The First Frost

A Poetically Crafted Story That Deeply Captured The Essence Of An Unconditional Love

"The First Frost" is a modern romance drama adaptation of the novel titled "Nan Hong" which means "Hard To Coax", written by a well-known author, Zhu Yi. It focuses on the romantic tale between Sang Yan and his high school deskmate, Wen Yi Fan. The drama immerses into the nostalgic youthful idea of first love and intertwines it together with the melancholic pining of second chances. While its cinematography visually creates a gloomy and dreamy-like vibe, the OSTs adds a sentimental touch that completely draws you into its romantic tale. However...

The First Frost is no ordinary modern romance drama, it is a poetically crafted story that deeply captured the essence of an unconditional love and engraved it as a lasting imprint. An unconditional love that embodies unwavering commitment and fosters a heartfelt emotional journey which leads to personal growth and self-discovery. It is where love isn't a mere consolation or healer of wounds and scars, instead it is where love is a guiding light that illuminates through the darkness bringing peace and safety. It is also where love is depicted to be more than just an emotion and feeling, but a constant deliberate choice that comes from ones willingness to choose to love every single day without any exceptions — no matter the uncertainty or the storms ahead. This drama meaningfully entails an invaluable love while also beholding an important message about self-love.

STORYLINE₊ ⊹❅
The storytelling follows a nonlinear timeline that instills flashbacks of the main protagonists' high school life into their present adult life exuding a reminiscent nostalgic feel. It generally revolves around the female lead, Wen Yi Fan's point of view but it also glimpses through the point of view of the male lead, Sang Yan by the end of each episode which further adds enrichment to the story. The drama begins with a heartbreaking memory that occurred on one rainy night where Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan separated in tears, then courses straight into more heavier scenes that can be triggering as it tackles a sensitive topic which women in real life faces, these scenes highlighted the life struggles of Wen Yi Fan and serves as a necessary element that allowed viewers to have a clearer grasp of her character. The defining line is drawn here as the drama's trajectory focuses not solely into romance, but also into trauma; its effect on life and love itself.

The first half of the drama creates a somber atmosphere that eventually balances out with warmer tones and a mixture of lighthearted moments as Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan crosses paths once again — they become two strangers living together under one roof with a shared painful past. This showed the contrasting differences in their lives and opened the door to their feelings. What I love during this part of the story is how both yearning and loneliness is set-up so gut-wrenchingly yet soothes it with understated affections through the conscious acts of Sang Yan and the unconscious acts of Wen Yi Fan. I found the sleepwalking scenes of Wen Yi Fan to be made not only as a mere catalyst that shortens the distance between her and Sang Yan, but a significant metaphor that reflects Wen Yi Fan's deep-seated feelings which even her conscious self isn't aware about. How she walked amidst the darkness towards the sun to embrace its warmth speaks about her pains, fears and her desperate call to be found — without knowing the sun she had reached out to was Sang Yan, the only person that ever brought warmth and light to her world — this scene was meaningfully executed and deeply tugged on the heartstrings.

What ultimately shapes the story more coherently lies in the second half as it dives deeper into the main protagonists innermost feelings and their past. This is where an evident romantic progress between Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan is seen, but it is also where the shadow that has long been haunting Wen Yi Fan comes into the picture. I appreciated their sweet and intimate moments which led into a much livelier atmosphere, although it soon transitioned into the angsty and heavy arcs, such transition helped heightened the emotions evoked during these arcs. The separation in Hong Kong wasn't added simply as a mere trope, it showed the comprehensive depth of the story and stayed consistent to Wen Yi Fan's trauma. As much as it is emotionally gripping, it brought out more layers of Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's characters. This aspect is one of the dramas advantageous feat because of how it had interwoven trauma into the story with an insightful knowledge and at the same time dealt with it respectfully. It did justice in showing how trauma greatly impacts one's life, how coping mechanisms varies greatly for different individuals, and how healing is not linear nor does it heal easily. It gave a realistic portrayal of trauma and wrapped it with a positive message.

As for the romance between Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan, it leans more to slow-burn where their relationship developed intricately, hence, I thought it felt more organic as the characters were made to gradually intensify their feelings. The way their love story was written never felt cringe or cliche, it was mature and brilliantly stood out for how utterly beautiful and unparalleled it was depicted. The drama painted Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's love story in translucid colors that vividly showed the pure unconditional love they have for each other, to the extent that even the words "I love you" pales away in comparison for how wholeheartedly they conveyed love in more than just three words. The second leads romance wasn't able to fully pique my interest at first as their story felt lackluster however, the latter half of the drama showcased a much more interesting plot for them which eventually made me invested in them as well.

The drama ended on a very satisfying note as all loose ends were neatly tied leaving no room for unresolved matters. The antagonists in the story each faced the consequences of their actions, there was no unnecessary redemption arc as every toxic connection was cut off. Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's high school memories were remarkably concluded by how they seamlessly weaved all the details together and the addition of Sang Yan's unseen point of view gave light for viewers to see how absolutely profound their relationship actually truly is. As if it couldn't be more perfect, they executed the proposal scene in a way that magnificently captured the raw authentic emotions expressed by Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan during that moment, making it feel so realistic — the evident nervousness, trembling hands and lips, the tears, and heartfelt words. It is the best proposal scene to have ever been created. The ending they had given is beyond just a happy ending, it is an unforgettable and deeply-moving moment that certainly left a lasting impression.

The cinematography artistically enhanced the overall emotional tone of each scene with the constant use of lights, mirrors and reflections that gives off visuals that are a blend of dreamy, melancholic and nostalgic vibes. It was breathtakingly cinematic and definitely elevated the watching experience.

CHARACTERS & ACTING₊ ⊹❅
Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan
Sang Yan is a character written with so many good qualities in him that it overshadows his flaws and makes him come off as someone too perfect, but actually he is far from perfect. He just happens to have a lot of love in him as he was born surrounded with love which is his greatest privilege. He grew up in a loving home where he is constantly showered with affection and care from his family. He used to be someone spoiled and self-centered as he had never suffered any setbacks in his life, everything had always went well for him and this is what made him flawed. It was through his separation with Wen Yi Fan where he realized that the world doesn't revolve around him. The pain he felt in this heartbreaking experience is one of the important things that helped shaped him into becoming the present Sang Yan. Sang Yan is a character who is the complete embodiment of persistence, regardless of being afraid or the outcome, he just tries and never gives up.

Sang Yan's love for Wen Yi Fan isn't an ever-burning passionate love instead it is a quietly-fierce and unconditional love that is strong and unwavering. Despite how his love is fierce, he had never forced his feelings on Wen Yi Fan. He expresses his love for her through subtle acts of affection, where he notices and cares for even the smallest things about her. What struck me the most about him is how he is able to let down his pride and acknowledge its insignificance compared to the pain and suffering Wen Yi Fan has been through. Sang Yan letting down his pride doesn't necessarily mean he lacks self-respect rather it spoke of his inner strength that emanated from his deep sense of self-worth. Instead of becoming another storm in Wen Yi Fan's life, he became her home, he truly understood and sees through her; not just her heart but her very soul. He is an emotionally intelligent man who loves not because he wants something in return, but because he willingly wants to give love to the person he values — and this speaks about his self-love, he loved himself that loving Wen Yi Fan comes naturally for him.

Bai Jing Ting's acting performance and portrayal of Sang Yan is phenomenal. Every emotion he expressed across the screen was strongly felt. His facial expressions and eye-acting, particularly his micro expressions were so apparent it helped connect with his character in an emotional level easily. His eyes always held so many emotions that his crying scenes are carried out realistically. He is one of the very few actors I know who can really act a crying scene without making it fake. He really gave life to his character.

