Patience and understanding is what everyone needs to watch this drama!
Do you like watching dramas with high school reciprocated crush, years of yearning, angst, and possibly lovingly stalking said crush for years, from afar, just to see how she's doing? Well, this drama is for you!!This drama teaches you a lot about how your environment and the lack of support can affect your life and personality. It is the total opposite of the male lead's family where he gets plenty of support and happiness compare to the female lead.Trigger warning this drama involves SA, and murder.
The First Frost is definitely part of my list of top modern dramas of all times! Mostly because of how complex Wen Yi Fan's character is. It seems many viewers in the beginning did not enjoy how she is, but in reality this is the result of her environment and you just need to analyze and use critical thinking before saying the character sucks or the actress's acting is horrible.
Wen Yi Fan played by Zhang Ruonan is not your average bubbly, outgoing female lead. She seems like an introverted, awkward, and reserved female lead. Even when she opened up and gained more confidence, her personality is still there - awkward and introverted which is what I like about the character. You do not see these kind of female very often! I wouldn't say she is popular but she is seen as very beautiful that girls are even jealous of her. The First Frost is definitely about Sang Yan's love life, while Hidden Love was about Sang Zhi's. However, to me it felt like the story was about Wen Yi Fan more than Sang Yan. I felt so much empathy, and sorrow for Wen Yi Fan because of what she went through. It is so understandable why she is the way she is in modern times because of how traumatic her past is. In addtion, the one family member that she needed the most in her time of need was not there for her at all! Due to this traumatic past, WYF rarely open up to anyone, never asked for help because she thinks there's no point in it. Until she met Sang Yan once again. Throughout the drama, you can slowly watch WYF gain more and more confidence in herself as well as opening up more than before. It is mostly because of SY, he was always there for her even if they weren't close. Plese give WYF a chance before you say anything negative because I need yall to understand she has TRAUMA! I can't stress this enough! Maybe some of you can resonate with her in one way or another - I know I did. :(
This is my first drama of Zhang Ruo Nan, and I am quite impressed because her micro expressions were so good! Her awkwardness is very realistic, she acts like someone who definitely had hardships and suffered immensely through the years of isolation, loneliness, and trauma. Just one look at her and you can tell that she has gone through something. I am definitely looking forward to more of her dramas from now on!
Sang Yan played by Bai Jing Ting. I'm sure we have all seen many, many dramas of female leads chasing after the cold, stoic popular male lead. This is the reverse!! Except, Sang Yan tries to play it off coolly, which makes his character quite hilarious. Anyhow, The First Frost is about Sang Yan constantly running after and supporting WYF, even if they weren't in each other's lives, he still looked for her because he never stopped loving her since their separation. They had a plan to go to the same college to begin their relationship but due to other reasons, it did not go as planned and SY was heartbroken for YEARS. He is also stubborn, he still looks from WYF from afar - giving me the stalker vibes ngl. I suppose this only works in fiction, and definitely not in real life, but it's prob rare who knows. I digress. Sang Yan in this drama is more "cold" compared to Hidden Love's version of Sang Yan. He does still joke around, he's also pretty clueless to what has happened with WYF, but he's very patient with her. He's willing to wait for her until she tells him herself. He's the type of guy, minus the stalking, that every woman would want because he's patient, he reassures WYF when she feels down, he cooks for her (basically disguises it as he cooked too much lmao), cleans, and very protective of her even if he didn't understand everything. What I like about SY is he has so much empathy for WYF especially when he knows she's going through something. He would feel helpless because he's not sure what's going on with her. I think it's very poignant to see him cry because that just means she loves him so much. :')
There would be attempts of cockblockers, but I wouldn't worry too much about it because the leads would just shove them off honestly. They're very straightforward with how they feel and will not leave the cockblockers with much thought. Albeit, someone was quite entitled and stubborn but he will be gone eventually.
