Buried Hearts
CHARACTERS, PLACES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EVENTS IN THIS DRAMA ARE FICTITIOUS
CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS FILMED IN SAFE ENVIRONMENT
EPISODE 1
Isn't what you're saying
different from the materials submitted this morning?
Mr. Huh Ildo, keep that up and you'll end up in prison.
Are you going to keep giving false testimony?
Honorable Assemblyman Nam Sangcheol,
while leading Daesan Energy,
due to unfortunate circumstances, I once went to prison.
That's when I realized I should never commit a crime.
Prison is an awful place.
Never commit a crime.
Mr. Huh Ildo.
Yes, Assemblywoman Seok.
This is a National Assembly hearing.
We're not here to listen to your personal stories.
Keep that in mind.
You're before assemblymen the people elected.
Show some humility.
HOUSE OF OVERFLOW A HOME BRIMMING WITH PURE WATER
39 trillion won was spent on this energy project's special budget,
yet only 8.7 billion won has been recovered.
At this rate, this energy project is a complete failure.
SEO DONGJU
We request more data from Daesan Energy on the expected investment returns.
You need to shut Assemblywoman Seok up.
You said you could end this hearing. What happened?
A report claimed that
over 1 trillion won was funneled to the Osar tribe
for oil exploration rights.
Wasn't it all for nothing?
That's fake news.
Honey, here.
Mmm.
The anchovies taste the same.
The price has fallen to 400,000 won, so I thought it wouldn't be as good.
And the oil exploration company
is a new company with no experience, probably a ghost company.
That's not something we can just overlook.
To the same question...
One more slip, and it's trouble.
...they provided different materials like these.
Let's move on.
This energy project has been riddled with issues
from the very beginning.
Assemblywoman Seok.
This energy project was carried out
because the National Assembly approved the related laws and budget
two years ago.
Daesan Energy is simply a project implementation partner.
Mr. Huh Ildo,
this is my time to speak.
If you have comments, request a separate speaking slot.
What? Who the hell is that?
What is it?
Someone's sitting on the stairs.
What?
That persistent guy!
How did he know I'd come here?
Tiger!
I heard you canceled your district event, so I came hoping to meet you, sir.
Director Seo, I get my dress shirts custom-made.
Okay?
Did you chase me down at this hour just to give me some cheap fabric?
These are a bit different.
Sir, please take a closer look.
Damn it. You should just go.
I'm extremely tired...
- Gosh. - What?
Isn't this American?
Made in the USA!
Gosh!
Wait, hold on. Then this one too?
Such a precious gift...
My goodness.
Listen.
Tell Chairman Cha Gangcheon
that the dress shirts fit me perfectly,
as if tailored for me.
The chairman asks
that you adjourn the hearing at an appropriate time.
Adjourn the hearing?
Yes.
Chairman Cha Gangcheon...
Giving such a fine gift yet asking for something so modest.
Huh? So modest!
Please stand up for a moment.
Oh.
It's nothing serious.
Just for my peace of mind.
You could be secretly recording our conversation.
No need for something awful like a full-body search.
It's just a little pat-down, okay?
What the heck?
Gosh, Director Seo.
This guy has never lost a fight in his life.
You should've listened.
Let go.
Uncle! It's a camera!
I told you this would happen, didn't I?
Hey!
You're no better than a thug.
The mighty Daesan Group...
What the hell is this? Aren't you ashamed?
I sincerely apologize.
Unbelievable!
I'm letting it slide
for Chairman Cha Gangcheon's sake.
We're done here.
Just get lost already. Gosh, my head...
This one needs to be discussed privately.
NAM SANGCHEOL $720,000
"I, Nam Sangcheol, accepted dirty money from Daesan"?
You actually want me to put my signature on this?
Sir, my hidden camera was discovered.
I need your written acknowledgment at least
to wrap this up, don't you think?
Not a chance.
Either you leave the money and walk away
or take it back.
I've already given you the money. I'm not taking it back.
Then...
Just leave it here.
What the heck?
You bastard!
Hitting an assemblyman?
You little...
Just do as I say,
and you won't take another hit.
You punk, just wait there.
I'm calling the police.
Why do you have Tiger's bell?
Plan B.
The camera that got busted earlier was Plan A.
Plan B is hidden inside this cat bell.
It's another camera, sir.
Isn't this American?
Wait, hold on.
Please stand up for a moment.
At the hearing,
it would seem most natural if you started by grilling Mr. Huh Ildo first.
It's 39 trillion.
This project, involving so much taxpayer money,
was repeatedly criticized by me
for lacking cross-validity checks.
In response, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy
hired Peterson Consulting to assess the project.
Peterson Consulting found that
trying to obtain oil drilling rights from the Osar tribe,
a group not even recognized as a nation,
was an extremely reckless plan.
We need to find out who buried this consulting report
during the process--
Honorable Assemblywoman Seok,
shouldn't you have shared the Peterson Consulting report
with your colleagues in the Assembly beforehand?
We're all doing this hearing together.
This isn't your solo stage.
I'll take that as a compliment for being well-prepared.
But just to be clear, this hearing isn't for my personal gain...
Keep that in mind, right?
Do you need to brag about information only you have?
Isn't it more important to thoroughly uncover
the flaws in this energy project?
You're going off-topic.
Stay focused. We're out of time.
I am talking about the core issue! Sir!
What are you on about? Don't you know what it means?
Why act clueless now?
- Clueless? How dare you! - What?
The public is watching!
This hearing is being filmed right now!
- The press is here! - Please adjourn!
Assemblyman Kwak! Are you trying to sabotage the hearing?
OVERSEAS RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT HEARING
You did well.
The hearing ends today.
We held the hearing as a formality
and let the assemblymen save face.
We just need to send the materials to the assemblymen later.
Now, they should let go of the energy issue
and focus on people's livelihoods.
By the way,
how did you handle that Seoul slicker Nam Sangcheol?
I put a bell around the cat's neck.
Is Nam Sangcheol the cat?
What could be the bell you placed around his neck?
Hmm?
I'm getting curious.
It's nothing special, sir.
Mr. Huh is coming out now. Yes, sir.
Thank you for your hard work.
Did you meet Assemblyman Nam Sangcheol before coming here?
Yes.
Buried Hearts
Why are you out here?
Father wants you to have a glass of champagne
since you worked hard today.
I didn't do much.
It was all thanks to Director Seo.
On good days, the chairman enjoys a longer
- soak in the bath. - Soak in the bath.
Drink up.
The yolks are especially rich this time.
Yes, Secretary Gong.
You're here, Chairman.
After the hearing adjourned, I got a call from Mr. Yeom.
He says there won't be any more hearings.
Has he been drinking
that soju from the safe all this time?
Yes.
So, the chairman shares his safe combination with you.
I'm sure you know
he's not supposed to drink.
Have a seat.
Why didn't you tell me
the hearing ended today?
The chairman should be the first to know.
So I kept it from you.
A FEW DAYS AGO
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO SUMMON DAESAN ENERGY OVER ENERGY SCANDAL
That's why your father
called Seo Dongju here.
I'll check with Secretary Gong.
Let's wait.
You'll be the one sitting at the hearing.
Calling Director Seo first doesn't seem right.
I'll get a call soon.
I still have a workout to finish.
Secretary Gong, is Father done bathing?
Is Director Seo there?
I'll stick with this.
With a drink like this, who needs ginseng?
Well done at the hearing today.
There won't be another hearing, Father.
Yeom Jangseon said that?
Yes.
If he says so, it must be true.
We've done our part.
Daesan has fulfilled its obligations.
Now it's your turn to stand firm and stay confident.
Understood?
Yes.
Now, let's hear the fun story
of how Director Seo won over Assemblyman Nam Sangcheol.
I'd rather not tell you.
Keeping trade secrets?
He's really something else, isn't he?
Put them away.
I thought you were Secretary Gong.
She already nagged me about it,
saying you shouldn't be drinking.
Pour me a glass, Father.
