SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Buried Hearts' (written by Lee Myung-hee, directed by Jin Chang-kyu) follows Seo Dong-joo (played by Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a 2 trillion won political slush fund and stakes everything in a life-or-death revenge battle to bring down the absolute evil that killed him. The thrilling twist on a classic revenge drama, combined with stellar performances and immersive direction, has captivated viewers of all ages.
The episode aired on March 15 recorded a nationwide rating of 12.3% and a metropolitan area rating of 12.3%, according to Nielsen Korea, marking a 1.4% increase from the previous episode and setting a new personal best. The peak moment reached an impressive 14.1%, and the 2049 demographic rating also soared to 3.2%. These figures make it the top-rated show across all channels, Saturday mini-series, and weekly mini-series in its time slot. 'Buried Hearts' has now broken its own viewership record six times in just eight episodes, proving its overwhelming upward trend.
Friday and Saturday nights are known as a battleground for content, with major dramas and television shows from each network vying for viewers' attention. In this competitive landscape, what is the driving force behind 'Buried Hearts' remarkable rise?
One of the standout features of 'Buried Hearts' is its unique twist on the traditional revenge drama. The story of striking back against the absolute evil that killed you for money is a classic revenge trope that has long been beloved. This familiarity allows many viewers to dive into the story without hesitation. 'Buried Hearts' goes further by vividly and candidly portraying the materialistic sides of characters consumed by their desires, delivering a significant impact to the audience.
Additionally, the unpredictable plot, cliffhanger endings that make it impossible to wait for the next episode, and director Jin Chang-kyu's stylish direction, which blends boldness with a touch of trendiness, are key elements that make 'Buried Hearts' unmissable. The powerful performances and presence of the cast, who bring all these elements to life, add the finishing touch, driving the viewership graph upward. Viewers of 'Buried Hearts' frequently shower the show with praise, calling it a "60-minute acting extravaganza" and a "true showcase of acting prowess" after each episode.
'Buried Hearts' has reached its midpoint. With his memories restored, Seo Dong-joo will aim his sharper blade of revenge at the absolute evil, Yeom Jang-seon (played by Heo Joon-ho). Additionally, the existence of a character named 'Sung-hyun' in Seo Dong-joo's memories, the secret of birth surrounding the heir succession of Daesan Group, and the ensuing power games are points to watch. As 'Buried Hearts' continues to successfully reinvent a classic, anticipation builds for how far its unbridled ascent will go.
'Buried Hearts' airs every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)