The much-anticipated Buried Hearts episode 8, which premiered on March 15, 2025, begins with a startling flashback involving Yeom Jang-seon. In a gripping scene, Seo Dong-ju (played by Park Hyung-sik) confronts Jang-seon, brandishing a gun and demanding to know the whereabouts of his money. Jang-seon asserts that Dong-ju holds the key to funds intended for the nation. Just as tension escalates, Dong-ju shockingly redirects the gun to himself, expressing his weariness of pursue elusive memories.
A vivid flashback is interrupted as Jang-seon jolts back to reality when Cheon Gu-ho, his guard, arrives to awaken him. Now alert, Jang-seon instructs Gu-ho to prepare cinnamon, a seemingly innocuous request that hints at deeper plots.
Cheon Gu-ho’s Devious Kitchen Switch
In this pivotal episode, viewers witness a flashback of Dong-ju in the hospital, suffering from his first allergy attack, while Jang-seon’s voice ominously guides Gu-ho to use cinnamon to incapacitate him again. In Jang-seon’s kitchen, Gu-ho stealthily substitutes cassia cinnamon with Ceylon cinnamon, cleverly concealing the latter on the kitchen counter.
Simultaneously, Jang-seon and Heo Il-do scheme over Dong-ju’s next meal. The narrative shifts to a family gathering, where Il-do’s wife, Cha Deok-hui, and others speculate about Dong-ju’s arrival. During dessert, Yeo Eun-nam (played by Hong Hwa-yeon) inadvertently consumes a honey cinnamon cookie, triggering a panic when she realizes its contents, just as Dong-ju has finished his own cookie.
Too late, Dong-ju collapses, red-faced and gasping for air. Il-do swiftly calls for an ambulance while Eun-nam rushes to assist Dong-ju with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, illustrating the control that their relationships exert over each other’s fates.
As Dong-ju is transported to the hospital, Hui-cheol, Deok-hui’s husband, gets a concerning update from his aunt, Seong Bo-yeon, regarding the food they served. Back at Jang-seon’s residence, Bo-yeon discovers the unexpected presence of Ceylon cinnamon, prompting her to question its origins.
While en route to the hospital, Jang-seon reflects on Dong-ju’s amnesia, concluding his ability to consume cinnamon despite its danger as a sign of memory loss. This scenario deepens the plot surrounding Dong-ju’s character.
A Ray of Hope for Dong-ju
The episode transitions to the hospital, where Chairman Cha remains steadfast in supporting Dong-ju despite Dr. Kim Do-su’s suggestion to rest. Il-do, aware of Chairman Cha’s dementia, stresses the need to face harsh truths concerning the future of Daesan and Sassan Hospital.
As tension heightens, Il-do informs Jang-seon that Dong-ju’s chances of survival are slim. Inside the hospital room, Eun-nam monitors Dong-ju as Dr. Kang I-hyeon offers treatment, elucidating that while Dong-ju is breathing, he remains unresponsive to stimuli.
Moments later, the doctor announces the potential for recovery, crediting Eun-nam’s quick CPR. Meanwhile, a series of significant developments unfold as Madame Pi and Bae Won-bae assume guardianship over Dong-ju.
During her vigil, Eun-nam receives a phone and handkerchief from Won-bae, which contain a heartfelt video message from Dong-ju. Memories flood back as she discovers a matching bracelet, reigniting long-lost feelings.
Meanwhile, Guk-hui, embroiled in controversy, faces a barrage of questions from reporters, contributing to the ongoing narrative of conflict and power struggles.
Eun-nam’s Quest for Freedom
The episode takes a pivotal turn as Eun-nam meets Hui-cheol in a restaurant, boldly requesting a divorce. Despite his protestations, she remains resolute, prepared to return all shares to the Chairman to facilitate her escape.
After obtaining CCTV footage relevant to Sister Agnes’s death, Eun-nam notices an important detail—a man who may hold the key to unraveling past events, which connects to the ongoing mystery surrounding Dong-ju’s accident.
In a powerful moment of realization, Eun-nam connects past memories with present circumstances, leading to crucial discoveries involving Dong-ju’s recorded video and the hidden tensions with Il-do.
Il-do attempts to pressure Eun-nam, signaling that he will not permit a divorce and warning her about the consequences. Meanwhile, Guk-hui’s actions are closely monitored by unseen forces, hinting at deeper conspiracies at play.
Confrontations and Revealing Secrets
As the episode unfolds, Guk-hui confronts Il-do in an attempt to keep their dealings under wraps, while the layers of deception and manipulation begin to unravel. Jang-seon and Il-do engage in a tense exchange, revealing the stakes involved in their competitive world.
With mounting evidence against Heo Il-do and shifting alliances, Eun-nam prepares to confront her past and secure her future, as she sends evidence of the connections between Il-do, Gu-ho, and the fate of Sister Agnes to Jang-seon.
As the final scenes of the episode crescendo, dramatic revelations unfold, leading to a heart-stopping moment where Dong-ju awakens to confront the realities and threats surrounding him. The stakes have never been higher.
The latest episode of Buried Hearts delivers intense drama and emotional depth, promising viewers more twists and revelations as the series unfolds. Tune in to SBS TV at 22:00 KST in South Korea or stream on Disney+ with new episodes every Friday and Saturday, with episode 9 set to air on March 22, 2025.