Evaluation: Buried Hearts – The Fangirl Verdict

THE SHORT VERDICT:

Buried Hearts isn’t the finest in its class (that class being makjang revenge thriller), however it’s fairly participating via most of its run, with some moments that shone a bit further.

Sadly for me, I didn’t benefit from the ending a lot, although your mileage could fluctuate. Opinions on the ending are divided, suffice to say.

The factor that everybody appears to have the ability to agree on, nevertheless, is that Park Hyung Sik is fairly darn nice on this, and it’s a deal with attending to see him showcase part of his appearing vary that has heretofore flown underneath the radar.

THE LONG VERDICT:

One of many huge causes I used to be wanting ahead to this present, is the truth that this comes from Lee Myung Hee, the identical screenwriter who wrote Cash Flower (overview right here, and Open Threads right here!)

Cash Flower is such a sublime masterpiece of a makjang, that I used to be genuinely curious to see what writer-nim would rustle up this time round, on condition that this story is in an analogous vein, what with highly effective chaebols scheming for energy, and a revenge plot within the thick of all of it.

The lengthy and in need of it’s, this ain’t fairly Cash Flower, and Park Hyung Sik ain’t fairly Jang Hyuk, however this does tickle the identical itch, kind of.

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Right here’s the OST album, in case you’d wish to hearken to it whilst you learn the overview.

Total, I discovered the music to be fairly good and well-applied to attain our story, although I can’t say that it truly captured my creativeness nor received underneath my pores and skin.

If I needed to choose a favourite, it’d be Monitor 1, Confusion, for a way moodsy and atmospheric it sounds; I really feel that it matches very effectively, what I really feel is the essence of this drama world.

Right here it’s by itself as effectively, in case you’d desire to hearken to it on repeat. Excellent-click on the video and choose “Loop.”

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll speak about methods to handle your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens can be most useful.

After that, I speak about stuff I preferred on a extra macro stage, earlier than I give the highlight to chose characters and relationships, in a separate part. Lastly, I spend a while speaking about my ideas on the penultimate and finale episodes.

Should you’re all in favour of my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the varied Patreon members’ feedback throughout the course of our watch, you may like to take a look at my episode notes on Patreon right here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Listed below are some issues that I feel can be useful to remember, to maximise your enjoyment of your watch:

1. It is a makjang

Should you had been to attempt to apply strict logical considering to your watch, you’d undoubtedly discover inconsistencies and logic leaps aplenty.

However! Since Present is a makjang at its core, and since makjang, by nature, doesn’t have a tendency to essentially care about pedestrian issues like logic, I really feel like the higher, extra comfy to do, is simply sit again together with your cleaning soap goggles on, and benefit from the trip. 😁

This manner, when Present will get into its makjanging groove, you’ll be extra prone to discover your watch pleasant as an alternative of irritating.

2. This isn’t romance-forward

Although teases that there’s a romance between Park Hyung Sik’s and Hong Hwa Yeon’s characters, I’m right here to inform you that their romance is completely not a key focus, in our story.

It’s extra of a supporting arc, and, in some methods, I’d even contemplate it as extra of a catalyst than an arc with precise advantage of its personal.

Adjusting your expectations round this may be useful, I feel.

3. Enable for the build-up

In contrast to Cash Flower, the place we’re already in revenge mode once we begin the story, writer-nim makes use of a extra sequential strategy to the storytelling.

Which means that we get to see all of the dangerous stuff taking place upfront, to get us to the purpose the place our protagonist decides to dedicate himself to getting revenge.

It may be irritating to look at all of the dangerous stuff taking place to our protagonist, however being mentally ready for it, helps.

STUFF I LIKED

Attending to see extra of Park Hyung Sik’s vary

I first sat up and paid consideration to Park Hyung Sik, when he acted because the male lead in Robust Girl Do Bong Quickly (overview right here!), as a result of his smitten faces had been top-in-class; capable of rival the most effective of ’em (we’re speaking Gong Yoo in Espresso Prince ranges of wonderful smitten faces, y’all 😍).

Since then, I really feel like casting administrators have actually leaned into Park Hyung Sik’s expertise with smitten faces, and we’ve seen a string of dramas which have tapped into that.

Even in Happiness (overview right here!), the place he was spending a lot of time combating zombies, made certain to provide an acceptable quantity of display time to his very endearing smitten faces. 🥰

Now, I do love Park Hyung Sik’s smitten faces, however I additionally felt like he was getting typecast, considerably, and so, I discovered it a refreshing change, to see him play on this revenge makjang thriller form of area.

And, I’m blissful to say that he does a extremely strong job of the position, with some really stand-out moments that I used to be particularly impressed with.

When the storytelling leans enjoyable and unpredictable

Total, I’d should say that the writing is a little bit of a combined bag for me.

I’ll speak extra concerning the components of the writing that I preferred much less, later within the overview.

For now, I’d like to recollect when the writing was at its finest, in probably the most rollercoaster-esque approach, which can also be after I felt most engaged, entertained, and sure, even stunned, typically. 😁

Right here’s a little bit of a highlight, from episodes 5-6, to point out you what I imply.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. I’m fairly happy, actually, that writer-nim’s shocking me, by managing to make our story fascinating and interesting, even earlier than we get to the place Dong Ju begins plotting revenge.

These episodes, Dong Ju’s misplaced his reminiscence and I really feel like writer-nim mined a variety of curiosity and potentialities, whereas enjoying with this plot level.

This felt like fairly the rollercoaster to look at, and I imply that in the easiest way doable. 😁

It actually have to be so dizzying, being in Dong Ju’s footwear. Right here he’s, with out his reminiscence, and having so many bits and items of data thrown at him by individuals popping up in his path – and it’s exhausting to inform, from the place he’s standing, whom he can belief, and whom he can’t.

Therein lies fairly a little bit of the engagement and leisure from these episodes; I used to be rooting for Dong Ju to belief the suitable individuals, and never be taken in by the sharks in lambs’ clothes. 😁

After all, on the opposite aspect of issues, it was additionally fairly entertaining seeing everybody in disbelief, not figuring out whether or not to consider that Dong Ju had misplaced his reminiscence, or is placing on a really elaborate present.