I've seen a few of Bai Jing Ting's drama in his early years, and he definitely has improved since then. His microexpressions, THE EYE ACTING!! It was just so good to see how much emotion he can portray with his eyes alone. You can tell someone is a good actor from not just their micro expressions but also the eye acting.
I think both BJT and ZYN nailed it! :]
I wasn't too interested in the second lead so I kind of skipped a lot of it. Their storyline was boring. I do, however, loved it when Sang Zhi came around because I wanted to compare it with Hidden Love and see where the timeline matched. ZYN's family did amazing job at acting though, especially the evil guy. Dude just emanates EVIL when he enters. It scared the crap out of me, even in his eyes it was like WHOA. Even the evil aunt was SOOOO fake from he begining, I could tell from the way she looks and acts - I've seen this in real life before and I hated the aunt for acting so fake and then explodes as if she's right. They did a wonderful job at acting ngl. Applause!
THE MUSIC, my new obssession is from the OST - Silence Wang -Like Sunny Day, Like Rainy Day! Every other song in this drama was amazing as well!!
I definitely recommend this drama if you love angst, melodramas, slow burn, and would like to see a male chasing after the female lead for once.
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This review may contain spoilers
Great drama that aired at the perfect time, matching the season and my mood!
Romance-wise this is not far off from the best I have seen in cdramaland. The acting by the leads is fantastic, it's rather hard to believe the FL is played by the same actress I've recently seen in `A Date with the Future `.I've read the novel & I think it's alright & oftentimes very beautiful, but as someone who has read countless Chinese romance novels, I think there are better ones out there. This show is really benefiting from its audiovisuals & the various involved arts besides writing, overall I'd say the drama is significantly elevated over the novel.
So why is it not 10 stars? Well there are a few plot related hiccups. Due to changes the director/script-re-writer made, the drama ended up having 3 rather weak episodes, 24 to 26 was it? It was really unnecessary to turn something sufficiently dramatic into a 6 month force separation due to noble reasons. Sure maybe this is arguably realistic enough, considering our FL's mental state, but there was really no reason to make this such a long affair on our screens. Also the second couple -which does not exist in the novel- is straight up boring & second ML's family things, grandpa's dog burial etc are 5/10 at best. Assuming these things did not exist in the comic either, the director's own touch misfired a little bit here, though it's not that much time-wise..
Mistakes aside, our rewriter has done some good work too here and there, for example the ending 3 episodes are very satisfying & well done as opposed to the what we get from the side stories in the novel.
Overall this is a beautiful and very atmospheric healing drama with a lot of positive messaging, I can only recommend!
I'm especially happy with how the FL has dealt with her mother, I'm shocked that this passed censorship to be honest, I fully expected the drama version to add a mini redemption arc or some kind of concession for the mom, but I'm super happy that the toxic parent got what was coming to them, amazing! (and this almost never happens in Asian dramas)
(triangle haters can safely watch, the flies get dealt with rather quickly)
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You Are Worthy of Love
"𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦?""𝘕𝘰, 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥."
May this love find every woman who has tried to escape from love her whole life.
The First Frost ❄️
"Shuang Jiang," or "Frost's Descent," marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter—a reminder of nature’s cycle of renewal and transformation. This story follows a girl named Wen Yifan, whose father gave her the nickname Wen Shuang Jiang because she was born during the first frost.
Just like her name, Wen Yifan’s life also transformed suddenly—like the changing of seasons. But ever since that moment, she has been stuck in an endless winter, cold and unforgiving, where warmth feels out of reach.
Will the warmth find her? Will she find her sun?
To me, it's more than just a love story. It's a journey of healing. Every girl can somehow relate to this character. This drama approaches the topic of sexual assault with subtlety and realism. The makers of this show did an excellent job portraying such a sensitive topic, making the message clear: 'The one who has to suffer is the criminal, not the victim.' Victims should not have to carry their wounds forever.
