Secret Crushes: Special Edition
Secret Crushes: Special Edition is a charming and relatable Korean youth drama that captures the bittersweet beauty of first love, hidden feelings, and the unforgettable memories of growing up. This special edition revisits and enhances the original Secret Crushes series, with a fresh take on modern high school and college romance. The drama revolves around young hearts learning to deal with emotions they can't always express out loud. Yeo Hoe Hyun, in the lead role as himself, portrays a sensitive and endearing young man dealing with the complexity of secretly liking someone close to him. Opposite him, Yang Hye Ji brings to life a character full of energy and inner conflict, as she navigates the blurry line between friendship and love. Alongside them, Park In Hoo, Park Sung Woo, and Kim Soo In contribute to a circle of friends filled with silent confessions, misunderstandings, and tender moments. Each episode of the drama unpacks a different story of unspoken crushes, whether it's admiring someone from afar, falling for a friend, or dealing with rejection gracefully. Through subtle glances, heartfelt letters, and quiet acts of kindness, the characters create a warm and nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with anyone who's ever loved in silence. The storytelling blends realism with lighthearted charm, making it a favorite among teen K-drama fans and romantic drama lovers alike. Beautifully filmed and emotionally engaging, Secret Crushes: Special Edition stands out as a heartfelt reminder of how intense, awkward, and unforgettable young love can be. With relatable characters, fresh-faced actors, and emotionally rich storytelling, it’s the perfect binge for fans of coming-of-age Korean dramas, sweet teen romance, and first love stories that leave a lasting impression.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 전지적 짝사랑 시점 특별판
🌎 Also Known As: Unrequited Love: Special Edition, Jeonjijeok Jjaksarang Sijeom Teukbyeolpan
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance, School, Youth
🏷 Tags: Unrequited Love, Secret Crush, School Setting, Student, Web Series, Short Length Series
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Na Eun
🎬 Directors: Lee Na Eun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 4
🗓️ Aired: August 11, 2017
📅 Airing Days: Friday
📺 Original Network: Naver TV
⏰ Duration: Approximately 25 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: Not Yet Rated
Best Scenes
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Confession at the School Rooftop: A heartfelt moment where a character bravely confesses their feelings, capturing the essence of youthful vulnerability.
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Library Glances: Subtle exchanges of looks between characters in the library, highlighting the unspoken emotions of a secret crush.
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Accidental Hand Touch: A scene where two characters’ hands touch accidentally, creating a surge of emotions and tension.
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Rainy Day Encounter: A serendipitous meeting under the rain, symbolizing the unpredictability and intensity of young love.
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Farewell at the Bus Stop: An emotional goodbye that leaves both characters and viewers reflecting on missed opportunities.
Filming Locations
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Seoul High School Campuses: Authentic school settings that provide a realistic backdrop for the characters’ daily lives.
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Local Cafés in Hongdae: Trendy cafés where characters often meet, reflecting the modern youth culture of Seoul.
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Han River Parks: Scenic spots along the Han River, offering tranquil settings for introspective scenes.
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Traditional Korean Streets in Bukchon: Historic alleys that add a nostalgic touch to the narrative.
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Suburban Neighborhoods: Quiet residential areas that emphasize the everyday aspects of the characters’ lives.
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Visual Design and Costumes
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Casual School Uniforms: Realistic portrayals of student attire, grounding the characters in their environment.
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Seasonal Outfits: Clothing that reflects the changing seasons, enhancing the mood of each episode.
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Personalized Accessories: Unique items like bracelets or bags that hint at each character’s personality.
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Muted Color Palette: A soft color scheme that underscores the subtle emotions of unspoken love.
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Minimalist Set Designs: Simple yet effective settings that keep the focus on character interactions.
Themes and Messages
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Unrequited Love: Exploring the pain and growth that come from loving someone in silence.
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Coming of Age: Depicting the transition from adolescence to adulthood through emotional experiences.
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Friendship Dynamics: Highlighting how friendships can complicate or support romantic feelings.
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Self-Discovery: Characters learning about themselves through their interactions and emotions.
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Communication Barriers: The challenges of expressing true feelings in a society that values restraint.
Interesting Facts
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Web Series Format: The drama’s short episodes cater to the digital consumption habits of modern viewers.
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Emerging Talent: Features performances from rising actors who have since gained popularity in the K-drama scene.
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Cultural Representation: Provides insight into contemporary Korean youth culture and social norms.
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Interactive Fan Engagement: Utilized social media platforms to involve fans in discussions and promotions.
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Educational Value: Offers relatable scenarios that can serve as conversation starters about relationships among young audiences.
Awards
The Korean web drama Secret Crushes: Special Edition has not received any major awards or official nominations. Despite its popularity among viewers for its relatable portrayal of unrequited love and youth experiences, there is no record of the series winning accolades at prominent award ceremonies.
Notably, actor Kim Young Dae, who made his acting debut in this series, has since gained recognition in the Korean entertainment industry. He has received awards for his performances in later projects, such as the “Netizen Award, Actor” at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards for Cheat on Me If You Can, and the “Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries” at the 2022 MBC Drama Awards for The Forbidden Marriage.
While Secret Crushes: Special Edition itself did not garner awards, it played a significant role in launching the careers of emerging actors and remains appreciated for its heartfelt storytelling.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no confirmed real-life romance that developed between any of the cast members of Secret Crushes: Special Edition. While the series featured relatable and heart-fluttering moments of youthful crushes and school romance, all known relationships among the actors have remained strictly professional and onscreen.
Actors such as Yeo Hoe Hyun and Yang Hye Ji delivered natural chemistry that resonated with viewers, which led to fan speculation. However, there have been no reports or official statements suggesting that any real-life love story emerged from filming.
The romantic energy in the drama is a result of strong performances and direction, not an extension of real relationships. Like many Korean web dramas, Secret Crushes focuses on delivering emotional realism while keeping the actors’ personal lives separate from their characters.
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