Hidden Love

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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“Hidden Love” captures the feeling of young love in its purest, most fragile form — that quiet ache of liking someone who feels just out of reach. It’s a soft, tender drama that doesn’t rely on grand gestures or intense drama, but on the everyday emotions that make growing up both beautiful and painful.

Zhao Lusi gives one of her most heartfelt performances as Sang Zhi — innocent, awkward, yet full of sincerity. She perfectly portrays the emotional shift from a shy teenage crush to the slow realization of real, mature love. Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jiaxu is equally impressive, balancing warmth and restraint with a quiet charisma that makes every small gesture meaningful. Together, they create a relationship built on friendship, care, and emotional growth rather than instant romance.

What makes “Hidden Love” special is its patience. It takes time to let the characters grow, showing us that love doesn’t happen all at once — it’s something that evolves through understanding, distance, and time. The drama avoids unnecessary conflict and focuses instead on healing, communication, and the courage to confess one’s feelings honestly.

The cinematography is warm and intimate, filled with sunlight, gentle colors, and nostalgic details that evoke the sweetness of youth. The soundtrack — soft, sentimental, and full of quiet longing — enhances the mood perfectly.

At its heart, “Hidden Love” isn’t just a romance. It’s about growing up, learning to love yourself, and finding someone who sees you even when you’re trying to hide. A heartfelt, comforting story that lingers long after it ends — like a memory you’ll always smile about.

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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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A Lovely Watch

To be honest I put off watching this for quite a while. I mean, I had tried watching the first episode after seeing multiple recommendations but I misunderstood it and so dropped it. Only after starting this review did I realise I had tried watching it before. This second time I fell completely in love with it. It is a beautiful story. Once they're adults the way they spend time together and the way to stay together through some struggles is beautiful. This story was well done. They did a fantastic job with it. I am deeply saddened that I've (almost) finished it. I love it so much that I don't want it to end, so I've decided to put it on hold until I'm less prone to crying over this. It is so beautiful!!!
STORY
I'm used to watching more action-packed dramas. I usually only watch costume dramas and had somehow convinced myself that contemporary dramas were not for me. This changed my view point. This story is for those who love a contemporary romance. The characters love each other and the sets, families, friends all feel real.
ACTING
10/10
This is one of the best - if not the best - cases of acting I have ever seen. I watch a lot of dramas so I know the standard and this goes beyond. The Male Lead's actor Chen Zhe Yuan and the Female Lead's actor Zhao Lu Si did a fantastic job. They conveyed the emotion perfectly for every scene. They had brilliant chemistry on screen, too. The brother (Victor Ma) also did an amazing job. I wish he was in more dramas.

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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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Love the Casts but Not The Drama

Okay first of all, i want to say i am a fan of both. I have watched the ML in his other dramas and he is good. I really enjoyed his other dramas and ZLS, The FL, i also have watched all her dramas and truly enjoyed it but i have to be honest. I didn’t enjoy watching this. It felt more like a siblings romance rather than a couple. I just don’t like their chemistry here and this is STRICTLY MY OWN OPINION.


You can ignore my review if you disagree on this but this is just my own opinion. I love the Manhua, i’ve read it but the drama is just not it for me. I’ll give high rating because of the casts, i truly do like them and their other dramas but this.. i dont know.

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THE ONLY COMING OF AGE FLUFFY LOVE WORTH WATCHING

Hidden Love – A K-Drama Detox Wrapped in Zhao Lusi’s Sass and Stares

I had this drama chilling on my back burner for the longest time—just sitting there like that emergency chocolate you only eat when life really hits hard. After bingeing one too many heart-shredding historical K-dramas (you know the type: pretty hanboks, ugly crying), I needed something to glue the emotional pieces of my soul back together. Enter Hidden Love—aka my post-trauma therapy session in 25 episodes.

Now, Zhao Lusi is my personal serotonin dealer. I don’t touch her dramas casually. No, I save them like a secret stash—only to be opened when I need to laugh, feel alive, and remember that fictional men can, in fact, ruin your real-life standards. Watching her is like getting two shows for the price of one. Why? Because her mental commentary deserves its own spinoff. I’m convinced she sneaks in her own dialogue. Half the time I wasn’t sure if I was watching scripted scenes or Zhao Lusi freelancing with God-tier instincts. Either way, the girl’s a walking plot twist and the director probably just gave up and said, “Let her cook.”

One of the reasons I delayed watching Hidden Love was the H-word—hype. I usually avoid it like spoilers, because over-hyped shows often crash harder than my Wi-Fi during emotional scenes. But alas, Zhao Lusi made me break my rule. And guess what? I regret nothing.

Now I get why everyone lost their collective minds over this drama. I was supposed to just “check it out,” but I ended up doom-scrolling behind-the-scenes videos for an hour like an emotionally unstable intern. The chemistry? Off the charts. The acting? So good I forgot it was acting. The emotional damage? Surprisingly mild—except for the ML’s backstory, which punched me in the gut with quiet pain and then gave me a warm hug in the form of a healing romance. The whole "learning to love again" arc? Ten points to soft boys with traumatic pasts.

And let’s not forget the sibling relationship—it was peak wholesome. Honestly, C-dramas don’t always get family dynamics right, but this one nailed it. I’d watch a spinoff just about their banter and emotional support hotline energy.

Also, the OST. Oh my drama gods—the soundtrack slapped hard. If there's one thing Netflix consistently does right (besides forgetting to release season twos), it’s soundtracks. The music here fit so perfectly, it felt like a character on its own. And don't get me started on the chemistry between the leads—molten lava meets eye contact. There were scenes where I had to pause just to remember how breathing works. The male lead? King of smoldering gazes. That man could melt steel beams with his stare alone.

To future viewers: If you're craving a fluffy, heartwarming ride without the usual dose of overused tropes—go ahead and dive into Hidden Love. It's young love, but done right. No eye-roll clichés, just soft moments, sincere emotions, and a love story that'll leave you smiling like an idiot.

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