Buried Hearts
CHARACTERS, PLACES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EVENTS IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS
CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS FILMED IN SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Die, you bastard!
Of course you're having nightmares,
with that awful thing stashed under your bed.
You're right.
Why are you even keeping that?
I know, right?
Even if you call it a trophy...
or a symbol of victory,
it's dangerous.
And it doesn't suit you.
You were almost killed by those guns.
Get rid of them.
It's time to let me go too.
You won.
Did I win?
You won.
All that's left is...
to be happy with Eunnam now.
FINAL EPISODE
Welcome.
Would you like to order?
Yes.
Yes, I understand, Assemblyman Nam.
Assemblyman Nam Sangcheol said to wait and not worry.
He saw him get into the Elder's car
and saw him off right outside the hospital.
It's been more than enough time to go back and forth
from here to the hospital five times.
We should report it to the police.
Professor wouldn't like that, ma'am.
If something happens to him, are you taking responsibility?
Wait, hold on...
It's been a month since Professor Yeom Jangseon
of Hanguk University Law School vanished.
There have been no signs of life or activity from Professor Yeom.
Prosecutors have suspended the indictment against Professor Yeom.
It means the case is on hold because the suspect or witness
can't be located.
Once they're found, the investigation resumes.
And the decision to suspend the indictment
shows the prosecution's determination to pursue the case.
You've worked hard, Vice-Chairman.
If it weren't for you,
we couldn't have overcome the mess Yeom caused.
It was only possible because you're still standing, Chairman.
With today's emergency shareholders' meeting,
no issues with appointing Dongju as CEO of Daesan Energy?
No, sir. Most of the expected shareholders have already expressed support.
Even CEO Cha Gukhui backed down after you stepped in,
so it all wrapped up smoothly.
We should've reined Gukhui in sooner.
Director Seo went through trouble he didn't need to.
Visiting every institutional investor one by one...
Not at all.
Competing with her actually helped me.
Is that so?
What's the agenda for this morning's meeting?
Right. It's the proposed merger between Daesan Energy and Daesan Chemical.
What?
The idea is to integrate the two and expand our business scope.
If we channel the combined strength
into Daesan Volt, Daesan Energy's subsidiary,
I think we'll be able to take it public within three years.
Mmm.
Bring me the detailed plan.
Yes, Chairman.
Gukhui's going to flip when she hears about this.
I'll talk to her.
All right.
And there's one person who absolutely needs to be at today's meeting.
Most shareholders have already confirmed. Who else?
Yeom.
Professor Yeom Jangseon has been out of contact for over a month...
Director Seo stopped Mr. Yeom from snatching up Daesan Energy for free.
Now I just want to see the look on his face
when Director Seo is named CEO.
I didn't expect him to be this petty.
Hiding out to dodge an investigation?
Rumors are flying, Chairman.
What rumors?
That his disappearance isn't staged.
Some say he may have been killed since he had many enemies.
It's all over the internet.
Enemies?
No one's suffered more than Director Seo because of Yeom.
Even after everything, he was still holding back.
So who beat him to the punch?
Professor Yeom Jangseon's absence is a huge blow.
The shareholders who were backing me have all switched to Seo Dongju.
Something must've happened to him.
Not hearing from him for a whole month? That's not normal.
You don't think
he cut off contact with you
on purpose, do you?
What makes you say that?
Maybe he's switching sides.
From Cha Seonu...
to Huh Taeyun.
My brother-in-law, President Huh Ildo,
rose through the ranks at Daesan thanks to Mr. Yeom's political backing.
And Taeyun...
He's President Huh's son.
Sure, Professor Yeom could change sides.
But once the chairman passes,
Seonu and I will inherit his shares
and become the largest shareholders of Daesan Group.
Don't forget that.
Aunt.
Yes?
Why do you two look so sneaky? Like you're plotting something.
We were just saying how great it is that you're now on the board of Daesan Energy.
Grandfather, you're not gonna take back what you said, right?
In return, you must help Seonu in the future.
That's the condition for putting you on the board of Daesan Energy.
Plus, Director Seo gave you a strong recommendation.
Eunnam, you've built up a lot of hands-on experience.
It's time to take on more responsibility as an executive.
