Love that gives you strength to be the best version of yourself
The drama about different types of love and how lack of it impacts one's life. The story about a girl with heartbreaking past and a guy, who loves her with every fiber of her body. Great performance from both leads that show the depth of the characers.I'm especially impressed with the female lead, who shows the journey of the girl with walls all the way up, closed down to the outside world to the girl that loves fiercely and lives her life without fear, in a very heart-touching portrayal. There is great attention to detail in this show, from how the characters dress (male lead always wear black at the beginning and then starts to wear brighter colors as the story progresses) to in which light on which side of the screen the characters are shown.
The drama is accompanied with a great soundtrack that sets the mood for the show beautifully.
My favourite of 2025 so far.
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THIS IS MY FAVOURITE DRAMA OF THE YEARR!! I just completed IT and all I must say is I LOVEDDD ittt!!
I can't accept that I finished it I want more please their married life tooo.Wen Yifan is such a unique character she is an introvert, is shy but not socially awkward she cries but she's not weak. Her character is so real and I love it. I somehow feel relatable with her character because I feel we are similar.
Sang Yan is such a green flag he kept his promise and never left her side even when she distanced herself from the whole world.
This drama turned out to be so heavy I didn't expect it but everything was so real and natural the way she felt I could feel it through the screen.
This drama made me a fan of both leads. I love how we can see sang yan's blood boil and tears in his eyes when she's telling everything she has been through. He never blamed her once he instead blamed himself for not making himself trustworthy!!
THE ACTING😭😭😭
THE VISUALS!!
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY!!
THE FRIENDSHIP!!
THE LONGING!!
THEIR STORY!!!
I'm scared no drama could match this!!
MY TOP 1 DRAMA OF THE YEAR!!
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Love is Becoming Each Other’s Light
The First Frost is one of those Chinese dramas that really gets under your skin—in the best way possible. It’s not just a simple love story; it’s a beautifully layered journey about love, heartbreak, trauma, and the slow, painful, but ultimately hopeful process of healing. As a spin-off of Hidden Love, The First Frost follows Sang Yan and Wen Yifan as they navigate their way back to each other after a complicated past. Across 32 emotional episodes, their story unfolds with missed chances, unresolved feelings, and a slow-burning connection that tugs at your heart.It’s quiet and tender at times, heartbreaking at others, but always deeply human. Whether you watched Hidden Love or not, The First Frost stands strong on its own — a drama that reminds you that love isn’t always about grand gestures, but about growing, forgiving, and choosing each other even when it’s hard.
₊˚⊹♡ Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s story begins in their youth — a sweet, blossoming romance cut short by painful circumstances. Years later, fate reunites them under one roof, forcing them to confront all the unresolved emotions and heartbreak they’ve been carrying. The narrative is enriched by a dual-perspective approach, with each episode presenting both characters' viewpoints, offering a comprehensive understanding of their internal struggles.
This is not a fairytale romance. Their love is built on lived experiences — on heartbreak, distance, silence, and healing. What follows is a tender rediscovery, a slow and powerful reconnection built on empathy, emotional growth, and quiet, persistent love. ♡
₊˚⊹♡ Bai Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan is nothing short of brilliant. He’s not your typical drama heartthrob — he’s gentle, emotionally intelligent, deeply kind, and patient. His love for Wen Yifan isn’t loud or showy — it’s steady and real. From the very first time they meet to the moment they find their way back to each other, his feelings for her never waver. Watching his journey — from a confused, heartbroken teenager to a man capable of setting aside his pride for love — is incredibly moving. Bai Jingting brings so much to this role: vulnerability, warmth, and unwavering devotion. Sometimes, he doesn’t even need to say a word—just one look from him, and you feel everything. The love, the pain, the hope. It’s all there, right in his eyes. ♡
₊˚⊹♡ Zhang Ruonan delivers a breathtaking performance as Wen Yifan. Her character is layered and heartbreaking — a woman carrying invisible wounds, quietly surviving in a world that has scarred her. You can see the guardedness in her eyes, the weight of her trauma, and yet also the flickers of hope when she begins to open up again. Her transformation — from running from her past to facing it with strength and grace — is portrayed with such authenticity that you can’t help but feel every step of her healing. Her pain, her fear, her hope. It’s raw, it’s real, and it stays with you.
