“Ending Masterpiece” – 4 Straight Episodes of Record-Breaking Ratings for This K-Drama

SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama ‘Buried Hearts’ is dominating the ratings with its gripping revenge thriller.

The story follows Seo Dong-joo (played by Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a secret slush fund worth 2 trillion KRW and embarks on an all-or-nothing battle against the forces that tried to kill him. Since its premiere, the drama has consistently held the top spot in its time slot and has broken its own viewership records for four consecutive episodes.

There are many reasons why ‘Buried Hearts’ has captivated audiences—Park Hyung-sik and Huh Joon-ho’s electrifying dynamic, the raw and fast-paced storytelling that lays bare human greed, and the bold direction that maximizes immersion. But one thing stands out above all else: the drama’s unforgettable, high-stakes endings that leave viewers desperate for the next episode. Here’s why ‘Buried Hearts’ has earned its reputation as the ultimate “Ending Masterpiece” drama.

Episode 1 – Betrayal & Despair: Park Hyung-sik Gets Backstabbed by His Lover

Seo Dong-joo starts off as an ambitious young man determined to succeed in both his career and love life. He has the trust of Daesan Group chairman Cha Kang-chun (played by Woo Hyun) and dreams of a future with his girlfriend, Yeo Eun-nam (Hong Hwa-yeon).

But his world shatters when he attends a wedding—only to see Eun-nam walking down the aisle as the bride. She is revealed to be the granddaughter of Chairman Cha and has agreed to a political marriage with Yeom Hee-chul (Kwon Soo-hyun), the nephew of the shadowy power broker Yeom Jang-seon (Huh Joon-ho). The episode ends with Dong-joo screaming in anguish, betrayed by the woman he loved.

Episode 2 – Assassination Attempt: Park Hyung-sik on the Brink of Death

In episode 2, Yeom Jang-seon sees Dong-joo as a threat and schemes to remove him. Dong-joo not only knows about the slush fund but also had an affair with Eun-nam, the wife of his nephew.

Despite the mounting pressure, Dong-joo refuses to back down. Yeom Jang-seon makes a ruthless decision—eliminate him. In the episode’s shocking climax, an unidentified assailant ambushes Dong-joo. As he struggles, he hears the voice of Yeom’s henchman Chun Goo-ho (Joo Yeon-woo) over the phone, confirming that the attack was orchestrated. The stage is set for a full-scale war between Dong-joo and Yeom Jang-seon.

Episode 3 – Dead or Alive? Park Hyung-sik’s Resurrection Shocks Everyone

With his life hanging by a thread, Dong-joo makes a daring move—he hacks into the 2 trillion KRW slush fund. Furious, Yeom Jang-seon orders his right-hand man Heo Il-do to kill him.

Dong-joo is shot and falls into the sea, presumed dead. However, when Yeom later learns that Dong-joo successfully transferred the money, he erupts in fury and blames Heo Il-do. Caught between fear and desperation, Heo cries out, “Seo Dong-joo, you better come back to life!” And just as those words are spoken, the episode ends with Dong-joo suddenly opening his eyes in an unknown location—marking his dramatic resurrection.

Episode 4 – A Painful Reunion: Park Hyung-sik Loses His Memory

Although Dong-joo survives, he suffers from amnesia. Meanwhile, a call from his phone confirms his survival, sending Yeom Jang-seon and Heo Il-do into a frenzy to capture him again.

Dong-joo returns to Seoul to track down clues about his past. He finds himself at a store selling tuxedos—where fate leads him to cross paths with Eun-nam once again. Tears fill her eyes as she calls out his name, but to her devastation, Dong-joo doesn’t recognize her. The episode closes with this heartbreaking reunion.

Why ‘Buried Hearts’ is the Ultimate “Ending Masterpiece”

With each episode delivering jaw-dropping twists, ‘Buried Hearts’ has mastered the art of the cliffhanger. Viewers are left hanging on the edge of their seats, desperate to see what happens next.

As an original drama with no source material, ‘Buried Hearts’ continues to surprise audiences with its unpredictable storytelling. The series airs every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on SBS.