Buried Hearts is a stylish and intense drama that masterfully blends corporate intrigue, ambition, and heartbreak. The story follows Dong-ju, a sharp and charismatic executive director of the powerful Daesan Group. Reporting directly to chairman Cha Kang-cheon, Dong-ju handles even the most complex tasks with ease, proving his loyalty and intellect. His personal life seems just as perfect—he shares a seemingly idyllic relationship with the beautiful artist Yeo Eun-nam, enjoying romantic moments and mutual affection.
Yet, as with any gripping drama, peace is fleeting. Dong-ju is favored by Kang-cheon, who treats him like family and trusts him with secrets, including access to safes containing immense wealth and personal treasures. However, the chairman isn’t Dong-ju’s only influential connection. Behind the scenes, Yeom Jang-sun, a powerful political figure and former prosecutor, pulls the strings with quiet authority from his mountain retreat.
Another key player is Kang-cheon’s ambitious son-in-law, Huh Il-do, the CEO of Daesan Energy. Driven by a desire for approval and status, Il-do harbors jealousy toward Dong-ju, whose competence and close relationship with the chairman threaten his ambitions. When Il-do is subpoenaed for a National Assembly investigation, Dong-ju’s efforts help the company emerge unscathed, earning him even more favor and deepening Il-do’s resentment.
The symbolism of alcohol choices subtly highlights character dynamics. Kang-cheon’s love for simple soju reflects his grounded nature, while Il-do’s champagne obsession reveals his vanity. Dong-ju, sharing both soju and wine depending on the setting, embodies both ambition and relatability.
Dong-ju’s seemingly perfect life unravels during the wedding of Kang-cheon’s granddaughter. Shockingly, she is revealed to be Eun-nam, leading to both personal betrayal and professional danger as Jang-sun seeks to push him out of Daesan. Meanwhile, Eun-nam’s mysterious motivations seem tied to her father’s suspicious death, with her stepfather Il-do likely involved.
The show dives deep into themes of power, revenge, and ambition, with solid performances elevating familiar character archetypes. While the initial romance feels rushed due to awkward flashbacks, Buried Hearts promises plenty of twists, betrayals, and high-stakes drama in its gripping exploration of corporate deceit.
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