₊˚⊹♡ The chemistry between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan is the kind that doesn’t scream for attention — it simmers quietly, like a soft flame that never goes out. It’s gentle, warm, and so emotionally rich that you feel it in your chest. It’s not exaggerated or overacted; instead, it feels natural and genuine. You see their love in the way they look at each other, speak to one another, and quietly care in the smallest of gestures. What makes it so special is that you don’t just want them to end up together — you genuinely hope they heal, find peace, and learn to breathe easier, both on their own and as a couple. Their love story isn’t just about romance; it’s about growth, forgiveness, and coming home to someone who sees all of you and stays.
₊˚⊹♡ The cinematography, the incredible OST, and the use of flashbacks gave this drama the perfect emotional depth. Every frame captures the ache, the nostalgia, and the quiet joy of rediscovery. The visuals, paired with the music, wrap around you like a soft blanket of emotion.
₊˚⊹♡ The First Frost is absolutely worth watching. (ﾉ^^)ﾉ It’s a well-written Cdrama with a beautiful story, unforgettable acting, and amazing OST. This is one of those rare dramas that stays with you long after the final episode. It doesn’t just tell a love story — it tells a story of wounds, of resilience, of facing life’s harshness, and slowly, carefully learning how to heal.
₊˚⊹♡ Favorite Quotes:
❄ "You are the fate I refuse to escape." —Sang Yan
❄ "Sang Yan, do you think you might have been sent by my dad to be good to me?"
Sang Yan replied, "No. I volunteered."
❄ "To me, you look like a fluttering butterfly. You always shine. I want you to fly free forever. I want to give you wings and destroy all your pain. I will always catch you." —Sang Yan
❄ “I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death. It’s you, Sang Yan.” —Wen Yifan
❄ "I never treated you as a backup plan." —Wen Yifan
❄ "Do you think everything in this house was bought randomly? Every item, each one was chosen for you. You deserve the best of everything." —Sang Yan
❄ "I want to live six years longer than you. That way I can love you for six more years." —Wen Yifan
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The First Frost – A Love That Stays Forever
The First Frost has completely consumed my heart, wrapping itself around me like the warmest embrace. From the very first episode, I knew this was something special...something that would leave a mark on me in ways I never expected. The beautifully woven storyline, the raw and heartfelt emotions, and the depth of every moment made it more than just a drama. It became an experience.But if there’s one thing that truly owns my heart, it’s Sang Yan.
He is everything and more. The kind of man who makes you believe in love, in warmth, in safety. The way he was always there for Yifan, quietly protecting her, always putting her first, always shining for her even when she didn’t realize it...he was her sun. And now, he is mine too.
Seeing Yifan find her happiness in him after everything she went through was one of the most satisfying, emotional journeys I’ve ever witnessed. It wasn’t just romance; it was healing, understanding, a love that felt so real it ached. It made me realize how much I’ve always longed for something like this, how much I’ve always wished for a love as steady and unwavering as Sang Yan’s.
I’ve been a K-drama watcher since 2013, but The First Frost did something that no drama...not even my most beloved K-drama....has ever done. It completely took over my soul. My first C-drama was When I Fly Towards You, then Hidden Love, and now The First Frost...but this one stands above them all. Nothing else even comes close. No drama, no story, no character has ever made me feel the way Sang Yan does.
