This review may contain spoilers
I can't help but think about it
I was eagerly waiting for this after i discovered we are getting Sang Yan's own story, because i really love him as a character from 'Hidden Love'. Though i am quite disappointed, I still appreciate that he gets to have his own romance as well, not just his sister.The story, well i would say it's slow, like very slooooowwww, and that's not an exaggeration, nor a critique, because I'm all for slow romance, we're not new in these waters because cdramas are always slow, hence why they would run up to 30-40 episodes, unlike kdramas and jdramas. But yeah, the story is slow, they are really taking their time building up the world and the characters, all the relationships and dynamics between them. Some sideplots might seem like fluff, but it's not filler for the sake of dragging the runtime, because the exploration helped the main plot develop.
It's very dark as well. If you came here thinking it would have the same feel as 'Hidden Love', you'd be disappointed, just like i was at first, because this one has a lot of mature themes and it's very serious since the characters are already adults.
The romance can be toxic depending on how you see it, because there's a lot of teasing, push and pull, make-up and break-up. To me i didn't really find it annoying or frustrating, because seeing what FL went through, you would feel for her. You need to understand she's like that because of her past, so it's hard to hate on her decisions, because they are valid.
I didn't mind that she fell first, he fell harder type shit, but in the later parts of the drama, they kept showing that it was all ML's ploy, he was in control of the situation that led FL to fall for him, its not bad, but you didn't have to do that because that ruined the natural flow of their romance development for me. Also, it led me to one of my realizations, i know dramas sometimes glorify Handsome men being so in love with the woman, but here it's not even in love, they made it seem like he was really obsessed with FL to the Max.
One thing as well, coming from someone who watched 'Hidden Love' years ago, i can't help but compare the version of Sang Yan here, because it's like they flipped his character with Duan Jiaxu, it was really hard adjusting to their characters when you're used to his mischievous side, and he seemed more distant here with his family. Though as a man i kinda get the switch here because when we fall in love, we get serious for some reason.
Overall, good and well written, though super slow. By the way, i love the color of this drama, like the way they filtered and edited the show. It is very heartwarming and cozy, in contrast to its title, which is very frosty. I think that complements the cold/dark/sad story.
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Best feel-good drama there is
This is one of those dramas where you press play, sit back and enjoy. Every minute of it.It might feel slow at times, but the scenery, music and acting are so good that you do not want to miss anything. Chemistry between leads is palpable through the screen, and I especially enjoyed the little banters they had and the teasings.
May be an unpopular opinion but I enjoyed this one far more than Hidden love, and would recommend everyone to watch it, even if you are not a fan of C/Kdrama.
The only downside worth mentioning is the FL coming home every day and NOT saying hello to her cat first!
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Genuine Lead Chemistry Shines in a Slow-Burn Romance, but Repetitive Storytelling Holds It Back
If you enjoy heartfelt performances and a romance that takes its time, this drama might be worth a try for you.What really stood out to me in “The First Frost” was just how sincere and emotional the lead actors were. Their chemistry felt so real that I actually found myself getting a little interested in their relationship, it was genuinely touching to watch. I also liked that the pacing didn’t rush things. The fact that there were episodes after the main conflict made the ending feel more complete, which I really appreciated.
But I have to be honest, some episodes did feel a bit slow and repetitive, especially with all the flashbacks. There were moments where I wished the story would just move forward instead of circling back to the same memories. I also wanted more from the secondary couple and the side plots as they had potential but just weren’t developed enough for me.
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"First Frost" vs. "Hidden Love" – A Tale of Two Love Stories
Both First Frost and Hidden Love are romantic dramas that explore deep emotions and relationships, but they offer vastly different viewing experiences. While First Frost is a beautifully crafted story about enduring love, Hidden Love stands out as something refreshingly unique. Here’s why:*Story & Themes"
The First Frost follows a more traditional romance arc—childhood friends, separation, reunion, and emotional struggles. It’s well-executed, with strong acting and heartfelt moments, but it doesn’t deviate much from the classic tropes we’ve seen before......Hidden Love, on the other hand, breaks away from the usual formula. It focuses on a slow-burn, secret crush that evolves into a mature relationship. The storytelling feels more intimate, capturing the nervous excitement of unspoken feelings in a way that’s rare in dramas.
