Ending That Shook the Nation: This K-drama Tops Ratings Once More

SBS’s weekend drama 'Buried Hearts' is on fire, hitting yet another ratings milestone.

According to Nielsen Korea on April 6, the 14th episode, which aired the previous night, scored a nationwide viewership rating of 14.6%. This surpasses its previous record of 13.4% from episode 13, aired on April 4. Not only is this a personal best for the series, but it also ranked No. 1 among all channels during its time slot and led all weekly mini-series. At its peak, the ratings spiked to an impressive 16.1%.

'Buried Hearts' follows the electrifying tale of Seo Dong-joo (played by Park Hyung-sik), a genius hacker who’s murdered after stealing classified files detailing 2 trillion won (around 1.37 billion USD) in political slush funds. Miraculously, he returns from the brink of death, reemerging as a mysterious figure known only as “Rebirth.” As this new persona, he launches a ruthless crusade against the powerful figures who betrayed him—shaking up the worlds of politics, business, and media in a gripping revenge drama that targets the very core of Korean society.

In episode 14, Dong-joo witnesses a devastating moment: his estranged father, Heo Il-do (Lee Hae-young), is murdered by Yeom Jang-seon (Huh Joon-ho). Having lived his life tangled in love and resentment toward his father, Dong-joo is pushed over the edge. But rather than crumble, he reignites his determination for vengeance. The episode’s climax features a dramatic twist—Yeom Jang-seon’s crimes are broadcast live across the country, exposing him in real time. As the public unleashes a storm of fury online, the camera cuts between a panicked Yeom Jang-seon and Dong-joo, who smiles ominously, leaving viewers with a powerful chill.

Fans were quick to flood social media with reactions. Comments included, “This is why Park Hyung-sik is a must-watch,” “That cold revenge scene gave me goosebumps,” “Huh Joon-ho’s acting is on another level,” and “The final two episodes are guaranteed to be legendary.” One standout comment even declared, “The final scene of episode 14 deserves a spot in the best K-drama moments of the year.”

'Buried Hearts' is a 16-part series, now down to its final two episodes. With the end in sight, anticipation is building over how Seo Dong-joo’s revenge will be completed and what fate awaits Yeom Jang-seon. New episodes air every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST.