The Cast Of 'Buried Hearts' (Treasure Island): Where Are They Now In Late 2025?

The South Korean revenge thriller *Buried Hearts* (also known by its original title, *Treasure Island* or *Bomulseom*) captivated global audiences following its premiere on Disney+ in February 2025, delivering a high-stakes, politically charged narrative. This intense drama, which centered on a fierce battle over a 2 trillion KRW political slush fund, showcased a powerhouse ensemble of veteran and rising stars, whose performances earned them significant critical acclaim and awards throughout 2025. The show’s complex plot and stellar acting cemented its place as one of the must-watch K-dramas of the year. As of December 2025, the main cast members are busier than ever, moving on to new, highly anticipated projects that further solidify their status in the industry. From supernatural fantasies to crime thrillers, here is a deep dive into the main actors who brought the world of *Buried Hearts* to life, their roles, and what they have been up to since the drama's intense finale.

The Main Cast of Buried Hearts (Treasure Island) and Their Latest Projects

The success of any compelling K-drama lies in its cast, and *Buried Hearts* was no exception. The main ensemble masterfully handled the show's dark themes of corruption, revenge, and ambition.

Park Hyung-sik (Seo Dong-ju)

• Role in *Buried Hearts*: Seo Dong-ju, the ambitious executive director and team leader of the Chairman's Office External Cooperation at Daesan Group, who becomes entangled in the slush fund conspiracy.
• Birth Date: November 16, 1991
• Nationality: South Korean
• Notable Works: *Strong Girl Bong-soon*, *Happiness*, *Doctor Slump*, *Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth*
• Latest Updates (2025): Following his intense performance as Seo Dong-ju, Park Hyung-sik immediately moved on to another high-profile project. He is starring in the supernatural fantasy series *Twelve* (KBS2-Disney+ / 2025) as the character O-Gwi. Furthermore, media outlets have reported that he is set to lead the upcoming romantic comedy K-drama *A Proper Romance*, where he will reportedly play a startup CEO. His continued work across multiple genres highlights his versatility and status as a leading man.

Heo Jun-ho (Yeom Jang-sun)

• Role in *Buried Hearts*: Yeom Jang-sun, the powerful, shadowy figure and former National Intelligence Service director who serves as the main antagonist and most influential individual in South Korean political circles.
• Birth Date: April 14, 1964
• Nationality: South Korean
• Notable Works: *Kingdom*, *Missing: The Other Side*, *Jumong*, *Silmido*
• Latest Updates (2025): The veteran actor, known for his commanding presence, had a very busy 2025. In addition to *Buried Hearts*, Heo Jun-ho also took a leading role in the crime thriller series *Mercy for None* alongside So Ji Sub. He is also reportedly in talks to join the cast of the drama *The Boy in the Last Row*, proving his continued demand for complex, high-impact roles. His portrayal of Yeom Jang-sun was a masterclass in villainy.

Hong Hwa-yeon (Yeo Eun-nam)

• Role in *Buried Hearts*: Yeo Eun-nam, a key female lead in the series.
• Birth Date: March 20, 1998
• Nationality: South Korean
• Notable Works: *True to Love*, *Buried Hearts*
• Latest Updates (2025): Hong Hwa-yeon is arguably the biggest breakout star from the series. She won the prestigious Best New Actress Award at the 2025 Korea Drama Awards for her compelling performance in *Buried Hearts*. This massive achievement has propelled her career, and she is currently focusing on filming her next project, the tvN drama *Secret Gratitude*. Her casting in *Buried Hearts* was a significant win, as she secured the female lead role after winning a highly competitive 100:1 audition.

Lee Hae-young (Heo Il-do)

• Role in *Buried Hearts*: Heo Il-do, a main role in the political drama's complex web of corruption.
• Birth Date: December 26, 1970 (Note: There is another actress, Lee Hye-young, born in 1962, but the actor Lee Hae-young is the one listed for the role in *Buried Hearts*.)
• Nationality: South Korean
• Notable Works: *The World of the Married*, *Signal*, *Kkondae Intern*
• Latest Updates (2025): Lee Hae-young's powerful supporting performance did not go unnoticed. He was honored with the Scene Stealer Award at the 2025 Korea Drama Awards for his work in *Treasure Island* (Buried Hearts), a testament to his ability to steal focus in every scene he is in.

The Breakout Stars and Scene Stealers of the Revenge Drama

Beyond the four main leads, *Buried Hearts* was filled with a rich supporting cast that added depth and topical authority to the narrative. These actors played pivotal roles in the intense mystery, crime, and political drama genres.

Kwon Soo-hyun (Yeom Hee-cheol)

Kwon Soo-hyun took on the role of Yeom Hee-cheol, a character whose connections to the powerful Yeom Jang-sun (Heo Jun-ho) made him a crucial piece in the political puzzle. Known for his work in dramas like *A Piece of Your Mind* and *Café Minamdang*, Kwon Soo-hyun’s nuanced performance helped to humanize the often-ruthless world of the Daesan Group's external affairs. He is an essential entity when discussing the show's complex family dynamics and the themes of inherited corruption that permeate the *Bomulseom* storyline.

Jiho (Myeong Tae-geum)

The role of Myeong Tae-geum, played by Jiho, was another key entity in the show's intricate plot. As a supporting character, Jiho’s performance contributed significantly to the mystery and crime elements of the series. The plot of a man hacking into a political slush fund is heavily reliant on a network of individuals, and Myeong Tae-geum was a vital cog in that machine, showcasing the widespread nature of the drama's central conflict.

Why Buried Hearts Solidified the Cast’s Authority in the K-Drama World

The K-drama *Buried Hearts*, which was also marketed as a Disney+ K-drama for international viewers, was a significant project for all involved. For Park Hyung-sik, it represented a successful pivot back to a serious, high-stakes thriller following his romantic comedy and medical drama roles in *Doctor Slump*. For Heo Jun-ho, it was another opportunity to demonstrate his unparalleled talent for portraying powerful, morally ambiguous antagonists, a performance style that elevates any production. The show was particularly transformative for the younger cast members. Hong Hwa-yeon’s Best New Actress award is a clear indicator that the industry has recognized her potential, marking her as a rapidly rising star to watch in the coming years. Similarly, Lee Hae-young’s Scene Stealer award confirms that even in a cast full of big names, his impactful presence was undeniable. The drama’s success lies not just in the plot of the 2 trillion won slush fund and the subsequent revenge drama, but in the compelling chemistry and tension between the lead actors. The cat-and-mouse game between Seo Dong-ju and Yeom Jang-sun was the emotional core of the series, drawing viewers in with every twist and turn. As all these actors continue to take on new and diverse roles in 2025 and moving into 2026, *Buried Hearts* will undoubtedly be remembered as a career milestone that brought them both critical acclaim and a broader global fanbase. The topical authority of this cast in the thriller and political drama genres is now firmly established.