Korean Drama Achieves 11.2% Peak Viewership in Only 3 Episodes

Outstanding Ratings for “Buried Hearts” Drama on SBS

As reported by Nielsen Korea on March 1st, the most recent episode of SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama “Buried Hearts” achieved impressive ratings, capturing an 8.9% in the metropolitan area and an 8.8% nationwide. The episode peaked at an astonishing 11.2% in viewership, marking a significant milestone by entering the double digits within only its third episode. Furthermore, the program dominated its time slot among viewers aged 20 to 49, with a rating of 2.4%.The compelling narrative and the remarkable performances by the cast have garnered widespread applause from the audience.

Captivating Storyline Unfolds

The latest episode showcased a thrilling plot focused on the character Seo Dong-ju, portrayed by Park Hyung-sik, who undertook the risky endeavor of hacking into a political slush fund valued at 2 trillion won. Following a near-fatal encounter, he cunningly challenged Yeom Jang-seon (Huh Joon-ho), convincing him he had embezzled 39 billion won, which set the stage for Dong-ju’s strategic revengement by changing access to the slush fund.

In a pivotal moment, as Dong-ju planned to propose to his love interest Yeo Eun-nam (Hong Hwa-yeon), Yeom Jang-seon discovered his intentions, creating a spike in tension. Eun-nam’s attempts to reach Dong-ju were thwarted by Yeom, leaving him in a state of uncertainty. Tension escalated further as Yeom manipulated Huh Il-do (Lee Hae-young) into a plot against Dong-ju, culminating in a shocking attempt on his life at sea, seemingly sealing Dong-ju’s fate.

In an unexpected twist, Dong-ju survived but kept the slush fund’s password changes a secret, leaving Yeom and Il-do furious and frantic, with Il-do being pushed to his limits under mounting pressure to confess.

The thrilling climax saw Dong-ju, presumed dead, awakening, which set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating revenge arc.

Viewer Reactions and Cast Insights

In the aftermath of the broadcast, online audiences expressed their enthusiasm, sharing sentiments such as “The actors’ performances bring this drama to life, ” and “SBS never disappoints with its dramas!” Many viewers clamored for earlier episodes to be aired twice a week, underscoring the show’s magnetism.

During a press conference on February 21st, Park Hyung-sik exuded confidence regarding the show’s traction, stating, “I believe SBS’s Friday-Saturday dramas will maintain their success. The simplicity of the storyline and fast-paced plot, combined with diverse character backgrounds, will captivate viewers.”

In the series, “Buried Hearts” dives deep into the fierce rivalry between Seo Dong-ju, who skillfully navigates the treacherous world of political corruption, and Yeom Jang-seon, whose actions unwittingly lead to catastrophic ramifications.

Park Hyung-sik, recognized for his roles in romantic comedies, mentioned, “Taking on the role of Seo Dong-ju allowed me to showcase a more ambitious and intense side of my acting. Collaborating with veteran actors has been an exhilarating experience.”

Reflecting on his dynamic with co-star Huh Joon-ho, Park shared, “During our face-to-face filming, his expressions were so captivating that they sent chills down my spine. I aspire to attain that level of presence in my own performances someday.”

Huh Joon-ho reminisced about their past, noting, “I interviewed Park when he was with ZE:A, and seeing his growth now is commendable. On my first day, I stumbled with my lines, but I focused on ensuring I held my own against him on set.”

Don’t miss out on “Buried Hearts, ” airing every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM on SBS.

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