Zhang Ruo Nan as Wen Yi Fan | Wen Shuangjiang
Wen Yi Fan is a character who suffers from trauma and abandonment issues. She is someone who had lived life wearing a facade to mask away all her pain, but before all the suffering she has been through, she used to be someone bright and filled with love. The biggest turning point in her life was when she lost her father, she didn't only lose the person who cherished and cared for her most, she also lost her home and a part of herself. She is someone who had long stopped believing in love and believing in what she deserves. She had built a wall around herself that even her closest friends aren't able to see through her. She is a damaged person who is afraid to reach out for help because she still carried the betrayal of her mother who left her to suffer alone. Running away has always been her coping mechanism and way of survival. The separation and reconciliation arc in Hong Kong is a major event that helped her character to outgrow her traumas, realize her strength and opened her heart to self-love. Wen Yi Fan is actually a character who is courageous and resilient. Her ability to move forward with life despite everything she has been through and her constant determination to continue to live speaks so much of it.

Wen Yi Fan's love for Sang Yan is absolutely selfless and unconditional. Her way of loving Sang Yan does not come in the form of wanting to own him, instead it is in the form of wanting the best for him. Wen Yi Fan had always believed that Sang Yan is a person who deserves all the good things in the world, she sees him as someone so precious that she wants to preserve his brightness. Although, her decision to runaway without reaching out to him wasn't a completely right choice, it was still an understandable act as she did it to protect him from the shadow that has constantly been haunting her, because the last thing she would want to happen is for Sang Yan to lose his life. Her love for Sang Yan helped her break through the shackles that had long chained her, she healed not for herself alone but so that she could be the best for him. She values Sang Yan a lot that she willingly meets him where he is at just as much as he willingly does for her too. In the past, she might have broken his heart but she was one of the reason that helped shaped him to become stronger.

Zhang Ruo Nan's portrayal of Wen Yi Fan is worthy of recognition and praise. She really understood and connected with her character that she conveyed every emotional scene brilliantly. Most especially her crying scenes, they were so heartfelt. She wasn't only good at emotional scenes but her drunk scene is deserving of appreciation too for how natural she portrayed it. Her acting performance is outstanding.

OSTs₊ ⊹❅
The OSTs helped set the vibe of each specific scene which allowed every emotion depicted in the drama to come across the screen more impactfully. They weren't only captivating to listen to, each of the songs were meaningfully written and gives highlight to Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's love. It is definitely one of the key elements of the drama that enriches the watching experience. I love all the songs and my most favorite of them all is 'I'm So Into You' by Xiao Bing Chih.

OVERALL IMPRESSION₊ ⊹❅
The First Frost is a masterpiece that rekindled the feeling of what it is like to have a first love, it is a drama that deeply portrayed yearning and reunion through its rich plot. It is also a drama that takes you to experience an unforgettable and meaningful story that will not only move you, but make you feel seen as well.

The First Frost is a beautiful reminder for when we forget to be kinder to ourselves, for when we forget to remember love..."Treat yourself well, and the world will hold more love for you".

Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan's chemistry is impeccable. I will never forget their portrayal of Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan, they did justice to their characters and truly brought the love between these fictional characters so powerfully on screen. All the other actors and crew of The First Frost did an amazing job as well in creating this drama, their efforts and hardwork wasn't in vain. The First Frost is now officially my top favorite modern romance drama.

FAVE SCENES₊ ⊹❅
- Wen Yi Fan's sleepwalking scene
- Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's confession scene in Beiyu noodle shop
- Sang Yan formally introducing Wen Yi Fan as his girlfriend on Qian Fei's Wedding
- Sang Yan taking care of his drunk girlfriend Wen Yi Fan
- Sang Yan's fight scenes
- Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's hospital talk scene
- Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan's entire high school memory
- Wen Yi Fan finding out about Sang Yan's momento or keepsake box
- Sang Yan's "I volunteered"
- Wen Yi Fan's talk with her younger self
- All their intimate scenes
- Proposal scene

p.s all of Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan's scenes together are my favorite.

˖ . ݁❅𝜗𝜚❅. ݁₊

"When you're old, gray, and sleepy,
you snuggle wearily by the fireside,
and take a random book for company,
you savor the look in your eyes,
when you were chasing your dreams.
You used to have that look,
and be full of affection.
I loved your great and elegant past,
your mistakes, and your true beauty.
There is only one man who has ever gazed,
into your pious and holy heart,
and fallen inlove,
with your sad and aging face.
In the moonlight,
you bowed your head,
stooped, and murmured dejectedly,
in an attempt to escape from love.
Then you sneaked over the hill,
and hid your face.
Someone who is fierce,
who will love me among the stars, until death,
and know that love is as strong as death,
and be on my side,
forever and ever.
I want someone who is fierce,
and will love me until death,
it's you."
— Sang Yan & Wen Yi Fan (Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson)

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Love is selflessly wanting the other person to be happy....Healing Love, ...Unforgettable!

This is a beautiful masterpiece about two people who loved each other and found their way back because one person never gave up on the other. The First Frost is not melodramatic nor is it dark. While the FL had a traumatic experience in her youth, TFF is fun and entertaining with a deep emotional chemistry that will bring tears as well as laughter. I don't think any drama will beat this. I wish I could give this 1000/10.

The First Frost portrays one of the most selfless and enduring love I have ever seen in any drama. It tells the story of Sang Yan and Yi Fan who fell in love in high school. They promised to go to Nanwu University together but YiFan broke her promise and Sang Yan's heart. While Sang Yan thinks Yi Fan left because she didn't want to be with him, Yi Fan kept the pain of her secret from him. Six years later they meet again and end up sharing an apartment. Each episode begins with a flashback to scenes from the past and ends with a "It's not over yet" scene from Sang Yan's point of view. And in the end, all the surprise details fall into place like puzzle pieces. This is the most incredible production!

I started this drama feeling more connected to Sang Yan and his feelings for YiFan than I was for YiFan. While I empathize with YiFan and the fact that she suffered trauma which is the cause for her locked-up emotions, it took me a while to feel connected with her story. I know novel readers felt more connected with YiFan as they went in knowing the full extent of her trauma.

SANG YAN

Bai Jing Ting took this role and made me love Sang Yan more with each episode. I cannot imagine anyone else as Sang Yan. He was perfect! Sang Yan loved Yi Fan since he met her in high school and it didn't end when she broke his heart. Even with 6 years of unanswered questions, his love for her never faded. What made his character captivating was the way he was just there for her. There were little things such as making sure she ate even if he told her he needed her help as he made too much. He senses something is bothering her but he doesn't ask. He never puts any pressure on her. He simply watches her and provides anything he feels she needs. He wants her to happy. And it makes him happy just to see her. What made his love real for me were YiFan's sleepwalking scenes. He sees her pain and tears and he feels them. And he stands next to her waiting for the times she needed to turn to him. Because as he said to her, "I will always catch you."

Sang Yan's point of view is portrayed in the lyrics of "Willful" which begins each episode:
Just for you, I will be brave and willful
I won't regret ever loving you with all my heart
I want to be the gravel that breaks the shadows for you
Even if I have to lose everything, I'll go against the grain for you...


