LayarHijau.com – Chinese production company Wajijiwa is facing backlash after releasing the trailer for its short drama Hidden Love for You, created to commemorate the second anniversary of the hit series Hidden Love. However, instead of excitement, the project was met with harsh criticism from fans and netizens alike.
Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan rose to fame through their roles as Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu in Hidden Love, a drama that gained massive popularity not only in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong but also internationally. Their undeniable chemistry made the show a classic among idol dramas. So when the short remake starring Tian Hongjie and Huang Panpan was announced, comparisons were inevitable—and overwhelmingly negative.
“This is a cheap knockoff,” one Weibo user commented about Huang Panpan’s portrayal of Sang Zhi. “Zhao Lusi is the only Sang Zhi in our hearts.” Similar reactions flooded social media, with many arguing that the new leads lacked the emotional depth and appeal of the original actors, especially since the storyline and scenes were nearly identical.
Beyond the acting, visual appeal also became a point of contention. “There’s zero couple chemistry,” another fan wrote, contrasting the new duo with Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan’s beloved pairing. Some even mocked the timing, suggesting the short drama was trying to ride on the success of Zhao Lusi’s latest series Love's Ambition. One sarcastic comment read, “This is just Hidden Love: Love's Ambition Edition. Can’t surpass the classic. Just a low-budget version.”
According to a report by Upmedia, it’s also rumored that Wajijiwa failed to secure the proper authorization to produce Hidden Love for You, potentially leading to legal disputes and a broadcast ban.
Adding to the attachment fans have to the original, Zhao Lusi reportedly used many of her own personal belongings in the original series, including the fox plush toy shared between Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu—a detail that further solidified the authenticity and charm of her portrayal. Her fashion choices in the show even sparked real-life trends among viewers.
“No one can replace Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi,” one fan insisted. “And Chen Zheyuan’s Duan Jiaxu is unbeatable.”
With mounting criticism and legal concerns, the future of Hidden Love for You remains uncertain.