Director Seo.
Yes, ma'am.
If you're done, give us some space.
We need to talk as a family.
Father, Mr. Yeom made me an urgent proposal.
Yeom Jangseon talked to you directly?
Why are you out here?
Chrysanthemum tea?
It's okay. I'll have it inside, Secretary Gong.
Okay.
Is he asking me to come in?
He said to clock out for the day.
It's a relief.
I was worried the chairman might face the hearing too.
It must've been tough, right?
Not at all, just the usual.
Hello, Chief Choi and Director Seo.
What brings you here?
I was escorting President Huh down, but we had to turn back.
- Why? - The chairman called for him.
What's going on?
Ms. Yeo Eunnam!
This is Ms. Yeo from Daesan Energy Seoul HQ.
You've met before, right?
Of course.
I gave her top marks in the experienced hire interviews.
Oh.
This is Director Seo, from the Chairman's Office.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you too.
That reminds me.
Ms. Yeo, back when you started,
you botched the Daesan Energy import report
and got chewed out by the chairman, right?
It was Director Seo who caught that error.
No one else noticed it.
Anyway, what brings you here?
Are you in trouble again?
- No, I'm not. - Yes, sir.
I'm right here.
Yes.
Wait inside. I'll bring tea.
- Okay. - See you.
First time seeing me here, right?
Sit, Director Seo.
Yes.
Aren't you dying to know?
Why I'm sitting here right now.
I'm here for good reasons.
Actually, it benefits all of us, right?
Yes, definitely a good thing for everyone, sir.
Thank you, Prosecutor General Yeom,
for suggesting it first.
Gosh.
Chairman, it's been forever since I left the prosecution.
If that title bothers you, how about "Director Yeom"?
That'll make the NIS staff mad.
I was so harsh on them when I was there.
The best time I ever had was teaching at my alma mater, Chairman.
So, being called Mr. Yeom feels simple enough.
I just love teaching and helping others the most, Chairman.
Since Director Seo is here, shall we get into the specifics?
- Is this the report? - Yes.
Let's have a look.
Director Seo.
Yes, sir.
We can't discuss this matter here.
Sir.
Forget our talk.
You can curse the country here instead.
I never knew our chairman was so cautious.
Would it be possible for me to rent this room from time to time?
Have you been checking the transfers of our money to your Swiss account?
My goodness.
Coming in strong like that.
This room was made to get straight to business, sir.
You want to skip the small talk and get to the point.
It isn't exactly the amount I originally planned with you,
but the Swiss fund for patriotism
is being
stacked just fine.
Is that an approval for the Daesan Chemical merger
with Yuseong Chemical?
Director Seo.
- Not yet. - Not yet?
I just have to get an answer from The Elder right now, right?
This room blocks signals. You have to make a call outside.
Well, I'm not sure about that.
Yes.
Go easy.
Gently.
Daesan has indeed worked hard to raise
the National Patriotism Fund.
Don't put too much trust in Yeom Jangseon.
When you're dealing with him, keep your guard up.
Got it?
I believe we're in this together with Yeom Jangseon.
Like a fateful community, Father.
You're so naive.
"Fateful community"?
That's just nonsense the strong use to manipulate the weak!
If that's not the case,
why did you agree to his proposal?
Because it's business.
Just business.
My goodness, is your hand okay?
The device inside
prevents anyone from opening it from the outside.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
The Yuseong Chemical merger has been approved.
I'll meet the person in charge at Yuseong Chemical's bank.
It wasn't easy convincing The Elder.
There are other groups interested in Yuseong Chemical too.
I mean, it's not easy
to be patriotic.
Wow.
Come out.
You never let me in this room.
Do you like it?
I didn't know I could paint this well.
I didn't expect you to do it so fast.
How much do you like it?
Okay, come here.
Let's see.
I sent this month's expenses to the joint account.
I added my share too.
There we go.
You wore your watch in the shower?
Oh? Guess I did.
Surprisingly, it's highly water-resistant for a knockoff.
Here.
When we get married, let's each get a real one.