YI FAN

YiFan's character appears strong at first. She is a journalist who does not hesitate to save someone from a car crash. Yet on the inside she was fragile. She was abandoned by her mother after her father died. Her mother remarried and left her to live with her paternal uncle. She not only had to deal with the loss of her father, but she lived in fear of being sexually assaulted by Che Xing D, her aunt's brother. She has PTSD from the night he broke into her room. It was fortunate that she escaped. YiFan's decision to leave all behind, led her to ending her relationship with Sang Yan 6 years before. I felt Sang Yan's pain, and a part of me disliked YiFan for being so cruel, but I also knew with her emotional state back then, I could not blame her. In fact, I admire her for the strength it took for her to protect herself and break ties with her toxic family.

Yi Fan's point of view is portrayed in the lyrics of "It's You" which ends each episode:
It's you who pulled me with all your strength
...You are warm and bright like the sun, and you give me care...
It's you who strides towards me in the storm
It's you who stands by my side and cheers for me
The road has been bumpy along the way, and raindrops have covered the ground,
But with you as my support, I can overcome the darkness in front of me....


YANFAN'S CHEMISTRY (Through all these years, I never loved anyone but you...)

There is a sense of familiarity and trust.....and a sense of having loved and been loved....

YiFan trusts Sang Yan. Even though she takes charge of her life and her struggles, she neglects the little things for her own comfort. It is Sang Yan who provides the warmth and comfort she needs but never asks. It is Sang Yan who reminds her to eat and makes sure she is not alone. She subconsciously turns to a bewildered Sang Yan during her sleepwalking incidences seeking his warmth and comfort. I love those sleepwalking moments because YiFan moves toward Sang Yan and you can feel that these two share a bond of trust. What moves me even more is that the pain in YiFan's face is reflected in Sang Yan's. There is such emotional depth and a sense of yearning between them. But there also humor and familiarity as Sang Yan loves to tease YiFan. There are times I feel he teases her to distract from her worries. And there are times they simply enjoy being next to each other.




NOVEL DEVIATION SPOILER (EP 24)

The one major deviation concerning YanFan is in ep 24 when Yi Fan left for Hong Kong. In the book she followed him to Yihe, but the drama chose to have her run off to Hong Kong for 6 months. I thought I would be upset also but on watching it, I saw Sang Yan visiting all the places in Yi Fan's life and filling in some of the missing details. The director added flashback scenes for the viewers to see the little details falling into place. I felt the purpose of sending Yi Fan to HK was to build empathy and understanding for Yi Fan through Sang Yan's eyes. It also provided her the time to reconnect with her passion for dancing. Some viewers felt Sang Yan should have shown anger for Yi Fan leaving him again. But I disagree. He would not be Sang Yan had he not felt deep pain for her trauma and felt he somehow failed to protect her. There is no way he would feel anger. He was too much in pain over her suffering, so much so that he wished he was the reason rather than the truth about her traumatic experience.
I dislike that Sang Yan was left again because he suffered enough for 6 years. But I am not going to harp on it as there is so much more to love about TFF. Just put it down to creative license and drama. And the positive side is that the couple reunited and the hotel scene from the book was picked up right after. Enjoy and move on.


OVERALL VIBE

Overall, this drama is one of healing love, comfort, and security.
It is not melodrama. I feel the darkness lies below the surface and acts as part of the conflict. But the overlying vibe is emotionally hopeful, humorous, sweet, and loving.

The OST adds to the mood. "Like a Sunny Day, Like a Rainy Day" by Silence Wang adds the same mood we get from "Just Want to Secretly Love You" by Silence Want and Zhao Lusi in Hidden Love. This delightful vibe links the emotions of both dramas even though TFF has more emotional depth. The lyrics in "Willful" tells the story from Sang Yan's point of view. The lyrics in "It's You" tells the story from Yi Fan's point of view. They hit the core of The First Frost beautifully.

The lighting adds warmth and charm. The soft tones used in conversation between the leads add calm and a sense of peace and comfort. The First Frost will go on my permanent rewatch this. I know I will have a hard time moving on, but I will rewatch when I miss my YanFan couple. Okay! I will admit that my bias is Sang Yan. You will know when you see him.


POSITIVES

* Bai Jing Ting- He made Sang Yan my favorite character. I could read his thoughts just by his expressions.
* Witty conversations
* Beautiful cinematography- this includes Sang Yan dressed in black 💗
* Amazing chemistry💗🔥🤗
* Directing- beautiful heartfelt moments
* Production- an incredible work of art
* Episodes flow smoothly from one to another. I am always surprised when the episode ends. It feels like 10 mins instead of 45.
* Emotional Depth
* Lots of skinship and intimate scenes🤗💋🛏🔥
* An original and emotional proposal scene scene. It was beautiful!💞💍🥰
* Extended ending over several episodes. This is one of the most satisfying ending to a drama I have ever seen.

NEGATIVES

*The second couple is interesting and cute but for some reason, the sml's grandpa hijacked their story. I found myself skipping their story because the grandpa's issues didn't fit in with it all. I got into the second couple's story around ep 26 and liked them so much that on rewatch I will pay closer attention to them. But what about Grandpa? Only someone who watched his scenes can say.


I have never seen a drama with a more satisfying ending. It spanned from ep 29 to 32. Everything fell into place and there were some beautiful surprises. I wish I could forget them so I can experience it all over again. This was the most beautiful journey.

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Frost Descent: Love That Withstood the Storm

The First Frost is an adaptation of the novel Hard to Coax (Chinese title: Nan Hong) by author Zhu Yi. While it is a romance drama at its core, it goes beyond just love. The First Frost paints a deeply emotional journey where love is not just about passion but also about finding warmth and solace in another person.

SUMMARY ⋆˚✿˖°

The First Frost isn’t just a love story, it's about healing, resilience, and the bonds that shape us. Sang Yan and Wei Yifan met in high school, their friendship quietly deepening into love, though neither of them ever said it out loud. They had dreams of a future together, but when Yifan broke their promise to attend Nanwu University, it left Sang Yan devastated. On the surface, it seemed like she abandoned him, but deep down, he never fully believed it. A part of him always questioned why, and even after their separation, he could never truly erase her from his thoughts, memories of her lingered, and sometimes, without meaning to, he found himself in places that reminded him of her.

Six years later, fate brings them together again, forcing them to confront everything left unsaid. But The First Frost isn’t just about their love, it's about survival, overcoming trauma, and reclaiming one’s voice. The drama delves into PTSD, Reactive Attachment Disorder, and the lasting wounds of sexual violence. It highlights the devastating effects of predators, the struggle victims face in their aftermath, and the importance of standing up for women as a society. Alongside this, it explores the power of friendship, the weight of family expectations, and the quiet fight to heal.
Each episode moves between past and present, with moments that seem small at first but later fit together like pieces of a puzzle. And at the heart of it all is Sang Yan holding onto the feeling that their story was never truly over.

CHARACTERS⋆˚✿˖°

Bai Jing Ting As Sang Yan🍀☼

Sang Yan grew up in a loving home and comes from a wealthy family. His brother’s arc has already been portrayed in Hidden Love, so The First Frost focuses on his relationship with Wei Yifan. Some have criticized his character for lacking a well-developed arc since his story revolves around Yifan, but that’s exactly why his role is significant. Sang Yan already has everything: stability, love, and success yet he chooses to be with Yifan not because he needs her, but because he truly loves and understands her. His character embodies unconditional love, patience, and kindness. He has a high emotional intelligence, which is necessary for their love story to work. If he didn’t, their relationship wouldn’t have been possible. The way Sang Yan and Yifan match as characters highlights their relationship dynamics. He never pressured her to accept his feelings. As a friend, he was always there during her darkest moments, but he wasn’t just a friend he became her family, her backbone. Instead of hurting her further, he chose to protect her. He understood her when others didn’t, and, as he admitted, he set aside his pride to understand her more. That shows true emotional strength. Unlike some characters who make everything about themselves, Sang Yan never did, and that doesn’t make him weak or useless, it makes him the kind of person who truly values and respects the woman he loves. Understanding a woman doesn’t make a man lesser; it makes him someone who genuinely cares instead of forcing his own expectations onto her.