Bai Jingting was born to play him. Every glance, every small expression, every tiny moment felt so effortless, so real, as if Sang Yan had stepped right out of the novel and into my heart. Zhang Ruonan’s portrayal of Wen Yifan was just as breathtaking...she made me feel Yifan’s pain, her resilience, and finally, her well-deserved happiness. Their chemistry? Undeniable. They made love look like poetry, and I’m not ready to let them go.
Now that it’s over, I feel so lost. What am I supposed to do with my life now? How do I go back to a world where I don’t wake up every day excited to see Sang Yan and his Yifan? I know I’ll spend years, maybe decades, looking back at my 20s and remembering this feeling, the needed feeling of wanting a love like Sang Yan’s to find me. But what do I do when Sang Yan is too perfect, too great...even for the fictional world?
He’s not just a character to me. He’s a dream, a feeling, a standard, a blueprint for love itself. He is, and always will be, the measure against which all love stories...fictional or real...will be compared.
And somehow, I already know no one will ever come close.
But despite all the heartbreak, I wouldn’t trade this pain for anything. Because loving these characters, living through their story, feeling every ounce of their joy and sorrow....t was all worth it. They gave me something irreplaceable: a love so deep it left a mark on my soul.
I know the actors will be in other projects, but it won’t be them. Not my Sang Yan with his golden heart and soft smiles. Not my Yifan who fought so hard to deserve happiness and finally found it in him. I refuse to accept this reality.
Now, that world is closed, and I feel so lost...like someone took away my safe place, my little pocket of happiness. I don’t know how to let go. I don’t even know if I want to. Because The First Frost wasn’t just a drama to me. It was a feeling. A love. A fleeting moment of magic that I will spend forever longing for.
Just like Sang Yan once said..
"I've finally caught the shadow that haunted you. From now on, your world will only have light."
May he always remain my sun, just as he is to Yifan. Let me cherish this moment, holding onto it as if time itself could be paused. I refuse to let go of them, for they are the light I never want to lose 🥺
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1This review may contain spoilers
Heartwarming. A tear-jerker. It will capture your emotions.
I would rate this 11/10 because it exceeded my expectations. This drama is definitely one for the books, with its outstanding storyline, cinematography, and OSTs. They made the perfect choice in selecting the actors and actresses.Honestly, I watched this because of Zhang Ruonan. I’ve already seen some of her other dramas—A Date with the Future and My Boss—where she played bubbly and strong-willed characters. But in The First Frost, you’ll see a completely different Zhang Ruonan! She completely pulled off her character, and I didn’t expect her to showcase such depth as an actress.
This was also my first time watching Bai Jingting, and oh my gosh! Why am I only discovering him now? He is such an amazing actor!
I also appreciated the second male and female leads. They had their own story, but it wasn’t too time-consuming, keeping the focus on the main leads.
I also want to highlight how this drama truly captures your emotions. The story is not complicated—it’s easy to understand, full of wisdom, not dragging, and blends light drama with humor.
I described this drama as binibigyan ka ng pag-asa sa pag-ibig—it gives you hope in love. If you have a great love, there will always be a place for it. When you love, you take a risk. You will do everything just to win in the end.
This C-drama is a must-watch in 2025! You won’t regret 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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Melo meets angst meets fluff meets slow burn in a memorable romance of a lifetime!
After 'Hidden Love' ended, news began to circulate that Sang Zhi's big brother was getting a drama of his own. Mind you, I only watch modern dramas once in a while and HL happened to be it at the time. I wasn't crazy about it, but I enjoyed it very much for a 'coming of age' drama and so of course, 'The First Frost' news piqued my curiosity. Initially, having gotten used to Victor Ma as Sang Yan, I was feeling some sort of way when news came that the original cast wouldn't be a part of this new drama in the works. However, when Bai Jingting was named as the main male lead, I was more or less content because I've watched at the very least, 4 of his prior top dramas in the years past.I also had become a passerby fan of Zhang Ruonan by that time, after watching her in "A Date in the Future', continuing on to watch her works such as 'Love of the Panacea', 'My Boss' and her some of her movies which included her debut work, "Cry Me a Sad River". So, knowing both of their flexibilities and strengths as actors one a method actor, the other an experimental, my initial interest morphed into anticipation.