That's what engagement gifts are, right?
This is more than enough. They're real gemstones.
Come on. I'll get you something more expensive.
Maybe a diamond-encrusted one.
Why were you at the chairman's office earlier?
Huh Ildo needed
the detailed data on Daesan Energy's purchase last month.
The executive director was out, so I had to pass it along.
- Do you want some salad? - Hold on.
Yes, sir. Yes.
The chairman's granddaughter?
Yes.
I see.
Okay, I understand.
It looks like she'll arrive in time for the wedding.
Right.
The chairman instructed that this be kept secret
from both the group and the media.
Only immediate family will attend.
I'll meet with the duty manager at Daesan Hotel
and report to you afterward.
What's the need for a report?
All right, thanks for your help.
Don't you ever regret giving up being the chairman's grandson-in-law?
You aimed to marry the granddaughter and secure your place at Daesan.
I did say that.
I've never met her,
yet why does it feel like such a missed opportunity?
You should've been the groom at this wedding,
not the one organizing it.
Why did you give that up?
It looks so delicious.
The chairman's granddaughter is having a small, intimate wedding.
They asked me to help prepare.
I didn't ask about the call.
Really? But you look curious, even from behind.
Was it because of me
that you didn't go to New York
to pursue the chairman's granddaughter?
No, it was my fault.
To be exact, it's because I fell for you.
I've told you this before.
Several times.
Why do you keep asking?
I like hearing it.
Every time.
Thank you for making time for me.
My vice-chairman requested this meeting, so it's my pleasure.
If you could extend the loan term for Yuseong Chemical,
we're willing to follow other decisions.
Thank you.
He's heading out now.
Hello, ma'am.
What was that?
I was caught off guard.
Who am I?
Cha Gukhui.
CEO of Daesan Chemical.
If you look me up online, this is what you'll find.
"Daesan Chemical will acquire Yuseong Chemical.
No doubt."
As the CEO, why am I hearing such good news
from elsewhere?
If the chairman didn't tell you, there must be a good reason.
Hey, Seo Dongju!
Please leave my office now, ma'am.
I've told you many times, if you help me,
I won't forget it...
But you stay silent.
It's been frustrating and hurtful.
So I raised my voice.
- Sorry. - Ma'am.
I work for Chairman Cha Gangcheon.
I won't go against the chairman's orders.
Why is a young person like you so old-fashioned?
How long do you think
my father will remain as chairman of Daesan?
I'll pretend I didn't hear that.
If you want to stay at Daesan,
stand behind me.
I'll pave the way for your future.
I'll...
think about it.
Why am I begging a nobody like him
when I don't even know where he came from?
He's a fox who has my father wrapped around his finger.
Sit.
- Did you bring it? - Yes, sir.
No, give it to me.
The flavor of a lollipop starts when you unwrap it.
Was Gukhui throwing a fit?
I'm here to avoid her. She always ends up crying and begging.
If Daesan Chemical acquires Yuseong Chemical,
it'll get too big for Gukhui to manage.
She won't be able to expand the chemical sector.
Right?
What?
Do you want the lollipop?
No, sir.
Let's see...
Daesan lacked a vice-chairman for a while.
How long has it been since I became chairman?
It's been 29 years.
Hmm.
I should promote Huh Ildo to vice-chairman.
I need to see if Huh Ildo has what it takes to be chairman on his own,
not just as part of the Cha family.
He's a son-in-law and not of the bloodline.
But a son-in-law still holds more weight than a total outsider.
Gather feedback on Huh Ildo from the subsidiaries.
Yes, sir.
Yes. Pardon?
Yes, sir.
There he is.
I received urgent orders from the chairman.
I need to board with you.
What orders?
So, you're getting on my helicopter,
flying to Daesan Energy where I'm the CEO,
and you can't tell me why?
The chairman
wants to promote you to the group's vice-chairman.
I was told to meet with executives over the next 10 days.
Does he want a temperature check?
Yes.
Congratulations, sir.
Sorry I made an inspector spill his mission.
Use this helicopter for 10 days.