Sang Yan is not a stalker. He visited Yifan’s school more than once three times, to be exact. He never made his presence known, never disturbed her life, and never forced a confrontation. He also appeared on her graduation day, but rather than approaching her, he simply watched from a distance. Yifan even saw him that day and ran after him, but he was already gone. His actions weren’t about obsession or control; they were moments of longing. He wanted to talk to her but couldn’t bring himself to do it. Even after they separated, he quietly kept memories of her achievements, like the first article she published in Yihe. He cherished these moments, but he never crossed a line or did anything to harm her. This isn’t the kind of behavior that can be classified as good or bad stalking, it was simply his way of holding onto the past without forcing himself back into her life.

Bai Jing Ting’s portrayal of Sang Yan was spectacular. His micro-expressions added depth to the character, making every moment feel natural and real. His acting was effortless, capturing Sang Yan’s flirty, caring, teasing, kind, funny, supportive, and understanding nature. I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role. Sang Yan was made for Bai Jing Ting alone, and I absolutely loved his performance.

Zhang RuoNan As Wei Yifan/ Wen Shuangjiang ₊°｡❆

From the start, Wei Yifan is a character trapped in a cycle of expectations whether it’s from the people around her or from the audience watching her story unfold. But what makes her so compelling isn’t just her actions; it’s how people perceive her. She’s constantly under scrutiny, often judged more harshly than how male leads are judged for making decisions that, while flawed, are incredibly real.
There’s this idea that a female lead has to be a certain way strong, decisive, never uncertain. And that’s where the criticism of Yifan gets frustrating because she isn’t written to fit that mold. Her story isn’t about being a perfect heroine; it’s about surviving. She went through so much she’s a sexual assault survivor, she grew up without love from her mother, and she lost her father young. The trauma she carries isn’t something you just “get over.” And yet, people act like she’s weak for not handling everything in a way that’s "ideal." But the truth is, Wei Yifan is incredibly courageous. It takes real strength to keep going after everything she’s been through.

That’s why the Hong Kong arc mattered so much. It wasn’t pointless at all, it was a turning point for her. It gave her the space to realize who her real family was, to finally start letting go of the fear that’s been holding her back for years. That fear of being abandoned, of not being enough, of never really belonging she started to outgrow it, and that shaped her into a better version of herself.
Her love for Sang Yan was also beautifully explored. She wasn’t just some passive love interest; she actively cared for him, took care of him, and when she finally opened up about the things she’s been carrying for so long, it was because she found warmth in him. He was someone who made her feel safe enough to share her pain, and that’s not something she ever had before. Yifan isn’t weak, she's just someone who has spent years protecting herself because the world hasn’t been kind to her. But when she finally found someone who wouldn’t leave, she allowed herself to be vulnerable, and that’s such an important part of her growth.

Even outside of romance, she’s a strong character. As a journalist, she faced mistreatment in her workplace but still kept pushing forward. And even though there were bad experiences, she also met good people along the way, co-workers who respected her, moments that reminded her why she pursued this career in the first place. That balance was so well done because it showed that she wasn’t just defined by her struggles; she also had moments of hope and support.
Wei Yifan is shy and quiet, but not weak. That’s just how she grew up after losing her dad, but it never stopped her from voicing her opinions when it truly mattered. She’s not someone who demands attention, but when she speaks, it counts. She really suffered so much, and if there’s anyone who deserves happiness and sunshine, it’s her.

Zhang Ruonan portrayed Wei Yifan effortlessly. Everything about her acting was real and authentic, whether it was her emotional moments or the softer, cuter sides of her personality. And it never felt forced or cringy; it was natural. She fully embodied Yifan’s workaholic side, her reserved but loving nature, and even those little mini housewife moments that made her character feel so lived-in. She brought Yifan to life in a way that made every moment, whether heartbreaking or heartwarming, feel genuine.
Wei Yifan is a character that deserved better not just in her story, but in how people talk about her. She wasn’t weak, she wasn’t useless, and she wasn’t a “bad” female lead. She was just real, and that’s what made her one of the best-written characters in the drama.

EXPLAINING HK ARC ⋆˚✿˖°

I want to explain the Hong Kong arc that so many people criticized Yi Fan for because I keep seeing people say it was unnecessary or had no impact on the story, when it actually did. I’ll add some lines from the drama later to back up what I’m saying, but first, let’s break this down.
People keep saying, “She’s terrified to lose him, but she left him.” That’s exactly the point. Fear doesn’t always make people hold on tighter, it can make them push others away. And this wasn’t about her not valuing Sang Yan. It was about her believing that being with him was selfish, that she was ultimately going to hurt him, and that leaving was the better option. That’s not the same as taking him for granted.

And about the whole “She left him holding the bag with their apartment and her cat” thing let’s talk about the cat. People act like she dumped the cat on him without care, but she already left the cat with him multiple times before. This wasn’t new. She left the cat to keep him company, even when she was trying to leave. That wasn’t abandonment. That was Yi Fan, in her own way, still wanting to stay connected to him even as she tried to walk away.
The argument that she would’ve never come back if Si Qiaoand Su Huoan hadn’t tracked her down doesn’t hold up either. Because the drama makes it clear that she wasn’t happy in HK. She wasn’t thriving. She was stuck. Even if no one had come to find her, she would have eventually realized that running away didn’t fix anything. The thing about trauma is that it doesn’t follow a logical timeline. Just because she’s been independent for years doesn’t mean she suddenly knows how to navigate love without fear. And the thing is, she did realize running wasn’t the answer. In one line, she even admitted that at the end of the day, running away doesn’t solve anything, it only hurts others more.

Before her friends even showed up, the ballet teacher’s story had already touched her, making her reflect on her own choices. Yi Fan had always been attached to the idea of escaping when things got overwhelming, but this time, her friends and Sang Yan people who already saw her as family chose to look for her because they didn’t want her to be gone for too long. And the most important part? They didn’t meet her with anger,they didn’t punish her for running. They simply reminded her that she didn’t have to run anymore.
As for Sang Yan, people say the Hong Kong arc made him unrecognizable, but it didn’t. He wasn’t suddenly a “neurotically desperate” person; he was someone who knew Yi Fan better than anyone else. That’s why he didn’t move on. Because he understood her fear, even when he was hurt by it. If he had truly believed she didn’t love him, that’s when he would have given up. But he knew the way she left wasn’t because she didn’t care, it was because she cared too much and didn’t know how to handle it.

And finally, the idea that “if she really valued him, she would have quickly realized she screwed up” ignores how deep her fears ran. She was healing in her relationship with Sang Yan, but healing isn’t a straight line. She had already come so far, but this was the last hurdle learning that she could trust herself in a relationship, that she could stay instead of running. The Hong Kong arc mattered because it forced her to finally face that.

OST/ CINEMATOGRAPHY ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆
The OST was really good, and it matched the tone of the drama perfectly. It was used thoughtfully in certain scenes, enhancing the emotional impact and making the beautiful moments even more memorable. The cinematography was stunning, with shots that captured the leads perfectly. The dreamy, ethereal vibes it gave off fit the drama so well, and I really liked how it all came together.

