Hidden Love

Amazing

I really loved this show. I've actually watched 2 times in a short period of time. The first few episodes were extremely cringe worthy with Lusi trying to act like a teenager. But actually the way that she was acting seemed more like a fifth grader or something. It was just really weird, but once you get to episode 8, where she's in college, it starts getting more. Interesting and less cringy and then it becomes a beautiful love story. Her voice in this show is reallt babyish and annoying though i will say that. Ive watched her in many other shows and i dont remember her talking like that.

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A great slice of life romcom

If you like light fluffy romcoms you’ll love this drama. It’s got some gorgeous main leads too. I was a bit worried about the age difference and whether or not there was anything inappropriate between them when she was young. Fortunately there was nothing at all to worry about. The male lead never made a move or even saw the female lead as anything but a friend until she was in college. She may have been crazy in love with him since she was little but he was clueless about her feelings and just had brotherly feelings towards her.

Storyline:
The is more of a slice of life type of drama where it focuses more on their day to day lives and interactions with one another. It’s not one of those fast paced action filled thriller type of dramas. I like that it takes its time fleshing out each character so you know why they behave the way they do. It’s an excellent storyline I really enjoyed. The side characters were really interesting too, especially the female leads big brother. Their relationship was so complicated and funny too. And the male leads friends were quite entertaining and funny too.

The acting:
I really have no problem with any of the actors. They all did a great job, sometimes even bringing me to tears. The male leads life was very, very difficult. He did a phenomenal job of portraying his characters emotions. The female lead was so sweet and charming, you can’t help but cheer her on. Overall, the whole cast takes you on a great emotional journey with them.

The romance:
It seemed to take forever for the leads to get together. But once they were together they were so sweet with each other. There’s lots of kisses and cuddles in this drama. And it’s not just for a short while, they’re together and very romantic for several episodes which was very satisfying. I thought they were well matched with great chemistry.

Final thoughts:
The cons of this drama is its pace, it’s very slow and laidback which some may not like. It also takes a good while for the leads to get together which is frustrating. But the great storyline, the main leads chemistry, the phenomenal acting and the great side characters make this drama well worth watching.

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Sweet and Comforting, but a little Too Perfect

If you’re in the mood for a soft romance that feels like a warm hug, this drama totally delivers.

I absolutely loved the main couple in “Hidden Love”. Seriously, every glance and tiny gesture between them made my heart flutter. Their chemistry felt so genuine that I caught myself grinning like an idiot during their cutest moments. The drama really showed those awkward, hopeful and sometimes bittersweet feelings of first love which I found it super comforting. Honestly, it’s the perfect drama to binge when you want something cozy and heartwarming.

That said, there were definitely a few episodes where I felt things dragged, especially in the middle. I sometimes just wanted the story to pick up the pace. As much as I adored the leads, I honestly didn’t care much for the side characters or their subplots as they just didn’t grab my attention. Plus, some plot points were really predictable, so if you’re hoping for big surprises or unique twists, you won’t find them here. And honestly, the drama is so sweet and conflict-free at times that it almost feels too perfect, like does anyone’s first love really go this smoothly?

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A Sweet and Comforting Romance Full of Warmth

Hidden Love is the kind of drama that feels like curling up with a favorite book on a rainy day—gentle, warm, and quietly joyful. It beautifully portrays the journey from a youthful crush to a heartfelt relationship, capturing all the little details that make first love so unforgettable. The pacing is relaxed, allowing viewers to savor the sweetness of every glance, smile, and moment shared between the leads.

Zhao Lusi once again proves her strength in romantic roles, bringing a natural charm and vulnerability that makes her character instantly relatable. Paired with Chen Zheyuan’s calm, grounded performance, their chemistry radiates sincerity and tenderness. Supporting characters add depth without distracting from the central love story, making the drama cohesive and wholesome.

If you’re looking for a feel-good romance that emphasizes warmth over conflict, Hidden Love is a beautiful reminder of how love can grow naturally, softly, and sincerely.

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Super sweet drama

This drama is the kind of show one watches when they just want something happy. It gives off similar vibes to When I Fly Towards You, except this show felt more modern and vibrant.

First of all, I loved how respectful the FL's brother's friends were to the FL! And also how protective her brother is of her... it's just so sweet.

Second, though there are some misunderstandings that happen between the OTP sometimes, it doesn't last for long, and there definitely isn't any cheating or love triangle involved. That was so refreshing to me after watching tons of dramas where the FL has to literally fight off other ladies just to get the ML.

Third, this is a she falls first but he falls harder love story... which is one of my favorite tropes!

Okay, moving on the OST - this is quite possibly the best OST I have ever heard. I have high standards when it comes to music, and let me just say, this matched my standards perfectly.

I would definitely recommend that y'all give this show a try! You won't regret it :)

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A Quiet Triumph of Romance

After watching all 25 episodes of Hidden Love (2023), I can confidently say it stands out as one of the most tender and emotionally genuine romantic dramas in recent years. The relationship between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu unfolds with subtlety, warmth, and a quiet emotional depth. Zhao Lusi portrays the innocence and emotional growth of her character with remarkable authenticity, while Chen Zheyuan brings a calm, mature presence to the screen. Their chemistry is natural and compelling, giving the story its emotional core.

The writing avoids melodrama and instead focuses on small, meaningful moments that reflect real emotional development. The show's aesthetics—soft lighting, a gentle color palette, and a fitting musical score—enhance the romantic tone without overwhelming it. Hidden Love is a story told with grace and sincerity, reminding viewers that love doesn’t need loud declarations to leave a lasting impact. It’s a drama that resonates quietly but deeply.

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A Hidden Romance That Will Steal Your Heart

"Hidden Love" is a C-drama that has captivated audiences around the world with its sweet story, charming characters, and undeniable chemistry. If you're looking for a heartwarming romance that will make you sigh, laugh, and feel the thrill of first love, look no further!

The plot follows Sang Zhi, who falls in love with Duan Jia Xu, her older brother's friend, from a young age. What begins as a childhood crush blossoms into a mature and profound love as they grow older. The beauty of "Hidden Love" lies in how it explores the evolution of this relationship, portraying the stages of innocence, teenage confusion, and ultimately, the realization of genuine love.

One of the drama’s biggest draws is undoubtedly the main couple. Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi is absolutely delightful, perfectly capturing her character’s innocence and growth. On the other hand, Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jia Xu is charismatic, protective, and radiates a tenderness that makes it impossible not to fall for him. Their chemistry is electric—every glance, every small gesture conveys a deep connection that pulls the audience fully into their story.

Beyond the stellar chemistry, "Hidden Love" stands out for its warm and comforting tone. While there are moments of heartache and misunderstandings (as with any romance drama), the series maintains a generally positive and optimistic atmosphere. Sang Zhi’s family dynamic is especially endearing, bringing moments of comedy and unconditional support that enrich the story.

The cinematography is beautiful, with vibrant colors and settings that perfectly complement the show’s romantic mood. The soundtrack also deserves special mention, featuring catchy and emotional songs that elevate every scene.

In short, "Hidden Love" is a must-watch C-drama for any fan of the romance genre. It's a sweet love story, well told, with outstanding performances that will leave you smiling and your heart full of warmth.

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Good but not great

Cute fluffy drama. Good chemistry between the leads and cute sibling relationship between Sang zhi and her brother. The very realistic portrayal of siblings was my favorite part of this drama! Main complaint is ZLS portrayal was too exaggerated. She spoke in such a slow baby voice it felt like she was developmentally delayed. Especially weird because the child that played her younger self was so smart and quick-witted and then suddenly when she grew up, its like she lost some IQ. ZlS portrayal was very cringy at times. The director did an amazing job giving us shots of CZY that felt alot like your dreamy first crush and he certainly acted and looked the part.

Overall the story is cute with good chemistry but the female lead acting too juvenile can be annoying to watch.

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This is a romance story, only romance.

I've been waiting for this drama to air since the poster was released. I hope to enjoy this drama until the end, when this drama is trending I feel happy because I feel that I was not in vain waiting. But when I watched, I was disappointed.

I feel that this drama has one mission, which is to make Sangzhi and Jiaxu become lovers. That, that's all that needs to be done in this drama. I really feel like every groove just revolves around the two of them. Many of the rest of the cast just feel like NPCs. As a viewer, I feel like I don't know any other characters besides Sangzhi and Jiaxu. Maybe this is also the reason why I quite like SangZhi's Brother SangYan, because he's the only character apart from Sangzhi and Jiaxu who feels 'alive' in this drama.

I liked the first four episodes, it was quite enjoyable and I liked the bond between little Sangzhi and Sangyan. Although I feel that the actress playing little Sangzhi is too young to be called a middle schooler, but the child's acting is quite good in my opinion, so I don't mind. The problem was when Sangzhi grew up and became a high school student. I don't know where the mistake lies, but high school Sangzhi feels more like a child than middle school Sangzhi. While watching it I felt confused as to why Sangzhi High was so much more immature, childish, and acted like an elementary schooler. Even Sangzhi lost his confidence when he was in high school. I know it might be due to some reason, but this drama doesn't explain why Sangzhi High School is more childish than Sangzhi Middle School. I can't blame ZLS for this. Because maybe that's what it says in the script. But to be honest it's quite uncomfortable, seeing adult women act like elementary school children.

Actually, I also don't really feel the 'green flag' of a Jiaxu. I felt that Jiaxu didn't have a strong character, and every scene with Sangzhi felt like 'flirt'. I tried to watch up to episode nine because everyone told me to watch until that episode to like this drama. But even up to episode ten, I only saw the relationship between the two which felt very slow and full of slow motion. I mean, not all scenes of look into each other's eyes or touching each other have to be in slow motion... I heard that Jiaxu had a trauma, but up to episode ten this trauma had never appeared. Even when in the past Jiaxu was depicted as poor and had to constantly earn money, the portrayal in the drama did not show Jiaxu as a busy person at all. Although in some scenes he looks asleep, it's just that for someone who is really pressed for money, Jiaxu seems to have a lot of time to go back and forth to take Sangzhi courses, even taking him to the planetarium. I feel like maybe the scenes of Jiaxu working in multiple places should help a bit to better illustrate how hard Jiaxu has to work to stabilize his economy. Unfortunately it was never shown, and we are immediately taken to the timeskip when Jiaxu is already working and has a car. And once again I feel that I don't have a close relationship with the characters around Jiaxu such as his co-workers and the women who chase him, all of them feel like NPCs.

Even though I think there are many characters that can be shown better in this drama. But even characters like Sangzhi's parents, Sangzhi's roommates, even Jiaxu's co-workers feel like just extra characters. They don't have a 'story' for themselves. So even when they appeared, they were only acting as characters bridging the romantic story of Sangzhi and Jiaxu. The other characters really feel lifeless apart from Sangyan. Even the conflict between Sangzhi and his high school friend was reviewed in the simplest way possible just to get the moment Jiaxu saved Sangzhi. Even though this part can be reviewed further, such as why his friend chose to do that. Or what happened after that. But all resolved very quickly. Characters that bothered Sangzhi were immediately eliminated, with no time for Sangzhi to develop when hit by a problem.

And that's the reason I dropped this drama. During the ten episodes running, there was no character development from the two main characters. They just changed costumes, but still act like high school kids. Sangzhi in college was the same as Sangzi in high school, and so was Jiaxu when he was working, he was still the same as when he was in college. Either they lack an antagonist who can develop both characters, or it was just like that from the start. Oh, and I also don't like the character of Sangzhi's parents, who feel like they pamper Sangzhi a lot. This also makes me feel that Sangzhi can't face big problems. And I feel this is why this drama really focuses on romance, because maybe for Sangzhi's character who is used to being spoiled, romance is a big problem for him.

I know this opinion is quite controversial, even here the drama's rating is very high. I am also quite sad because I can't enjoy the drama that I've been waiting for for a long time like other people. I was really looking forward to this drama, maybe that's also the main reason why I'm getting more disappointed. But it comes down to preference again, so I hope that even if I don't represent the majority, I can voice my personal preference a bit.