I type love how Eun Nam’s (Hong Hwa Yeon) so unabashed in displaying concern to Dong Ju, even going as far as to provide him her cell phone, after which name him later, utilizing Hui Cheol’s (Kwon Soo Hyun) telephone to name him.

Pfft. No surprise Hui Cheol hates Dong Ju’s guts and needs to punch him out at any given alternative – it’s simply too dangerous for him, that Dong Ju could have misplaced his reminiscence, however he nonetheless has nice combating reflexes.

The way in which Dong Ju easily stepped out of the trail of Hui Cheol’s oncoming assault on the boutique – thus main Hui Cheol to injure himself by falling splat on the furnishings – was actually fairly humorous. 😁

It’s no surprise Hui Cheol shortly rats on Dong Ju to Chairman Yeom (Heo Joon Ho), maybe figuring out that Chairman Yeom can be very all in favour of taking Dong Ju out..?

I used to be fairly nervous for Dong Ju, with him crossing paths with Gu Ho (Ju Yeon U) like that on the boutique, and with Gu Ho and his crew ready like vultures exterior the boutique, to catch him and produce him to the torture chamber that the opposite crew is prepping. Eep. 😬

Large Phew that Dong Ju manages to avert their entrapment, due to the good boutique supervisor who invitations him inside to inform him the whole lot she is aware of about his previous, and due to Dong Ju being cautious to ask for one more exit.

I do like this concept that Dong Ju’s previous kindness to others at the moment are paying dividends within the current, when he doesn’t even bear in mind these individuals.

I’m together with the good boutique supervisor on this, as a result of it simply appears to me that she thinks effectively of Dong Ju, based mostly on their previous interactions, after which there’s additionally the restaurant supervisor who remembers Dong Ju and mentions him to Chairman Cha (Woo Hyun) – which is how Chairman Cha even involves know that Dong Ju is again in Seoul.

I’m glad that Chairman Cha will get to Dong Ju earlier than Gu Ho’s crew, however I can perceive Dong Ju being cautious and operating away – simply in case.

This does additionally make for some very participating twists in our narrative, coz we simply can’t predict how Dong Ju would react to any single character.

[END SPOILER]

STUFF THAT WAS OK

When Present stretches logic

I’ve seen combined reactions to this present, and I really feel like there’s a truthful quantity of criticism for this story and the way a variety of stuff doesn’t make sense.

I’d usually agree with that, besides on this case, as a result of in makjangs, stuff doesn’t truly want to be all that logical.

The enjoyable is in how soapy and larger-than-life melodramatic it will get, and I do suppose that stretching logic, is all a part of the deal.

And so, each time Present stretched logic, I used to be principally superb to only roll with it.

Listed below are a couple of situations of logic-stretching, for the file.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E7-8. It’s stretching logic for certain, however I like that Dong Ju’s capable of sneak out, steal Cho Yang Chun (Kim Ki Moo), give him one heck of a beating, after which bundle him away, and zoom again to the funeral with out ever dropping his breath.

The way in which he saunters again into the funeral corridor and not using a hair misplaced, was fairly darn satisfying, regardless that I knew I used to be willfully ignoring gaps in logic. 😁

Identical factor with the way in which we see Dong Ju actually climbing via the sewage pipes and rising via the sewage cap covers, with the intention to snoop on the dude who’d simply met Chairman Yeom instead of the Elder (Choi Kwang Il).

That’s a logic stretch for certain, however no matter; it’s one thing that helps Dong Ju in his plan, and makes him look intelligent and resourceful, so I’ll roll with it.

E7-8. It’s utterly illogical that Dong Ju would be capable to leap to his personal protection like that, in spite of everything that he’s been via – he even needed to be resuscitated after flatlining! – however I’m willingly throwing logic out the window right here, for the joys of the second.

I imply, Dong Ju vaulting into tremendous battle mode, proper from being immobile in mattress? Sure please! 🤩

E11-12. On the matter of the newspaper article concerning the accident, I’m intrigued by the truth that the article states that 3 individuals died, and 1 was critically injured.

As a result of, if Dong Ju survived the accident, then who’s the third one that died within the accident..? Or does that element not matter, as a result of it is a makjang..? 😁

And.. as a result of it is a makjang, I assume we’ve to excuse the extremely unprofessional conduct of Dr. Kang (Noh Susanna), in not solely agreeing to let her father (Kim Hak Seon) use the laptop computer the place she’d simply been watching her confidential session with Dong Ju, however then truly sitting down and telling her dad precise particulars, after she realizes that Dad’s watched the video.

Facepalm. She’s just about like, effectively, since we’ve already dipped a toe in, may in addition to full-body dive all the way in which in. 👀

I’m suspending disbelief a good bit across the accident itself, as a result of how did younger Dong Ju even see the toy canine bobbing on the dashboard of Heo Il Do’s (Lee Hae Younger) automobile, for the reason that automobile had been a distance behind the care he was in?

And the way did Dong Ju even survive? Did he simply.. open the automobile door and step out of the automobile, whereas Heo Il Do was psyching himself as much as do the deed?

There are many query marks on this complete factor, however within the spirit of this being a makjang, I’m closing each eyes, and simply rolling with it.

Like, certain, Dong Ju survived someway, regardless of not having the ability to get out of the automobile earlier, and never solely that, he even managed to face over Heo Il Do, after Heo Il Do had pulled himself up, off the aspect of the cliff..?

After which, he’d someway walked alongside the railway (which, there’s no railway on the accident website?) till he’d discovered his new household..? It’s.. fairly on the market. 🤭

[END SPOILER]

When the storytelling leans predictable

That is the place I speak about when the writing was okay for me, in that, I didn’t truly thoughts when it was typically a little bit predictable.

(There have been different occasions after I was truly underwhelmed by the writing, however I’ll speak about that later, in one other part.)

After all, whether or not or not you discover the identical beats predictable, actually relies on how drama-experienced you might be.

As a long-time drama watcher, I discovered sure beats fairly straightforward to identify from a mile away, however in the event you’re newish to dramas, you may not really feel the identical approach (which might be nice for you, since unpredictability is the place the enjoyable lies, with this drama 😁).