Congrats, Eunnam.
DAESAN ENERGY CEO CANDIDATE SEO DONGJU
Director Seo Dongju has been appointed CEO of Daesan Energy,
with 94.6% of shareholders in favor.
Now, let's hear a few words from our new CEO.
I'm Seo Dongju, the newly appointed CEO of Daesan Energy.
First, I want to thank the shareholders who supported my appointment.
Former President Huh Ildo
dedicated the last several years to strengthening
our global competitiveness through sustainable management.
To build on this vision of sustainable management,
I plan to increase investment
in low-carbon, green innovation, the direction Daesan Energy is aiming for.
I also want to talk about business expansion.
Going forward, we'll work closely with Daesan Group's energy affiliates
to align and strengthen our capabilities.
We'll start by
merging Daesan Energy and Daesan Chemical to launch a new entity called Daesan E&C.
Furthermore, we'll boldly take every step necessary to help Daesan Group
grow into a leading global green energy company.
Ms. Cha.
I understand that the merger may be unavoidable, but you can't just...
bring up the merger so publicly--
Bringing it up publicly
will spark investor interest in the stock market
around the merger potential.
That could lead
to a more favorable merger ratio for Daesan Chemical.
Most importantly, Ms. Cha,
I hope you cut ties with outside forces like Professor Yeom
and grow Daesan
with your own merits.
What do you mean, cut ties?
I never teamed up with Professor Yeom.
PROFESSOR YEOM JANGSEON MISSING FOR ONE MONTH
Congrats.
Congrats to Director Yeo too.
Thanks.
What is it?
What?
What do you want to ask me?
Is Mr. Yeom...
dead?
Some say it was a staged disappearance.
And the vice-chairman said that there are even posts online saying
he might've been murdered since he had many enemies.
Did you kill him?
Dongju.
What if I killed him?
Good job.
I understand.
No matter how many enemies Mr. Yeom has, you're at the top of that list.
If anyone was going to kill him, it should've been you.
Good job.
You knew
I supported CEO Cha Gukhui,
so why did you take Director Seo's side?
Gukhui is a girl who tried to shine like a son in the sonless Cha family.
She never had natural strength from the start,
so in the end, her desperation always shows.
She's too weak to look after Seonu down the line.
Part of it's my fault she turned out that way.
For always wanting a son instead.
If you'd taken us in earlier,
you would've felt more secure with Seonu.
You might've been kinder to Deokhui and Gukhui too.
Of course.
Deokhui was so fierce.
I've wasted all those years walking on eggshells.
Hey.
Here comes the one who pushed me past my doubts about Deokhui.
I was discussing the merger with CEO Cha Gukhui, Chairman.
Gukhui seemed pretty upset.
Yes. But I got her to promise to continue the conversation.
Congratulations, Director Seo.
He's President Seo now.
President Seo.
Please guide me well.
When the chairman is gone and it's just me and Seonu,
I don't want to be a clueless major shareholder
who just holds inherited stock.
Seonu is still young.
So I want to be the strongest support he has.
That's why
you encouraged my marriage so actively, President Seo.
Dongju, you're here too.
Where were you?
Just looking around.
Even in restricted areas,
they let me through when I said I was the chairman's son.
Dongju.
The secret vault they mentioned on the news, it's real, right?
Daesan Group officials say there's no such thing at all,
but I think it really exists.
If it does exist, that'd be so cool.
This kid...
He keeps up with everything.
Show him where it is.
Yes, Chairman.
Wow, this is so cool.
That's the vault.
Open it, Dongju.
Open it.
Father. I want to see inside the vault.
Please open it.
Right.
Just give him a peek.
Don't let him go inside.
Yes.
That's all money?
Don't go in.
You'll get in when the time's right.
Dongju.
When will I get to know the vault password?
It's your father's. He will tell you.
- Seonu. - Yes, Father.
To know the password,
you have to be capable of leading Daesan Group.
Okay.
You're going to help Seonu become someone truly capable, right?
Yes, Chairman.
I've decided to back Director Seo
for CEO at the upcoming Daesan Energy shareholders' meeting.
I need you to support him too, Taeyun.
Mom.
Weren't you backing Aunt?
You matter far more to me than my sister.