Save some travel time.
Thank you, sir.
Eunnam?
Whoa.
Why are you here?
If not now, I'd have to wait until we get home.
I love this.
What?
That you couldn't wait and came all the way up to the helipad.
Hold on.
Yes, sir.
Hey, Seo Dongju. How could you do this?
- Where are you? - See you. Sorry.
I'm on my way.
The chairman shouldn't handle it this way.
If he wants an evaluation on Huh Ildo, he should give the order to me first.
Then I'd pass it to you. That's the right way.
The chairman once said he'd hand the chairman position to a professional
if his son-in-law and daughter weren't fit for it.
But in the end, even if he's not related by blood,
a son-in-law is still closer.
Chief...
Yuseong Chemical is being acquired.
What?
The chairman believes
Daesan Chemical's expansion will be too much for Cha Gukhui to handle.
If Cha Gukhui steps down, recommend me for the role.
If Huh Ildo becomes vice-chairman,
I'll recommend you for the president position of Daesan Energy.
We need to leave the back office
and build real experience on the front lines.
Director Seo...
You told me this when I first joined Daesan's secretary office.
"Without a son,
the chairman's empire is an open battlefield,
and you should dream big."
I've followed that advice ever since.
"Yeo Eunnam."
If we break up and you meet someone else,
what'll you do with this tattoo?
If you fall for someone else, you'll need to get rid of it.
That's going to hurt.
I'll handle it myself. Got it?
So you're not saying you won't?
I'd have to get revenge.
- Revenge? - Yes.
I'd show up holding another woman's hand
to make you regret leaving me.
My heart's ripping apart.
Just imagining you being with another woman
makes my gut ache.
Like I'd die...
Actually, I'd rather die.
Eunnam.
Dongju,
you're not the kind of person who'd leave me.
If we ever break up, it'll be because I walk away.
But just the thought of another woman next to you...
Must you take revenge?
Gosh.
Are you crying?
Eunnam, if it's not you, I'm not getting married.
I'll stay single forever.
Was it too much?
Yeah, the candles...
and the wine.
- What do we do? - What else? We have to clean it up.
Let's do it later.
What do we do?
Wow.
What's this?
You love it when I dry your hair.
What's going on
with all this VIP treatment?
Eunnam, you're acting suspicious.
You don't like it?
This feels nice.
That's mine.
- This might take a while. - Okay.
Okay.
Yes.
Okay, I got it. I'm not backing down anymore!
Tell them to keep their promise.
Dongju!
Dongju! Dongju, what's wrong?
Dongju!
Dongju.
Found it.
She uses her English name, Jennifer Huh.
I'll send it to you.
Have a look.
Director Seo!
- Check it. - Okay.
The New York address of the chairman's granddaughter.
So I show up and say I'm there to deliver persimmons from Seoul?
The chairman's granddaughter won't eat any others
after trying my sister-in-law's persimmons.
Director Cha requested this last time, so I sent some with staff to New York.
This time, you'll take the persimmons on your business trip
and show up in front of Jennifer.
She'll love it.
Even better if you bring Jennifer back with you.
So embarrassing.
Yes, sir.
Yes, I'm with him.
I understand.
Jeez!
Is this your car?
Yes.
Then...
you must be Director Seo Dongju.
Yes, that's me.
I'm Yeo Eunnam from Daesan Energy's Seoul HQ.
I wrote the recent import data report for Daesan Energy.
Yes, Yeo Eunnam...
I remember seeing your name.
Next time you find an error, give me a chance to fix it first.
Thanks to you ratting me out to the higher-ups,
I got called in and scolded by the chairman himself.
So, I snitched,
and that's why the chairman...
My bad.
Next time, I'll do as you say.
Okay.
Yes.
Looks like you've waited a while. Want to grab a bite with me?
Looks like you're still mad.
How about some good food and you take it out on me there?
Once you've let it all out,
I'll teach you a formula to catch errors instantly in reports.
Do you always pack lunch for work?
They're persimmons that need to get to New York.
Earlier,
I saw you yelling in the lobby.
