4 Bold Kiss Scenes in the Premiere: This K-Drama Surges Past 8% Ratings to Claim No.1 Spot

'SBS' Friday-Saturday drama 'Buried Hearts' has quickly secured a strong lead in the weekend drama competition, recording a significant viewership boost in just two episodes. The show has particularly drawn attention with a series of intense kiss scenes, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

According to Nielsen Korea on February 23, the second episode of 'Buried Hearts', which aired on February 22, recorded a nationwide rating of 8.1%, marking a 2.0 percentage point increase from its premiere episode (6.1%). The metropolitan area ratings also hit 7.8%, with peak ratings soaring to 9.9%, making it the most-watched drama in its time slot. Not only did it top Saturday mini-series rankings, but it also recorded the highest ratings among all mini-series aired throughout the week. The drama has already gained an upper hand over its time-slot competitor, MBC’s 'Undercover High School'.

While 'Buried Hearts' revolves around an intense revenge plot involving political slush fund hacking, it has also made bold use of kiss scenes from the very beginning, sparking buzz. In particular, the turbulent romance between Seo Dong-joo (played by Park Hyung-sik) and Yeo Eun-nam (played by Hong Hwa-yeon) has played a crucial role in the story’s development.

In the first episode, Seo Dong-joo experiences heartbreak after being betrayed by the woman he loves, Yeo Eun-nam. Though they had promised to marry, Eun-nam turns out to be the granddaughter of the chairman of Daesan Group and ultimately chooses an arranged marriage for the sake of the chaebol family. Dong-joo is devastated when he sees her walking down the aisle and confronts her, only to be met with a cold response. "You need to leave Daesan now," she tells him, officially cutting ties. As Dong-joo struggles to overcome the betrayal, his conflict with Daesan Group’s internal forces, particularly Yeom Jang-seon (played by Huh Joon-ho), begins to escalate, drawing him into an even larger web of danger.

Within the first week of airing, the drama has already featured four kiss scenes, intensifying the heated atmosphere. These moments are not just romantic interludes but serve as key storytelling devices that reveal the characters' emotions and shifting dynamics. However, some viewers have criticized the frequent use of kiss scenes, calling them excessive and unnecessary.

With four kiss scenes appearing within just the first two episodes, some audiences feel they disrupt the storytelling and rely too heavily on sensationalism. Despite this, the surge in ratings suggests that these elements have contributed to the show’s popularity. Following the initial broadcasts, social media platforms, online communities, and YouTube have been flooded with discussions praising Park Hyung-sik and Hong Hwa-yeon’s chemistry, as well as the fast-paced, gripping narrative.

With 'Buried Hearts' off to a successful start in both viewership and buzz, the question remains: Can it maintain this momentum? While the provocative elements have drawn attention, the drama's long-term success will depend on whether it can sustain a compelling storyline.

As the rivalry between Seo Dong-joo and Yeom Jang-seon intensifies in upcoming episodes, the real challenge will be keeping viewers engaged. Will 'Buried Hearts' shift gears to deliver a tightly woven thriller, or will it continue to rely on shocking twists to drive ratings? All eyes are on its next move.