*note, I still really like Sangyan's character until now*

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my first and last love

So I am watching this because I am swept along with the 20,000 others that are watching this. Also it is rated a 9.2. So that means it shouldn't be a waste of my time... right?

Yeah this drama isn't a waste of time. It's good. The light and cheery atmosphere alone are enough to have me watching. I have seen a lot of k-dramas lately so this is a nice switch-up. It tells a sweet little love story about a girl and her brothers best friend. Suprisngly enough I haven't seen any dramas with this synopsis before.

Now what is good is the production quality and the visuals of the main leads. I am a few episodes in already and it's easy to watch. Watching is a breeze and I can easily watch, so I hope I don't lose interest. What interests me is those visuals and the hope that the 9.2 rating brings foward some amazing scenes that punch right at my gut and get me really believing that score.

I'm not going to be super bitter about the rating. I honestly don't see that it is a 9.2. I give it what I give it because it isn't perfect, but I rate it so high because it isn't necessarily doing anything wrong either.

What gets me though is the younger actress for our main character. She is great, but she is waaaaaayyyy to young to be portraying a character that is 13/14. The actress is 10 irl, so to have moments that are classically portrayed as a budding romance is weird to me. It makes me uncomfortable.. and it shouldn't be. This show brings up the age gap though, with Duan Ji Xu and Sang Shi. It is very obvious between the two their age because of how she claims him as another 'brother' of hers. Comparing him to her brother, those are cute and not problematic. What is- is how Duan Ji brings up how if she is dating someone and he took her out knowing she is a minor than that is wrong. So he sees her as a minor, he won't date her. That is good. What could be, and notice how I saw /could/. Is that if he ends up dating her, which I know happens, then he has seen her grow up. Now that is grooming.

I think this drama isn't stupid, but it has its moments. The opening scene with the young Sang She and Duan Ji are cringe inducing. The music playing up as she sees him for a moment.. I can look past that. I can't look past how three years later she seems even more immature than her younger self. I haven't seen a show with Zhao Lu Si, so maybe her voice is just that young sounding. I do like her character a lot though. She is sweet and naive, but she is calculating in a way. She have ulterior motives with Duan Ji and that is where the love is hiding. It's cute to see her little crush and how that affects her actions with him, it's pretty simple. So the hidden love to me is more of an agenda because of this. Because she likes to hang out with him and pulls him into her life not because he is just nice, but because she secretly likes him and is waiting for the day she can confess or something. I am excited to see how that all unravels but hope that they don't emphasize her youth too much.

With Duan Ji bringing up her age and all I hope they just do it correctly when it comes to him liking her. I believe he will like her when she is of age, and I hope they address that he likes her NOW as opposed to the trope of always loving her. Because he knew her since she was 13/14. I hope he grows to like her as an adult of age and appreciates her growth as a person rather than saying something like he always has loved her. That would make this weirder than it already is.

I get that she likes an older guy, I would too. He is someone she compares her brother too, and he is nice to her. It's a mindless attraction. So I hope for Sang Shi, she realizes what she /really/ likes about him. The older she gets her feelings mature as well.

So this drama is good and I recommend. It's got this amazing feel to it, it's got stunning setups with the camera work and everything. What is needs it to have those hearthrobbing moments between the leads. The set up is very very good, I want their romance to mature and I can see that happening.

What I really must commend is Zhao Lusi's acting. I haven't seen a drama with hers in it and now I know I have been missing out. She is excellent here and so is Chen Zhe Yuan.. who I am most looking forward to see in Sho Po Lang.

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Worth the Watch!!

Trust me, it’s a good show so far.
I’m blushing for every interaction the ML has with the FL. Both actors are very good and I’m in love with them. I’m binge watching the show right now and I’m addicted. It’s a very sweet romance and it’s not too cringy like some other shows I’ve watched. I really like the storyline where the girl falls in love with her brother’s friend, that got me to watch it since it’s very catchy. Zhao Lusi and Duan are very good at their roles and they’re both super attractive. I wish they do more shows together in the future; they look so good together.

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