The experience of having a secret crush is a universal rite of passage—filled with quiet admiration, stolen glances, and the thrill of hidden emotions. It is a reflection of unguarded moments of first love that many cherish. And that’s how Hidden Love taps into these familiar feelings.
Premiered on June 20, 2023, Hidden Love quickly made waves, attracting a wide audience and reaching the top global ranking on V-Pulse. According to our data, the drama has sustained its strong appeal and currently holds the number 2 ranking over the last 90 days, with a popularity score of 169,565. This remarkable performance marks Hidden Love as the top-rated Chinese drama in the entertainment industry.
A year after its initial release, Hidden Love experienced another resurgence, reaching its peak once again on June 20, 2024:
Source: V-Pulse (September 3, 2024)
V-Pulse’s Audience Analytics is updated daily on V-Pulse, tracking the most popular Chinese dramas globally.
How Hidden Love compares to other dramas
This analysis evaluates the popularity of Hidden Love in comparison to similar romance genres among viewers in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Here are insights on the performance of Hidden Love in each region.
The IP Market Trends chart shows that most Chinese dramas typically peak during their airing period and then gradually lose momentum. Dramas like The Longest Promise, Fireworks of My Heart, Amidst A Snowstorm Of Love, and The Tale of Rose, which follow the type A model, experienced a decline in global popularity a few weeks after premiering. This decline is usually influenced by factors such as the conclusion of the storyline, a shift in market attention, or the release of other competing series.
On the other hand, Hidden Love follows the type B model, showing fluctuating popularity with multiple peaks and declines. Since its debut, it has maintained global attention through a combination of key factors: a strong cast, active fan engagement, and well-timed offline events. These elements have collectively driven momentum, built a loyal community, and fueled social media buzz. Together, they have ensured the drama’s long-term success and kept it relevant in a highly competitive market.
Based on this analysis, type B is generally better than A because it offers a more dynamic and sustainable approach to maintaining popularity. Model B’s multi-factor-driven approach allows for continued engagement, creating multiple spikes in interest over time rather than relying solely on an initial surge.
Key factors driving popularity In Indonesia: The power of UGC
Source: Rhysee from YouTube (September 19, 2024)
The user-generated content (UGC) played a crucial role in reigniting public interest when a local YouTuber released a one-hour commentary on the drama. The video garnered over a million views in less than a week, driving renewed consumer engagement and sparking the IP popularity of Hidden Love.
Based on the chart, we can observe the positive impact of localised content on viewer interest:
Opportunity: Expanding reach with localised content
By tailoring content to local languages and with fans producing on high-quality UGC, a community formed around Hidden Love in the region, increasing organic fan interaction.
Key factors driving popularity in Thailand: Impact of offline/online activities
(A) Tencent Thailand offline event
Source: iMedia (September 19, 2024)
Following Zhao Lusi’s appearance at a local event in Thailand months after Hidden Love’s premiere, both she and the drama experienced a notable surge in attention. Her presence generated buzz among fans and media, highlighting the strong connection between her star power and the drama’s appeal.
(B) PiXXie, Thailand pop group
Source: TPop Wiki (September 19, 2024)
In addition, a Thai pop group called PiXXie recently released a cover of Zhao Lusi’s song “You Are My Light” on their YouTube channel. The video has attracted 751K views, reflecting the growing interest in both the original artist and Pixxie’s fresh take on the song.
From this multidimensional engagement, the popularity of both Zhao Lusi and Hidden Love skyrocketed in Thailand:
Opportunity: Leveraging multiple touchpoints to reach audiences
Localisation, cross-industry collaboration, and fan engagement present significant opportunities for Hidden Love to deepen its presence in the Thai market. These strategies collectively contribute to a stronger market impact and increased growth for both the actress and the drama.
Key factors driving popularity in Vietnam: Content availability in local language
Source: YOUKU Vietnam on YouTube
Source: YOUKU Vietnam on YouTube
A major factor driving Hidden Love’s popularity in Vietnam is its availability on the YouTube channel YOUKU Vietnam, where it features Vietnamese subtitles and dubbing. This local language content allows fans to fully engage with the story and characters without any language barriers, enhancing the viewership experience.
