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A Romance That Hits the Heart
Zhao Lu Si and Chen Zhe Yuan’s chemistry was amazing.What annoyed me, however, was that Zhao Lu Si’s character continued to act like a child despite being in college. If her wardrobe hadn’t changed, I would’ve thought she was still much younger. That said, this may be less the actress’s fault and more an issue with the writing or the original source material, as I haven’t read the novel nor read the manhua.
For those who keep claiming this drama depicts grooming, it’s important to understand the actual definition of the term. Duan Jia Xu knew Sang Zhi when she was younger, but they eventually lost touch. When they reunite, Sang Zhi is already 19 years old, and even then, Duan Jia Xu doesn’t have romantic feelings for her. It’s only after a confrontation, during which Sang Zhi stands up for him, that he begins to view her in a romantic way.
Duan Jia Xu is a character who’s always had to fight and defend himself, constantly living with the whispers surrounding his family’s dark past. This has caused him to build emotional walls around himself. He presents a facade as though everything’s fine, when in reality he’s deeply hurt. Because of his family history, Duan Jia Xu never believed he’d find happiness and was simply going through life until Sang Zhi was able to open his heart. After Duan Jia Xu found his forever person, his life gained meaning, and it becomes clear that much of his life revolves around Sang Zhi. Any decision he makes is with her in mind, which I found quite endearing, especially given how attentive and protective he is.
The story is very vanilla, but it gives me everything I want in a drama. I honestly liked the casting for Duan Jia Xu’s friends, over the casting in The First Frost, but I suppose that’s because the friends in that drama didn’t play a major a role as they did in Hidden Love. That said, this drama does set somewhat unrealistic standards, as Duan Jia Xu constantly goes out of his way to prove he’s a perfect match for Sang Zhi. Sang Zhi’s parents have reservations about their relationship because of the hardships Duan Jia Xu has endured compared to Sang Zhi’s privileged upbringing. Of course, he takes it upon himself to prove he can take care of their daughter. I wish the drama had included a bit more realism in portraying their relationship instead of making it fairytale, but the author did say she wanted to give her younger self the happy conclusion she wanted.
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Another drama like this
Did anyone watched My Unicorn Girl drama?? i want to watch this drama again for the first time 😭❤️ guys even if you have not watched cdramas ever in your life ,you DEFINITELY should watch this one , its a MAGICAL drama. I saw a reel on insta about this drama another day i go to youtube searched and watched it continuously..i didn't feel bored at all also I don't feel like to stop seeing even for sec ,i completed all 24 episodes...i literally cried for more than a week bcoz i want to watch more. I was laughing like hell for all the time while watching (it has happy ending) i miss this drama everyday, storyline , acting, expressions,comic time EVERYTHING IS ON HIGH LEVEL , I always regret why i didn't watch this before.😢😢❤Was this review helpful to you?
I am envy to their love story .
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet drama centered around a boy and a girl who hide their feelings from each other. The girl falls in love with her brother's friend, who has always cared for her like a big brother. Despite seeing him as more than just a brother since childhood, she never confesses her love, fearing she might lose him. This often places her in awkward situations.The reactions from her brother and family are portrayed as justified. Her brother's perspective is understandable: if his friend had fallen for any other girl, especially one younger than him, it would be acceptable, but falling for his sister is a difficult pill to swallow. The family's concern for her is also depicted in a relatable manner.
I particularly liked the proposal scene; it was the highlight of the drama. The main male lead was, as always, amazing, and the brother was also very impressive. The female lead, their friend circle, and her parents, who are the coolest couple in the drama, all added depth to the story. The supporting characters further enriched the narrative.
Overall, a big thumbs up for this drama!
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Trust me you are gonna love this....
This drama stands as one of the best C-dramas I have had the pleasure of watching. Its approach to the story is incredibly realistic, presenting a plot that feels entirely plausible, making it both engaging and grounded in reality. The overall tone of the series is comfortable, with no toxic dynamics, which makes for a refreshing viewing experience.The unfolding of the story is remarkably pleasant, and the character development is something I truly appreciated. However, I do feel that more attention could have been given to the male lead’s family background, which would have added another layer of depth to his character.
As for the second half of the drama, opinions may vary. Some viewers might find it slightly stretched or feel that it doesn't hold the same charm as the earlier episodes. Despite this, the drama remains thoroughly enjoyable and is certainly worth watching.
The casting is spot-on, particularly the portrayal of the main lead, which is crucial to the series' success. Additionally, the sibling dynamics in the story were beautifully executed, adding warmth and emotional depth.
Trust me when I say this drama is so good that I’m already planning to rewatch it.
