The First Frost (2025)

Overrated , so - so drama

speed- too much slow . lagging
Actors- good looking , but bland no expressions , awkward
Romance - didn't feel like real no butterflies , no aww moments
Story - was good biasedly not my type , shouldn't be compared to HL
Overall opinion - though it was not that bad and this is my fully biased opinion , this drama is not worth a rating of 10 . Everything felt unrealistic SY's character was something I absolutely loved in HL but here it was totally changed . His only motive in life was yifan here he was completely obsessed which is creepy actually , but since it is a drama and she didn't mind it , everything was fine . His character is potrayed as a full green flag but in just some cases he isn't . I mean he's great but it's over the limit . Also the drama leaves question marks in some scenes for the viewers who've already watched HL . The timing doesn't sync but guess that's okay not a big deal . It's just that it was a bother . as a HL fan . FL's character ....I don't know she was great but not my type , her acting was a bit obvious . Haoan was good though , I was kinda more invested in his story but it wasn't shown greatly .
Finally , it can be definitely watched (once) , and may seem and feel better if you haven't watched HL or don't compare this drama to HL while watching . and ofc all the actors are worth a applause and appreciation .

Read More

Disappointed - drama plot differs from the book

I want to start by saying I read the novel and I was really excited for this drama. Unfortunately, while it is still not a bad watch, I wish they stuck to the original plot of the book. to be completely objective, I'm giving a lower review because they didn't stick to the plot of the book.

SPOILER ALERT!
They changed the plot where WYF runs away a second time when her uncle comes back to intimidate and taunt her. Complete opposite of the book where she faced him head on. The writers also made her abusive uncle a security guard in her work place, but in the book he was waiting for her outside of her work.

I wished the writers followed the plot of the book, since WYF had a character growth and she was now able to stand up to her abusers. I feel like the drama took that away from her and made her kind of damsel in distress and SY is her prince charming/knight. I'm sorry if i keep repeating myself, but she was beautifully written in the book imo. I'm extremely disappointed by the change.

SPOILER END

BUT

Other than the plot change, I loved the acting! I think both BJT and ZRN did a fantastic job. If you didn't read the novel like I did, I do think you will enjoy this drama. All characters are likeable, well written script with no plot holes, very nice cinematography, good music, amazing acting from the cast.

Yes, I would recommend this drama objectively. I just personally feel like they could have done better with the drama.

Read More

It's so slow, I just can't . . .

In Episode 8, Wen Yifan sleepwalks for the first time, at episode 14 she is still sleepwalking with the same results. Each time, nothing new is revealed. No character development, no insight no progression. Wen Yifan may be very very slowly opening up just a teensy bit to her friends, but with Sang Yan they are still in their same old pattern.

I really do appreciate explorations of trauma, abuse and its effects on the ability to form a contented, thriving adult life and form adult romantic relationships.

But it's just too slow and with no other real themes or storylines besides Wen Yifan learning to trust other human beings and love again, it just isn't holding my interest.

Read More

Not a soft lighthearted drama (not my type)

So this is a hard one to rate. I first like to say I have never liked this girl in dramas, both dramas I have seen her in I have either dropped or stopped watching thinking I would go back but never did. She is not that bad of an actress, she knows how to cry on demand and is cute in some dramas so not bad but it's the kissing scenes in every drama of hers and I know it is hard for actors to maybe do those scenes but I like to see the love and there actors who choose the profession. I understand it might be hard for her and I could never do it but I am not an actress.

Aside from that this drama already 5 episodes in is not a soft light hearted drama, I use dramas to escape from my life and find justice and happiness. But in this drama there is a lot of talk about SA and hard things people go through so it might just be me but I like fluff (like in admist a snow storm of love - that kind of love or hidden love even lighter and princess) but this drama goes to much about SA not just once with the female lead but also at her work to it is like no matter where she goes SA or the talk of it maybe starting to happen. I have a feeling they will mention it agian and that's why she left school and stopped talking to him because something happened to her. So that's a total of what 3 times. Its just too much. I just think it's to sad in the begining that making me not want to keep watching it. I like the male lead but I still feel there is no connection between the leads.

Idk this drama got a lot of hype and it might be for some people but for me it is hard to rate it is also so early so I don't want to judge to much but it is too much at the begining and I like fluff, good vibes. We all know things happen in real like but I don't want to watch about it as I said I like to escape reality. But I understand it might be for some people as well.