I'd do anything for you, Taeyun.
So, Taeyun,
don't back down
and don't let Cha Seonu intimidate you.
Got it?
I pretty much...
stopped coming up here
after President Huh chewed me out for pushing you
back when we were kids.
Did you really push me back then?
I probably wanted to.
Mom, President Huh, Grandfather, even Secretary Gong...
They all only adored you.
Always fussing over "our precious son."
But...
not this place. It's way too dangerous.
If I'd pushed you from here, do you think you'd still be alive?
I never pushed you.
I know.
Then why did you act like you remembered being pushed?
When we were little,
you screamed,
"You killed my dad, Mom!
You planned it with President Huh!"
Am I remembering it right?
You are.
But I misunderstood.
I twisted things that I heard when I was little.
When Mom scolded me, I said it to win the argument.
It's freezing out here.
I'm going in.
Shoot.
You scared me! I pushed you as a joke, but you actually almost fell.
Taeyun,
you should work on those legs.
I could've come alone. You didn't have to make time for this.
I had stuff to take care of too.
I'll fight the hospital that framed you like it's my own case.
By the way, who recommended this place?
- Remember Dr. Park, who treated us? - Yes.
He recommended this firm, saying it has a great track record
with medical lawsuits.
That it may be a small firm, but they're good at what they do.
If the picky doctor vouched for them, I trust it.
But why isn't anyone coming?
Don't tell me this bastard is...
Do you know him?
I'm Attorney Yeom Huicheol from Law Firm Soyul.
Hello, I'm Bae Wonbae.
Hey, punk.
Are you not leaving?
What a joke... Can't you see I'm here as a client?
If you have a problem, you leave.
- Mr. Bae Wonbae. - Yes.
- I'm confident about this case, - Yes.
but I can't work with this punk in the same room.
A petty bastard until the end.
Hey, take your time.
- Dongju. - I'll leave.
This is so messed up.
Hey.
Take this.
Stuff it yourself.
What's wrong? Where are you going? Dongju...
Excuse me.
God damn it.
Hey, punk.
What? You told me to leave, so I did.
Well...
Chief Cheon Guho said my uncle...
Never mind.
Asking you anything is useless. You'd just throw attitude.
Forget it. Go.
How's Professor Yeom Chiseon these days?
What about my father?
Back when I got kicked out of school,
only your dad said it was mutual assault and that we should be punished equally.
So I think of him from time to time.
If your uncle hadn't stepped in and just let your dad handle it...
maybe you wouldn't have turned out to be such a pathetic loser.
- You little... I ought to! - What?
Fair point.
Hey.
I can keep this from leading to an arrest. So don't follow Mr. Bae around.
Just seeing your damn face ruins my luck for the next ten years.
Go.
You two start cursing each other out the second you meet.
We're both pretty committed when it comes to insults.
That bastard Yeom Huicheol is so eager to one-up me,
so I'm sure he'll get you cleared.
He does seem calm and competent.
- Should I drop you off at the office? - Yes.
I wanted to take the day off to at least grab a meal with you...
Yeom Jangseon's disappearance,
was it your doing, Dongju?
Chairman.
I'm here to report on the Daesan Energy purchase.
I'm here to update on the merger progress.
He called earlier, scolding me about my report being late.
Where did he go?
The chairman said he had somewhere to go.
He drove himself.
I think I know where he went. Let's go, Eunnam.
Isn't it better to call the police right now?
If we keep going, we'll spot his car soon.
That's crazy. I've never even seen Grandfather drive.
Let's just call the police and ask them to track his car.
Wait! That's his car up ahead!
He's probably in the best mood right now. Let's not ruin it.
Why's he driving so well?
Because he's excited.
He always drove all the way out here by himself?
Even when he brought me here, he wouldn't let me drive.
How long is he planning to wait?
Until Seonu walks out with the bread he just baked.
Until Ms. Ji acts like she doesn't know the chairman.
Grandfather saw us.
We locked eyes.
- Director Seo. - Yes.
You can drive.
Yes, sir.
And you can get the bill. For everything.
It's now been a year since Professor Yeom Jangseon went missing.
According to police, a petition from his family
has led to the reward being tripled.