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This review may contain spoilers
At first, I initially dropped this because I was getting annoyed by her voice as her younger version , but after watching The Romance of Tiger and Rose, I really came to like Zhao Lusi and her acting, so I decided to rewatch this from the start. I also think that this drama could be viewed wrongly, especially as the actress who played young Sangzhi was most likely about 9/10 years old at the time of filming. In adulthood I believe 5 years age difference is not bad, but considering that they knew each other when Sangzhi was in middle school it can be misinterpreted even though they started the romance after she was an adult. Sangzhi's crush was cute and I think the drama portrayed it well but after they started dating it did start to become dragging. I personally think they should have ended it at 20 episodes because the final 5 episodes kind of dragged a bit, if it didn't drag so much in the final 5, I most likely would have given this drama an 8.5 or 9. Also, Sang Yan kept saying he had a girlfriend, I know there is a spin-off series regarding this but in my opinion I would have preferred it if Sang Yan and Yuxin got together and met online while playing games, I was expecting this to happen and it never did. Victor Ma/Sang Yan was my most favourite character in this series. I really loved Victor Ma in this drama and also his OST "Be Your Light", I had it on replay so much. Was this review helpful to you?
OMG IT'S INSANE
When the drama started I was kind of worried because sang zhi's character was really young, I was like is it going to be something weird and creepy ?? But thankfully I was wrong and I ended up loving this drama. The characters are so sweet and adorable, and the story feels like a warm cozy hug, this is one of those dramas you watch on rainy days for comfort. I recently rewatched it 😭 and I still love it. the chemistry between the actors is so amazing I just can't describe it in words. And it's shot so beautifully, visually it's gorgeous to look at. One of my favorite things of this drama was also the sound track 😭. IT WAS ALSO ONE OF THE FIRST CDRAMAS I WATCHED SO IT'S VERY CLOSE TO MY HEART.Was this review helpful to you?
Love maturity
The theme is good. The feeling is not controlled by the relationship. The true love always understand others and try to keep others in first. In simple way to say that love is selfless... Love needs understanding and adjustment... One's the feeling is built it's unable to shake it... We could see this in this drama. I love both the actors... They are such awesome and beautiful looking. God bless you... Thanks for directing such a lovely story and cherishing us by your creativity. Al the credit goes to the entire team as they had worked out on the drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Waste of My Time
I found it perplexing that 'Hidden Love' received a high rating of 9.1 which is equivalent to 'Nirvana on Fire.' I watch about 10 episodes but ultimately had to abandon it, lacking any inclination to resume. The series felt monotonous and lacked the promised romantic essence. The male lead's persistent pursuit of his friend's younger sister struck me as inappropriate, to the extent that I would have severed ties if I were the brother. Overall, the drama failed to captivate my interest. I'd advise against investing time in it. If you're seeking a contemporary romance drama, I highly recommend the Korean series 'Crash Landing on You' instead.Was this review helpful to you?
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Amazing!
I have one word to describe this drama: AMAZING! It has set a new standard for me. Every time I start a new drama, I find myself comparing it to HL. The acting, story, and music are all incredible, and I have no criticisms. This is rare for me, as I usually have high standards and can always find at least something I don’t like.Duan Jia Xu is my absolute favorite character. In the beginning, he portrays the “brother” role perfectly. Then, when he moves on to the boyfriend role…. Ahhhhhh. He is so hot. Without even saying anything, this guy can make you blush. Don’t get me started on his eyes. This guy is a walking green flag; no, he is a forest of green.
I really love Sang Zhi’s character. She is the epitome of a gentle, kind, and sweet person. She is loyal and strong. I have no complaints about her character. I also love her relationship with Sang Yan (her brother). I have never seen a sibling relationship portrayed so well. I love their bickering. It is so entertaining to watch and reminds me so much of my brother and me.
The chemistry between Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu is simply remarkable and unlike anything I’ve seen in a drama before. Every interaction they have lights up the screen, leaving me smiling and giggling at their playful banter and heartfelt moments. The depth of their connection is evident in the way he gazes at her—it’s filled with such warmth and admiration that it makes my heart flutter. If only I could experience a look like that from someone! Their chemistry truly makes the story come alive and just draws you in. ^Swoon^!
This drama is so amazing. Please watch, you will see what I mean—definitely a 10/10 from me.
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Tried Hard, But This Show Just Didn’t Click for Me
I am sorry to be harsh but I judge everything to a gold standard especially to western dramas.Oh man, I really tried to get into this show. I gave it my best shot, but the first few episodes felt like a random assortment of nonsense. I finally just skipped to episode 7, and honestly, that felt like the real first episode—where the girl grows up and finally starts using her brain. I get that the show is supposed to be light and easy with zero substance, so I’m willing to give it a pass there.
That said, a couple of episodes were enjoyable, but I didn’t feel attached to any of the characters. It feels like one of those disposable, low-budget dramas with minimal writers, but the director worked magic to somehow keep it from falling apart. Seriously, amazing direction.
