The SBS Friday-Saturday drama Buried Hearts has taken the television world by storm, achieving a new record for its highest viewership rating yet. The 10th episode, aired on March 22, 2025, garnered a nationwide rating of 13.1% and peaked at an astounding 14.7%, cementing its status as a must-watch series. This achievement has propelled the show to the top spot in its time slot across all channels and among weekly dramas, captivating audiences with its intense storyline and stellar performances.
Record-Breaking Ratings
Data from Nielsen Korea highlights the impressive performance of Buried Hearts in its latest episode. The show recorded a nationwide rating of 13.1%, with a 13% rating in the metropolitan area. Its peak viewership soared to 14.7%, while the 2049 viewership rating—a crucial metric for channel competitiveness—reached 2.8%. These numbers reflect a significant jump from previous episodes, underscoring the drama’s growing fanbase.
The series has consistently outshone its competitors. For example, MBC’s Undercover High School, airing in the same Friday-Saturday slot, has lagged behind in ratings. Buried Hearts also maintains a strong lead over other notable dramas like The Witch and The Potato Lab, securing its dominance in the weekly drama landscape.
Episode 10 Plot Revelations
Episode 10 of Buried Hearts delivered a rollercoaster of emotions, diving deep into the enigma of Seo Dong-joo’s origins. Portrayed by Park Hyung-sik, Seo Dong-joo is a man driven by vengeance against Yeom Jang-seon (Heo Jun-ho) and Heo Il-do (Lee Hae-young). The episode showcased his calculated moves as he tightened the noose around his enemies.
In a chilling confrontation with Yeom Jang-seon, Seo Dong-joo declared,
“What I want is revenge,”
and added,
“I will kill you when your life holds sufficient value for my revenge.”
He didn’t stop there, issuing a stark warning to Heo Il-do:
“You are the attempted murderer who tried to kill Seo Dong-joo but failed. I will make good use of that weakness in the future.”
The plot thickened as Seo Dong-joo uncovered clues about his biological father. An old photograph pointed to Yeosun-ho (Joo Sang-wook) as a potential candidate, but the revelation took a shocking turn when Yeo Eun-nam (Hong Hwa-yeon) identified Yeosun-ho as her father, leaving Seo Dong-joo reeling. This twist added layers of complexity to an already gripping narrative, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Seo Dong-joo’s strategic brilliance shone through as he manipulated key figures within the Daesan Group and leveraged the mysterious “Dandelion data” to pressure Yeom Jang-seon. His earlier decision to save Heo Il-do from drowning—revealed to be a calculated move for future revenge—underscored his long-game approach, culminating in his haunting promise:
“You will come to know the pain to the point of your bones hurting in the future.”
buried hearts stills (SBS)
Why Buried Hearts is a Hit
The success of Buried Hearts lies in its masterful blend of revenge, mystery, and emotional depth—a formula that has long resonated with Korean drama fans. Park Hyung-sik’s portrayal of Seo Dong-joo stands out, bringing a compelling mix of intensity and vulnerability to the role. Social media is abuzz with praise for his performance, with many fans predicting award nominations in his future.
Behind the scenes, the drama benefits from top-tier talent. Directed by Jin Chang-kyu and penned by Lee Myung-hee, Buried Hearts boasts sharp writing, well-developed characters, and striking cinematography. Produced by Studio S, A2Z Entertainment, and Purmir Studio, the series delivers a polished viewing experience that enhances its storytelling.
What to Expect Next
With the birth secret unveiled, the stage is set for more jaw-dropping developments. Seo Dong-joo’s revenge plot remains unresolved, and his tangled relationships promise further drama. Viewers are buzzing with anticipation for the next episodes, eager to see how this intricate tale unfolds.
Buried Heartscontinues to reign supreme in ratings and viewer engagement, offering a potent mix of suspense and standout performances. Airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. on SBS, the series shows no signs of slowing down.