"Chemistry & Characters"
First Frost has solid chemistry between the leads, portraying deep emotional bonds and sacrifices. However, their dynamic follows a somewhat predictable path......Hidden Love thrives on its realistic and tender interactions. The way the male lead gradually realizes the female lead’s feelings—and how she navigates her hidden emotions—makes their relationship incredibly engaging.
"Emotional Impact"
First Frost delivers heavy emotions—longing, heartbreak, and reconciliation—which are moving but somewhat expected in melodramas......Hidden Love tugs at the heart differently. It’s lighter yet deeply affecting because it captures the small, quiet moments of love—the stolen glances, the hesitation before a confession, and the thrill of being seen by someone you adore.
"Final Thoughts"
First Frost is a well-made drama with strong performances, but Hidden Love stands out as something special. It’s not just about love—it’s about the anticipation of love, the fear and excitement of confessing, and the sweetness of mutual pining. If you’ve seen many traditional romances, Hidden Love will feel like a breath of fresh air.
First Frost (Great, but familiar) but Hidden Love (Unique, addictive, and unforgettable)
If you want deep, dramatic love, First Frost is a good pick. But if you crave a love story that feels real, tender, and different, Hidden Love is the one to watch. ❤️......lastly this is what I feel and my POV.
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I didn’t expect this drama to grip me like this, but it did.
THE FIRST FROST – DRAMA REVIEWIf I were to describe The First Frost in one sentence, it would be: A hauntingly beautiful tale of rekindled love, quiet trauma, and tender second chances wrapped in subtle storytelling and poetic cinematography.
I’ll say this first – this is not your average romance drama. It feels different. The atmosphere, the soundtrack, the characters – everything is designed to immerse you into a world of unspoken regrets, lingering pain, and love that never really went away.
WHAT I LOVED
1. The Vibe – Melancholic, Consistent, Beautiful.
From the opening episode with "Goodbye, Sang Yan" to the slow burning tension in their shared apartment, the tone is masterfully held throughout. The drama starts with a bittersweet re-encounter and continues to bleed nostalgic hues all over its plot. The rainy nights, dim lighting, quiet bus rides, stolen glances – it’s all so soft yet heavy. The soundtrack? Always on point. It swells with the emotion of each scene and lingers long after the screen fades to black.
2. The Character Depth.
Wen Yifan is one of the most complex female leads I’ve seen in a while. She’s not outspoken. She doesn’t yell. She doesn’t explain herself often. And yet, you feel her pain, her guilt, her hesitation in every single expression. The sleepwalking? A literal manifestation of her past trauma and emotional suppression. And then there’s Sang Yan – the quietly wounded, lovesick boy turned man who’s been carrying the weight of a heartbreak he never truly understood. His affection is consistent, almost annoyingly so – from protecting her silently to setting up safety precautions in the house because she sleepwalks. And don’t even get me started on how he remembers her birthday, her perfume, and her university switch even after years of silence.
3. The Acting – Micro-Expressions Carry the Whole Show.
There are moments where no words are exchanged, but the tension is louder than anything. Their chemistry is aching. So real.
4. The Flashbacks – Piecing the Puzzle.
The drama beautifully balances past and present, slowly peeling back the layers of what went wrong.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
1. Mu Chengyun. Just… No.
Persistent in a way that wasn’t charming but invasive. He doesn’t understand boundaries. Keeps popping up where he’s not wanted. Even after being told no, he keeps pressing. I get that he represents a parallel love interest, but he didn’t need to be this annoying.
2. Wen Yifan's Reluctance Sometimes Feels Drawn Out.
I understand her trauma. Truly, I do. But there were times where her refusal to acknowledge Sang Yan’s obvious affection, or her own feelings, felt a little too prolonged. Girl, how much more do you need? Maybe it was meant to mirror her fear of loss, but a part of me wanted her to at least apologise sooner or make a bold move without hiding.
3. Su Haoan's Tragic Backstory – Felt Forced.
This is going to be controversial but… I didn’t feel much when he talked about his trauma story. It felt inserted to give him depth, but it didn’t land for me. Compared to the emotional realism of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s arc, his came off more as a plot device.
All in all, it's a beautiful story of how healing can come in the form of one person who never gives up on you. Someone who shows up, and patiently waits for you to come around – again.
