This review may contain spoilers
It must have been hard...
Seriously I wonder who to blame director or screenwriter. Story is all over the place. Characters change form evil to kind and from kid to evil in 10 minutes and there is literally nothing new or creative I get from this series.It seems like making series only for the sake of making them. Is it even worth investing so much money and time if the series doesn't have coherent story? Where is the artistry of making a movies or dramas.
There is so many not finished plots or stories that were not explained properly. Like the whole president illegitimate child. Which is apparently similar age as the grandson is honestly so silly. It's not like it's impossible but whole cheating thing was not explained enough.
The first wife and mother of president kids is nowhere to be found or mentioned. Now this kind kid helping old man to find home and working hard at bakery decides in an instance to be bad, take over the company and get rid of his "nephew" I guess for money and power as if it was his motive since the beginning.
Like any person who ever worked in a company even for a little while know that there is no way to easy manage things on your own especially without any experience, knowledge and connections. It's scary and shareholders would never agree to participate in downfall of the company. Yet new wife and her son feel qualified to do it? If they would be spoiled Nepo babies it would be more convincing but them working at the bakery and then wanting to be CEOs makes it so unrealistic.
Another one is with vault. You are telling me that vault that can be open only by code or blowing it up can get plumbing and bathroom installed easily and like no one noticed it? The person is being held hostage there and obviously never get sick. For a whole year or more no one needs to enter this vault to get money? 😂
I mean I could go for ages on how silly this drama is but in all honesty I'm tired of actors trying to save the series and cover up bad scripts by trying to act well. Not enough criticism is directed towards directors or screenwriters and actors are the one blamed for the whole movie or TV series disasters.
Honestly I thought it will be great but as the story progressed and new ridiculous ideas were introduced I started to feel like the ending is not going to be well executed and I was not wrong. They tried to resolve it by finishing it all in one episode. It felt so flat and unsatisfying. Nothing actually had it's closure as if they would want to make season 2. Ridiculous idea with that sloppy writing but if they don't make it that would be even worse because ending it like that is pure disaster.
It must have been hard for actors to deliver whatever this show wanted to deliver because I still don't know.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
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.
Was this review helpful to you?
Loved Every Minute of It!!!!!
I do not want to give anything away. I have never watched a "k drama" that had more twists, turns, surprises, and "shake my head" moments ever. Park Hyung Sik is absolutely an A-list actor in all sense of the word in this series. His emotions, actions and thoughts are the real deal here. This ENTIRE cast is amazing, the good, the bad AND the ugly. You will not want to stop between episodes....it is JUST that good! The OST is terrific and mood enhancingly perfection for each scene. I can only hope they see fit for another season.Was this review helpful to you?
One of my the best Korean dramas i have seen
**Buried Hearts (Treasure Island) is one of those rare K-dramas that immediately hooks you with its intensity and refuses to let go.** At the center of it all is Park Hyung-sik, who once again proves why he is among the most versatile and commanding actors of his generation. His performance blends vulnerability with raw charisma, and the way he carries the emotional weight of the story makes you forget you’re watching fiction. Alongside him, Hong Hwa-yeon as *Ye Eun-nam* delivers a nuanced portrayal that balances warmth and steel—her character isn’t overshadowed but instead shines as an equal force, giving the drama even more depth.**The casting overall feels pitch-perfect.** Each supporting actor contributes layers to the story, never feeling like filler, and instead creating a tightly woven ensemble where every line and expression matters. Personally, I loved every single character, with Seo Dong-ju and Ye Eun-nam being my favorites. Eun-nam especially gets a lot of hate from viewers, but I think that’s debatable—and honestly, I won’t spoil anything, but she remains one of the most memorable parts of the drama for me. Park Hyung-sik’s presence on screen is magnetic, but it’s the balance and chemistry between him, Hong Hwa-yeon, and the rest of the cast that elevates the show.
**The OST is where Buried Hearts cements its place as unforgettable.** “Break Through” by Seo Ho-seung is easily the crown jewel of the soundtrack. The timing of when the song plays—especially when Park Hyung-sik appears on screen—is goosebump-inducing. It’s not just background music; it’s storytelling through sound. That surge of emotion, the satisfaction, the way it perfectly syncs with the visuals, makes you want to hit repeat endlessly. Few K-drama OSTs reach the iconic level of *Goblin’s* “Stay With Me,” but “Break Through” feels like it’s destined to join that elite category.