In waiting, I did the next best thing I could as a l book lover and avid reader. I read the novel and quite liked it because it had more depth, more maturity, and more complexities in comparison to the almost lightheartedness of 'HL' even with the growing pains and unrequited love, in retrospect.
Fastforward to the middle of last month when this drama was about to air. I had promised myself I wouldn't tune in until after either most of the episodes were out or after it all finished airing. Lo and behold, that promise was broken within the first two days of it airing (lmao). I began watching expectant but unsure of what...but...
The cinematography amazed me.
The storyline was strong, and yes even the subplot that had some of the masses revolting because it was different from the novel. I myself found that I liked the changes because while the novel/comic gave us a 1D/2D understanding of WYF and how she dealt with the trauma revisiting her, 3D/4D WYF in this Drama Adaptation underwent all the emotions and the heartbreak to make the decision and it was an experience in itself to be witness to it. It's so true that if an actor or an actress can make you feel a certain way, he/she is doing his/her job right.
The dialogues between the characters, especially the main leads?? Seriously, constant chef's kiss* because adds to their tension, angst, love, admiration, devotion, and interactions etc. The way those dialogues are delivered adds so much to the atmosphere too.
THE CHEMISTRY...between the mls/SangYan and Wen Yifan is the type of chemistry that is my book, VERY RARE. I think Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan are meant to be onscreen soulmates (lol). Yes, SY and WYF's love story is very slowburn but it's NOT a typical almost boring slow burn. One could feel the crackles in the air when they are onscreen together. The push and pull. The TENSION as their characters meet again face to face after many years.
When they do get together, it's not just the passion of the kisses but also the comfort of each shared hug...the belonging that silently shouts, "You're my world. You're my home." Their words for one another...sigh.
I love that the director gave the actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan leeway to interpret the characters of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan for themselves, therefore making the 'becoming' simpler yet exact and tailormade for them.
All in all, without giving spoilers, "THE FIRST FROST" is an absolute work of art. Now there are many art forms and various people prefer various pieces but not before they keep an open mind about every piece out on display.
Granted "The First Frost" in its drama form is an adaptation, therefore it will sometimes veer away the novel and comic but it is appreciated and also gives a more real and humane aspect that may not be there in its written and drawn form.
An absolute gem for any modern drama lover who is looking for a little bit of everything and more. Once you open your heart to 'The First Frost', it's going to heartbreaking to say goodbye. It's going to be exactly like saying goodbye to a first love.
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No other show has left me bawling
In a way, Wen Yi Fan models every single girl out there. Every woman has anxieties about losing her family, not being loved by her loved ones, being harrassed, ending up lonely, and so on. In her case, all of the above happened. Through all these horrible things that will leave any regular woman in shambles, Wen Yi Fan fights her way back. While she has many difficulties along the way, she makes it out to be the best version of herself. At least the best to her limits. But it is a fact that everyone needs another beautiful person to complete them.Sang Yan. Sang Yan was heaven's gift to Wen Yi Fan. In the beautiful city of Chongqing, through teh cold and rainy days, this show brings out teh story of two vulnerable people lost in this world without a direction. I know Sang Yan may seem very privileged, but sometimes, many feel lost despite having everything. Happiness is relative; hence, there is no formula to it. With Sang Yan, money and familial harmony just could not provide him enough to keep living as it did to protect and love Wen Yi Fan. Many say Sang Yan is too perfect to be real, the type to only exist on TV screens. However, what we do not understand is that every one of us. Yes, every single one of us. Deserves a Sang Yan.