Yifan’s healing journey is at the heart of The First Frost. It’s raw and emotional. Running away from everything was her only way of surviving. But when there was one more person she wanted to protect—someone she loved—she realized that running could no longer be the answer. Gradually, Yifan finds the courage to love herself again.
So, did Wen Yifan find the warmth?
No, because it had been with her all along, quietly waiting.
A warmth that had never left, never faltered.
Someone who volunteered to take care of her, to hold her, no matter the cost.
Someone who loved her with a depth that time couldn’t erase, a love so pure, so patient.
Someone who, in every way, was made of love—raised by it, shaped by it, and capable of offering it in its truest form.
All this time, it was 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙖𝙣.
This drama was so beautiful from start to finish. It wasn’t just a story—it was an emotion, one that lingers long after the final scene.
Before watching this, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of love, heartbreak, healing, and the kind of devotion that feels almost too good to be real. 🎡
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A little yapping about the greatest lover boy:
I could write a thousand words about Sang Yan, but no amount of words would ever be enough for him. He is too fictional to even be fictional.
Only a woman could have written a man like him. And living in a world where men like Sang Yan don’t exist? That feels like a punishment.
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Love That Never Gives Up—A Story That Echoes Through Time
The First Frost is more than just a romance drama—it is an emotionally profound journey that resonates deeply with those who have experienced the trials of unwavering love. Watching Sang Yan patiently wait for Zhong Si Qiao, never wavering in his devotion, felt incredibly personal to me. His persistence reminded me of my own story—pursuing my wife for over a year until she finally accepted my love on the day I was about to give up.Every moment in this drama touched my heart, bringing tears and an overwhelming sense of warmth. The performances were exceptional, and the storytelling beautifully captured the essence of love that withstands time and challenges. Without a doubt, The First Frost deserves a perfect 10/10—it is a masterpiece that will stay with me forever.
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In a World That Overlooked Her, He Chose to Love Her
Out of the 10–15 C-dramas I’ve started, I’ve only completed five, and this one instantly took the top spot on my favorites list. The female lead—my god!—I’ve never felt so emotionally attached to a character before. It felt like winning everything just to see her smile. The way her character is portrayed in this drama is simply unforgettable.The cast was phenomenal in their roles, and the male lead was such a green flag that he didn’t even feel real. Just start watching, and by the end of the very first episode, you’ll realize what a treat you’re in for.
One of the absolute best dramas of 2025—the story, the characters, the OST—everything was top-notch. I wish I could give it 10000/10. Highly recommended!
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Very Impressive
I usually follow the dramas I watch quietly and keep my comments to myself. I won't be able to keep my feelings for this drama to myself. I was inspired by Yi Fan. "The First Frost” left a deep impression on me. From its well-developed characters to its emotional storytelling, everything about this drama captivated me. I truly connected with the journey of the main characters, their struggles, and their growth throughout the series. One thing that touched me the most was Sang Yan’s unwavering devotion—his patience, kindness, and the way he always wanted the best for the woman he loved. No matter how much time passed or how many obstacles stood in his way, he never gave up on her. The atmosphere was beautifully crafted, making each moment feel both heartfelt and immersive. The soundtrack added an extra layer of emotion, perfectly complementing the story. Overall, this drama was a touching and unforgettable experience that I highly recommend.Was this review helpful to you?
Lost in Their World: The Magic of The First Frost
Honestly, there's nothing I can critique about this drama. It's simply perfect. Casting Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan and Zhang Ruo Nan as Wen Yi Fan was the best decision. Their chemistry was truly outstanding. I could relate to all the emotions they portrayed. I felt deep sympathy for Yi Fan's past trauma and genuinely sensed the immense and sincere love Sang Yan has for Yi Fan was.I was truly amazed by Sang Yan and Yi Fan's love for each other. Even though they were separated for quite a long time, their hearts never changed. They never dated anyone else. Even time could not change their love for each other.