On this spoiler part, I give the quickish highlight to an early instance of after I was capable of see a plot growth coming, earlier than it truly occurred.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I feel my drama miles are displaying, in that I truly might predict the result of episode 1 from a mile away. 😅

I’m guessing if that you just’re newer to makjang, or simply dramas basically, then the massive reveal on the finish of episode 1 – that Dong Ju’s girlfriend Eun Nam, is definitely Jennifer Heo, the granddaughter of his boss, Chairman Heo, and is marrying another person – may truly be a shock to you.

Perhaps I’ve simply watched too many dramas; I discovered this beat to be fairly predictable, however I didn’t actually thoughts, in that, I did really feel that Present does a fairly first rate job of promoting the emotion between Dong Ju and Eun Nam, such that I consider that they honestly like one another, at the least as much as the purpose the place Dong Ju realizes that Eun Nam’s marrying another person.

[END SPOILER]

STUFF I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH

The loveline between Dong Ju and Eun Nam

Bear in mind after I mentioned earlier, that this story isn’t romance-forward?

This isn’t instantly apparent, as a result of in episode 1, we see that Dong Ju and Eun Nam are very a lot in love.

Nonetheless, by our story’s mid-point, it actually turns into clear that writer-nim doesn’t care about this loveline; there’s so little thought and display time devoted to it.

Previous a sure level, it genuinely felt like this loveline was an afterthought, greater than anything.

Which, after all, meant that this loveline didn’t land with any form of enchantment, and even authenticity – at the least, from my viewpoint.

(I’ll speak extra concerning the particulars in one other part.)

When the Kopiko PPL will get extreme

Kopiko’s been round Dramaland for fairly some time now, so in the event you’ve spent sufficient time watching dramas, you’d have seen Kopiko round, being squeezed into varied drama situations as PPL (product placement), to assist mentioned dramas pay the payments.

And so, I’ve realized to principally simply shrug and stick with it, when any PPL reveals up.

The truth that I’m even dedicating a bit to this present’s use of Kopiko, implies that Present actually managed to overdo it, for my part.

At first, I used to be a mixture of bemused and amused, however because the Kopiko scenes saved coming, I discovered myself groaning and rolling my eyes, in growing measure.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E11-12. Normally, dramas both have the PPL occur in some random scene that doesn’t really feel too linked to the principle plot, or they combine the PPL into the principle plot.

Usually, the combination tends to really feel extra natural in a extra lighthearted form of present, like how Undercover Excessive College (overview right here!) not too long ago built-in an entire Quiznos theme into a part of its spy story.

That labored fairly effectively, I feel, and I do suppose it was slightly enjoyable, in a tongue-in-cheek form of approach.

These episodes, writer-nim’s attempting to do the entire integration factor once more, and I notice that I don’t know whether or not to snort or cry, when the PPL is built-in right into a present that’s at the least pretending to take itself severely.

When Secretary Gong tells the kitchen employees that she wants a espresso after Chairman Cha’s shock announcement that Seon U (Cha Woo Min) is his son, and the employees whip out the Kopiko, full with strains about the way it actually perks you up, it felt like an enormous file scratch second, and such an off-the-wall departure from the bombshell nature of Chairman Cha’s announcement.

I assume how effectively this works for you, relies on what sort of lens you’re carrying whereas watching this present.

Are you extra within the temper to be thrilled by the makjang, or are you laughing on the makjang?

Coz in the event you had been within the temper to be thrilled, the Kopiko PPL would really feel like a impolite intrusion.

However in the event you had been within the temper to snort on the makjang, then the random Kopiko PPL, at a fairly necessary juncture of our story, would offer you extra causes to snort? 😁

Let’s simply say that I laughed, however ruefully.

After which, by the point we hit the finale stretch (extra on that later), I wasn’t laughing anymore. 😅

[END SPOILER]

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Park Hyung Sik as Dong Ju

Like I discussed earlier, I discovered it fairly an incredible to see Park Hyung Sik enjoying on this darker, extra intense area, and displaying us layers and corners of his appearing chops that I hadn’t recognized that he had.

I do typically nonetheless want to see extra depth from him, in the way in which of weightiness and gravitas, however he undoubtedly demonstrates a wider, extra numerous vary than I’d thought he was able to, so I’d name this a particular win.

As for Dong Ju as a personality, I’m not sure if I can name his journey “development” per se, however he does undergo many levels of processing and emotion, over the course of our story, and I discovered it fairly fascinating, to have the ability to observe him on that journey.

After all, it didn’t harm that Park Hyung Sik cleans up actual good, in all these sharp fits. 😁

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. As we shut out episode 2, we do get a glimpse of Dong Ju’s eyes going darkish, in an nearly haunted form of approach, and that really bodes effectively, I feel, for a way Park Hyung Sik’s going to play Dong Ju’s extra tortured moments.

I feel it says a good bit about Dong Ju, that even after Eun Nam’s betrayal, he doesn’t activate Daesan Group, and decides to nonetheless do his finest there, regardless that Eun Nam is actually a part of the proprietor household and their paths are prone to cross.

I used to be actually fairly bowled over by how Dong Ju backs up the automobile to run Gu Ho down; he doesn’t present a lick of hesitation in any way.

Which does inform me that when push involves shove, Dong Ju may be very a lot sport to provide nearly as good as he will get – which, I suppose, units the scene for the revenge story that’s about to unfold.

E3-4. I used to be fairly stunned, actually, at how Dong Ju heads straight to Chairman Yeom, as a result of I really feel like for most individuals, their intuition can be to get as far-off as doable, from the one that needed them useless, and never the opposite approach round.

It’s so ballsy of Dong Ju, to confront Chairman Yeom as an alternative of operating from him, after which it’s even extra ballsy of him, to barter for his freedom – utilizing a pretend story, which it seems to me like he’s making up on the fly.

I’m much more impressed that Dong Ju’s pretend story truly works – as does his total plan to make use of that pretend story, to hack into Chairman Yeom’s trillion-dollar Swiss account.

This tells me that Dong Ju’s very quick-thinking, and in addition, has a eager understanding of the individuals round him; he knew that Chairman Yeom would care sufficient, concerning the 39 billion received that Dong Ju had supposedly stolen, to let Dong Ju go, with the intention to get it again.

E7-8. I used to be very wanting to see how Dong Ju would play his playing cards, now that he’s received his reminiscence again.

I’d imagined that he would pretend full amnesia for longer, however on second thought, I do suppose Dong Ju’s selection, to inform everybody that his reminiscence is coming again, little by little, is extra tantalizing.