Rating: 9/10.
Would’ve been a 10 if not for Mu Chengyun and the mid-season drag. But this one will stay with me for a while.
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Good drama, but had the potential to be much better.
What I liked:I feel like there are very few romance dramas I’ve watched that actually explore the FML’s trauma in great detail, as it’s done here. In Hidden Love and WIFTY, we get a glimpse of the ML’s trauma but the FML’s issues are rarely discussed, if ever at all. It was nice seeing the reverse for the change. As with every ML that Zhu Yi has written, Sang Yan is such a green flag and I really liked how protective and supportive he was of the FML despite how frustrating she was at times. The FML, despite her issues, was a very interesting character and I think the show did a good job of depicting how she didn’t let her childhood trauma affect her ability to become successful in life.
What I disliked:
Given the premise, I expected this story to be darker compared to Hidden Love, with the FML’s trauma serving as a central plot point in moving the narrative forward. While this drama does a good job of illustrating how Yifan’s trauma has shaped her personality and career, it falls short in portraying her character growth, and how she was able to heal and move past her fears despite her past experiences. Throughout the story, we saw some signs of growth, such as her standing up for Sang Yan and going to her mother’s house after her uncle appeared to frame Sang Yan’s restaurant for food poisoning. Also her choosing not to forgive her mother for not taking care of her after her father died. Aside from that though, I feel like it could’ve been executed a lot better. Yifan never opened up to anyone about her issues, which is understandable to an extent given the negative circumstances she was in. Although I was getting increasingly annoyed in the later half of the story when she and Sang Yan were already in a relationship, and not only did she lie to him about what happened but she completely up and left him and her entire life in Nanwu without any warning. I understand that in certain situations, people with PTSD have a tendency to make irrational decisions. But I really wish she had at the very least, told her friends and Sang Yan the reason behind why she left. Their reunion felt extremely underwhelming too. I feel like Sang Yan and Yifan needed to have a more serious conversation about her issues. I was also hoping she’d finally open up to her best friend about her past trauma after they reunited, but that never happened. I feel like this show had more opportunities to delve into her communication issues and family trauma but instead half of its runtime was spent on the 2nd lead couple (which btw, barely contributed anything to the main leads’ story) and grandparent’s relationship, which I did not care for at all. Speaking of which, I thought the 2nd leads’ relationship had a lot of potential in the beginning, but fell short because much of their relationship revolved around Su Hao’an’s grandpa, rather than them actually getting to know each other as people. Another complaint I have about the ML and FML’s romance is the development of their relationship felt a little shallow for my liking. Aside from being conventionally attractive, I’m not entirely sure what it was about the FML that captivated the ML so much. Don’t get me wrong I loved seeing Sang Yan display his unconditional love for Yifan but some of his actions felt a little over exaggerated. For example, him following the FML home without her knowing, flying to Yihe for her graduation, following her around the airport. I also felt like it was obvious that his devotion to the FML was also probably the only reason she even noticed him to begin with. As a result, Sang Yan’s character felt a little bit one dimensional for me and I wish the story could’ve explored his struggles separate from Yifan’s.
Despite the glaring issues I had with this drama, it was still enough of an enjoyable experience for me to recommend watching it. Although if you’re like me, and get frustrated with a lack of communication, slow pacing, and too much screen time spent on the secondary couple, then you might be left somewhat disappointed.
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A Green-Forest-Man Dream Brought to Life
This drama is a gem for anyone yearning for the ultimate green-forest-man fantasy. Sang Yan, brought to life by Bai Jingting’s sweet and grounded performance, absolutely lives up to the hype. His warmth, patience, and unwavering loyalty make him the kind of male lead people dream about. On the other hand, it’s impossible to hate Wen Yi Fan, especially with Zhang Ruonan embodying her so perfectly as the epitome of fragile beauty. Once you understand her backstory, every hesitation and fear she carries makes sense.Honestly, this drama sells the dream: it’s the hope that every broken girl can someday find someone who makes love feel safe enough to heal. Sang Yan represents that kind of love; steady, loyal, and healing. Raised in a warm, loving family, he naturally has so much care and stability to offer. The kind of love every wounded heart hopes to find.