What makes this drama even more complete is its exceptional soundtrack. Every scene, from moments of joy to times of sorrow, is perfectly underscored by its music. The soundtrack significantly amplifies the emotional impact for me as a viewer, allowing for a stronger connection to the unfolding story.
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A Frosted Reunion That Had Me Falling For
* No Spoilers *This drama had me hooked from start to finish, never once tempting me to hit the fast-forward button—though I did skip a few of the more graphic scenes.
Sang Yan’s entire character seemed to revolve around Wen Yi Fan, as if his purpose was to bring her the warmth and affection she had been deprived of growing up. While he maintained his usual arrogance and teasing nature, he was always there to remind her that she, too, deserved good things. His loyalty and small, heartfelt gestures were endearing. He might have played it cool, acting cocky on the surface, but deep down, he was nothing more than a top graduate from the “loser school.”
Wen Yi Fan was never weak. Her constant efforts to escape the difficult environment she grew up in proved that. She was outspoken—whether at work or in expressing her dislike for her mother—except when it came to her feelings for Sang Yan, which took her longer to admit. Her past was heartbreaking, and her present was riddled with similarly unfortunate encounters (a bit too many, if you ask me—I’m looking at you, director! It was enough!). She bottled everything up, carrying the weight of it all on her own.
Bai Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan felt more refined and slightly less rebellious compared to the source material, but it was still excellent. He embodied the character effortlessly. Zhang Ruonan brought Wen Yi Fan to life so well that it’ll be hard not to think of Wen Shuangjiang when I see her in future projects. She may not match the exact visual description from the original work, but that hardly mattered. As for the second leads, Zhang Miao Yi and William Chan were an absolute delight to watch.
Now for the criticism:
The drama’s visual style included some artistic choices that may have made certain scenes difficult to watch—I definitely took note of that. The side couple’s storyline wasn’t an issue, but the way the grandpa’s arc was integrated often felt intrusive to the main plot. I understand that it was meant to offer a different perspective on love and contrast the various sides of life, but it sometimes felt excessive. Then there was the “mosquito dude” who constantly hovered around Wen Yi Fan, acting as if he was entitled to her. I’ll let that one slide since he was never a real contender, and watching him get put in his place was downright hilarious.
Lastly, the Hong Kong arc—I initially disliked it, but after rewatching it alongside the following episodes, I appreciated it more. It played a crucial role in Wen Yi Fan’s growth, allowing her to finally open up about her past with Sang Yan.
All in all, I loved this frosted reunion, I’m going to miss the warmth and love these two radiated so effortlessly on screen. I love them fiercely.
❄️: "Tell me, were you sent by my dad to take care of me?"
🍃: "No, I volunteered."
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The most magnificently alluring romance stories to ever exist in the world...
This is my very first time writing a review like this. Pardon me for my grammar or the way i explained it... oh and that point is enough to tell how magnificent "The First Frost" is until it makes me touched to write a review even though it could be such a mess.. I don't know if this contains spoiler or not but I think it is not... but maybe for some people it is spoiler🥹🙏First of all, the two main characters are so beautifully written. Wen Yifan, who faced a lot of pain still manages to take care of herself well. She manages to stand up even when she loses everything and has no one to rely on. Even when she could have someone "Sang Yan", she still thinks of how she could have hurt him. She probably thinks it was like keeping "black ink" in her heart, one drop of it could make people around her feel hurt too.. That is why she is always closed her heart to explain more.. She is such an incredible woman, and i am proud to witness her story..