**Buried Hearts proves that a K-drama becomes truly iconic when cast and music merge seamlessly.** Park Hyung-sik and Hong Hwa-yeon anchor the show with brilliance, while Seo Ho-seung’s “Break Through” turns already powerful moments into unforgettable experiences. Add in layered side characters like Eun-nam and Seo Dong-ju, and you have a drama that feels complete and deeply satisfying. For me, it’s a flawless ride from start to finish—an easy **10/10**.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
SEO DONGJU DESERVED BETTER!?
Don't get fooled by the happy-go-lucky first episode! The show is tragic, traumatic but tge storyline tye suspense will want you to keep watching until you reach the end!Park Hyung-sik is the show. The show is Park Hyung-sik!
Park Hyung-sik is an epic actor the way ue portrayed Seo Dongju is so intense, tragic yet beautiful. His acting. His dialogue delivery. His emotions. His struggle. Everthing was 100%.
However, Dongju deserve better both in familial & romantic love. The ending left me unsatisfied & frustrated. After almost dying thrice, losing everyone he has loved to death or greed of others what did he get in the end Nothing! They even took just one source of family from him. And the ending portrayed that he mqy or may not have done su!c!d€
Wish he had a supportive lover & a lil' bro he knew about all along
Was this review helpful to you?
Park Hyungsik killed it once more
I really enjoyed watching this series, i loved everything from the story plot to the hidden plot twists and fair share of suspensethe story is very deep and intriguing and full of emotions, what can i say more than just park hyungsik nailed it and proved that he's a veteran actor in this k-drama instustry !!
Was this review helpful to you?
Something is off about this show
I liked the story of this show overall and love a lot of the actors that are in this, especially Cha Woo-min. There was something about this show though that made it hard to get through for me. I don't know if it was the pacing or what, but something made it take me a bit to get through it. I loved Dong Ju's character so much! He was the best part of the show without a doubt.Always love seeing my boo thang (Cha Woomin) in anything <3
Was this review helpful to you?
Underrated, Unrelenting, Unmissable
The story revolves around a young man named Seo Dong Ju. He's a director and the right-hand man, essentially the jack-of-all-trades, for Cha Gang Cheon, the chairman of the powerful Daesan Group. In fact, he’s likely the chairman’s favorite person.However, without realizing it, Seo Dong Ju gets involved with Cha Gang Cheon’s daughter, who later abandons him to marry the nephew of Yeom Jang Seon, another influential figure who is closely aligned with Cha Gang Cheon. This makes Seo Dong Ju a threat in their eyes. In response, he reveals that he had secretly embezzled money from a fund without their knowledge.
He tricks Yeom Jang Seon into sparing his life by promising to recover the stolen money and disappear. The plan works, so well, in fact, that Yeom Jang Seon later attempts to have him killed through Heo Il Do, Daesan Group’s director and Cha Gang Cheon’s son-in-law.
The twist? When Seo Dong Ju is “killed”, he takes with him the access codes to the secret bank funds, codes that only he knows. When his enemies realize this, they are in disarray. Eventually though, they discover that Seo Dong Ju is actually alive. What follows is a thrilling manhunt as they race to find him, while Seo Dong Ju begins uncovering pieces of his past. Along the way, he struggles to distinguish between friend and foe, caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
I have to say, the script, the writing, everything, was exceptionally well done. Even the soundtrack, which usually doesn’t stand out to me, was genuinely enjoyable.
What really made the show was the characters. Take Cha Gang Cheon, for example, a sympathetic grandfather figure who’s genuinely endearing, yet also a money-hungry old geezer that can be ruthless. Then there’s Heo Il Do, who initially seems like the clear-cut villain. He constantly makes terrible choices, but you can see the toll it takes on him. Coming from a humble background, he clawed his way up through sheer ambition. He desperately wants to see his plans succeed, but he just… can’t. He’s hated Seo Dong Ju from the beginning, envy and jealousy, but somewhere along the way, as his hunger for power consumed him, he began to feel something more complicated for Seo Dong Ju, and began to express guilt.