My only issue is the later breakup arc. Watching Sang Yan suffer all over again because of Wen Yi Fan’s trauma-driven anxiety felt like unnecessary pain for a man who had already given so much. But aside from that, the drama still gives us the full package: strong chemistry, healing romance, and a sweet ending that feels worth celebrating.
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This review may contain spoilers
Since this was based on the character Sang Yan from Hidden Love, I couldn't wait to watch it. And I really wanted to like this more than I did. But, unfortunately, I felt something was missing.Granted it started with a disadvantage because I was a fan of Victor Ma (the original Sang Yan in HL) but I came to like the actor Bai Jing Ting in the role, even though he still didn't quite ring true as Sang Yan.
What I had a hard time with was the character Wen Yi Fan's treatment of Sang Yan. Leaving him when she was in high school and breaking his heart might have been understandable but doing it again once they were adults and in a relationship. I had a hard time with it.
One can forgive someone once especially a teenager they do dumb stuff without warning all the time. But as an adult? She could have talked it over with him. At the very least she could have left a proper goodbye.
It did have a happy ending.
All in all not a bad watch but it definitely didn't live up to all the expectations.
Should you watch it? That depends. Are you a fan of Victor Ma? Did you love him as Sang Yan? If you did this one might just grate a bit, because no one can replace an original actor in a role. However if you can set aside that and watch this drama as a standalone unrelated to HL then by all means give it a shot, you just may enjoy it.
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In my opinion this cdrama was well overrated
So I think that this cdrama is pretty good the actors are cute. I wouldn’t say that they had THE best chemistry but it was good enough. To me this drama is overrated because I kept on seeing on social media that the story was insane, however it was pretty basic to me. They were friends for a long time and always loved each other. It is a good and cute story that I enjoyed but there are lots of drama having the same scenario. Even though I think that it is overrated, I liked it, it just didn’t match my expectations. If you love chill and cute romance you will definitely like it.Was this review helpful to you?
The First Frost made me cry, dream… and rant !!!
To be honest, this is one of the most beautiful Chinese dramas I’ve ever watched. You get completely immersed in the story — it’s touching, with so many emotionally moving moments that really got to me. I binged it all in one go. It’s romantic and full of hope. The male lead is simply outstanding — very promising, with a natural acting style, and what’s especially refreshing is that he doesn’t have that "celebrity ego" that you often see in other Chinese actors. The actress is beautifulNow, about the plot and storytelling: just like Hidden Love, I really enjoyed this drama. You can instantly feel it’s from the same author — with all their strengths and weaknesses. This story has more dark elements, and I love that (since The First Frost is actually part of the same book series as Hidden Love — it’s a prequel). But honestly, it's better not to know that going in, because it can interfere with how you experience The First Frost.
As in Hidden Love, there were also things that emotionally bothered me here. I absolutely love the male lead’s unconditional love, but again, there’s a clear imbalance — the female lead doesn’t show the same level of emotional commitment. Everything the boy did in his life somehow revolved around her… but what has she done for him? Not even a proper “I love you.” Yes, I get it — trauma, emotional wounds… but in that case, the story should’ve leaned more toward a dramatic tone.
I would’ve emphasized this emotional imbalance if the drama had been tonally dramatic. But here, everything remains soft and romantic, and that imbalance is treated like it’s normal — as if it’s supposed to be that way.
Please don’t tell me this coldness is a cultural thing — it gets in the way of true emotional resonance. I wish there had been at least one small gesture, a little sacrifice from her side, or some sharp, heartfelt dialogue. (By the way, the dialogues often felt childish — for example, in episode 27, this was sorely lacking, especially if we’re supposed to treat this as a “literary” work.)
I really liked the second couple. As for the male lead — he’s completely different from his character in Hidden Love. Maybe a slightly “bad boy” persona like the one in Hidden Love would’ve fit better here, given the context. That said, I have nothing against the actor — he’s amazing, very expressive, and makes the character feel soft, sensitive, stylish, and so on. They made a casting that is very very close to Lusi and Chen Zheyuan instead of differentiating
And one more thing — sometimes I couldn’t tell if certain scenes or actions were unnecessary because of how the story was written, or just because they had to stretch it out to 32 episodes.