UPDATE:

I updated my rating. If you can make it though the first couple episode past episode 5 or 6 I would say then it is cute. I don't like how the guy is like kind of going about things like him saying to get close to her or to have her like him "how can you take advantage of me when you sleep walk in to my bed" making a big deal when he liked it. You know when she already went though a lot and I feel just need comfort not to feel bad. But maybe it just how it was written or acted but I don't think it was okay or a way to get a girl. Don't get me wrong I love this troupe where a guy just wants to spend time with the girl he likes and he likes her first so he says ridiculous things and makes the girl spent time with her and then the girl realized she likes him. But in this situation when there is a lot of depth and a lot of past trauma idk if this is the way but that might just be me. I think the connection got better but I seem better dramas with way better connection between the leads. I think they some parts are cute and I like the female lead is not shy anymore like most couples after they get together where the girl is shy. I LOVED that, she would do things for him to not just him doing things for her. That is something I wish was in more dramas and it was cute mutual love. I think for me I don't like the depth of the character I think it is a lot and not bad but just to much. Like I said like happy fluffy and all the tropes in the book. Give them to me. Give me non hard topics.

Since it got better I changed my rating to a 6.5 because it is a drama I will finish and be happy about it. But it is not a drama I will watch agian. So my 6-7 is normally like okay but will not watch agian. My 4-5 are dropped and I never really rate anything lower then 4 unless it is Thai dramas because those are a hot freaking mess and make no sense and should never even be a show. Don't find to many dramas shitty but Thai and Japan dramas which I haver never will watch anymore. My personal opinion.

Read More

Ghost You Almost Lost

For the obvious reason I sticked to this for Bai Jing Ting. I'd definitely wouldn't miss how good looking BJT is in this drama. But, the truth is, I almost dropped this drama midway.

My honest opinion, first, I didn't watch Hidden Love, so, I have totally no clue about the cast and how was this correlated to HL. Only a friend here in MDL explained to me the correlation and should I say was able to convince me to complete this drama.

Sang Yan, His character would be every womans dream to have as a partner. Very Loyal, Extremely Persevering, Well-off, Truly Caring, Absolutely good looking, Deliciously Hot and yes, the most important thing, A very good kisser. 😍His character is very interesting. You would feel from the beginning episodes how he was emotionally hurt from a HS breakup, searching, longing for the only woman he loved for more than 6 years and counting.

On the other hand, Yifan, the woman that our ML longed for. Suffered from a dark past, continuously healing from pains physically, emotionally from being abandoned, letting go of the man she loves and for every dark moments in her life may it be from family or work. And part of her healing process was experiencing sleepwalking resulting from her PTSD. Yes, she had no choice but to work on her own at a young age after losing her dad from sickness and having a selfish mom who puts her own welfare first than her children.

So, the story basically evolved with these two main characters. Having their friends on the side that added to the gist of the story. I won't dig in further to the story but will just point out things that didn't made this drama fit in to my cup of tea. The first half of the drama I think got me hooked. Though, I'm a bit confused with the flashbacks as it began immediately with a breakup. But, it deemed necessary to understand the entire plot. So, the meet up after 6 years or so got me hooked. You already know that the ML wouldn't let such opportunity pass and will never let go after finding what he longed for. Ok, here's the thing, first, FL chose to reside in a slum area given her financial capability, I guess that's the only kind of residence she can afford. But, even if you're in a dire strait situation, I believe it's necessary to prioritize safety. she has friends and co workers who can help her find a safer place to live in, but she did not. So, she had to experience again another dark encounter which she could have avoided. And so, the cohabitation with ML happened. the most interesting part I guess. Of course, this is where the romance should build up again between the two. Btw, SY being a hero, physically beating those bad guys to save his beloved FL is one of the notable scenes of his character. Everything was going into its right track and yes, the MC made it to the point of being officially together despite the trials they encounter along the way. And so, after being officially together, the FL decides to shut off everyone once again including her beloved SY. Simply because she wants to save everyone from her criminally violent Uncle who resurfaced and continuously doing act of violence to every people around her. This was the make or break for me of this drama. Like, WTH? you left your man and decide to let go. Now you found him again and decided to give it a go, then now you decide to go again without leaving any trace. Like, you even surpassed the level of a high profile criminal at large.
Yes, I did try to understand what she have went thru as I described earlier. Still, for someone who's partly healed and was able to start a relationship already, why do you need to ghost the people who truly care for you? They don't deserve that. Guess what, after they met again in 6 months, No apologies from her. Why? because everyone thinks she's a victim. She doesn't need to apologize. ML embraced her with open arms. No questions asked simply because he learned what she has went thru. Sorry, but, not for me. It is still rude to ghost anyone. Specially when people are kind to you. They deserve an apology from being ghosted.

Aside from the lack of emotions I get from the FL, I've lost my interest to the entire drama after what she did for the second time to ML.I skipped most scenes till the end just to know how it ended for them. Everyone was touched with that proposal but, I was glad that ML didn't went down on his knees as I think it's not well deserved. I agree this is anothe double standard drama. Oh yes, I'd like to point out too that at least, the culprit admitted his crime and the victims got their justice. The mother deserved to be disowned.

As a romance freak, BJT nailed the kisses but the FL wasn't able to execute it well. Even the intimate scene should have been spicy. But, when you look at the FL given the back kisses, you'll find no emotions at all.

