The First Frost

Green flags don't have to be boring. Here's proof.

This modern romance drama has my whole heart. There. That's the review.
O, right...I need to add more to persuade you to watch this as well.

Let the men in your life know that this is what we mean when we say we need them to be a green flag. Carrying a torch for years and years, while never crossing he line, staying in her life (either seen or unseen) and making sure she is ok and protected. And when he finally meets her after a long time apart, he remains the calm, but strong force she needs. Giving her a shoulder, a home. Never pushing her boundaries, never expecting anything from her but to be herself.

All this while never really hiding his feelings, but in a way that is totally safe. He is passionate though, and we can see how he craves to be closer. But he never lays that on her. He cherishes her completely, supprting her in whatever she wants to do. Not one of us deserves such a man.

In the meantime, our girl is working through STUFF. Bad stuff. Traumatizing stuff. But she hides it all, to the point she leaves once again to not be a burden to him. Because that's how she has been treated all her life. As a burden. To her mother, her aunt and uncle, her teachers, her employers... No wonder she just wants to disappear. When she finally decides she will no longer be played or afraid, she takes the control back and has the courage to love our man like he deserves (As does she, btw!)

The best thing in this drama is that in all 32 episodes, it never gets boring. The pace varies, but even in the slow-paced parts it's still completely captivating. This is mostly thanks to the sub-plots and side characters, which are all equally well written and wonderful. The dialogues are chef's kiss, there's humor, drama, cuteness and passion. Nothing NC, but great kisses and a lot of them.

Go watch! Now!

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Overhyped, hollow performances, plot in service of visuals

I know I'm in the minority here, but aside from a fantastic OST, this drama was an empty, paint-by-the-numbers affair, very one-dimensional. It honestly felt like a bunch of fan serviced slapped together with some trauma in between to glue everything together. The entire thing felt formulaic, like they took all the pieces that people fangirl about on tiktok - a gorgeous lead couple, a cute second lead couple, a FL with a tragic backstory, a ML who is a 100% green flag coded - and tossed it into a pot and said "ta da!".

And the chemistry, or lack thereof: I know everyone thinks the chemistry was insane between the main leads but to me it all fell really flat. The FL is adorable. the ML is cute. There are lots of scenes that should have been chemistrying, but the screenwriters didn't do the work to build the ML up as a person beyond his long-time crush on the FL, so none of the yearning, the self-sacrifice, and the sweet scenes feel earned. And what's more, the way the scenes were constructed was so obvious and clumsily executed that there was no charm. No "movie magic". Just two very pretty people going through the paces.

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For a sequel to hidden love it was a lot harder. Watch.

I liked it, but I didn’t love it and I really wanted to.

The cast is fantastic. The story is amazing as it’s essentially a sequel to my favourite hidden Love.. would’ve been nice if it was the same cast however I understand the reasons for the change.

Though it was good, it was excruciatingly slow moving.

At times I was frustrated by her lack of communication, even though I knew the reasons why it was like pulling teeth watching her squirm and not say anything.

I didn’t like her reasons for leaving and breaking the man she loves heart.

The FL mother was a total disgrace and I’m glad they didn’t try and do some weird redemption arc for her after she abandoned her when she was nearly raped by her sister-in-law‘s son. She would have to live with the guilt for the rest of her life and I felt a sense of satisfaction with that.

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oh to love and be loved like theirs

have you ever cried witnessing someone love so deeply it made you question that oh,someone could love like that? love like that exists?Maybe not in our everyday lives, but somewhere—in stories, in fleeting moments, in the hearts of people who dare to love fully. oh to love and be loved like that, isn't wonderful to know that that kind of love they both shared exists maybe not on real life but somewhere...somehow. It’s comforting to think that love so pure and enduring has a place in the world. Sangyan and Wen Yifen, too good to be true but enough to make me believe in love a little more.

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Like 500 days of summer, except ML gets the girl in the end

This is the best modern-day romance CDRAMA so far that I've seen, although I think the title should have been 白月光 （The One that Got Away). The acting, the visual appeal of the leads, the sound/music, cinematography and production quality is at a whole other level entirely compared to other cdramas (especially compared to Hidden Love, the prequel to this story and from the same universe).

Heavily influenced by Taiwanese filmmaking and directed by a veteran Taiwanese director, this series uses an ingenious set of flashbacks as a plot device to tell the childhood love story of the two main leads, Sang Yan and Wen Yifan (WYF) from the female lead's perspective: when they first met, how their relationship develops throughout high school and college, followed by the present when they meet again 6 years later. The end scenes of each episode also show flashbacks from the present and sometimes include the same scene from the ML's perspective. It's from his perspective that the audience realizes early on how much he's been secretly pining for her all along and how he hopes she will come back to him. Even as he acts brusque and aloof to the FL, he secretly yearns for her and does everything he can to stay within her orbit and protect her even as he waits for her to come around to him (he even set up his bar to wait for her).