This manner, the people who find themselves focusing on him, can be that rather more conflicted on what they suppose he is aware of and doesn’t know, and the concept of them angsting over this on a regular basis, is basically fairly scrumptious. 😁

Like, Chairman Yeom retains swinging from one conclusion to a different, and I like the concept of Dong Ju messing with the dude. 🤭

Like when he asks Chairman Yeom to obtain the visitors on the funeral in his place, whereas he takes Madam Pi to a different room to permit her to relax.

Tee hee hee! The way in which Dong Ju places it, it seems like Chairman Yeom is the one particular person whom he can belief with such an necessary activity, which completely befuddles Chairman Yeom, however in actuality, that is Dong Ju’s approach of conserving Chairman Yeom utterly occupied, whereas he speaks with Madam Pi, and arranges to make his little sneak getaway, to steal Cho Yang Chun from the hospital. 😁

E7-8. I kinda love that Dong Ju typically provides Chairman Yeom seems that really feel significant sufficient, that it makes Chairman Yeom fairly satisfied that Dong Ju’s simply faking the amnesia.

However then, at different occasions, when Chairman Yeom is basically testing him, Dong Ju actually leans into the amnesia act, and so convincingly, that it finally ends up flummoxing Chairman Yeom.

Like that second at Chairman Yeom’s home, when Dong Ju pulls the gun from Gu Ho and trains it on himself, saying that he’s uninterested in looking for his reminiscences, and he’ll simply finish all of it – which leads Chairman Yeom to plead with him to not do something rash, and that it was all a misunderstanding. 🤭

On the identical time, I do suppose it’s useful that we get to see Dong Ju weeping at residence, and grieving for Sister Agnes (Han Ji Hye); this provides a pleasant layer of poignance to the whole lot that he’s doing, in enjoying this harmful sport with Chairman Yeom.

E7-8. I used to be a little bit surprised on the approach Dong Ju actually leans into consuming these cinnamon cookies, as a result of he is aware of that he’s being examined.

Effectively. It’s a check from Heo Il Do’s viewpoint, although it’s an assassination, from Chairman Yeom’s viewpoint. 😅

I’d imagined that Dong Ju would eat among the cookies on his plate; sufficient to set off a powerful allergic response, however not sufficient to place his life at precise threat.

However no. He eats each cookie on his plate, and finally ends up truly nearly dying, and I’m shaking my head a little bit bit, on the drama of all of it – till I do not forget that that is the form of stuff that contributes to Present’s makjang efficiency, after which I’m like, Ahh, okay, superb. 😁

E9-10. I did suppose it was sensible of Dong Ju to intervene within the try on Eun Nam’s life the way in which he does, over the telephone, and utilizing the Administrator to his benefit.

I like how environment friendly and intelligent that’s; Dong Ju doesn’t even want to depart his hospital room, with the intention to save Eun Nam. 😁

Okay, however he does rush over to see Eun Nam anyway, whereas wanting fairly cool on his motorcycle, and I do like that he’s sharp to identify the dude hiding in her automobile, and beats him mindless.

Any purpose to current Dong Ju as cool and succesful, y’know?

On that word, I additionally needed to say that Dong Ju’s wanting mighty superb, these episodes, with the sharp fits and the too-cool-for-school badass perspective laced with particular hints of defiance. 😁

I’ve to admit that I feel the chance to only stare upon Park Hyung Sik on this very good-looking area, is accounting for chunk of my goodwill in direction of this present, and my want to maintain watching. 😁

And, nonetheless on that practice of thought, of Dong Ju being very cool, I received a pleasant huge kick out of Dong Ju hacking into Heo Il Do’s telephone, and never simply getting all of the contents, however even calling Chairman Yeom.

The rationale that is so scrumptious, is as a result of Chairman Yeom’s ready for Heo Il Do to report that he’s efficiently killed off Dong Ju, and as an alternative, what he will get is Dong Ju utilizing Heo Il Do’s telephone to name him, hahaha. 🤭

Sure, I did enjoyment of little bit of schadenfreude there. 😁

Even higher, that Dong Ju simply hangs up on Chairman Yeom, leaving him yelling ineffectually at his telephone – the place the road has gone useless.

After which even cooler, that when Chairman Yeom calls the Administrator to instruct him to carry off on Eun Nam’s elimination for now – it’s Dong Ju who solutions.

Tee hee hee!! I simply discovered this chain of occasions extraordinarily pleasant, due to how annoyed and hapless all of it leaves Chairman Yeom. 😁

After which there’s how Dong Ju walks proper into Chairman Yeom’s residence, and presents yet one more shock – the Elder, on the opposite finish of the road, instructing Chairman Yeom to cease threatening Dong Ju, and even telling him to let Dong Ju deal with the cash issues, going ahead.

Sure, it’s true that we later hear the Elder – who simply occurs to be President of the nation – say that he doesn’t belief Dong Ju himself, however the truth that Dong Ju’s formally received the Elder backing him, is a giant deal certainly.

I’d consider that this strain from the Elder, would efficiently get the ceasefire between Dong Ju and Chairman Yeom, which is what Dong Ju needs, whereas he gathers extra of his playing cards collectively.

It’s a extremely uncommon scenario, however Present does an honest job of promoting how this might truly be doable.

I simply form of take satisfaction from any scenario the place Dong Ju will get in Chairman Yeom’s approach, like when Chairman Yeom’s on the cusp of agreeing with Heo Il Do this he’d like Chairman Cha to provide him cash straight, and Dong Ju steps in to say that Chairman Yeom values his dignity in entrance of the Elder above all else – thus placing a cease to it, coz Chairman Yeom can’t disagree with that, muahaha.

E11-12. I’ll say that as Dong Ju exams the waters and exams hypotheses about his parentage, Park Hyung Sik’s delivering some very nice moments; I really feel like we’re attending to see facets of his appearing vary that haven’t usually been on show, in his different reveals.

Like the way in which he approaches Secretary Gong (Search engine marketing Gyung Hwa), to check her response to the {photograph}, which his how he confirms that the boy within the {photograph} is Seong Hyeon.

He’s principally casually indifferent, however there’s undoubtedly a layer of intimidation there, and on the identical time, there’s additionally a contact of plaintiveness – amid the intimidation – as he asks her, firmly, to maintain his secret for him.