Opportunity: Localised content to suit a specific audience
Content that is available in local languages presents a significant opportunity to engage the local audience, allowing them to resonate with the drama and fostering a loyal fan base.
V-Pulse’s entertainment analytics provide valuable insights into audience preferences, trends, and content performance, which are essential for the success of Chinese dramas like Hidden Love. By leveraging data-driven strategies, decision-makers can better plan and navigate the industry, ensuring that content resonates with viewers and meets market demands.
Continue scrolling to discover what has grabbed global attention in the Hidden Love Chinese drama.
Plot overview
Hidden Love revolves around Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu, whose relationship evolves throughout the drama. Initially, their bond stems from a childhood friendship, with Duan Jia Xu being Sang Zhi’s brother’s best friend. At the same time, Sang Zhi has long harboured secret feelings for Duan Jia Xu, whom she has admired from afar. As they grow older, life takes them on different paths, but fate brings them together again when they both attend the same university. Their unique friendship rekindles and gradually transforms into a romantic relationship as they fall in love with each other.
The drama beautifully captures the complexities of first love, personal growth, and the challenges of maintaining a relationship in the face of adversity.
Is Hidden Love based on a true story?
No, this drama is an adaptation of Yi Zhu’s popular web novel “Secretly, Secretly; But Unable To Hide It.” The story is fictional, crafted from the author’s imagination, and centres around the emotional journey of first love rather than real-life events.
What is each episode about?
The drama has 25 episodes, and each episode carefully unravels the evolving relationship between the main characters.
Here is the spoiler-free breakdown of the Hidden Love’s story arc:
- The beginning (Episodes 1-5): The story introduces Sang Zhi’s childhood friendship with Duan Jia Xiu, her secret crush.
- Separation and personal growth (Episodes 7-12): Life pulls them apart and leads them to the development of personal growth.
- Reconnection and reigniting the spark (Episodes 13-18): Old flames reignite as they reconnect, and the relationship gets more complex.
- Overcoming challenges (Episodes 19-23): The hurdles have tested their bond, but both are fighting for their love against all odds.
- Resolution and fresh starts (Episodes 24-25): The story ends with a heartfelt resolution, embracing a future together, stronger than ever.
Cast
Beyond its heartfelt storyline, Hidden Love’s popularity is also fueled by its global trending cast.
- Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi
Sang Zhi, played by Zhao Lusi, is a sweet and cheerful young woman exploring first love and self-discovery. Her character combines innocence with emotional depth, capturing the ups and downs of youthful romance. Growing up in a loving and supportive family, she is surrounded by the care of her parents and older brother.
Off the set, Zhao Lusi is celebrated globally after hitting a popularity score of 277,033. Over the last 90 days, she consistently ranked as the number 1 talent on V-Pulse, underscoring her significant impact on the drama and her growing influence.
Zhao Lusi’s popularity according to V-Pulse data as of September 3, 2024:
Fans are pouring Zhao Lusi with kind words:
Source: V-Pulse (September 3, 2024)
- Chen Zheyuan as Duan Jia Xu
As Duan Jia Xu, Chen Zheyuan portrays a university student who is also Sang Zhi’s brother’s best friend. Known for being warm and compassionate, he always shows kindness to those around him. His intelligence and good looks have added an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
Beyond the camera, Chen Zheyuan is another talented actor on the rise. According to the latest insights by V-Pulse, he is now ranked in the top 5 globally over the last 90 days. With his strong presence on screen, Chen Zheyuan has steadily gained popularity in the entertainment industry after scoring 148,020.
Chen Zheyuan’s popularity according to V-Pulse data as of September 3, 2024:
Here’s what fans are describing Chen Zheyuan as:
Source: V-Pulse (September 3, 2024)
Want to keep track of the rankings and updates of your favourite Chinese stars like Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan? Take a look at V-Pulse’s Top 10 Ranking to discover their latest drama and popularity trends while staying connected to the world of Chinese entertainment.
Soundtrack
For many of you who are looking for the drama soundtrack and OST, here’s a list of their songs you can listen to on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music platforms.
- Just Want To Secretly Hide You – Zhao Lusi & Silence Wang (Theme song)
- I Have Someone I Like – Zhao Lusi
- Be Your Light – Ma Boqian
- You Are My Only Wish In This Lifetime – Zhang Bichen
- The Star Thief – Yi Hui
- Have You – Zhao Lei
- Forever Star – Zhang Zhenhao
Where is Hidden Love Chinese Drama available online?