My favorite arc was the first 10 episodes when they meet each other after being apart for 6 years and become roommates. Their awkwardness as they hide their feelings for each other is both heartwarming and heartbreaking as they inch towards a reconciliation and then more. Her sleepwalking becomes the catalyst that brings them closer together as it reveals her true feelings for him, something she doesn't have the courage to express to him initially (when in truth she had moved back for him). (Sang Yan's sister asks WYF if she ever loved him in high school and she confesses to her that she did, something that must have given Sang Yan further hope that reconciliation was possible).

Eventually they get back together, and my favorite scene (besides the finale with the tender proposal scene and final flashback) is in episode 31 when Wen Yifan tearfully confesses to Sang Yan that she regrets leaving him alone for 6 years and wants to make it up to him by living for 6 more years without him so she can live through the pain he experienced. Rarely do you see FLs apologizing for their actions in a relationship, and her opening up and confiding in him was really a sign of growth and maturity for her character. Sang Yan is very moved by what she says and suggests that she can pay him back in their next lives.

In episode 31, the first flashback of when they first met is repeated, this time from the ML's perspective, and the audience realizes that Sang Yan fell in love with WYF from the moment he laid eyes on her (WYF doesn't know this) and that his aloofness and cockiness had always just been an act. (As his best friend, Su Haoan says, Sang Yan may seem tough on the outside but is actually very vulnerable and easily hurt, while WYF seems vulnerable on the outside but is actually very strong and resilient. )

The soundtrack was released before the cdrama and it has some incredible songs on it, including my favorite from the Taiwanese band, Crispy Band: 雨滴中有你 (There Is You Amidst Raindrops). Other standouts include: 任性 (Willful) by Taiwanese band: 五月天 (Mayday) - Sang Yan's theme song, 像晴天像雨天 (Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day) by 汪苏泷 (Silence Wang), 看着我 (Look At Me) by 严艺丹, 只在今夜 (Serenade) by 毛不易, My Dear by 张洢豪, 倔强 (Stubborn) by 陈珊妮

Overall rating: 9.5/10 - I deducted for the boring side plots like the annoying news intern and grandpa Su and 2ML/2FL romance that weren't really interesting or relevant to the main storyline and for 32 episodes that could easily have been cut in to half that number had the series focused solely on the story of the two main leads.

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The first frost- we shape each other into our best version✨?

Moonly💕✨
After discovering fantasy dramas, I didn’t come back to modern dramas for a long time. This one however, brought me back to modern dramas again. It all started with two tiktok edits I saw about “The first frost”. I hesitated at first, but, after giving it a try, I realized that it is really different compared to other modern dramas I have seen.
The story starts with two high schoolers, Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan. They study in the same class and become close friends with a hint of mutual love. They promise to enter the same University but a broken promise separates them. It was until they met again after 8 years when they saw each other again. Their second meeting was a second chance for them continue their unfinished love story…

This drama is all I could ask from a romance drama. Their journey together is simply amazing. Healthiest relationship I have ever seen.

Once they became roommates, all the fun started. Wen Yifan’s sleepwalking definitely helped them a lot! I shouldn’t forget about the guy whom Sang Yan borrowed a basketball from to impress her, literally the main reason they grew closer.
Although the plot focuses mainly on romance, there is a side plot about trauma and how it affects your life.
Wen Yifan was abandoned by her mother, left to her uncle and aunts care. Unfortunately, she was seen as an outsider and they have always been harsh to her. Losing her father and grandmother left her all alone. She was also SA’d by his own uncle as well as men who shared a flat with her. She couldn’t seek any help and felt insecure because all the people who should be close to her left her out and made her feel unworthy. This shaped Wen Yi Fan into a person who is distance from everyone, even her friends who support her wholeheartedly. She felt unworthy to be with Sang Yan but he put so much effort into relationship and made her smile once again. Sang Yan was explained as her sun and it couldn’t be more true. He supported her through hardships and became a man whom she is comfortable with. He gave his all to understand about her sleepwalking and didn’t want her to keep things for herself because it would hurt her more and more. He is a type of character that makes you say “He is unfortunately fictional”. It’s truly difficult to explain how good of a partner he is. He is considerate and caring. My all-time favorite scenes of him are of course his fighting scenes with the people who tried to take advantage of her. Sang Yan changed Wen Yifan so much. She was happy and radiant. Her wings were broken but he repaired them ❤️ There were moments of Sang Yan being so considerate and it gets better every time. Such moments always leave me in awe.
Wen Yifan also changed Sang Yan to his best version. He was unmotivated and didn’t want to study at all – a type of boy who only goes to school because of the person he likes. She gave him hope and he became the man he was today. Just like that a chemistry that is powerful formed between them.

