Hidden Love Short Drama Version Faces Setbacks Ahead of Release – What’s Causing the Delay?

Fans of Hidden Love, one of 2023's most beloved C-dramas, were thrilled when news of a short drama version surfaced earlier this year. Designed as a condensed version of the hit original series—starring Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan—the short version promised a fast-paced emotional journey for both new viewers and devoted fans.

However, recent reports suggest that the release has been delayed indefinitely, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.

📺 What is the “Short Drama Version” of Hidden Love?

With the rising popularity of short dramas (often under 20 episodes or with a condensed runtime per episode), production companies have started reformatting successful series into more digestible versions. Hidden Love: Short Drama Version aimed to deliver the core romance and character arcs of Sang Zhi and Duan Jiaxu in a quicker, binge-friendly format.

According to early teasers, the short drama retained the original cast but altered certain scenes and dialogues for clarity and pacing. It was expected to stream on select mobile-first platforms such as iQIYI's short drama app and other OTT mini-drama services.

🛑 What Caused the Delay?

According to insiders and C-drama fan forums, the delay is attributed to a combination of creative revisions, licensing concerns, and platform reshuffling.

1. Creative Adjustments and Script Tightening

Producers reportedly decided to re-edit several key scenes to enhance emotional flow. However, condensing a 24-episode romance into a compact format without losing depth proved more challenging than expected.

An anonymous source close to the production said:

“Even with the same cast, trimming the narrative while keeping emotional beats intact required multiple rounds of editing.”

2. Licensing & Platform Restructuring

While the full-length version of Hidden Love aired smoothly on platforms like Youku and iQIYI, the short drama format was being negotiated with emerging short-form streaming services. Some of these platforms are undergoing structural changes, leading to delays in scheduling and distribution.

3. Cast Availability for Reshoots

Although most of the scenes were reused from the original series, a few new bridging scenes were planned to add freshness. Scheduling these with top stars like Zhao Lusi and Chen Zheyuan proved tricky due to their packed calendars.

💬 Fan Reactions

Fans on Weibo and Reddit have expressed mixed feelings:

“Why create a short version if it’s going to take longer to release than the original?”
“Honestly, I’d rather rewatch the original Hidden Love than wait for a cut-up version.”

That said, some fans remain optimistic:

“As long as they don’t rush it and maintain quality, we can wait.”

🗓️ When Will It Be Released?

As of now, no new release date has been officially confirmed. However, producers have reassured fans that the project is not canceled—just temporarily paused.

Sources suggest a late 2025 release is being discussed, possibly to coincide with the anniversary of the original drama’s debut.

🧡 Why “Hidden Love” Still Matters

Hidden Love became a fan favorite across Asia, especially for its heartfelt coming-of-age romance and subtle yet powerful chemistry between the leads. Zhao Lusi’s portrayal of Sang Zhi struck a chord with viewers who loved her vulnerability and growth. Meanwhile, Chen Zheyuan’s Duan Jiaxu earned widespread praise for his mature, supportive character.

With many newer fans discovering C-dramas through short versions and vertical dramas, reintroducing Hidden Love in this format remains a strategic move—if done right.

✅ Final Words

Delays are always disappointing, but they can often lead to better results in the long run. If the Hidden Love team uses this extra time to preserve the soul of the original while adapting to the short drama format, it may still be a hit.

Until then, fans will have to keep their hearts patient—and maybe rewatch the original to relive the magic.