With rumors of it being real or staged,
interest in the case has faded over the past year,
prompting the family to raise the reward in hopes of finding him.
Last December, Professor Yeom Jangseon was indicted for instigating murder,
but the court rejected the arrest warrant, citing no clear risk
of evidence tampering or flight.
But the dismissal of the warrant...
PRESIDENT SEO DONGJU
I'm late again.
I was trying to beat you in today.
Where's President Seo?
He's here.
You're here.
Is the Daesan Volt R&D team fully staffed yet?
Still adjusting salary offers.
We got the attendee list for the Yuseong Chemical merger hearing.
Since we're doing this without any political interference like Mr. Yeom,
it might take time...
We just need to be patient.
Ever since you became CEO of Daesan Volt,
your expression during meetings with me has improved.
Maybe I'm in a better mood now that Daesan Volt might go public.
So, have you given up on pushing me out and taking over as CEO of Daesan E&C?
I'm still gunning for it. Every minute, every second...
Just waiting for you to slip up.
Chief Cheon.
As of today, you're dismissed.
I've included a generous severance and retirement package.
- Ma'am... - Every day for a year...
Even if
Professor Yeom returns,
he won't hold it against you.
Ma'am. We must keep searching for him.
Chief Cheon.
When people his age
live past a certain point,
it's just borrowed time.
The professor...
lived enough.
Then why did you raise the reward?
Because people are watching.
People need to know his family's still...
waiting for him.
If he's alive...
seeing that reward go up might give him the will to return.
I won't ask you to come by again.
I just wanted
to feed you once.
Thanks for eating so well, just like you used to.
Even when you were a kid, you liked pollack soup like a grown-up.
Did I?
Maybe I like it
because I had it here when I was little.
The reason...
I ignored you all this time...
It wasn't because the professor told me to.
When I heard you were raised with your nun sister,
I thought I'd just let you live your life.
No need to stir things up by acting familiar.
There was some training
and no one to watch the kid.
So Professor Yeom brought you and your mom here.
You loved
this hanok house.
Even when I came back as an adult,
I loved it.
You said you'd go see your dad when your mom came back.
You wondered if your dad would recognize you, what he'd look like,
what he did for a living,
and what candy he liked...
We'd play games, making up answers.
I never imagined...
it'd take that long for you to meet your father.
In the end, you're just another goldfish eagerly opening its mouth,
desperate for every scrap of food tossed its way.
No matter how high you climb,
the best you can hope for is being the first in line to get fed.
That's where your story ends.
Director Seo.
Yes.
This is the last of our tea leaves.
We're moving, so I didn't stock up.
I'm turning this place into a kindergarten.
"Kindergarten of Overflow."
A kindergarten overflowing with clear water.
To me,
this house was at its brightest
when you, Seonghyeon, were running around here.
So I want to fill it with more kids like you back then.
Ah.
Here's the photo you were meant to come back for.
I'm finally giving it to you.
It's us.
The day we took this, you held your mom's hand and said...
- Mom. - Yes?
Let's come back tomorrow.
"Let's come back tomorrow."
I remember it so vividly.
Do you remember your mom?
Not at all.
Seonghyeon...
I mean, Director Seo.
Your mother cherished and treasured you.
I want to tell you everything I saw and heard.
But there's no time to tell you everything.
There's one thing
I want you to remember.
While raising you alone,
she was so desperate for money,
she almost took the wrong path.
But when she thought of you, she caught herself and declined the offer.
You were a son
to a mother like that.
When life gets hard,
I hope you'll remember the mother I told you about...
and keep going, Director Seo.
I will.
Seo Dongju, you bastard.
What...
You woke up earlier than expected.
You bastard...
There's a bathroom behind that curtain.
It was a hassle to get it installed, so make good use of it.
You'll get burgers for meals.
I'll sometimes get you some fruits.
For water, you can use the tap water from the sink.
I installed a pull-up bar inside, so stay in shape.
And the temperature and humidity are kept constant, so it might feel cold.
I recommend you take one of the jackets
prepared in the bathroom.
You crazy bastard. What the hell is this?
It's me locking you up in Daesan's vault.
You gave me the chance earlier than I planned,
so I had to act sooner.
What are you trying to do
by locking me up?
