Is “Buried Hearts” A Romance?

You ever start a drama thinking it’s going to be a swoony, heart-fluttering love fest, only to realize—oops—it’s actually a psychological battlefield where feelings are weapons and trust is a joke? That was me with Buried Hearts.

I saw the title and thought, “Ah, romance! Maybe some tragic love, maybe a misunderstood chaebol heir who just needs a hug.”

What I got? Ruthless ambition, betrayals sharp enough to cut glass, and characters who treat love like a game of chess where checkmate means total emotional destruction.

The only thing getting swept off its feet in this drama is my sanity. And you know what? I kind of love it.

The Romance Factor: Where’s The Love? (And Should We Even Be Looking?)

Let’s get one thing straight: Buried Hearts is not my go-to classic romance drama. It’s not about meet-cutes and playful bickering that somehow leads to an epic love story.

This show operates in the cutthroat world of corporate greed and revenge, where emotions are more of a liability than a fairytale waiting to unfold.

That being said, does Buried Hearts have romantic elements? Yes, but in the way that a hurricane has a light breeze—it’s there, but it’s absolutely not the focus.

That being said, does Buried Hearts have romantic elements? Yes, but in the way that a hurricane has a light breeze—it’s there, but it’s absolutely not the focus.

The characters in this drama are too busy playing mind games and making power moves to prioritize love. Any romance that does show up is laced with tension, manipulation, and the kind of heartbreak that makes me question all my life choices.

And yet, I can’t look away.

Love Or War? The Deliciously Messy Relationships That Keep Us Hooked

If you’re looking for fluffy romance, this isn’t the place.

But if you love slow-burning, complicated relationships with a side of “Are they falling for each other, or are they planning each other’s downfall?”—then strap yourself in, because this drama is serving it in spades.

Seo Dong-ju, played by Park Hyung-sik, is a man fueled by ambition. He doesn’t have time for love, unless it somehow benefits his ultimate goal of seizing power.

But that doesn’t mean he’s immune to temptation. His relationships—whether romantic or not—are strategic. Affection, attraction, and vulnerability become weapons in this game of survival, and that’s what makes this drama so intense.

And me? I’m eating it up.

Then there’s the female lead, Yeo Eun-nam, played by Hong Hwa Yeon—who isn’t here to play damsel-in-distress.

And this is where K-dramas bring something special to the table. Unlike Western dramas, which often prioritize grand romantic gestures, K-dramas like Buried Hearts weave love into a deeply cultural, psychological battlefield.

In Korean storytelling, romance isn’t just about emotions—it’s about hierarchy, power balance, and survival within a rigid social structure. This makes relationships in revenge dramas like this one feel even more high-stakes.

She has her own agenda, her own motivations, and love, if it exists at all, is just another chess piece in a dangerous game.

And honestly? I live for the tension.

Every time there’s a scene where emotions almost get acknowledged, I find myself clutching my pillow, whispering, “Just admit it already!”

But of course, they never do. And that’s why I’m hooked.

Romance Or Just Emotional Carnage? Let’s Get Real

Short answer: No.

Long answer: It’s complicated.

Buried Hearts is not a romance in the traditional sense, but it does explore love in its most brutal, raw, and manipulative forms.

Buried Hearts is not a romance in the traditional sense, but it does explore love in its most brutal, raw, and manipulative forms.

It’s about power dynamics, emotional warfare, and relationships that thrive in the grey areas between love and betrayal.

If you want a romance that makes your heart flutter, this isn’t it.

But if you’re here for a drama where love is dangerous, calculated, and possibly doomed from the start—congratulations, you’ve found your next bingathon.

My Final Thoughts: Enter For The Thrill, Stay For The Chaos

If you’re a hopeless romantic searching for your next swoon-worthy OTP (ahem, one true paring), Buried Hearts might not be your cup of tea.

Now if you love a story where relationships are tangled in ambition, revenge, and the occasional flicker of something real—this drama will have you hooked.

Love in Buried Hearts isn’t about fate or destiny.

It’s a reflection of Korea’s history of resilience, where love and survival often go hand in hand.

The idea of ‘han’—a deep, lingering sorrow mixed with determination—can be felt in every charged glance, every decision to hold back, and every quiet moment of longing buried under ambition.

It’s about survival.

And trust me, watching these characters navigate it is just as thrilling as any traditional romance.

If you enjoyed watching The Glory, Money Flower, or The World of the Married, then you might also enjoy Buried Hearts.

What do you think? Is Buried Hearts a romance, or is it something even more intriguing? Let’s discuss in the comments!