After which, within the automobile, when Dong Ju’s alone, and looking out via the present that his alleged father had left behind for him, there’s vulnerability, unhappiness, and wistfulness, all combined collectively in his tears.

I assumed that was properly accomplished.

It’s.. fascinating, to look at Park Hyung Sik on this area, and see how he interprets the varied moments.

I used to be stunned to see Dong Ju rip up the image and vow that that is the top of his destiny together with his alleged father, however I assume this was him wanting to guard Eun Nam from the supposed reality, that they’re prone to be siblings.

Sure, it’s true {that a} DNA check would settle this dilemma as soon as and for all, and Dong Ju would know for certain whether or not he and Eun Nam are associated, however I assume makjangs are inclined to deal with DNA exams with a giant sense of comfort; when it’s handy for the story, they acknowledge that DNA exams exist, however then it’s not handy for the story, they act like they don’t. 😅

E11-12. I do fairly take pleasure in how Dong Ju principally blackmails Guk Hui (Hong Soo Hyun) and Heo Il Do into supporting Chairman Cha’s announcement that he’d wish to marry Ji Yeong Su and produce Seon U into the household.

It makes Dong Ju seem further resourceful and environment friendly, and I do like that. 😁

And, not gonna lie, I did get a stab of satisfaction at Duk Hui’s (Kim Jung Nan) frustration, that her personal sister and husband, would assist the wedding, when these are the 2 individuals whom she’d been certain can be on her aspect, in opposing the wedding. 🤭

E11-12. I slightly like that slightly electrical scene, the place Dong Ju confronts Heo Il Do in his room, and re-enacts what Heo Il Do had accomplished, from biting down on a packet of napkins, to lurching ahead in his automobile.

It does come off as a little bit nuts, with Dong Ju shouting, “Bang!” and all, however I do benefit from the stage of depth in Dong Ju’s eyes, throughout this scene.

[END SPOILER]

Hong Hwa Yeon as Eun Nam [SPOILERS]

Y’know, I’ve to admit that the deeper I received into my watch, the extra I disliked Eun Nam as a personality. 😅

At first, I form of understood Dong Ju’s instant attraction to her: she’s fairly, and in that second the place he caught her off-guard, there’s a clumsy form of innocence and attraction about her.

Nonetheless, after this level, there are such a lot of events the place we see Eun Nam behaving in self-focused methods, the place she’s nonchalantly unapologetic about being egocentric, and acts like she’s entitled to the alternatives that she makes, that I simply couldn’t assist disliking her.

After I give it some thought, she hurts each Dong Ju and Hui Cheol in very deep methods, and we don’t truly see her apologizing to both of them, for inflicting that ache.

Via all of it, I discovered myself feeling sorry for Dong Ju and Hui Cheol, as a result of each of them make investments actual emotions of their relationships with Eun Nam, however find yourself getting performed out by her.

Sure, she does select to divorce Hui Cheol, as a result of she abruptly realizes that Dong Ju’s necessary to her, however actually, nothing comes out of this, besides Hui Cheol getting crushed up by his uncle Chairman Yeom, as punishment for being weak, and letting Eun Nam get away with out having to pay the divorce penalty.

She’s not certainly one of my favourite characters, clearly. 😅

Dong Ju and Eun Nam [SPOILERS]

Even from pretty early in our story, I wasn’t certain how I felt concerning the loveline between Dong Ju and Eun Nam, in that I wasn’t fully certain if I even needed them to be collectively.

In any case, Eun Nam had lied to Dong Ju for the whole thing of their relationship, about her identification, and the truth that she would in the end marry another person, after which had been utterly unapologetic about it.

I don’t know if it needed to do with the way in which Hong Hwa Yeon’s supply; it at all times seemed to me like Eun Nam felt entitled to all of the egocentric choices that she made.

That mentioned, I did really feel, for some time, slightly morbidly fascinated with the way in which Dong Ju gave the impression to be so head over heels in love with Eun Nam, regardless of each weird, twisted factor that had transpired.

I suppose it’s form of romantic, in a warped form of approach, that they’re so intoxicated by one another, regardless that they’re on this very weird scenario the place she’s married to another person, and he’s nonetheless her grandfather’s righthandman?

As time passes, although, I spotted that there was little or no communication between Dong Ju and Eun Nam, and so they every weren’t telling the opposite particular person essential issues, regularly.

That simply didn’t sit effectively with me; like, why ought to I root for a relationship that’s received so little going for it, y’know?

Plus, like I discussed earlier, writer-nim devoted much less and fewer time and deal with this relationship, which strengthened my growing sense that this relationship wasn’t necessary in any respect, on the finish of the day.

Dong Ju and Gained Bae

Though this relationship is extra of a supporting arc than something, I truly discovered myself liking the connection between Dong Ju and Gained Bae, much more than the connection between Dong Ju and Eun Nam. 😁

There’s a lot loyalty and solidarity on this brotherhood, regardless of the slightly random nature of their first assembly, and I preferred that so much.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I truly like Dong Ju’s new and prompt friendship with Bae Gained Bae, the fisherman who saves him.

I do discover it very endearing that Bae Gained Bae would take Dong Ju underneath his wing so utterly, and go so such lengths to assist him.

I feel it’s partly due to the form of accountability you tends to really feel, whenever you’re the one choice accessible to another person, and partly, I feel that this might simply be Bae Gained Bae’s persona; that he’s type and useful.

E3-4. I did discover it fairly amusing, to see Dong Ju and Bae Yong Bae attempt to piece collectively what had occurred, based mostly on the few fragments of data that they’ve; that maybe Dong Ju had been attacked on the way in which to his marriage ceremony, and maybe his automobile had crashed right into a aspect rail and that’s how he’d ended up within the water, and maybe the lone particular person whose quantity is on his telephone, is the one who’d betrayed him.

It’s actually like they’re writing their very own makjang, and I’m suitably tickled by it. 🤭

E3-4. I did giggle at the truth that Bae Yong Bae’s ultimate act earlier than scurrying out of his short-term residence with Dong Ju, is ripping off his mustache and beard.