What do you want?
Just tell me!
What do you want?
Hey!
It's a hanbok.
I was invited to House of Overflow for a meal recently.
Being there
reminded me of when you used to wear hanbok, so I brought one for you.
You must've met my wife.
Seo Dongju.
You're not planning to keep me here until I die.
Just tell me what you want.
Lying in bed last night,
this thought hit me.
I'm the only one who knows the code to this vault.
So if I die,
Yeom Jangseon would rot away in this vault and die a mummified corpse.
Is that what you want?
If it were, I wouldn't bring you burgers every day.
So what?
What do you want?
You're not ready yet.
Until the day you beg me a little more desperately,
I'll wait.
It's money that you want, isn't it?
You said my life wasn't even worth killing.
Remember that tall building where you got waterboarded?
I'll give it to you, so let me go.
A year in here is enough time served.
Hey, you bastard!
What do you want?
Tell me.
How much do you want?
Everything.
What?
Everything of what?
Your entire fortune.
You're really pushing it now.
He's the one who shot me.
If he shot you, you should've just let him drown.
Why did you save him?
To get my revenge.
In that brief moment, my goal to get revenge became clear.
It's never changed since.
I'm going to take everything
Huh Ildo and Yeom Jangseon ever had, down to the last piece.
I'd rather bite my tongue and die here than hand it all over to you.
Then you'll walk away with nothing.
That wouldn't be so bad either.
Pray I don't get into an accident and that I keep bringing you burgers.
If you don't want to starve to death.
You're the cruelest, most vicious bastard I've ever met.
Hey!
I'd rather die at home.
What do I have to do?
What made you reach out first?
Sir.
Now I can't hand over a single penny from the National Patriotism Fund.
You're saying you'll keep...
the two trillion won for yourself?
Yes.
Don't worry.
It'll be put to far better use than serving you.
On Yeom Jangseon's computer,
he had your crimes, and those of everyone connected to you,
neatly organized.
And I hacked it and handed it to someone else.
NATIONAL PATRIOTISM FUND TRANSACTION HISTORY
Jangseon, that bastard...
If you threaten me or Daesan Group,
your corruption will be exposed to the world.
Can I ask you
an important question?
You strike me
as someone who believes
in serving the people
with sincerity, not with money.
What happened to you?
I handed everything over to Jeil Real Estate Trust.
All the properties Yeom Jangseon donated. Sales, leases, even mortgage loans.
They said they'll handle each one in the most reasonable way.
DONATOR YEOM JANGSEON
But Dongju,
how did you get Yeom Jangseon to sign over his entire fortune?
Okay. Talk to you later, then.
He doesn't want to talk about it.
I shouldn't have asked.
PRESIDENT SEO DONGJU
KINDERGARTEN OF OVERFLOW
Let's go home.
- Let's go home! - We're going home!
Hey, give me the cab fare already.
Just hold on. I will pay you.
Seriously, I came all the way here.
What are you, a beggar or something?
I'm...
Yeom Jangseon.
Dongju.
Yes, Taeyun.
Are you okay?
You look unwell.
I'm just feeling tired.
Have a seat.
What brings you here?
Dongju.
It's been half a year since I started working at Daesan Volt.
Yeah.
I feel like it's not the right fit for me.
That's understandable.
But, Taeyun,
you know
better than anyone how much President Huh wanted you
to settle in at Daesan.
Just hang in there a little longer.
If it still doesn't feel right
and you make your decision,
I'll fully support it.
- Excuse me. - Sure.
Yes, Grandfather.
Yes.
Right.
Yes, got it.
He said he couldn't reach you.
I was going to call him later.
Wait, Taeyun.
The chairman just recognized you.
You know he has days when he recognizes me.
He told me to find you and bring you over.
Please hurry.
The chairman said he'd eat once you got here,
so everyone's waiting.
Okay.
Chairman, I'm here.
Yes, President Seo.
Sit down and eat.
Okay.
You must be...
Taeyun.
Right?
Your father is...
Huh Ildo.
My daughter Deokhui is your mom.
Yes, she's right here.
Honey, you recognized me this morning too.
You're doing great today.
Father, Taeyun is working at Daesan Volt.
Really?
