Netizens compare Hidden Love C-drama to Kim Soo Hyun每Kim Sae Ron's relationship: What's the connection?
Some viewers are comparing Hidden Love's age-gap romance to the real-life controversy between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron, sparking debates about emotional dynamics and timing. While some defend Kim Soo Hyun using the drama as a parallel, others argue the comparison oversimplifies a much more complex situation.
There has been a lot of talk online about the Chinese drama Hidden Love, not just about how cute or nostalgic it is. Some viewers are bringing up comparisons to a real-life situation involving Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron.
The age gap in Hidden Love
If you＊ve seen Hidden Love, you know the basic setup: Sang Zhi is a teenage girl who slowly develops feelings for her older brother＊s friend, Duan Jia Xu. He＊s already in college when her crush starts, and while the show doesn＊t turn things romantic until she＊s an adult, the emotional connection starts way before that.
A lot of people loved the show for its soft, slow-burn storytelling. But others felt a little weird watching a storyline where a high school girl has that kind of emotional attachment to a grown man, especially when he＊s portrayed as kind, gentle, and maybe a little emotionally available. Even if he didn＊t reciprocate at first, the dynamic still raised some questions.
That＊s where the comparison to Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron comes in.
The real-life parallel: Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron
Currently, allegations of an underage relationship between Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron have been rampant, suggesting their relationship began when she was around 15 and he was already a grown man in the industry. He has denied the accusations of a minor relationship but confirmed they dated when she turned an adult.
From the affectionate letters he reportedly sent while serving in the military to the personal photos that suggest their connection went beyond just work, Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron＊s relationship has definitely raised eyebrows. Even if, as he claims, they were never romantically involved and he was simply offering support, people can＊t help but question the emotional tone of it all. To some, it feels like the kind of closeness that could easily be misread〞especially by someone younger〞turning emotional support into something that felt like more, even if it wasn＊t meant that way.
Netizens compare Hidden Love to the Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Sae Ron case.
It all started when a follower of Kim Soo Hyun posted, "Hypocrisy is watching Hidden Love and calling the male character 'the green flag' while calling Soohyun a groomer and paedophile! Hypocrisy is calling an adult a minor when she was clearly mature and aware of her actions!"
〞 jann_Vibin＊_?? (@nne1228) April 6, 2025
say it louder?? https://t.co/pSEukoiBQ9
〞 Tanin (@taninmeow) April 6, 2025
Many users have since then voiced their support for Kim Soo Hyun, citing the same example. Under many drama communities, users have brought up the age gap discourse in Hidden Love to defend Kim Soo Hyun. Some netizens feel like the comparison isn＊t totally fair and have been calling it out.
How could a pedo/groomer groom someone when they dont have communication and only reuniting again when theyre both adults already? https://t.co/cilPE5CG5J
〞 tired (@museungwan) April 6, 2025
ew. How stupid of you to compare hl and ksh? Someone died and the receipts are all in front of yall faces but yall still choose to defend him? How disgusting can yall be https://t.co/1UGDHs9zqd
〞 ? (@fromdara) April 6, 2025
Difference is one is a fictional character while the other is a real person that has actual real life victim with real life consequences and had a part of said real life victim＊s suicide whats so hard to comprehend about that https://t.co/N7gIui1Nzy
〞 (apple) (@oIivias_apple) April 6, 2025
OMG?? hidden love ML is totally different from $oohyun.
〞 kim jiwon's bee (real) (@luv4reiii) April 6, 2025
Duan jiaxu - Only saw her as a sister ever since and only fell in love with her when she was an adult
Pedohyun - knew her since she was a child and dated her when she was child https://t.co/M4vsywv8hx
What are your thoughts on Hidden Love's comparison to Kim Soo Hyun-Kim Sae Ron's relationship? Let us know!
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As an Entertainment Content Writer with 3+ Years of experience, I have been keeping a keen eye on who wore what. A self confessed Koreaboo, I am your fangirl next door. Ps: I take pride in saying that I grew up watching "It's Controversial" as a kid.
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