The characters truly are the heart of this series. One moment you hate them, the next you sympathize. The only real exception is Yeom Jang Seon, who remains a one-dimensional villain, irredeemable and hateful through and through. I find it interesting because it highlights how Yeom Jang Seon, who exhibits psychopathic tendencies and lacks empathy to the extent that he's comfortable harming his own family, cannot grasp the emotional weight of someone hurting their children or parents. This inability to understand empathy makes him incapable of predicting the actions of those who do feel it, turning his emotional detachment into a weakness rather than a strength.
I honestly don't understand the low ratings, maybe it's because of the cliffhanger at the end? While it may not be the most outstanding series, it's a solid thriller. The story keeps you engaged with twists and revelations right up until the very end, maintaining a good pace throughout. Personally, I hope Park Hyung Sik takes on more thriller roles, I think he was excellent in this one.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
started strong ,ended somewhat disappointing
from the get go like 1st 2 episodes you get a little bit drawn to keep watching then from ep 3 to ep 14 it kept going strong and we kept looking forward to the ending but I think ep 15 and 16 (especially 16 ) ruined it all for me I mean where do I startfirst yeom jang sun I think it was somewhat a fitting ending for him , all he care about is money and power and In the end he lost both.
dongju really deserved to be happy after all he went through , yet after fulfilling his revenge he didn't have his happy ending , he left it all behind .
taeyun's mother deserved what happened I mean after all she caused , she lost it all
taeyun didn't deserve this ending , he and eunnam were the innocent ones in that family .
seonu and his mother one of the worst character developments I have ever seen in along time I, how did they change from the staying away from daesan and not wanting any thing to do with it to cooperating with yeom jang sun and killing taeyun .
a very disappointing ending 😔 the title truly fits "buried hearts".
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Flawed but Addictive
This revenge thriller hooks you early with sharp twists, a stolen slush fund, and intense stakes. It’s addictive and full of surprises—at first. But as the plot goes on, it loses steam, leaning on repetitive themes of greed, manipulation, and over-the-top action. Seo Dong Ju (Park Hyung Sik) surviving every wild scenario starts to feel more superhero than thriller. And the forgiveness arc? A bit much—he forgives the dad who killed his mom and tried to kill him multiple times. Really?Yeo Eun Nam (Hong Hwa Yeon) brings a fresh perspective, prioritizing avenging her father over romance. It’s a bold choice that might not appeal to everyone. However, the real scene-stealer is Woo Hyun as Cha Gang Cheon—a cunning chairman juggling dementia with brilliance. He’s easily the show’s most compelling character.
At 16 episodes, the pacing falters. A tighter 10-episode run could’ve kept the tension sharp. The ending, unfortunately, doesn’t fully deliver; the revenge arc feels incomplete, and some twists fizzle out. Still, Ji Seon U killing Heo Tae Yun is tragic but fitting—showing how greed consumes and destroys.
"Buried Heart" isn’t perfect, but it’s a chaotic, fun ride with plenty of additive drama. If you’re in the mood for messy thrills, buckle up and enjoy!
Was this review helpful to you?
a revenge buried for years
finished 8.5/10 🌟If I had one word to describe this kdrama, it would be: realism.
One of the factors I liked most was the way greed and power were portrayed.
Each of the characters was wrapped in a web of secrets... Park Hyungsik, what an actor he is! 👏
He was a 10/10 for his character. 🔥
The journey we took with Dongjun and his struggle to give back everything that was taken from him was filled with difficulties and it wasn't perfect or satisfactory which I liked because it shows that revenge is sometimes not the best solution
Hu Joon Ho is an excellent villain. His character, besides being cruel, had a charisma that I loved.
If I'm honest, his ending was very fitting because he deserved to pay for what he did and live in humiliation.
There were two things I didn't like very much:
1) Eunnam's character was given absolute relevance at the beginning, only to then deflate her character and leave everything super flat. What a waste of plot.
2) I wish they'd explored the storyline of the team that helped Dongjun with his revenge more.
They just appeared, and then, bam! It's like they vanished into thin air. 🤡
I recommend the drama if you're looking for power and a political thriller full of revenge 👏
Was this review helpful to you?