I wasn't yelling, just mouthing the words.
Mmm.
Looked like you were cursing.
Seo Dongju.
- You bastard. - Bastard.
Chief Choi.
I'm not taking the persimmons to New York.
Why not?
Why give up without even trying?
I'm not giving up.
I've made my choice.
Dongju.
Dongju!
Are you okay?
Eunnam.
I'm okay now.
Sorry, I didn't realize the bread had cinnamon when I bought it.
I was going to freeze it for later...
A second later and it would've been bad.
You jumped in with CPR.
You saved my life.
I'm sorry.
Of all days, it happened today.
Of all days?
A day...
I wanted to make special for you.
- What? - Just...
I'm just excited.
You're already great to the guy you live with.
Just imagine how good you'll be to your future husband.
I don't know who it'll be,
but I'm already so jealous of that lucky guy.
Let's just do it.
Without it?
Yes.
SECRETARY GONG
Yes, Secretary Gong.
Uh...
I heard the wedding is just for family.
The chairman says he wants you to escort him.
Yes.
At Daesan Hotel.
Chairman's calling for me.
Eunnam.
I'm heading out. Take it easy on your jog.
Let's have dinner together tonight. I'll make a reservation.
SCHEDULE SEND
Hmm.
I like it.
Simple and elegant.
We kept it as minimal as you requested.
It wouldn't feel right not to have it, so it's just a small family wedding.
No need for any fuss.
General Manager, forget about this and focus on running the hotel.
Yes, Chairman. If you need anything--
I'll reach out.
I'll leave everything to you, then.
I'll take a nap for a bit.
It's you.
Seo Dongju.
This isn't where you belong.
Why are you here?
Here to stuff your face?
Eat up and get lost.
Didn't you hear? I'm a prosecutor.
Still as childish as ever.
And you're still a pathetic thug.
Oh, right.
Hearing a bastard like you became a prosecutor
made me worry about this country.
You? Worried about the country?
Right?
I've never once worried about this country before,
but the moment you became a prosecutor,
I suddenly did.
Funny, isn't it?
Aren't you a director at Daesan?
I can't wrap my head around it.
A thug like you making it that far.
You'll be seeing a lot more surprises.
Like me becoming the president.
You bastard.
Is it that shocking?
Oh, I'm sorry.
- You're insane. - Wait, hold on.
Today, I'm becoming your chairman's grandson-in-law.
If Prosecutor Yeom Huicheol joins the Daesan family,
it'll be tough for a thug like you to become president, don't you think?
Just common sense.
So, Mr. Yeom Jangseon...
Yes.
Yeah, your precious mentor, Yeom Jangseon,
my uncle, is the one who arranged this.
Do yourself a favor
and resign before it's too late.
Or you'll be cut.
Your breath stinks. Step back.
Sure. I'm sorry about that.
Hey, Dongju.
You know you want my favor.
So just beg for it.
Humiliation won't kill you.
And stop cursing, or I'll make you pay.
Still think you're in high school?
You're as pathetic as ever.
Damn.
I'll keep cursing you out. Deal with it.
And that was my last punch.
We're even for what you did
in high school.
That damn thug.
- Congratulations. - Thanks.
- Congrats. - Yes.
We will now begin the wedding ceremony
of Groom Yeom Huicheol and Bride Jennifer Huh.
The groom will enter.
Please give him a big round of applause and cheers!
Groom, enter!
Now, the true star of today's ceremony.
The beautiful bride will make her entrance.
Everyone, she's stepping in now.
Let's greet her with a big round of applause.
Bride, enter.
Let go.
Let go of me!
Buried Hearts
Make sure you get your revenge and walk in holding another woman's hand.
Seo Dongju...
Are you sure he's not just after a place in the Daesan family?
I'm the one who gave everything to Daesan.
No matter what, Seo Dongju has to go.
Kick Seo Dongju out of Daesan.
I'm not leaving Daesan.
This all happened
because you chose the woman I lived with to be your niece-in-law, sir.
Translated by Hye Min Eom