Such dramatic impact – and but, right here I’m, questioning if doing that in that location, would defeat the aim, since anybody searching for him, would notice that they’re not searching for a bearded dude in spite of everything..? 🤭

E7-8. I do love that we’re seeing the return of Bae Gained Bae, who’s simply swanning about in disguise and doing no matter Dong Ju wants him to do, prefer it’s probably the most pure factor on the earth.

I do know it’s not the principle level of our story, however I’m loving this element, that Bae Gained Bae’s grown so connected to Dong Ju, that he can be so loyal to him, as his brother-in-arms, when he’d began out because the random fisherman who’d discovered Dong Ju washed up on the seashore. 😁

I additionally actually love the concept Dong Ju’s received somebody who’s received his again in such an all-in form of approach, on this loopy journey. 🥲

[END SPOILER]

Lee Hae Younger as Heo Il Do

I get the impression that opinions are divided over Lee Hae Younger’s supply of Heo Il Do as a personality, with some of us feeling that he principally simply wears the one expression, kind of.

I personally thought Lee Hae Younger’s supply was very strong, and I discovered Heo Il Do fairly probably probably the most tragically fascinating of all, in our story world.

That mentioned, we do spend chunk of our story with Heo Il Do’s backstory remaining fairly ambiguous and murky, and I’m considering that maybe that’s the place of us who don’t care an excessive amount of for Lee Hae Younger’s supply of Heo Il Do, are coming from.

Via a lot of my watch, I discovered it fairly fascinating to strive to determine what made Heo Il Do tick; like, why would he permit Chairman Yeom a lot affect over himself?

It’s solely within the late stretch of our story, that Present provides us the complete image, so I’ll speak extra about Heo In Do, in my highlight on the penultimate episodes.

Heo Joon Ho as Chairman Yeom [SPOILERS]

I feel Heo Joon Ho does a decently good job of being our story’s Large Unhealthy, although I’ve to say, I don’t suppose that that is Heo Joon Ho’s finest work. 😅

Finally, I feel it boils all the way down to the writing, which makes him out to be a fairly two-dimensional form of villain, after I give it some thought.

What I imply is, there isn’t a lot in the way in which of nuance, on the subject of Chairman Yeom’s ideas and emotions.

There’s no inside battle or regret round his horrible actions; he principally simply comes throughout as feeling entitled to those actions, presumably as a result of he sees himself as being superior to everybody else.

Perhaps the concept was to make Chairman Yeom the largest dangerous doable, however I do suppose he might have been much more fascinating, if he’d been portrayed as much less absolute, and subsequently extra human.

Additionally, for the file, I assumed his hair was terribly accomplished; it seemed so weirdly matted collectively, just like the stylist had put an excessive amount of product into his hair, however it was too late, and nothing might be accomplished about it, oops. 😅🤭

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E13-14. Provided that we’re within the penultimate stretch, it is sensible that the whole lot’s amping up, and all types of stuff is hitting the fan.

I loved these episodes fairly effectively, actually – apart from that Kopiko PPL that simply received’t. go. away. 😅

MC shared an Instagram reel with me a while again, which named Kopiko as finest actor or one thing, and that undoubtedly got here to thoughts these episodes, when Secretary Gong goes as much as the chef and asks him for extra of “that stuff,” and we get an entire scene of Gossipy Housekeeper feeding it to her, after which a scene of Secretary Gong rigorously stashing her newly acquired items in her pocket.

That is undoubtedly not as intrusive to our story as in final week’s episodes, the place the Kopiko PPL befell inside the context of extra severe scenes, however I couldn’t assist however roll my eyes, not gonna lie. 😅

I’m attempting to roll with the obvious intent of selling Kopiko as having the ability to match into any life-style 🤭, even a makjang one 🤭, however it actually is slightly distracting, regardless that it helps to pay the payments.

ANYWAY. Shifting on.

Because the backstory to Dong Ju’s parentage, we get the complete scoop of the scenario among the many good friend group that had been made up of Deok Hui, her husband Solar Ho, Heo Il Do, Kang Seong and Gyeong Gained, and as I piece collectively the scenario to line up with the outcomes we’ve been instructed, I can’t assist however suppose that these individuals had very messy relationships. 😅

Coz it principally implies that Heo Il Do had been sleeping with Gyeong Gained, which is how she’d gotten pregnant with Dong Ju.

He hadn’t needed the child, and presumes that she’s aborted it, however she goes forward to have the infant.

Within the meantime, I’ve to imagine that they grew distant, as a result of he has no concept that the infant is his, and thinks that she had Solar Ho’s child.

Whereas this is occurring, Heo Il Do grows near Deok Hui, who believes that Solar Ho’s the daddy of the kid.

Isn’t that every one fairly messy?? And we haven’t even taken into consideration the truth that Deok Hui pleads with Search engine marketing Il Do to eliminate Gyeong Gained and the infant, or she’ll actually DIE.

AND HE DOES.

He kills two of his finest buddies, together with a baby whom he believes is theirs however is basically his, after which turns into Deok Hui’s husband.

Simply, wow. 😱

I’ve at all times seemed upon this present as a makjang and adjusted my expectations accordingly, however I’m nonetheless form of blown away at simply how messy the relationships will need to have been, to assist the reality that Present is serving up, within the current.

It’s an understandably big blow to Heo Il Do, to not solely be taught that Dong Ju is his son, however to additionally notice that he’d killed Solar Ho and Gyeong Gained, two of his closest buddies, for causes that had been utterly false.

After all he can’t justify killing them for any purpose, however the purpose that he’d bought himself, isn’t even legitimate anymore, and I can solely think about the diploma of shock and guilt that he will need to have felt in response.

It’s little surprise that he holed himself up in his room, at nighttime, and sending away all his meals, for days on finish.

I feel he was looking for a method to course of all of it, however couldn’t discover a method to fulfill his conscience.

I consider that he couldn’t forgive himself, and that’s why he tells Dong Ju that he received’t make an apology.

It’s not that he’s such an evil one that doesn’t blink on the thought of murdering innocents, together with his personal youngster; plainly it’s his approach of punishing himself, as a result of he seems so.. haunted, as he talks to Dong Ju.

With all this in place, I discover that Search engine marketing Il Do actually is an fascinating character; I discover him and his total scenario fairly fascinating.