Good for him to learn under his tough aunt.
Father, today you even remember Gukhui.
Father. Who am I?
You're the eldest grandson of Daesan Group's founder, Cha Daebok,
and my son, Cha Seonu.
Chef Do.
Yes, Chairman.
President Seo's soup must've gone cold. Bring him a fresh one.
- Yes, sir. - Okay.
Have some of this.
Secretary Gong.
Do you perhaps...
The chairman scolded you
for showing up without a tie, right?
Yes, I rushed out and didn't even realize I wasn't wearing one.
Thank you.
Our sharp Secretary Gong grabbed a tie the moment she saw you.
Gosh.
When I start my own place,
I'm going to wear a tie in the kitchen too.
To honor the chairman.
Secretary Gong.
I think Chef Do wants a raise.
When did I say that? I just...
The chairman
doesn't recognize me or Ms. Kaesong, but he always recognizes Chef Do.
I figured that alone...
was reason enough...
to give him a raise.
Secretary Gong...
Oh, my, honey. This is great!
Say that again.
Because of what you and Dad did, I can barely breathe.
Mom.
If this keeps up, your beloved son...
might just die.
Don't you dare talk about dying!
Mom.
Every time you see Eunnam
and every time you face Dongju...
I know how hard you fight to keep it together.
- And it's because of me. - It is because of you!
To me,
you're the reason to live, Taeyun.
You hear me?
Mom.
Let's leave this house, leave Daesan.
To somewhere far away.
Let's live where no one knows us.
Taeyun!
Get a hold of yourself.
Learn everything you can at Daesan Volt.
You're going to keep moving forward until you become its CEO.
I'll clear any obstacles in your way for you.
That's my job now, since your dad's not here.
Mom...
It's okay to whine like this once in a while.
I'm sorry I hit you, my son.
I've come...
too far to turn back.
And...
the end's in sight.
Why would you walk away?
Only fools would do that, Taeyun.
Got it? Okay?
So once we bring in Yuseong Chemical...
What was it again? Daesan...
Daesan Energy.
Right. Daesan Energy will grow several times over.
Yes, Chairman.
Director Yeo Eunnam will handle the merger well.
Right.
You didn't forget.
It's fine. Just give it to me.
The flavor of a lollipop starts when you unwrap it.
Mm.
I should promote Huh Ildo to vice-chairman.
Gather feedback on Huh Ildo from the subsidiaries.
Yes, Chairman.
Chairman,
I'll be taking some time off soon.
It'll be longer...
than last time.
What?
Do you want the lollipop?
No, sir.
INNER SAFE
So, Chairman Cha Daebok and Chairman Cha Gangcheon,
then you,
and now I'm the fourth person to know this code?
Yeah.
That's a lot of pressure.
The chairman said
only someone capable of leading Daesan should know it.
Then it shouldn't be me.
Since Daesan E&C merged with Yuseong Chemical,
the stock's been climbing nonstop.
That's because you made bold decisions and saved it
every time the merger was about to fall apart.
Eunnam.
You're capable enough to know the vault code.
You praising me makes me believe it might be true.
Wait.
You're not leaving Daesan, are you?
You're not, right?
Right?
Don't leave, Dongju.
I took what Yeom Jangseon cared about most
and let him live.
That's what I wanted.
Then that's a good thing, isn't it?
Do you think so?
I don't even know what's wrong anymore.
So I'm going to leave to find the answer.
I want to drive you.
If you say no, I won't let you leave.
Have a good trip.
Dongju!
Again.
How was studying business?
It was a bit tough.
All I'd done was play violin, so it was like starting from scratch.
Mmm.
I've only been riding bikes and just starting it too.
We're the same, nephew.
I'll get another coffee. Do you want more?
Come on, I'm younger, so let me do it, nephew.
DONGJU
There he is!
JI SEONU
Dongju, I heard you took some time off.
I'm talking to Seonu about business school.
The more I know him, the more he seems like a better fit for Daesan.
When I die of old age someday,
scatter my ashes over the sea right where you saved me.
When I die,
I want to repent there.
Buried Hearts
- Father. Yeah.
Dongju.
You don't have to come back for good.
Just come take a break.
Translated by Hye Min Eom