Outside of the two leads with their “decent” chemistry, every other character felt like a throwaway. Even the brother, who’s just there to provide comic relief, just popped in for random phone calls and small talk. I’m not trashing the show—there’s just nothing happening. No meaningful introductions, no plot twists, no side characters worth remembering. I haven’t even finished the series and, honestly, I don’t feel any urge to. But hey, if I ever have way too much free time, I might give it another shot.
Also, let’s address the weird elephant in the room: the male lead falling for the girl who was basically a sister to him. Yeah, I know things like that can happen in real life, but the first few episodes really sold him as the protective, older-brother type. He was already a mature grown-up while she was still a teen, and the sudden shift into romance felt... off. Like, c’mon, how do you go from “big bro” to boyfriend that fast? But hey, maybe I’m just reading too much into it.
Now, despite all the nitpicking, I have to say the hospital episodes (somewhere around 9 or 11?) were fantastic. Those scenes felt real and had actual substance. I just wish the rest of the show had some kind of plot to match that.
In the end, it's not garbage like most shows, but it’s one of those shows I’ll probably only finish out of boredom. Not bad—just... forgettable.
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Good Chemistry, Weak Characters
I really wanted to love Hidden Love. I enjoy slow-burn romances, well-acted leads, and dramas where characters know what they’re doing. Age gaps and inexperienced male leads don’t bother me at all, and I usually binge dramas in 1–3 days. Yet, this one turned out to be a different experience entirely.I first started watching it in 2024, and I was intrigued by the story. The first two episodes were enjoyable, with sweet chemistry between the leads, Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu. But after that, I couldn’t get fully invested. Over time, I found myself watching sporadically—maybe one episode here and there sometimes taking months between episodes.
The strongest point of the drama is the lead chemistry. Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu’s interactions are natural and easy, and the romance has genuinely sweet moments. I found myself giggling, smiling, and even kicking my feet during their cute interactions. Sang Yan, Sang Zhi’s older brother, is another standout. His playful, protective personality adds humor, warmth, and depth, making me wish he appeared even more often. Sang Zhi’s parents are also well-portrayed a calm, mature, healthy couple, which is surprisingly comforting.
However, there were several issues that made it hard for me to continue. Sang Zhi’s early behavior in college felt overly childish, and the timid first interactions with Duan Jiaxu were a little cringe at times. The pacing was very slow, and repeated reminders that “Sang Zhi has grown up” felt unnecessary and repetitive.
The biggest problem for me was Duan Jiaxu’s sudden shift in feelings. While Sang Zhi’s crush develops naturally, his emotional change felt abrupt and came out of nowhere. It disrupted the slow-burn dynamic that I normally enjoy and made it hard to fully connect with the romance.
Side characters were also underdeveloped. Their stories felt cookie-cutter and bland, leaving large parts of the narrative feeling stagnant. Even after almost a decade passed in the story, character growth was minimal, which made the journey less engaging.
Over nearly 1.5 years, I tried really hard to keep up with the drama. I forced myself to watch an episode almost every day, but it felt more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. Finally, around episode 16, I decided to drop it. While I enjoyed the leads and their chemistry, the lack of side character depth, the slow pacing, and the abrupt male lead development were too much for me to continue.
Overall:
Hidden Love has sweet moments, excellent lead chemistry, and heartwarming family dynamics. Fans of slow-burn romance with a feel-good, calm atmosphere will likely enjoy it. But if you value consistent character development, engaging side characters, or a gradual emotional arc for all leads, this drama may test your patience.
Rating: 7/10
Tips for viewers:
Perfect if you love slow-burn romance and heartwarming family interactions.
Be prepared for very slow pacing in the early episodes.
Don’t expect strong secondary character development.
Requires patience, especially if you tend to binge-watch.
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I will not say it's overrated, because it's always nice to see a mellow, sweet drama with minimal conflict to be rated high. After all, the ratings are always subjective, that is the point, and I am sure that each one of us can name plenty of dramas that we consider either overrated or underrated; it all boils down to personal preference. And feel-good shows need their spot in the sun too!
"Hidden Love" is a heartwarming series and I understand how people relate to this and find solace in this simple yet touching story. Not to mention the leads are great here!
Personally, I didn't mind the slower pace or the lack of confict. I only felt that it became a bit repetitive towards the end and that the main couple at some point stopped really talking to each other. I mean, they did interact, but it felt superficial to me. It almost reminded me of "Intense Love" in that respect: pretty people being cute but somehow never talking about their likes and dislikes, hobbies, work, friends or even their future in detail....I just like my OTPs talking about stuff and going through things together, you know? :D
I am not sure if I will rewatch this in the future, but if I'll ever want a sugar sweet balm to calm my poor nerves, I know where to look :).
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