Buried Hearts Episode 12 Recap: Shocking Revelations and Climax
The twelfth episode of Buried Hearts, which aired on March 29, 2025, delivered many unexpected twists, ultimately confirming that Seo Dong-ju and Yeo Eun-nam are not siblings. This episode delves deeper into the characters’ backgrounds and reveals significant connections that alter the trajectory of the storyline.
Il-do’s Escape and Recollections
Episode 12 commences with Il-do escaping from a trench, injured, where he encounters Chu Seong-hyeon. This moment re-emerges during Dong-ju’s hypnosis session with Dr. Kang I-hyeon, a crucial element that sheds light on Il-do’s fragmented memories. During a lunch meeting, Il-do recounts his narrow escape to Kang Seong, revealing his deep-seated trauma from that day, including the guilt he harbors for hurting Seong-hyeon and his family.
This introspection follows Il-do’s discovery of a report confirming that Seong-hyeon is Yeo Sun-ho’s biological son. As the episode progresses, Il-do recalls being saved from a dire situation by a mysterious man while witnessing Seong-hyeon departing.
The Unraveling Truth: Dong-ju’s Identity
In a poignant scene, Dong-ju is seen mentally battling his past, filling a sink with ice water to relieve his stress. Concurrently, Cha Deok-hui finds Il-do asleep, clearly overwhelmed by his hangover. Inside his dream, Il-do imagines stepping into a new life as Daesan’s chairman, only to be haunted by the presence of Seong-hyeon, who ultimately eludes him.
This chase morphs into a nightmare as Il-do finds Dong-ju, who confronts him with a newspaper detailing his parents’ tragic deaths. Despite Il-do’s reluctance to share the news with Eun-nam, Dong-ju struggles with the painful burdens of the truth. Il-do tries to convince him to courageously reveal their shared past, arguing that he survived through immense struggle.
The tension escalates as Dong-ju mimics Il-do’s actions from the accident, pushing the boundaries of his recollections. When Dong-ju ultimately reveals to Il-do that he is Seong-hyeon, holding up a childhood headband, Il-do vehemently denies the accusation yet finds himself grappling with disbelief.
Urgent Calls and Hidden Secrets
The episode takes a sinister turn as Yeom Jang-seon recalls his confrontation with Dong-ju right before receiving a call from Il-do, who desperately requests a gun. In another twist, Eun-nam receives news from Dong-ju regarding the complexities of their past relationships. After a painful conversation, she learns that Dong-ju has a significant piece of evidence regarding his father’s demise.
Meanwhile, Won Bae-won continues investigating the mysterious Dandelion files. He pressures an administrator to disclose their whereabouts, only to discover information about an essential lead hidden deep within Jang-seon’s building.
A Complicated Web of Relationships
The tension heightens as Eun-nam engages in a conversation with Kang Seong, where he clarifies the non-existent romantic relationship between Gyong-weon and Sun-oh. He addresses the college friendships that have shaped their complicated dynamics over the years.
Uncovering the Dandelion Files
As the episode progresses, the search for the Dandelion files intensifies. Dong-ju and Won-bae maneuver through the building where they’re rumored to be stored. After a series of trials, they confront a tragic scene—the administrator is found dead. However, a hand-drawn map left behind points them toward the true location of the elusive files.
After recovering the documents, they seek help from Myung Tae-geum for data recovery, prompting a rare moment of camaraderie. The trio celebrates their hard work with a toast, signaling a temporary reprieve amidst chaos.
The Wedding and Life-Changing Realizations
In a poignant wedding scene, Ji Seon-u and Chairman Cha Gang-cheon’s marriage raises stakes even higher. The chairman’s reluctance becomes evident, revealing a compelling struggle between familial duty and personal choice.
As the wedding unfolds, the dynamics shift, and a conflict brews between the characters. Tensions heighten when final revelations about Dong-ju’s identity come to the forefront.
Climactic Confrontations
In a dramatic climax, Dong-ju discovers the painful truth: he is the son of Il-do. The revelation leads him to a meeting with his father, shrouded in tension and unresolved issues. The episode culminates with a gripping confrontation, as Il-do brandishes a gun, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
As Il-do prepares to pull the trigger, a call from Jang-seon unfolds a further layer of complexity: Dong-ju is his son. The episode concludes dramatically as Dong-ju stands defiant in the face of tragedy, challenging Il-do to pull the trigger, shocking both characters and viewers alike.
Buried Hearts airs at 22:00 KST on SBS TV, with international viewers able to stream episodes on Disney+. Anticipation builds for episode 13, which is set to premiere on April 5, 2025.