedient office worker turned to a life of vengeance when betrayed by the same system to which he remained loyal. The program attempts to weave threads of private tragedy on one hand, threads of business conspiracy on another, with Dong-ju infiltrating a massive two-trillion-won mobilization pool in order to remain in business so he can pursue ultimate vengeance. The premise is engaging enough, but occasionally too many subplots—from family treachery to political scandal—are woven in such a way that the action becomes complicated with too much to track, with at least some viewers pining for more focus and unity.
Performances
Park Hyung-sik excels in his depiction of Dong-ju, expressing his inner turmoil as much as his aloof, calculated pursuit of revenge. One of his ability to be both vulnerable and determined at the same time is one of the drama's strongest points. The supporting actors, including Huh Joon-ho and Hong Hwa-yeon, bring with them good performances; however, not everyone's narrative arc is given room to fulfill their full development, which occasionally hurts emotional resolution.
Direction, Camera, and Music
In terms of aesthetics, the show makes use of tight, intimate camera work and dark, atmospheric colors to match up with themes of disintegration and loneliness. The soundtrack, from background sound to sound effect, is excellent in bringing out the tension and drama, even if occasionnally transitions can sometimes be harsh. The technicals are fluid, if occasionally have trouble to tie all of the narrative threads together with exactitude.
General Perception
General In general, Buried Hearts is an entertaining show that deserves to be considered as a revenge drama—it's good concept and starring performance propel it along even in spite of some of the narrative missteps. Although the overplotting and occasional pacing problems detract from the overall viewing experience, even so, it still presents an absorbing, though imperfect, narrative of ambition and tragedy. Final Rating: 7.5/10
Synopsis
In this segment,
Central to it is Seo Dong-ju, an erstwhile obedient office worker turned to a life of vengeance when betrayed by the same system to which he remained loyal. The program attempts to weave threads of private tragedy on one hand, threads of business conspiracy on another, with Dong-ju infiltrating a massive two-trillion-won mobilization pool in order to remain in business so he can pursue ultimate vengeance. The premise is engaging enough, but occasionally too many subplots—from family treachery to political scandal—are woven in such a way that the action becomes complicated with too much to track, with at least some viewers pining for more focus and unity.
Performances
Park Hyung-sik excels in his depiction of Dong-ju, expressing his inner turmoil as much as his aloof, calculated pursuit of revenge. One of his ability to be both vulnerable and determined at the same time is one of the drama's strongest points. The supporting actors, including Huh Joon-ho and Hong Hwa-yeon, bring with them good performances; however, not everyone's narrative arc is given room to fulfill their full development, which occasionally hurts emotional resolution.
Direction, Camera, and Music
In terms of aesthetics, the show makes use of tight, intimate camera work and dark, atmospheric colors to match up with themes of disintegration and loneliness. The soundtrack, from background sound to sound effect, is excellent in bringing out the tension and drama, even if occasionnally transitions can sometimes be harsh. The technicals are fluid, if occasionally have trouble to tie all of the narrative threads together with exactitude.
General Perception
General In general, Buried Hearts is an entertaining show that deserves to be considered as a revenge drama—it's good concept and starring performance propel it along even in spite of some of the narrative missteps. Although the overplotting and occasional pacing problems detract from the overall viewing experience, even so, it still presents an absorbing, though imperfect, narrative of ambition and tragedy. Final Rating: 7.5/10
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