After weeks of building momentum, "Buried Hearts" ended on Saturday April 12, 2025 as the highest-rated miniseries of 2025 so far. The Korean drama starring Park Hyung Sik earned a rating of 15.4 percent and peaked at 17.9 percent.
In addition to brightening up the ratings throughout its run, "Buried Hearts" also dominated its time slot and ranked No. 1 among the coveted 2049 demographic. However, even though the drama ended with high ratings, its ending still drew criticism from viewers.
From its first episode, “Buried Hearts” captivated viewers with its suspenseful storyline, intense performances, and subtle themes of power and revelation. The drama follows Seo Dong Ju (Park Hyung Sik), a fixer who operates behind the powerful Daesan Group.
With layers of corporate intrigue, dark money, political dealings and assassination attempts, “Buried Hearts” creates a tightly wound suspense story. Viewers are captivated by the mix of volatile family drama and tense corporate warfare.
What really sets “Buried Hearts” apart is its incredible cast, especially Park Hyung Sik, who delivers a masterful performance as Dong Ju. In moments of heartbreak, especially the emotional scene after his sister’s death, his restrained expressions convey an outpouring of pain, regret, and disappointment.
Another leading actor, Heo Jun Ho, who plays Yeom Jang Sun, is equally charming. Rather than playing a typical villain, Jun Ho portrays the fading authority of the old regime with strong control and flashes of ruthless ambition.
Despite its strengths, “Buried Hearts” ended with criticism. After a gripping first act, the emotional intensity drops, and several character arcs are hastily resolved. While the structural integrity of the plot remains, certain endings feel more functional than they should, leaving the viewer yearning for a deeper conclusion.
The final episode of “Buried Hearts,” despite its explosive ratings, left a lot hanging, most notably Dong Ju’s ambiguous future and the still-active power dynamics within Daesan Group. All of these open-ended elements demand a sequel.
If SBS gives the green light for “Buried Hearts” season 2, expectations will be very high. Viewers will be looking for a more subtle emotional arc, tighter storytelling, and a continuation of the incredible performances that made season 1 stand out.
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