A new Korean drama called “S Line” has taken the internet by storm, but not just for its gripping storyline. The show’s unique concept—where red lines appear above people’s heads, revealing their past s*xual relationships—has inspired a viral social media trend. However, the trend is now facing major backlash for exposing private details and encouraging oversharing.
The series, starring Lee Soo-hyuk, Arin, and Lee Da-hee, premiered on July 11, 2025, and quickly became a hot topic. Fans started editing photos of themselves, celebrities, and even pets with red lines connecting them to others, mimicking the drama’s fictional “S Lines.” But many netizens are calling the trend invasive and unnecessary.
What Is the “S Line” Trend?
In the K-drama “S Line,” certain people can see red threads linking individuals who have had s*xual encounters. The lines disappear if one person dies, adding a dark twist to the story. The idea quickly spread online, with people drawing similar lines on social media posts.
Some participants are using the trend humorously, like connecting themselves to fictional characters or pets. Others, however, are seriously marking real-life relationships, leading to privacy concerns.
“S-line is trending on TikTok and FB, and the meme is going global. It’s wasted that there’s no international OTT platform for the show,” said one fan on X.
“I will never understand why that whole ‘S Line’ thing is a trend. Wdym you’re confidently posting on socmed about how many times you’ve had s*x? Isn’t that supposed to be private? Self-respect where?” added another.
Why Is the Trend Facing Backlash?
Many argue that the trend encourages oversharing personal information. Some participants don’t even realize the trend’s meaning, leading to awkward situations. Parents have also been criticized for editing their children’s photos with the lines without understanding the context.
“I hate the sline trend where people draw red lines between ships, and it’s always multiple lines… is no one watching the gawddamn show here?” complained a viewer.
“Aaaaand FOMO people on TikTok are using it to edit pictures of their child not knowing the context, poor kid,” wrote another X user.
What Is the K-Drama “S Line” About?
The thriller-fantasy series is based on a webtoon by Little Bee and follows Shin Hyun-heup (Arin), a girl who has seen these red lines since birth. Her ability exposes hidden truths, leading to chaos when a pair of special glasses allows others to see the connections too.
The show explores themes of privacy, desire, and societal hypocrisy. It has received mixed reviews—some praise its boldness, while others find it too sensational.
“The main theme audiences should take away is how human society would collapse when boundaries are stepped on,” director Ahn Joo-young told Deadline.
How Are People Reacting to the Show?
While the drama has gained international attention, including a Best Music win at Cannes, viewers are split. Some love its originality, while others criticize weak acting and confusing scenes.
“This is fun. I can’t wait for next week. The premise is really original,” said a fan.
“The concept is interesting, but the drama isn’t… no tension or conflict,” argued a critic.
Where Can You Watch “S Line”?
The show is available on Wavve, a Korean streaming platform, but has no international release yet. New episodes drop weekly, with the finale set for July 25, 2025.
Also read: K-Drama “S Line” Sparks Viral Trend and Backlash Over Red Lines Revealing Private Relationships
