The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Buried Hearts' (written by Lee Myung-hee, directed by Jin Chang-kyu) aired its first two episodes on the 21st and 22nd. The story follows Seo Dong-joo (played by Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won, risking everything to take down the absolute evil that killed him and dismantle that world. As of the second episode, the drama recorded a nationwide rating of 8.1%, peaking at 9.9%, making it the top-rated Friday-Saturday mini-series in its first week.
Lee Hae-young perfectly transformed into Heo Il-do, the ambitious son-in-law of the Daesan Group chairman and president of Daesan Energy, adding tension to the narrative.
From his first appearance, Heo Il-do exuded a powerful aura that captured attention. During a National Assembly hearing filled with pressing questions from lawmakers, he responded with calmness and poise, showcasing his experience and gravitas.
As the favored son-in-law of Daesan Group chairman Cha Gang-cheon (played by Woo Hyun), Heo Il-do remains wary of Seo Dong-joo, who poses a threat to his ambitions, while closely monitoring the dynamics between Chairman Cha and the behind-the-scenes power player Yeom Jang-seon (played by Heo Joon-ho), creating an atmosphere of suspense. In the second episode, Heo Il-do's frustration and disappointment are palpable when his promotion to vice chairman is thwarted, leaving viewers eager to see his next moves.
Lee Hae-young's portrayal of the ambition-driven Heo Il-do is enhanced by his intense gaze, low and measured delivery, and nuanced facial expressions, heightening the immersion for the audience. Notably, when facing off against Park Hyung-sik's character, his expression momentarily hardens, and his sharp gaze deepens the scene's tension, making it impossible to look away.
In particular, the scene where Heo Il-do's promotion is denied showcases Lee Hae-young's emotional acting. Instead of expressing his anger outwardly, he conveys the character's internal struggle through a smile that belies his turmoil, with tears welling in his eyes. The moment he watches Chairman Cha laughing and conversing with Seo Dong-joo as the door closes is filled with a mix of anger, emptiness, and rising ambition, sending chills down viewers' spines.
With his solid acting skills and ability to embody his character, Lee Hae-young consistently captivates the audience and injects tension into every scene, raising anticipation for his future performances in 'Buried Hearts.'
'Buried Hearts' airs every Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
[SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae]
(SBS Star)