And I do really feel slightly sorry for him, once we be taught that the explanation he’s been sticking with Chairman Yeom all these years and being subservient to him, is due to the guilt that he carries from the time when Chairman Yeom had extracted data from him underneath torture, in his activist days.

Y’know, I can completely purchase that somebody would cave underneath torture, after which, in that weak-minded state, be gaslighted by Chairman Yeom in an more and more vicious cycle, till they discovered themselves residing a life that they now not acknowledge.

On that word, I’ve to say, Chairman Yeom’s being portrayed as a sociopath who takes pleasure in tormenting others.

Why else would he take such care in ensuring that each Search engine marketing Il Do and Dong Ju find out about their father-son relationship, proper on the level of Search engine marketing Il Do taking pictures Dong Ju?

He needs Dong Ju to know that he’s being killed by his father, so Dong Ju learns about it beforehand, however he needs Search engine marketing Il Do to know he’s killed his personal son, so he makes certain to solely name Search engine marketing Il Do after seeing that Search engine marketing Il Do’s pulled the set off, and Dong Ju’s down on the bottom.

It’s not shocking that when Search engine marketing Il Do informs him that he’s slicing ties with him, Chairman Yeom strikes to have each Search engine marketing Il Do and Dong Ju killed.

I’m a little bit stunned that Chairman Cha agrees so readily to Chairman Yeom’s plan, however I’d purchase the concept a chaebol chairman would present his ugly colours when he believes that,

1, he’s been betrayed by somebody, on this case, Dong Ju and Search engine marketing Il Do, for not telling him about their relationship, and

2, his place is  being threatened, as a result of Dong Ju’s now associated by blood, and is prone to desire a piece of Daesan for himself.

It’s a little bit handy that Search engine marketing Il Do opens the door to Dong Ju’s house so readily, with out first checking the identification of the particular person behind the door, however I’ll purchase that he was a little bit tipsy from consuming with Dong Ju, and that his guard was down, as a result of they had been anticipating Chairman Cha.

Truthfully, I can see the place writer-nim is coming from, as a result of with how a lot guilt Search engine marketing Il Do feels about how he’s tried to kill Dong Ju, not as soon as, however three completely different occasions, and the way a lot he needs to make it as much as Dong Ju, him saving Dong Ju, and dying within the course of, was actually the one method to do it.

With this, I think about that Dong Ju’s grievance towards him would lastly be soothed, at the least considerably.

Additionally, I do recognize the father-son dialog that we get, earlier than the assault.

The factor that Search engine marketing Il Do says, that basically sticks in my thoughts, is his request for Dong Ju to scatter his ashes at sea, the place he’d tried to kill Dong Ju, and the place Dong Ju had saved him – in order that he’d be capable to spend the afterlife repenting.

I discovered that to be a really poignant thought, and indication of simply how remorseful he feels, for the whole lot.

After Heo Il Do’s dying, I actually preferred two issues that Dong Ju does.

1, I like how he principally bars Chairman Yeom from paying his respects at Search engine marketing Il Do’s funeral, and

2, I like how he demonstrates to Chairman Cha, that it could be finest to take his suggestion, and cease focusing on Dong Ju, as a result of not solely does Dong Ju have sole entry to the inside secure, he additionally has nice affect over Seon U.

I like that Chairman Cha involves the reluctant realization that he actually does want Dong Ju. 😁

I’ve to admit that I don’t actually care about Dong Ju’s romantic reference to Eun Nam (and it looks like writer-nim doesn’t care both, judging from how little display time this connection is given).

However, I simply needed to say that I reflexively rolled my eyes at Eun Nam’s first response to listening to that Search engine marketing Il Do had been Dong Ju’s father; that she needs that he’d by no means instructed her, and simply saved her at nighttime.

Uh. Option to be all self-centered, and never take into consideration what it means to Dong Ju himself, to search out out one thing so life-altering?? 🤦🏻‍♀️

Final however not least, I slightly loved how Dong Ju turns the tables on Chairman Yeom’s seek for the Dandelion Recordsdata.

I really feel dangerous for Gained Bae, for having to endure all that torture, however I’m nonetheless fairly happy that Chairman Yeom’s principally outed for all his horrible deeds, by none apart from himself, since he admits to a lot stuff – when he doesn’t know that he’s being recorded by that drone. 🤭

It may not be probably the most unique plotline ever, however I nonetheless discovered it fairly scrumptious, and am duly curious to see how Chairman Yeom’s going to attempt to dig himself out of the grave that he’s simply dug himself. 😁

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E15-16. My buddies, it’s been a day since I completed watching these finale episodes, and after chewing on all of it, together with what it’s that I really feel that Present is attempting to say, I’ve to confess that I’m fairly underwhelmed by these episodes.

I don’t learn about you, however I discovered these final couple of episodes an actual slog to get via.

All via our story, I’d been blissful to associate with the move, if solely to see what Dong Ju’s revenge would seem like, and the way our story would in the end resolve.

And, I’ve to say, that all of it felt actually.. anticlimactic, to my eyes. 😅

Maybe that’s the entire level; that writer-nim needs to place forth the concept revenge is a sport the place there aren’t any winners, and that individuals are innately grasping sufficient, that even in the event you uproot one grasping evildoer, one other one can and can simply rise as much as take that place.

But, someway, even with this in thoughts, this complete finale simply feels fairly hole and pointless, to my eyes.

After all of the smoke and mirrors, circling, posturing and threats, it feels fairly sudden – and extra importantly, anticlimactic – that Dong Ju would simply kidnap Chairman Yeom like that, after which cover him away for a yr.

I do know Dong Ju’s mentioned earlier than, that he was ready till Chairman Yeom’s life was value killing for, however this simply form of seemed too.. straightforward?

Sure, there was some thriller and curiosity round what Dong Ju had actually accomplished with Chairman Yeom, after injecting him with that substance and knocking him out, however the look ahead to the reveal felt interminable, and within the meantime, the goings-on in our story world felt very dry and uninteresting.

In impact, it kinda felt like Present was holding me hostage, and forcing me to look at boring stuff, whereas dangling the longer term reveal, as bait. 😅

(Okay, sure, I might’ve simply fast-forwarded via the whole lot, and you would definitely completely try this, however I strive to not, if I’m planning to put in writing a drama a full overview, as a result of I need to have the ability to give as truthful and knowledgeable a overview as doable.)