Hidden Love is accessible on various streaming platforms, offering multiple language options to accommodate viewers from different regions. This availability ensures fans from around the world can enjoy this top-rated Chinese drama with subtitles in their preferred language.
- Youku: An international app to stream Chinese content.
- Audio language: Mandarin, Hindi, Thai, and Vietnamese
- Subtitles: Chinese (simplified/traditional), English, Arabic, Hindi, Vietnamese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia, and Bahasa Melayu.
- Netflix: A global streaming service with a wide range of content.
- Audio language: Mandarin (original)
- Subtitles: Chinese (simplified/traditional), English, Indonesian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.
Why are people watching Hidden Love Chinese Drama?
This drama has become a favourite among love story fans, drawing them in with its deeply immersive experience that resonates on multiple levels. Hidden Love distinguishes itself in the market for several reasons:
- Universal romance appeal: This genre provides a strong female-centric narrative that focuses on love, self-exploration, and empowerment, making it relatable to those with a strong female perspective.
Source: Netflix (August 28, 2024)
- Relatable themes: From a senior-junior romance to family and friendship dynamics, the themes hit close to home, skyrocketing Hidden Love viewerships.
A fan described the narrative as a complete package of happiness:
Source: Mydramalist (July 29, 2023)
- Popularity and accessibility: Available on global streaming platforms and YouTube channels, Hidden Love can easily gain international viewership and prove its quality storyline.
Source: YOUKU (August 28, 2024)
Source: Netflix (August 28, 2024)
Source: YouTube (September 26, 2024)
- Zhao Lusi’s personal touch: An added treat for the fans, Zhao Lusi also sings in their theme song, “Just Want To Secretly Hide You.”
Source: Dreamer Music on YouTube (July 5, 2023)
- Fan acclaim on V-Pulse: Hidden Love leaves viewers feeling content and fulfilled as they described it as “best, real, and favourite.” Most comments are related to discussions on key scenes, plot twists, and hidden emotions from the drama.
Source: V-Pulse (August 28, 2024)
Which country is famous for the Hidden Love drama?
Hidden Love is maintaining its strong appeal in China, continuing to capture the attention of audiences nationwide. Currently, Hidden Love remains a trending drama on YOUKU’s platform, reflecting its high viewership ratings and frequent appearances in trending lists.
Source: Youku (August 28, 2024)
Beyond its home country, Hidden Love also made its debut on Netflix Malaysia, where it appears first in the Romantic TV Show category. This early placement highlights the drama’s strong appeal and growing international presence for C-dramas.
Source: Netflix (August 28, 2024)
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to female-centric stories, the complexities of senior-junior relationships, or the importance of family and friendship, Hidden Love has something for everyone. As you follow the characters’ intricate and evolving journeys, you can expect a truly rewarding and emotionally touching experience.
Hidden Love would be a great addition to your next binge-watching session from the world of Chinese dramas. Check out your local streaming service to start watching this heartwarming story filled with romance, laughter, and connection.
To stay updated on the latest insights, such as trending artists and C-drama content performances, head over to V-Pulse and join for FREE to access all the entertainment analytics at your fingertips!
FAQs about Hidden Love Chinese Drama
1. Who is the male actor in Hidden Love?
Chen Zheyuan is the main cast member who portrays Duan Jia Xu in Hidden Love. He is a rising star in the Chinese entertainment industry, and his popularity has earned him a place in the top 5 global rankings in the last 90 days.
2. Where can I watch Hidden Love for free other than Netflix?
Some streaming platforms allow you to watch for free, but only for certain episodes. They will later request a subscription to watch further. It is best to check with your local streaming platform that specialises in Asian dramas.
3. What is the story behind Hidden Love?
It is about a young woman, Sang Zhi, who develops a secret crush on her older brother’s best friend, Duan Jia Xu, and years later sparks into true love as they navigate their friendship-turned-relationship further.
4. When was Hidden Love’s Chinese drama released?
Hidden Love premiered in China on June 20, 2023. Release dates may vary by region and streaming platform, so be sure to check your local service for availability.