Premiering on March 22, 2025, on Disney+, the tenth episode of Buried Hearts reveals the hidden truths behind the enigmatic man depicted in the photograph. Throughout the episode, Sep Dong-ju, portrayed by Park Hyung-sik, uncovers vital clues that lead to a startling conclusion—this man is none other than Yeo Eun-nam’s father.
The action kicks off with Dong-ju waiting for Heo Il-do in his room. Upon Il-do’s arrival, Dong-ju shares news of his appointment to the chairman’s office scheduled for the following day. Surprisingly, Il-do responds dismissively, downplaying the significance of the event.
However, Dong-ju pivots the conversation towards a more personal grievance, reminding Il-do of a time when he attempted to take his life. He is determined to use this vulnerability against him.
As Dong-ju prepares to leave, Il-do stops him, questioning when he regained his memory—or whether he ever lost it at all. With a smirk, Dong-ju retorts that if he hadn’t regained it, he wouldn’t have saved the man who shot him.
A flashback transports us to a dramatic moment in the past where Il-do struggles for his life at sea, gasping for breath. Dong-ju leaps in to rescue him and drags him onto a boat awaiting Bae Won-bae. There, Dong-ju reveals the truth: Il-do is the one who shot him. This revelation surprises Won-bae, who then questions Dong-ju’s motives for saving his assailant—to exact revenge.
Returning to the present, Il-do steps into the office and fixates on Dong-ju, who is congratulating the newly appointed Vice President, Choi Gi-yeon, in a manner that ignites tension between them.
Unveiling Yeom Jang-seon and Heo Il-do’s Intricate Connection
The plot thickens as Yeom Jang-seon finds himself in the chairman’s office, informing the Chairman about the approval of a halted crude oil import credit line. This prompts Dong-ju to recall an important exchange from episode eight involving The Elder, who ordered the partner bank to support the oil import, underscoring the importance of maintaining relationships in the National Patriotism Project.
During the discussion, the Chairman signifies future promotions and Jang-seon’s forced laughter hints at deeper tension, particularly when Il-do makes an appearance. Once in privacy, Jang-seon’s frustration boils over as he begins to assault Il-do, a reminder of their tumultuous history.
In a disturbing turn, Jang-seon harms Il-do, blaming him for not eliminating Dong-ju when the latter nearly cost him his life. Il-do, citing his son’s vulnerability, remains silent. Instead, he grips his blood-stained name plaque, reflecting on their ruthless world where sentimentality could be a liability. He proposes seizing control of Daesan Group to fund the National Patriotism Fund to eliminate Dong-ju’s influence.
Cha Deok-hui’s Intrusion at Ji Seon-U’s Bakery
In another thread, Ji Seon-U is confronted by his mother, Ji Yeong-su, who questions his whereabouts the previous night. He explains his recent kindness towards an elderly patron of the bakery. The atmosphere shifts as Cha Deok-hui enters, interjecting with her own brand of tension.
As they sit, Deok-hui returns a pair of sneakers, reminiscent of their previous interactions, while ordering the Chairman’s favorite Iced Vanilla Latte. Tensions escalate as Deok-hui warns Yeong-su that any trust in Dong-ju could lead to harmful consequences for both her and Seon-U.
While she departs, Dong-ju intercepts Deok-hui, ensuring her that approaching matters with excessive caution may lead to irreparable outcomes.
Seo Dong-ju’s Strategy to Bring Ji Seon-u Closer to the Cha Family
In the bakery’s cozy surroundings, Dong-ju speaks with Yeong-su, asserting that she needs to stand by the Chairman as his legal wife for the sake of Seon-U. Despite her staunch refusal, Dong-ju insists he can facilitate this outcome.
A moment later, Seon-u emerges into the street, struggling to light a cigar while reflecting on recent events. Meanwhile, at Myung Tae-geum’s guitar shop, Bae Won-bae engages in a whimsical performance that juxtaposes the serious tone of Dong-ju’s conversations.
Tae-geum updates Dong-ju on the data she has gathered, revealing buried information regarding Jang-seon’s assets. As she provides him with a Kopiko for energy, they review a family photo that evokes an emotional response from Dong-ju.
Soon, Dong-ju learns about the Dandelion Team—a clandestine operation within the National Security Agency tasked with surveilling high-profile individuals. After the team was disbanded, all critical files mysteriously disappeared, amplifying the stakes in the intertwined conflicts between the characters.
Investigating the Dandelion Team’s Secrets
During a meeting with Manager Cho Yang-chun, Dong-ju uncovers dark truths about the Dandelion Team, which had been disbanded amidst political changes. Key files on Yeom Jang-seon’s activities disappeared, causing concern for everyone involved.
Reflecting on a previous mention of the Dandelion Team’s files, he realizes the potential for significant leverage over Jang-seon if these documents emerge. Mulling over these revelations, he directs his ally, Bae Won-bae, to locate the files, while deepening the intrigue around the unfolding events.
In a tense exchange, the administrator discusses the files with Dong-ju, leading to an unexpected confrontation that reveals the manipulative dynamics at play in the quest for power.
Is the Mystery Man in the Photo Dong-ju’s Father?
As events unravel, Il-do watches over Deok-hui, who is ill with a fever. Concerned for her well-being, his mind drifts back to poignant memories involving Tae-yun and Dong-ju. Those moments serve as a thread connecting past grievances with present realities.
After an unexpected call from Kang Seong, who shares a photo that haunts Dong-ju, Deok-hui’s reserves of emotional strength are tested. Meanwhile, Dong-ju grapples with shocking revelations regarding his heritage and familial ties.
The episode culminates with tense negotiations as Eun-nam contemplates a divorce while grappling with economic ramifications, ultimately stepping into Dong-ju’s car, igniting newfound possibilities. This evocative closing scene paves the way for intriguing developments in the forthcoming episodes.
Fans can anticipate the release of Buried Hearts episode 11, set to premiere on Disney+ on March 28 at 9:50 PM KST.