I am not going to gaze Sang Yan here because he is perfect. However, there is one detail I want to point out about him. This is not something we see in today's guys, but Sang Yan is vulnerable. He shares every single emotion with his partner and is not afraid of exposing his thoughts and concerns. He always jokes to YiFan about "don't treat me like a flower"; however, that is exactly what we humans are. Fragile flowers with limited time. Now, let's talk about how Wen Yi Fan became Wen Shuang Jiang. WIF was very comfortable with this nickname in high school when her dad was still alive. However, during her dark period, she lost her identity. She lost her family, her dreams, and almost the most precious possession of women. Dignity. Yet she fought back. She protected herself very well to finally become teh Wen Yi Fan Sang Yan met many years later. She never asked for anything more than simple happiness and was satisfied with literally anything. She has "zero temper" and never really wishes for anything in life. It is when u silently do good things without expecting anything in return that you will get the best rewards. Wen Yi Fan inspired me to be a good person. Her natural beauty and grace, along with her simple and kind nature, is exactly what got an exceptional guy like Sang Yan hooked. But ironically, being like her is the simplest thing in the universe.
As a teenager, I am scared of having nothing in my life. Failing in academics, disappointing my parents, not finding a good husband, and so on. But there is one fundamental that I must never forget and was reminded of by this drama: good things will follow good people. As long as u drive to become teh best version of yourself and bring others along the way, you will meet your Sang Yan. I will meet my Sang Yan. And so will you.
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Masterpiece
The leads chemistry is perfect.. This story is not your basic cliche kisses and hugs romantic story. It covers some really serious topics like workplace abuse, domestic violence, toxic parenting and S.A. It's a story of courage healing confidence and trust. It's a slow burn romance.OST theme is true to the intense mature understand relationship between the ML & FL.
Casting is epic. Both the artists are true to their skills, professional and talented. They got the depth of the character. Overall I'm highly impressed.
Definitely one of my fav c-dramas.
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I LOVE THIS DRAMA SO MUCHHHHYY
This drama gave me a mix of emotions, sometimes I wanted to cry, and other times it was funny. Bai Jingting really nailed the role of Sang Yan. From Wen Yifan’s perspective, he seems nonchalant, but deep inside, he’s like a loyal puppy following its owner. Zhang Ruonan did an amazing job portraying Wen Yifan; her story really made me cry. This drama is a 10/10 for me. I highly recommend it!..
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GO WATCH THIS!
If you’re trying to decide whether to watch The First Frost, let me make it easy for you - yes, you absolutely should. This might just be the chinese drama of 2025, and the year has barely even started. But fair warning: if you’re looking for something light and easy, this ain’t it. This show is packed with some heavy themes like SA, abandonment, and emotional trauma. It’s intense, it’s raw, and it will hit you in the feels. But the way it handles these topics? Absolutely brilliant.Every episode has you hooked, making you desperate for more. And the characters? So well-written and insanely well-acted. BJT and ZHR killed it as SangYan and WiFan, their performances were on another level. And the chemistry between them? Unreal. Some scenes were so intense I legit felt like I was intruding on them.
That said, the show isn’t just heavy drama. There are moments that’ll have you laughing, and the way BJT and ZRN play off each other makes everything feel so natural. The second couple is cute too, though I won’t lie, the grandfather’s storyline dragged a little. But honestly? Who cares, because the main couple alone makes this show worth it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen two actors have this much chemistry before.
Now let’s talk about the OST that is an absolute perfection. Every song fits their vibe so well, making all those emotional scenes hit even harder. You know those soundtracks that stay with you long after the show ends? Yeah, this is one of them. And don’t even get me started on the cinematography. The visuals in this show? Stunning. Every frame feels carefully crafted, from the lighting to the color grading, it all adds to the atmosphere and emotion of the story.
The First Frost isn’t just another drama, it’s a whole experience. The acting, the storytelling, the OST, the visuals - it’s all top-tier. Good luck finding something that even comes close after this. Now go watch it. A happy ending is guaranteed.
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