SBS’s revenge drama Buried Hearts has wrapped up its run in spectacular fashion, securing its place as the highest-rated miniseries of 2025. The final episode, which aired on April 12, achieved an impressive 15.7% viewership rating in Seoul and 15.4% nationwide, peaking at 17.9% during its most intense moments.
The gripping finale saw Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, execute his long-awaited revenge against Yum Jang-seon (Heo Joon-ho), ultimately taking control of Daesan Group. However, instead of triumph, he was met with emptiness, leaving viewers with a haunting question—was revenge truly worth it? The emotional depth of the final scenes, including Dong-joo scattering ashes into the sea, resonated deeply with audiences.
The drama’s bold storytelling, sharp direction, and powerful performances contributed to its success. Writer Lee Myung-hee and director Jin Chang-gyu transformed a familiar revenge narrative into something unpredictable, keeping viewers hooked until the very end.
Nielsen Korea reported that Buried Hearts initially premiered with a 6.1 percent nationwide rating, gaining traction with each subsequent episode. The drama aired alongside MBC’s Undercover High School, starring Seo Kang-joon, leading to a fierce competition between two distinctly styled series.
At first, the ratings gap between the two shows was narrow, fluctuating between one to two percentage points. However, as Buried Hearts progressed, it gained a strong lead due to its intense tone and gripping storytelling, making it the more dominant series.
The show’s success can largely be attributed to writer Lee Myung-hee, recognized for her masterful storytelling in Money Flower, and director Jin Chang-gyu, whose sharp directing skills were previously showcased in Military Prosecutor Doberman. Their combined efforts shaped Buried Hearts into a compelling revenge drama that kept audiences engaged.
Previously best known for being the romantic lead in hits like “Strong Girl Do Bong-soon” and “Suits,” Park stepped away from love stories to portray a protagonist driven by vengeance. While tropes like amnesia and secret births are often dismissed as cliched, they remain compelling themes for viewers. Ratings jumped to 10.2 percent in the fourth episode, when Seo loses his memory.
Park Hyung-sik’s performance was a crucial factor in the drama’s popularity. After experiencing mixed reception in previous works such as Soundtrack #1, Our Blooming Youth, and Doctor Slump, Park reclaimed his status as a powerhouse actor by fully embracing a darker, more ambitious role—one that allowed him to showcase his emotional depth and versatility.
Huh Joon-ho also delivered a powerful performance as the final villain. Throughout all 16 episodes, his commanding presence intensified the drama’s tension. Despite being outmaneuvered at times, his character’s strategic mind kept viewers riveted, building toward an ultimate showdown with Seo.
The performances of both leads helped “Buried Hearts” break the so-called “15 percent wall,” ending with a 15.4 percent rating in its final episode, the highest among miniseries this year.
Despite its strong conclusion, some fans believe there are loose ends that could be explored in a potential second season. With its record-breaking ratings and intense fan discussions, Buried Hearts has cemented itself as one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year.
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