Sang Yan, a boy who used to get everything he wanted as he planned.. He grow up in a lively family.. Then he falls in love with Wen Yifan who hide her heart not because she doesn't love him, but because she loves him, she couldn't bare to see him know her pain... But he is a MAN who keeps his word.. He loves her and he will always do as what he said to her in their highschool.. He loves her in their bright day and their darkest one.. But i feel like, his feeling for her is much bigger than the word "Love" it self.. He adore her, he care for her, he appreciate her, he adore her, he is willing to do everything for her.. But the Bai Jing Ting (xiao bai) and Zhang Ruo Nan (nannan) who played them are nailing it soooo brilliantly🥹The PERFECT Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. I feel so attached and connected with their characters... I really love the way they interpreted their characters.. The chemistry is📈📈 off the charts🥹😭💖🤩 I really hope they will meet again in a new project together..
And that is why The First Frost got me 10/10 for the Story, Acting/Cast, and for Rewatch Value???! Broo the story and acting are so perfect, but we got perfect visuals too?!! hell yeah!! perfect visuals from the cast and the aesthetic videography!! thank you so much to all the of the Team who put everything into making such a brilliantly magnificent ART! OH! and don't forget the OSTs!! I'm currently writing this review while listening to the osts... such a perfect OST... every single song is a hit!! it compiles every scene so perfectly... oh also the background music, the sound, the instrumental oh my...🥹that "hoo hoo hoo~" sound that played during SangYifan Highschool scene is giving a very nostalgic feels.. (context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtl3nU-dEqU&ab_channel=deepti)
Ohh how i love The First Frost so much🥹😭 I love Wen Yifan and Sang Yan sooo much!!🥹💖 I never ever felt like this before after watching plenty of dramas... you all are so precious to me.. i always wanted to go back to the time when i watched The First Frost for the first time again... i remember thinking about it all the time when i haven't finished watching it yet and even ended up crying plenty of times not just when watching the dramas but when i was just think about it in my head🥹💔💖... when it was ended I'm so not ready to watch the last 2 episode (eps 31 and 32) because i just couldn't believe that it was already ended🥹💖at the end i watched it at March 30th 2025 about like 11 o'clock i guess? until March 31st 2025 at 0:11🥹My Best Drama of All Time!!
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My Review of The First Frost
The First Frost is one of those dramas that lingers in your mind long after the final episode. It’s a slow-burn romance that thrives on nostalgia, unspoken emotions, and the bittersweet feeling of reconnecting with someone from your past.Bai Jingting delivers a heartfelt performance as Sang Yan, a character who hides his vulnerabilities behind a playful yet emotionally guarded persona. Zhang Ruonan, as Wen Yifan, perfectly embodies the quiet pain of someone who has learned to protect herself from heartbreak. Their chemistry is beautifully restrained, making every small gesture—stolen glances, hesitant touches, lingering silences—feel heavy with meaning.
The cinematography adds to the atmosphere, using warm lighting and soft-focus shots to capture the characters' emotions. The storytelling is non-linear at times, weaving past and present together in a way that makes their relationship feel layered and real.
That being said, the pacing might not be for everyone. It’s not a drama filled with grand gestures or dramatic twists, but rather a thoughtful exploration of love, regrets, and second chances. Some of the side characters felt underdeveloped, and a few subplots could have been explored further, but overall, the main couple carries the show effortlessly.
If you enjoy slow-burn romances with deep emotional depth and beautifully crafted storytelling, The First Frost is definitely worth watching. It’s not just a love story—it’s a reflection on time, change, and the possibility of rekindling what was once lost.
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THE BEST DRAMA I'VE EVER WATCHED!!!!
There's not even one thing that I dislike about it.IT'S LITERALLY THAT PERFECT 😭♥️
Anybody reading this, I swear you're gonna love it 😭
And honestly, I think it was better than Hidden Love. Athough I stopped watching it long time back (because it wasn't that addicting or eye catching) but yeah The First Frost was definitely A MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭🥹🥹♥️♥️
If we say according to MDL, then it at least deserves a 9.2 rating!!!
The actors were FANTASTIC, the script was mind-blowing, and the way of filming was just wowww and and and not forgetting the BEST OST IN HISTORY oh my god 😭😭🙇🏻♀️🙇🏻♀️♥️♥️
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