FAV SCENES ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂)⸝♡
Sang Yan and Yi Fan’s first meeting
Sang Yan taking care of a cute, drunk Yi Fan
Sang Yan and Yi Fan’s adorable moment at Qian Fei's wedding
Everything about Sang Yi Fan
Wen Yi Fan discovering Sang Yan’s memory box
Sang Yi Fan scenes in episode 31
SangYifan First Date
Wei Yi Fan comforting her younger self
All the kissing scenes (blushes)
The best emotional proposal
I love Dian Dian- Yifan's Cat scenes
Sang Yan’s quote: "You’re looking for a job?" / "The jobs are looking for me."
Yi Fan’s ballet dance

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS .☘︎ ݁˖
The First Frost is a well-written drama and a masterpiece for me because it doesn’t just talk about love, it deeply explores trauma, SA survivors, and friendship. Sang Yi Fan’s love story beautifully portrays the unconditional feelings of first love and how they aren’t easily forgotten, depending on how strong that love is. I love how yearning is depicted in this drama, and Yi Fan’s journey felt incredibly realistic. I’m happy she fought her great battle alongside Sang Yan and found a new home filled with happiness and warmth to shield her from the cold,I never felt bored or skipped any scenes.

One of the things I really appreciated about this drama is how the dialogue is just as important as the actions. We often talk about how what characters do shapes the story, but the way they communicate, the things they say, and how they say them, can carry just as much weight. It’s through dialogue that we really get to see their personalities, vulnerabilities, and intentions. What stood out to me is how every line feels purposeful whether it’s a small quip or a heartfelt confession. It adds layers to the characters and deepens the relationships, making everything feel more genuine. It’s a reminder that words can move the plot just as much as actions can.

Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan had such natural chemistry that never felt forced, and their characters’ love story never came across as one sided. Every member of the cast played their roles well, and I’m grateful to the director for guiding them so effectively the hard work truly paid off. The First Frost became one of 2025’s best dramas and a certified hit.

QUOTES I LOVE •ᴗ•
Ep 29 Title - Love Means Being Each Other’s Light
Si Qiao : “Those who cannot forgive themselves suffer the most. That’s why we need to be kinder to ourselves.”
Sang Yan: “I want you to fly free forever. I want to give you wings and destroy all your pain.”
Wei Yifan: “I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death. It’s you, Sang Yan.”

To everyone who read this review to the end, just like the TFF quote ending, “Treat yourself well and the world will hold more love for you.” I will miss the Nanwu Squad, Thanks for healing and warming my heart. SangYifan, I don’t want to say goodbye, but I hope we meet again ❄️🍃

Thanks For Reading ⋆｡‧˚ʚ🩰ɞ˚‧｡⋆ 🔆 I hope in this Evil World, You will Continue To Soar High Up To Skies 🌟

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Timeless And Unforgettable… Now A Forever Rewatch..

The First Frost is perfect in ways I never imagined.. So perfect that an entire book could be written just to describe how perfect it is and how deeply it touches the heart..

From the opening credits I was pulled into a world I didn’t know I needed.. A world where emotions run deep and where heartbreak feels as real as my own.. Made me laugh when I least expected it.. Emotional when I tried not to and scream in frustration when the angst kicked in.. Yet through all the pain and happiness, I stayed.. Because how could I not?? TFF gave me moments of warmth and tension that left me breathless.. It is a slow burn romance that makes you travel through a story of longing, healing and unwavering love..

I have to say this.. The first ep itself is a cinematic experience.. I couldn’t believe how good it was.. SY and WYF, their chemistry, the visuals, the soundtrack and everything just clicks.. That soft, melancholic feel was absolutely stunning..

I was really impressed by BJT and ZRN.. Bai Jing Ting's portrayal of Sang Yan, with his calm intensity made his character's pain and longing feel so real.. Zhang Ruo Nan's performance was good as well.. She really captured her character's reserved nature and emotional depth.. The dual perspectives in storytelling added a compelling layer.. It showcased how perceptions and emotions shape interactions.. And I loved Wen Yifan’s journey from isolating herself to loving herself.. Which is portrayed with sensitivity while Sang Yan’s unwavering support offers us a fresh view of a ML who is emotionally intelligent and selfless.. He truly was selfless.. Their scenes were sweet but also a little sad at times and somehow, it just works.. The show shifts between her perspective and his.. So you really understand why they are so hesitant.. Its done in such a thoughtful way..

There is a scene that creates a misunderstanding about why she left him and went to another university.. The pain in his eyes, the way she immediately looked at him and shook her head.. Trying to reassure him that it wasn’t what he thought.. That moment alone proves just how good and involved they both are as Sang Yan and Wen Yifan..

" I suddently want to fall in love.. In love with Sang yan "

It took me a while to finish ep 22 because i kept rewatching her drunk scene with Sang Yan.. I watched it so many times it felt like an entire episode on its own..

" No matter what.. I will always catch you "

Some scenes.. Some episodes.. Some moments and some performances will pull at your heart so hard that you might just break..

Special appreciation No. 1 goes to the camerawork.. What can I say? Absolutely dreamy..
Special appreciation No. 2 goes to whoever was in charge of their outfits.. Absolutely perfect and outstanding.. They dressed them to perfection..

Now.. I didnt like two things in the drama.. First.. I really hated was how she left just like that again.. She said she would be brave this time but the moment another problem came up, she ran again.. She knew he had a hard time the last time she did the same thing.. She knew he would do anything for her.. He literally waited six years.. What did she think would happen?? Yes, she wanted to keep him out of her problems.. But weren’t they past that by then?? It was obvious he would blame himself again and suffer even more than if she had just opened up to him.. It just felt so senseless..
Second.. I didn’t like the casting for Sang Zhi and Duan Jia Xu.. She literally looked like a kid.. I guess she is a Kid.. How did they think that was okay?? The age difference was so obvious and it just didn’t look right on screen..

Most of the men around the FL were creeps.. Including Mu Cheng Yun.. Honestly calling him a creep feels like an understatement.. On the other hand, I really liked Xiang Lang’s character even though he didn’t get much screentime.. He knew his boundaries and genuinely respected WYF.. The bad people did get punished.. But it didn’t feel like enough compared to the years of pain she had to endure.. And honestly I wanted her mother to suffer more.. So much more.. She deserved every bit of it..

" Then the prince endured countless trials..
Mastered all kinds of skills and crossed snowy mountains, deserts and forests full of monsters..
In the end, he saved the princess and they lived happily ever after.. ”

" Tell me.. Were you sent by my Dad to take care of me??
No.. I volunteered.. "

The last two episodes stand out as a perfect example of how to end a drama.. They resolved all the major problems and gave us a happy ending.. A long satisfying happy ending.. No unnecessary angst, no last minute realizations, no dramatic separation just to hug each other in the last moment.. Instead they gave us a full hour long preview of their happy life, their happy ending.. It completely justified their entire journey and every moment I spent watching.. That’s how you conclude an epic romance..

And the best marriage proposal in a CDrama goes to The First Frost.. What a beautifully planned and deeply thoughtful proposal that was..

" Later i realised Sang Yan picked this ring in the shape of a ribbon..
He said, its because we are each others precious gift.. "

I have watched over 500 Asian dramas.. And only two have ever earned a perfect 10 from me.. This is one of them.. That alone says everything about how much I loved it.. One of the most beautiful dramas I have ever seen.. It is not just a story, Its a memory I will carry with me always..