Ahhh… if only this same story had been told in just 8 episodes — it could’ve been a masterpiece.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Beautifully Heartbreaking Masterpiece
The First Frost is an emotional masterpiece, weaving love, pain, and healing into a story that lingers long after it ends. With breathtaking cinematography, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, and some of the most emotionally raw performances, this drama is nothing short of unforgettable.Sang Yan – The Greenest Forest, The Deepest Love
I absolutely loved watching Sang Yan. He isn’t just a male lead—he’s a character who carries an immense depth of emotion. His love for Wen Yifan is quiet but intense, steady yet heartbreaking. He never demands love in return, nor does he push beyond what she is willing to give. Instead, he waits, loving her in the only way he knows how—with patience, quiet devotion, and unwavering loyalty.
Sang Yan doesn’t wear his emotions on his sleeve, but the way he looks at Yifan says everything. He’s the kind of person who would rather suffer alone than burden the one he loves. Every scene with him felt like a quiet storm—his love was always present, even in silence. This boy deserves pure love, and watching his pain unfold throughout the drama was absolutely gut-wrenching.
Wen Yifan – A Woman Learning to Love Again
Wen Yifan’s journey is one of the most painful yet rewarding parts of the drama. She carries the weight of her past, her trauma shaping the way she views love. Her pain is deeply ingrained, and sometimes, I found it hard to relate to her expressions. However, that only made her struggles feel more real—she isn’t perfect, and her healing isn’t linear.
Her relationship with Sang Yan was as much about love as it was about healing. His patience, his quiet support, and his willingness to wait allowed her to slowly open up. Watching her learn to trust again, to accept love instead of pushing it away, was one of the most beautifully heartbreaking arcs in the drama.
A Love That Speaks Through Silence
The chemistry between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan is pure magic. It’s not about dramatic declarations or grand gestures—it’s in the way they look at each other, the way their presence alone speaks volumes. Their love story is built on years of unresolved emotions, longing, and pain. Every scene between them feels heavy with unspoken words, yet their connection is undeniable.
Their moments together are soft yet intense, painful yet comforting. They don’t need to say much because their emotions are so deeply embedded in their actions. It’s the kind of love that never truly fades, no matter how much time or distance separates them. Watching them find their way back to each other, step by step, was an emotional journey I didn’t want to end.
Shen Zai & Zhao Mingxi – A Love That Feels Like Home
While the main couple carried the emotional weight of the drama, Shen Zai and Zhao Mingxi were a breath of fresh air. Their love story was lighthearted, full of warmth and playfulness, but still deeply meaningful. They balanced each other perfectly—Shen Zai’s unwavering devotion and Zhao Mingxi’s strong-willed nature made their relationship dynamic and exciting.
Their chemistry was natural, effortless, and full of heart. Unlike Sang Yan and Wen Yifan, whose love was tangled in past pain, Shen Zai and Zhao Mingxi’s love felt freeing. Their moments together brought a sense of relief from the intensity of the main story, yet they were never just a side plot. They had their own struggles, their own emotional depth, and their relationship felt just as real and significant.
I absolutely loved watching them, and honestly, they deserve a drama of their own. The way they supported each other, the way their banter felt so natural—it was impossible not to root for them.
Wen Yifan’s Family – A Pain That Should Be Left Behind
Her mother made my blood boil. The emotional neglect, the complete lack of remorse—it was infuriating to watch. Some families don’t deserve redemption, and this was one of them. Seeing Yifan struggle with the weight of her past, carrying wounds inflicted by the very people who should have protected her, made her story even more heartbreaking.
Final Thoughts
The First Frost isn’t just a drama—it’s an experience. It’s beautifully heartbreaking, with a love story that is both painful and healing. Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s love is the kind that lingers, while Shen Zai and Zhao Mingxi bring warmth and joy. Together, they create a drama that is emotionally rich, deeply moving, and absolutely unforgettable.
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MUST WATCH DRAMA
Absolutely amazing! I’m at a loss for words, but here’s my best shot: This drama will make you feel the depth of love in every possible way from the moment it begins to its final seconds. The chemistry between the leads is so genuine, and the entire cast, from the young Sang Yan to Grandpa Su, delivers outstanding performances. Even the supporting characters shine, highlighting the true strength of friendship and how vital it is to have someone to lean on in life. Truly a captivating journey from start to finish!Was this review helpful to you?
