“Buried Hearts” Ends as Ratings Champion, But Season 2 Has Loose Ends to Tie Up
After weeks of building momentum, SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama “Buried Hearts” concluded on April 12 as the highest-rated miniseries of 2025 so far. With a nationwide finale rating of 15.4% and a peak at 17.9%, the series dominated its timeslot and ranked No. 1 among the coveted 2049 demographic. But while the series ended on a high note, fans and critics alike agree, there are still loose ends that only a Season 2 can tie up.
A Dark Empire, A Strong Start
From its very first episode, “Buried Hearts” captured audiences with its taut plotting, intense performances, and shadowy themes of power and betrayal. The story followed Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), the enigmatic fixer operating behind the scenes of the powerful Daesan Group. Haunted by the mysterious death of his father, Seo’s rise through the conglomerate was fueled by revenge, and complicated by love, loyalty, and personal sacrifice.
With layers of corporate intrigue, slush funds, political deals, and assassination attempts, the drama created a tightly wound web of tension. Viewers were held rapt by the volatile mix of family drama and thriller-paced corporate warfare.
Acting That Carried the Series
What truly set “Buried Hearts” apart was its stellar cast, particularly Park Hyung-sik, who delivered a career-defining performance as Seo Dong-joo. In moments of heartbreak, especially the emotionally charged scene following his sister’s death, his restrained expressions conveyed a torrent of pain, regret, and disillusionment.
Equally captivating was Heo Joon-ho as kingmaker Yum Jang-sun. Rather than playing a typical villain, Heo imbued his character with gravitas, portraying the fading authority of an old regime with steely control and flashes of ruthless ambition.
Their on-screen confrontations: tense, layered, and unflinching, were some of the show’s most unforgettable moments.
Where It Faltered, and Why Season 2 Is Needed
Despite its strengths, “Buried Hearts” didn’t finish without criticism. After a gripping first half, the emotional intensity dipped, and some character arcs were hastily resolved. While the structural integrity of the plot remained, certain endings felt more functional than earned, leaving audiences yearning for deeper payoff.
The final episode, though explosive in ratings, left many threads hanging, notably Seo Dong-joo’s ambiguous future and the still-active power dynamics within the Daesan Group. These open-ended elements all but demand a continuation.
Looking Ahead: Can Season 2 Deliver?
If SBS greenlights a Season 2, expectations will be sky-high. Viewers will be looking for more refined emotional arcs, tighter storytelling, and a continuation of the exceptional performances that made Season 1 a standout.
With the drama already proving itself a ratings juggernaut and with fan demand mounting, a second season seems not only plausible but necessary. “Buried Hearts” has laid the groundwork. Now, all it needs is the courage to dig even deeper.
