On April 12, 2025, the highly anticipated series finale of Buried Hearts debuted globally on Disney+. However, the conclusion sparked a barrage of mixed reactions from fans, particularly due to the noticeable tonal shift that transpired in its closing episodes.
Initially celebrated for its gripping narrative centered around revenge, the series wrapped up with an unexpectedly muted finale. A significant number of viewers expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that the ending starkly contrasted with the show’s previously fast-paced and engaging storytelling.
“I knew the final episode wouldn’t deliver anything exciting! The scriptwriter and production team are so lazy and incompetent. Such a waste of great drama and talented actors. Ugh, I’m beyond frustrated!,”an X user commented.
Fans expressed significant concern over the choices made by Park Hyung-Sik’s character, Seo Dong-ju, particularly criticizing the trajectory of the plot which many found lacking in resolution and clarity.
“They got phs in his hottest look and said no good plot needed 🤧🙃,”a fan remarked.
“Will always be bitter about the fact how #buriedhearts started so damn well and ended just like that – what’s with the gun and him being on a boat living a humble life & not being finally happy after going through sm. y’all the writer is definitely a sadist,”a netizen wrote.
“This has to be the worst ending I’ve seen in a Kdrama😭! Why involve himself in a fight that wasn’t his when he could’ve just walked away? This LE is packed with nonsense; not that I had high expectations, but it still managed to go below par!,”a viewer shared.
Further fan reactions echoed the disappointment:
“Kdrama will start strong, lose the plot in the middle, and give us a yeye ending. What is the meaning of that rubbish they did in Buried Hearts? ??????”a user mentioned.
“To anyone who watches K dramas, I just watched the final episode of Buried Hearts – a drama that was so consuming and clever for the most part. But to say the ending was disappointing would be an understatement. WTF was that?? 😭,”a person noted.
“The writer of Buried Hearts just ruined the whole series wtf is this ending? ?😭😭,”another fan added.
Understanding Buried Hearts Episode 16: A Detailed Finale Breakdown
The finale of Buried Hearts resumes one year after the disappearance of Yeom Jang-seon. In this time jump, Seo Dong-ju has ascended to the position of CEO at Daesan Energy, with Yeo Eun-nam now serving on the board of directors. Cha Geok-hui is managing a new subsidiary known as Daesan Volt, while Heo Tae-yun operates under her supervision.
Ji Seon-u is being groomed for future leadership, with the original Chairman, Cha Gang-cheon, stepping back from his responsibilities. Dong-ju takes complete control of the company, while Jang-seon is kept hidden in a vault, deprived of his dignity, and given nothing but hamburgers.
Dong-ju’s plan for revenge hinges on Jang-seon voluntarily surrendering his fortune, which he ultimately agrees to before confessing to the murder of Heo Il-do. In parallel, Jang-seon’s wife, Seong Bo-yeon, discloses her intention to turn their family home into an orphanage, expressing her long-held affection for Dong-ju as if he were her son.
As the plot unfolds, Seon-u’s rage culminates in an unanticipated murder, claiming Tae-yun’s life by pushing him off a wall—an act that sends shockwaves through his family. Dong-ju, unaware of this devastation, decides to leave Daesan, leaving Eun-nam behind as he scatters Il-do’s ashes into the sea. The series closes with Dong-ju alone and holding a gun, seemingly choosing life as he reflects on words from Jang-seon’s wife regarding his late mother.
Despite the mixed reactions to its narrative direction, Buried Hearts achieved impressive ratings, averaging 15.0% in viewership nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea, making it the most-watched miniseries of that week. It also performed well among the coveted 20 to 49 age demographic, achieving a rating of 4.0%. All episodes of Buried Hearts are currently streaming on Disney+.