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not to be dramatic, but it will change your life.

first of all this review is coming from a person who's been following the story for a long long long long long time, and i truly loved it to the point where i don't think they could have made a better job.

the acting is insane (they couldn't have picked better actors)
the production is insane (it's not only a lovely story BUT also such a visual experience)

and the story is SO DAMN GOOD.
really, so much more than the romance plot, the thing that most impacts me is how the manage to create such good character developments. everything is there. you have the struggles of being a 26yo, living in a big city, not sure about how your future is going to turn out, not very sure about love either. AND. even though many people disagree it also portraits some heavy topics that *NEED* to be discussed on our daily lives.

so, of course, sang yan and wei yifan love story is so beauty and kind and i wish this type of love to everyone, but the first frost don't limit itself in being ... just ... a love story. in some scenes i felt like i was watching my life unfolding in front of me, i could relate so much with the characters and that's why i believe so many people loved it, it's because even though it's a piece of fiction, everything it's also very real.

and when i say it will change your life, it's because it will give you some courage, if you're needing it. i usually felt like this when i watch those high-school dramas, because i thought i still have my life in front of me, but as time was passing i couldn't not think depressing things and the first frost (like i said SO RELATABLE) that it really made me fight back and be more gentle with myself (like wen yifan said, we all seem to forget this)

so i truly recommend. i would go to war for the first frost.

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Ultimately a letdown

The concept of showing past and present moments side by side had promise, and the cinematography and OST were beautifully done. However, the pacing dragged so much that I felt I could’ve started from episode 20 and still gotten the full picture. The character development lacked depth, and the female lead remained emotionally flat throughout. While the male lead had charm, he felt too idealized, like he was written solely to support the female lead’s arc. It made him less believable and took away from his character's individuality.

The leads had some chemistry, but many of their scenes felt forced rather than organic. The uncle subplot wasn’t convincing, and the sudden murder twist near the end felt like a rushed device to push Wen Yifan toward growth. Side characters were forgettable, and the grandpa had more screen time than necessary, without contributing meaningfully to the story.

Casting-wise, this drama could have hit harder with different choices. As much as I like Bai Jingting, I didn’t fully buy him as Sang Yan. Someone like Victor Ma (Sang Yan from Hidden Love) could’ve brought more energy and emotional nuance to the role, he would’ve absolutely nailed it. The female lead also lacked emotional presence, which made it hard to feel invested in her journey.

The ending offered some closure, though most of the final episode was just a recap of earlier scenes.
Overall, a visually appealing drama with a few interesting elements, but let down by uneven writing, flat performances, and missed potential.

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"I Will Always Catch You."

Very proud of BJT for this role; he took his usual almost comedic persona and created a character who was deep, emotional, sensitive, and an iron wall of protection for his high school sweetheart dealing with trauma and tragedy of her past. Even though this series is in the Hidden Love universe (character names, more or less timeline, family, locations), it's a totally different world from the bubbly and happy romance we saw there. This story is so much deeper and more emotional than that one. One thing is for sure, both Sang siblings brought their traumatized yet loved significant others home to a warm and loving environment.

Pros: I watched this show for BJT, I didn't know it was going to be dealing with trauma, abandonment, PTSD and sleepwalking, and a love so strong from one person, even in his darkest moments, he still made sure she was safe and ok. Sang Yan is the iron wall behind the girl he fell for at first sight. He doesn't know what she has to go through or ultimately went through until their reunion 6 years later. All he wants to do is love and protect. He doesn't know what so silently as we see in the ever well crafted flashbacks in the beginning of the series (that are essentially puzzle pieces that slowly come together as the series comes to a close) and the "the story is not over yet..." at the end (where we see something that happened during the episode that explains a missing piece of the episode). We see what they went through, what their lives became and how through becoming roommates he got a glimpse into her inner world of pain and self torment.

WYF seems like she has it all together on the outside; good job, cares about strangers, wants to improve herself, has a friend. But on the inside she's a scared, traumatized young woman with scars that run very deep. She was abandoned by her mother soon after the death of her father and tossed from one house to the next until she landed at her uncle's where a relative nearly SA'd her; she had to jump from the second floor balcony to get away from this monster at the expense of her foot and being unable to dance again which was her passion. We see her break her promise to SY to attend the same university and break up with him in a cruel manner because of the shame, blame, and fear she had. She then ran away from everything and everyone. And still ran into a different freak at her internship after college where she had to quit her job though she got justice. It was like she never had any security anywhere she went and only during her college days when she functioned like an automaton. SY though still followed her and was always watching her silently, protecting.

When the monster gets out of prison and comes after her again, we learn that she was not his first nor his last sadly, just one of two that got away with their lives to boot. Meanwhile, in the apartment the two (SY and WYF) share as roommates, SY starts to see the sleepwalking and other signs that show things are far worse than he thought originally of just an unhappy home life in the past and her not wanting to be with him. Though there is humor (more on his part as she is very shy) and great chemistry, we know that at some point she has to tell him everything so there are no more misunderstandings. As he says to her, "I will always catch you." His love is unconditional no matter what; from the moment she walked back into his line of sight in the first episode, he would always be there, hovering like an earthbound angel protecting soundlessly.

What she had to learn and understand was that she could lean on those she loved and tell them the truth. She didn't have to face everything alone. It was SY that ultimately captured the bastard that traumatized her who was on the run for an unsolved murder years prior and assault on his brother in law's wife. It was SY who safe proofed the house so she wouldn't hurt herself when she sleepwalked. He walked beside her always calmly talking to her even during the times she just walked around and cried. It was SY who had his heart ripped to shreds when she ran away a second time; this time he didn't know where she was though he chased down more leads than the cops ever did. He even went to where she actually was off a tip from her childhood friend who thought he saw her and other leads and even though they happened to be in the same locations, they conveniently missed each other. But he was the one who never gave up and she had to let him in.

The second couple is ok, both deserving of love especially the guy who went through a lot of tragedy, trauma, and self blame himself. I think as best friends of the leads, they deserved a bit of their own storyline told.

I'm glad she cut ties with her "mom" and the bastard and his sister went to prison (with him sentenced to death). Going to the Sang house for a holiday made her see and appreciate what a real warm family with caring parents looked like. Their chemistry was great and they had great kisses and decent skinship; it was just enough for this story. I was glad she found out about all of his travels to Yihe, kept all of her article clippings, and the fact that he went to her graduation. For 6 years he never left her; he was always just behind or on the sidelines. The proposal was unique and heartwarming and SY getting emotional was beautiful; definitely a tear jerker. We even see that it was he who initiated their first contact, so love at first sight it was for sure. Even the ring was symbolic because it had a ribbon on it and SY explained they were each other's most precious gifts.

OSTs, modern sets, camera angles were all good.

Cons: I don't agree with her leaving a second time. I don't read the source material but it didn't jive with her character development at all. A few days before she had confronted her "family" bastard included and told them that if they came near her or her loved ones again she would go to the police and yet still she ran? It just didn't match up. Furthermore, her reasoning was that if she left, SY wouldn't get hurt? Yeah ok, because it wasn't the bastard that was harassing a woman at SY's restaurant and then got into a fight with SY where he told him kind of what happened 6 years before. That it didn't shatter SY's heart to know how badly she was harmed, that he didn't know, couldn't help and now not knowing where she was. To a man like him, it was the ultimate heartbreak. Plus, as a journalist, she should know that predators will go after their prey's loved ones if they can't find their prey. They want to harm the ones that person loves the most. They're all hard wired like that. So her choice didn't hold water for me and shouldn't have deviated. Production could have chosen for her to tell him some other way finally and not have him and friends run around the entire country looking for her. Though he did learn a lot of what she went through in the years away from him, I just think a more balanced version of who her character had become would have been best in that situation. Then she got mad at him at the hospital after he went against the bastard and caught him; he felt like a man, the man she deserved as before he felt useless. But she's mad? Because she would have done what? Run away for a third time? Come on now. Her anger was misplaced; yes most likely more fear for his safety and worry but still, she had to see it from his side of things.