The romantic scenes never disappointed. The hesitation and yearning for each other were done right. Sang Yan flirted first but let her continue and waited till she was comfortable enough to respect her boundaries. He was the only exception ❤️✨

Besides from the plot and characters I want to mention about acting and visuals. Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan’s acting is impressive because they were so much in their character. Another thing I want to mention is the intro and outro songs. Intro spoke Sang Yan’s thoughts while outro had Wenyifan’s words to him. I enjoyed how story slowly unraveled with a bit of their past life and their current life. I love how each episode had its title as well as Sang Yan or Wen Yifan’s pov to give us further explanation.

Sentences that simply melt my heart:
- I want to live 6 years longer than you.
- Why?
- That way I can love you for 6 more years. To make up for all the days that I left you behind

- Also, I don’t feel comfortable living with male flat mates.
- What about Sang Yan?
- He…He is an exception

- I know; I have a face that makes people want to commit crimes. But, we are both adults. Can’t you have a little self-restraint?
- I can’t

I enjoyed this drama so much and it is a 10 out 10 with no doubt!!

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Captivating!

I enjoyed every single minute of The First Frost! The love story was absolutely breathtaking—almost unreal, just like something out of a dream. The chemistry between the leads was incredible, making every moment feel magical. Every stolen glance, every heartfelt confession, and every bittersweet moment was so beautifully portrayed that it felt like I was experiencing their emotions firsthand.

The cinematography was stunning, perfectly capturing the quiet beauty of winter and the warmth of their love. The soundtrack complemented the emotions so well, making every scene even more poignant. It’s the kind of drama that lingers in your heart long after the final episode. A truly captivating and unforgettable watch! Highly recommend it!

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I can hardly contain my excitement about it.

I can hardly contain my excitement about "The First Frost"! This drama is an absolute masterpiece! The characters are so well-crafted, the story is riveting, and the mix of struggles and shared joy creates an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you breathless! I didn’t expect to become so incredibly attached to a TV show, but here we are! Every moment I spent watching was worthwhile. It never felt like a show; it made me feel part of this captivating world.

I awaited each new episode with bated breath, and every single one exceeded my wildest expectations! The pacing was impeccable—I never once felt a dull moment. And let’s talk about the love story between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan! It’s undeniably the most enchanting romance I’ve ever witnessed. Sang Yan, with his unwavering support for Wen Yifan, even when she was oblivious to it, is nothing short of extraordinary. His determination to stand by her, despite her reluctance to be close, is genuinely inspiring. He became the rainbow in her gray life, and he deserves all the happiness fate has to offer—and he got it!

Then there’s Wen Yifan, a girl who has faced heartbreak and loneliness, especially after her father’s passing. She truly needed someone like Sang Yan in her life. Sang Yan beautifully transforms all her past pain, neglect, and struggles into a future filled with love, comfort, and support. Her darker past has paved the way for a luminous future, and she deserves to experience boundless happiness! These two are the perfect match, destined for a colorful life together.

I’m still reeling from how deeply I connected with their journey! With its stellar acting and stunning music selection, this drama has won my heart in every possible way! I can’t get enough of it!

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I adore hidden love and this one is great but the inconsistencies in the characters are a turn off.

First off I have no problem with Bai Jing. he’s amazing. He is a total green flag, the best lover and every girls dream but man I wish he had atleast some similarities to the Sang Yan we knew and loved in HL too. I’m missing the sibling bickering, the family coziness they had, and most of all I’m missing his friendship with juaxu! This Sang Yan is only about his obsession with yifan. It seems like he has no life, no other attachment in life except her. Even when they’re apart. I get it it’s his POV and about his love life but come on , they turned a fun and loving guy into an only obsessive lovey guy who only cares about one girl and not even his own family. I found it hard to finish the last few episodes, it felt boring, too repetitive, and it just lacked charm. I could watch HL twenty times over and still love each scene. This I can’t. Also I respect Yifans story and her trauma. I’m all for a good story but yifans character was boring. She’s pretty only, she’s half dead in half the drama and schoolgirl shy in the rest. Sang Yan deserved more come on, he suffered more alone.
Also I don’t get why they fell in love. Because she was pretty? okay I get that but she had no character , no charm , no personality! Such obsessive love deserves atleast more depth of personality. even drunk she’s boring. Gosh I feel like such a hater but I wish wish this was as good as hidden love was. true hidden love was a simpler story but the EMOTIONS man.. it was a roller coaster. this was a slow train and I didn’t feel euphoric at the end.
Everything that connected HL to TFF is inconsistent. Firget actors, I don’t mind them having new actors but atleast keep their personalities, their timelines , their roles the same. Okay even if I don’t compare the two even then TFF is okay but not the best. still I’m rating it 9 stars because I love this world too much and I loved Sang Yan a lot. Just wish he had Victor Ma’s humor and spunk too. peace out .

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