Narratively, it felt like an anticlimax, when Dong Ju makes the selection to let Chairman Yeom go, as a result of I feel, after all of the horrible issues that Chairman Yeom has accomplished, most of us wish to see him remorse his actions.

Sure, we do see him in handcuffs, so it seems that he does face the implications of his actions, however there by no means appears to be any true remorse in him, which is perplexing and disappointing, for me personally.

Which brings me to the way in which Present presents the concept there may be principally no finish to human greed and ambition.

Like, sure, Chairman Yeom is perhaps locked away behind bars, however with temptation and alternative in entrance of Seon U, he principally goes from carefree sunshiney bakery biker boy, to murderous rogue chaebol prince.

..Which is why we see him pushing Tae Yun to his dying (poor, harmless Tae Yun, who’d simply needed to get away from all of it, and lead a traditional life 💔), with the intention to eradicate any potential threats to the Daesan throne that’s now inside his attain.

We additionally see Deok Hui unwell in hospital, presumably having misplaced her thoughts after dropping her solely son.

I really feel like this scene might need been served up with a twin function:

1, to point out Deok Hui struggling the implications of her previous murderous ambitions, the place she’d ordered younger Dong Ju killed, alongside along with her personal husband, and

2, to bolster that concept, that nothing good can come out of greed and ambition.

To be truthful, I do suppose that that could be a legitimate thought, however I do form of really feel like that is popping out of nowhere, a little bit bit, within the sense that I don’t really feel like Present’s been alluding to this concept, and constructing as much as this.

It simply form of feels shoehorned in there, after many episodes of revenge-themed makjang, and it simply doesn’t really feel natural to me.

Granted, your mileage could effectively fluctuate, and I’ve come throughout some followers who’ve expressed that they like this ending simply as it’s.

I’ve chewed on this ending a good bit, simply to see if I might come round to this concept, however the trustworthy reality is, I do really feel underwhelmed by it.

Now, it’s necessary that I additionally speak about Dong Ju, as a result of this has been his story of revenge.

First, I’ve to provide credit score to Park Hyung Sik, as a result of that close-up of Dong Ju’s face, after he lets Chairman Yeom go, is the most effective appearing I’ve seen from Park Hyung Sik to date, in any present.

The difficult feelings that he feels, are written throughout his options. Unhappiness, lostness, a way of vacancy and futility; I really feel like I can see all of them, in his quiet tears. Bravo certainly. 👏🏻

I can perceive his choice to depart the whole lot behind, and right here’s the place I’ve combined emotions about Present’s portrayal of it.

First, I’m truly glad that Present doesn’t attempt to push the loveline between Dong Ju and Eun Nam, as a result of technically, she might have chosen to depart all of it behind too, to go along with Dong Ju.

The truth that Dong Ju doesn’t ask her to, nor does she supply to, I feel, does inform us – once more – that their relationship is essentially one the place self-focus trumps us-focus, and subsequently actually isn’t the wonderful love that Dong Ju had first thought.

Second, I do know that suspension of disbelief is the order of the day in a makjang, however I couldn’t assist however roll my eyes incredulously, once we see that Dong Ju goes again to the boat that he’d first set sail on, when he’d requested Eun Nam to run away with him.

That means to say, Present is saying that in allll these months since Dong Ju had been shot by Heo Il Do, that boat has been simply floating there, undisturbed??

As a result of, how else might Dong Ju return and have a look at all of the issues that he’d left there, just like the violin, and the gun, proper?

I’m sorry; I’m certain that writer-nim hadn’t truly meant to make me snicker, with this plot level, however I can’t assist it. 🤭

It’s a good contact, although, that we see Dong Ju scatter Search engine marketing Il Do’s ashes at sea, identical to he’d requested. 🥲

Opinions are combined as as to if Dong Ju chooses to finish his life; my take is that he doesn’t, as a result of we do see his hand drop, holding the gun, after he thinks again to all that’s occurred.

It’s not so much, however I’d wish to suppose that that signifies that he’s letting go of any urge that he might need had, to take his personal life.

I’ve seen some of us interpret that Eun Nam portray herself into that image with Dong Ju, implies that she and Dong Ju have reunited.

I’m of the opinion that this isn’t the case.

To my thoughts, Dong Ju hasn’t come again, and Eun Nam portray herself into the image, is an expression of her want to be reunited with Dong Ju.

I really feel that that’s why she muses wistfully in voiceover, that he doesn’t have to return again for good; that coming again for a brief break can be adequate.

Every little thing’s left very open-ended, when it comes to what occurs to Dong Ju, and I feel your satisfaction with the ending will fluctuate, relying on the place you lean.

For individuals who are capable of consider that Dong Ju is lastly let out, and can discover himself, and happiness, this may land extra as a cheerful, optimistic form of ending.

For individuals who aren’t so certain that Dong Ju will be capable to discover peace or happiness, this ending would land as rather more hole.

Personally, given all that Dong Ju’s been via, and having seen how disillusioned and damaged this complete journey has made him, I don’t get that sense of hope, in our ultimate scenes.

To me, it’s extra plausible that Dong Ju may drift to some island far-off, and possibly dwell the form of incognito fisherman life that Gained Bae had as soon as lived; not precisely a blissful existence, however at the least one the place his life shouldn’t be in peril.

And yeah, possibly sometime, someway, a freak coincidence may trigger somebody from Daesan to clean ashore, thus opening the way in which for Dong Ju to get drawn again into the world that he’d walked away from.

If / when that occurs, I actually hope that, slightly than get sucked again into the vortex of greed and ambition, Dong Ju would simply stroll on by. 🥲

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Wonderful for probably the most half, however doesn’t fairly handle a powerful ending.

FINAL GRADE: B

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The following drama I’m masking on Patreon, instead of  Buried Hearts is The Haunted Palace [Korea].

You’ll be able to try my episode 1-2 notes on The Haunted Palace on Patreon right here.

Right here’s an outline of what I’m masking on Patreon proper now (Tier advantages are cumulative)!

Basis Tier (US$1): Leisure Drop (Sundays) + the primary set notes of all reveals coated on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Entry (US$5): +The Haunted Palace [Korea]

Early Entry Plus (US$10): +Doubt [Korea]

VIP (US$15): +Heavenly Ever After [Korea]

Associated