It always felt like though she said she loved him and trusted him, there was a hesitation and the running away the 2nd time was a huge example of that. Communication with her character was lacking; she would declare things and then take two steps back. No wonder SY felt less than even after all this time. Also wish WYF when kissed or just in a general conversation with SY didn't have her eyes roll around on her face like she didn't know where she was or what was happening, again didn't quite fit her characterization.

Several characters were completely unnecessary like that Mu guy, his whole point of being there was what? And the grandparents love line was unnecessary too. They could have just been there to bring the 2nd leads together and let SML get past his own trauma. Their entire point was lost on me. Also the once in a blue moon HL storyline that didn't quite match up in timeline sequence could have been overlooked.

Would I recommend it? Definitely. I gave .5 higher than HL because this one was darker and deeper and the ending was much more satisfactory (not knocking HL, as that one was also good but just a much lighter version) and totally came full circle in more ways than one. BJT is definitely the perfect SY for me. Give it a chance.

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Exquisite masterpiece after a long time:)

This is my first review and here it goes!❄️🍃
The First Frost has a special place in my heart! That happy feeling that you've just finished one of the best shows you've ever watched and also that empty feeling that you've just finished one of the best shows you've ever watched. That's what it feels like when you complete this drama. This is a story of a girl who carries lots of trauma and emotional distress with all her relationships, wants to take a chance and find her happiness, starts with Sang Yan.

I actually haven't watched a cdrama for quite a long time, so when TFF started airing, I learned that it was Sang Yan's story. I remember that after HL ended, the announcement for TFF was confirmed later. So, I knew it was supposed to air, but didn't follow much. One day, when I discovered that TFF started airing, I didn't expect much and started watching it late, believe me, I couldn't stop watching. The story felt so real because it wasn't what I expected, and I was hooked. And it wasn't too much fluff. It is just perfect. The perfect story with the perfect romance. I've never really felt the way I feel now about a drama. I did enjoy WIFTY and HL but this one just hits different. I didn't expect the characters to be this real, the experiences they went through, the way they love each other, everything felt so real. The ML and FL complement each other really well. The only drawback was that the SML story with grandparents felt a bit lengthy, and could've been shorter. But I was blinded by ML and FL, so I just didn't mind it. Later, I realised that the grandfather was kinda similar to WYF on how they reciprocated their feelings.

If you're someone who wants to watch slow burn with tender and soft romance, you should definitely start this! It has some intense emotions too, it was rollercoaster. I'm all here for the second chance, the first love, and these two huge green flags. And their chemistry was top notch. Every single detail, be it fluff, trauma, emotion, heartwarming moments, romantic ones, they nailed it! Their acting was great and so were the dialogues and the OSTs were chef's kiss. The way they look at each other, their chemistry, even the dialogues, everything is so heartwarming and thoughtful! Never did it feel cringey for a second. I also loved how the opening OST was SY's POV and the ending OST was WYF's OST. I feel the HK arc was necessary to add to the emotional depth of the leads and how much trauma affects an individual, and to show that trauma doesn't disappear overnight like magic. WYF is the strongest FL I ever witnessed in a drama, and SY is the biggest green flag I ever saw. And the emotional depth depicted in the drama and it's importance was insane. This was probably the drama with the most satisfactory ending. This drama brought me back to cdrama again. This is the best drama of 2025. And probably the best of all time to me. The First Frost will always be special to me. Thank you Bai Jing Ting, Zhang Ruo Nan for the perfect portrayal of Sang Yan and Yifan. Thank you to the cast and crew for making this unforgettable masterpiece. I enjoyed every second of this drama, and it was worth the wait;)

I can't believe it's done, I already miss them! It's hard to let go and say goodbye - and I'm sure I'll re-watch the drama again and again. Let me conclude by saying: EVERYONE NEEDS A SANG YAN IN THEIR LIFE!

P.S: I rewatched twice already, and their dating era once, and still rewatch many episodes and can't watch any new drama. I listen to the OSTs everyday, such an unforgettable drama. SY raised the bar so high and their love feels eternal. They deserve each other and love each other unconditionally. TFF will always be my comfort and healing drama. The direction, production and cinematography was top-notch. Once again, thank you to the cast and crew for creating this masterpiece.

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not just a show but a memory I’ll keep on carrying with me.

and that’s how you wrap up one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

I’ve been waiting for this show since more than a year and I’ve been here from the start- from reading novel, reading manhwa, cast being announced, looking at Reuters, watching the teaser then impatiently waiting for the broadcast date and safe to say all the wait and excitement has been worth it.

When I read the novel, I found myself too attached to wenyifan because of her backstory and of her pain and I could feel it as if I was her. She’s a character who broke my heart and who made me applaud herself for being so strong regardless of life treating her so bad. Her misery called out to me and I was so excited and scared to watch it on screen but safe to say I’ve never been this happy with any cdrama.

ACTING: Coming to the show, i think anyone can attest to the fact that BJT and ZRN have done such a fucking amazing job, their chemistry is insane, their acting is insane, their facial expressions and you can feel all the emotions just by looking at their eyes. I was expecting a lot from BJT because I’ve loved his works but who surprised me was actually ZRN because it’s always hard to nail emotional scenes but the way I could feel her emotions and almost half of the time it felt too real to be just an acting. ZRN I’m a huge fan now. Playing melodramatic scenes have always been hard but ZRN nailed it and BJT as expected was the best sangyan I could ever ask.

MUSIC: no points to be made, the best ost I’ve actually ever heard in any show. Hands down 10/10 in music department and specially the way the music fits the scenes it’s played in… absolutely magical.

CINEMATOGRAPHY: First frost has one of the most beautiful cinematography I’ve seen for a modern drama. The warmth vibes, the undertones, atmospherical scenes. THE VIBES WERE IMMACULATE.

SECONDARY ACTORS: I have to give props to the secondary actors as well for portraying such an amazing acting specially the actor who played Wenyifan’s dad. The power to make me cry anytime he appeared at the screen was insane.

WHAT COULD’VE BEEN BETTER: I honestly only have one complaint but even that isn’t big and didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all- the grandparents plot. I did find myself skipping a lot of the scenes of them but regardless I do get why they did it and I know people don’t like the HK plot but I found it quite fitting so I don’t mind that at all.

WHAT I LOVED THE MOST: irrespective of the whole show being something I loved so much, I specially found myself captivated by the special epilogues at the end of each episode and the flashbacks to their high school time. This wasn’t touched upon a lot in novel so this in the show gave me so much more insight to their relationship.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: this is the kind of love that lasts a lifetime, the way sangyan and wenyifan love each other eternally im pretty sure I’ll love this show the same way. I’m jealous of the past me who was watching this show because the present me just can’t believe it’s over. What a beautiful show, what a beautiful ending. Oh, the first frost, you’ve changed my life and the whole trajectory of it. thank you to the director, the cast, the crew and everyone involved for making such a life changing show.

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Zhang Ruonan & Bai Jingting Shine in The First Frost

I finished the first frost a month ago but i’m still emotionally wrecked in the best way possible. This drama hit all the right notes — from its quiet emotional depth to the beautifully layered love story between Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan.

Wen Yi Fan is such a complex, quietly strong character, and Zhang Ruonan absolutely nailed the performance. You could feel her pain, her hesitation, and her growth so clearly — especially in those subtle moments when she’s just trying to hold herself together. She made Wen Yifan feel raw and real.

And Bai Jingting as Sang Yan? Easily one of the most emotionally grounded male leads i've seen in a while. He brought this calm, steady presence to the character that made all of Sang Yan’s little acts of love feel incredibly impactful. He’s not your typical male lead — there’s no over-the-top drama or flashy gestures. His love is quiet, patient, and unwavering. Bai Jingting portrayed Sang Yan with such sincerity and warmth.

Their chemistry is the kind that simmers — not loud or overly dramatic, but full of longing, warmth, and emotional depth. You really believe in their bond and root for their healing, both individually and together.

Also, the drama’s cinematography and music add such a nostalgic, dreamlike vibe that it honestly just pulls you right in. If you're into slow-burn romance with a lot of heart, emotional storytelling, and characters that actually grow, this one’s for you.

The First Frost is 100% worth watching. Beautiful story, beautiful acting — especially by these two. Definitely a standout in the modern romance genre.

I love this drama so much and Sang Yifan will forever be in my heart.

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"The First Frost" – A Beautiful, Poetic Journey Through Time and Emotion

The First Frost is a Chinese drama that captivates not only with its stunning visual aesthetic but also with its emotionally resonant story. This series beautifully balances delicate moments of love, personal growth, and the passage of time, all while weaving a narrative that is rich in symbolism and cultural depth. From its mesmerizing cinematography to its poignant themes, The First Frost is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartfelt, visually enchanting drama.

"A Visual Masterpiece"

From the very first frame, The First Frost envelops its audience in a world of beauty, where nature plays as important a role as the characters themselves. The titular "frost" is not just a seasonal change; it becomes a metaphor that the series uses to explore themes of time, memory, and transformation. The crisp, frosty landscapes serve as a canvas for the emotional and physical journeys of the protagonists. Snow-capped mountains, delicate frost patterns on windows, and the soft hues of early winter mornings are expertly captured, giving the drama a dreamlike quality.

The careful attention to detail in the cinematography is one of the defining aspects of the show. Every scene feels like a painting, every gesture of the characters as subtle and fleeting as the frost on a morning leaf. The visual metaphors of the changing seasons tie perfectly into the narrative, reflecting the inner transformations of the characters. The coldness of the frost in the beginning gives way to warmer moments, mirroring the thawing of hearts as love and understanding bloom. It’s a beautiful visual metaphor for life’s inevitable cycles.

"A Story of Love, Loss, and Personal Growth"

At its heart, The First Frost is a love story, but it is so much more than that. It’s about the quiet, intimate moments that define relationships and the difficult, often painful, growth that comes with them. The series explores the notion of change—not just physical change, but emotional and spiritual transformation. The characters are multifaceted, each with their own personal struggles, dreams, and fears. Their paths are not easy, but each challenge they face becomes an opportunity for growth.

The central romance is tender and slow-burning, built on moments of shared vulnerability and understanding. The chemistry between the leads is undeniable, but what makes their connection even more compelling is how their relationship develops. There is no instant love here; instead, we see two people evolve, both independently and together. This is a slow-burn romance in the truest sense, but it’s all the more rewarding for the patience it requires from the viewer.

Beyond romance, the series also dives deeply into themes of loss and longing. Characters grapple with the ghosts of their pasts—decisions they regret, people they've lost, and paths they wish they'd taken. The emotional depth of the characters is one of the drama’s greatest strengths. Each character feels real, flawed, and painfully human. This realism creates a connection with the audience, making every triumph feel hard-won and every sorrow feel deeply personal.

"Rich in Symbolism and Cultural Resonance"

The beauty of The First Frost is not only in its visual presentation and emotional storytelling but also in its rich symbolism and cultural depth. Frost, in Chinese culture, often represents the end of a season and the beginning of introspection, a time for reflection and renewal. In the drama, this symbolism is used to perfection, with the "first frost" acting as a turning point for the characters, a moment when everything seems frozen, but within that stillness, new growth is quietly beginning.

The series also beautifully incorporates elements of traditional Chinese culture, from its music to its philosophy. The quiet wisdom of the characters—often expressed through subtle dialogue or introspective moments—gives the show a depth that goes beyond surface-level drama. The interplay between personal desires and the broader cultural and familial expectations adds complexity to the characters’ journeys. This rich cultural backdrop creates a sense of timelessness, as if the struggles and joys of the characters have been mirrored in generations past.

"A Soundtrack That Speaks to the Soul"

Complementing the stunning visuals and emotional depth of The First Frost is its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack. The music perfectly encapsulates the mood of the drama, with soft, melancholic tunes that underscore the emotional weight of the story. The music is never overpowering; instead, it lingers in the background, amplifying the more poignant moments and adding layers to the scenes. The way the music intertwines with the frost-heavy imagery is poetic in itself, enhancing the feeling of winter's quiet embrace and the gradual thawing of hearts.

"A Story that Transcends Time"

What truly sets The First Frost apart is its ability to convey universal emotions—love, loss, and self-discovery—through the lens of a uniquely Chinese cultural perspective. While it is deeply rooted in its cultural and seasonal metaphors, the themes of the drama are universal. It speaks to anyone who has ever had to face the coldness of the world or their own heart, yet found solace and warmth in the quiet moments that follow.

The way time is explored in the drama is also remarkable. The title, The First Frost, hints at the fleeting nature of time, capturing the sense that no moment lasts forever. Just like the frost that graces the earth but soon fades away with the rise of the sun, the drama reminds us that every season, whether of the year or of our lives, eventually gives way to something new. The subtle passage of time within the story gives a nostalgic feel, but also a hopeful one—after the frost, there is always the promise of renewal.

CONCLUSION

The First Frost is a captivating blend of visual beauty, emotional depth, and cultural richness. It’s a series that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who watches it, offering a reminder of the fragility of time, the power of transformation, and the quiet strength found in love and personal growth. Its slow-burn romance, heart-wrenching moments, and stunning visuals make it a memorable viewing experience that resonates long after the final episode.

If you’re looking for a drama that is as poetic as it is profound, The First Frost will not disappoint. It’s a reminder that, even in the coldest of times, there is warmth to be found—sometimes in the most unexpected places.

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Such a disappointment…

I see only good reviews so I thought I will leave one, so you know it’s not really a masterpiece for everyone.
For me, this show was mostly boring and stupid. And honestly I don’t mean the slow burn. Some slow development between the main couple was actually the best part of the show. But besides that? Did anyone cared about the second lead couple? I did’t… I was even fast forwarding their parts at some point. The “rivals” of ML were a joke… What’s the point of even making such characters if there is like 0% chance that FL would like them? Actually, there is almost 0% chance that the viewers will like them. Are they only there to annoy us and make some unnecessary jealousy trope?
Plus I feel like to many things were happening in this show with no logic at all. I could honestly forgive that if the other parts were great cause it happens in those love dramas sometimes but here I could not focus on anything else…
Am I suppose to believe that the girl would really think the boy that spends so much time with her during the school days will not recognize her after 7years?! She didn’t even change her appearance drastically to make it possible at all…
And ofc the ML is the boy who can do anything. Fighting with few guys? No problemo. Lots of many when owning one bar? Of course. Getting the promotion after 3 months ? Easy. Really, making those guys a bit more realistic would be better, it’s not the CEO fantasy…

For the bright sides, the FL was mostly cute and I like how she was able to cut herself off of the family members.
ML was mostly cute too actually. I actually wish they had a better setup/background cause the couple deserved it. They were not cute enough to hold my attention with all the mess around though…

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