I won't delve in further with the side characters but the SC had their own fair share of romance which was cute too. Only the downside was the grandfather issue which ate unnecessary time. Oh yeah, I liked the support guys as well like Xiang Lang, Mu ChengYun and Duan JiaXu. Definitely hot looking guys too.

Overall, SY as they say is totally a green forest for this drama. Good thing he's definitely hot and good looking. As some say, His stalking FL for several years could have given a wrong impression and might cause misinterpretation of obssession. But, of course, with such hot looking guy, who would think he is obssessed and stalking the woman he loves. Honestly, the FL's character failed for me. I don't remember any positive thing she did for ML. And that line of living 6 yrs more than the ML just to cover the suffering ML has encountered, it's like she's trying to look more pitiful. I just don't by that. Sadly, she doesn't want people she loves leave her, but, she has a habit of leaving them behind.

Definitely this is not the drama for me, but BJT nailed again his role. Hope he gets a green FL on his next drama.

Read More

BUT OMG, I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS DRAMA SO FAR...IT REALLY OFFERS EVERYTHING FROM SANG YAN'S PERSPECTIVE & BAI JINGTING ROLE AS SANG YAN WAS THE BEST CASTING EVER ALONG WITH ZHANG RUONAN, OMG, SHE'S SO PRETTY & CAN FIT IN ANY ROLE...❤❤

Firstly, if you're in the mood for a heartfelt journey that tugs at your emotions, "The First Frost" is the cdrama to watch. This drama reunites high school classmates Wen Yifan and Sang Yan after years apart, leading to a complex and intimate cohabitation.

Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan deliver compelling performances, capturing the nuances of rekindled connections and unresolved feelings. The show's melancholic visuals and masterful storytelling delve deep into the complexities of young love and the lingering impact of past experiences.

While it may not offer the giddy excitement of typical romances, "The First Frost" stands out for its intentional pacing and atmospheric depth, making it a must-watch for those seeking a profound and introspective romantic drama.

Read More

For me, the best 2025'drama

A Masterpiece of Sensibility and Humanity

Luckily I waited until the end of the broadcast to watch this drama, because it's impossible to tear this adorable couple away!
Very captivating series from the first episode untill the end. I knew that I really like both leads, but they were just awesome ...

+++ The CL is magical, phenomenal: no one could have brought the ML to life like this, except for Bai Jing Ting (ლ(́◉◞౪◟◉‵ლ). Zhang Nuo Ran is also brilliant in this vulnerable, strong-willed, yet fragile character. ==> Episode 27 is so moving... Bravo to both of them!!
+++ Realistic depiction of the living conditions of the urban poor.
+++ Flawless direction, everything is perfect!
+++ All actors did a great job, giving life to endearing characteres.
+++ Touching story, written with intelligence and subtlety. The feelings of the characters with PTSD are realistic (for once).
+++ Superb soundtracks that perfectly match the atmosphere.

=> Brilliant!! Watch and rewatch it as often as you like.
*****************************************************************
A Masterpiece of sensibility and humanity

Heureusement que j'ai attendu la fin de la diffusion pour regarder ce drama, car il est impossible de se séparer ce couple adorable !
Très accrocheur dès le 1e épisode. Il faut dire que j'aime bcp les 2 leads, mais ici, ils sont juste géniaux.

+++ Le CL est magique, phénoménal : personne n'aurait pu donner vie au ML de cette façon, à part Bai Jing Ting ლ(́◉◞౪◟◉‵ლ) Zhang Nuo Ran est aussi géniale dans ce personnage vulnérable, avec du caractère, mais fragile. ==> l'ép 27 est tellement émouvant... Bravo à tous les 2 !!
+++ Description réaliste des conditions de vie des citadins pauvres.
+++ Réalis° sans faille, tout est parfait !
+++ Story touchante, écrite avec intelligence, subtilité. Le ressenti des tramas est réaliste (pour une fois).
+++ OSTs superbes, qui s'accordent à l'atmosphère.

=> Génial !! A voir et revoir sans modération.

Read More

A Beautifully Crafted Adaptation That Brings the Novel to Life

Let’s talk about "The First Frost" because this drama DELIVERED on its hype (at least for me, a hardcore novel fan!). First off, the casting? Perfection. Bai Jingting as Sang Yan is literally manhwa come to life; his visuals, his smirk, that effortless cool-but-caring vibe? spot on. And Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan? she embodied the novel’s Yifan sooo well—beautiful in a quiet, melancholic way, with this comforting warmth that makes you root for her instantly. Her face just screams "I’ve been through a lot, but i’m trying my best" which is exactly how Wen Yifan feels in the book.

Speaking of the novel—yes, i read it beforehand (and obsessed over the Bai Jingting + Zhang Ruonan casting rumors for MONTHS), and overall no regrets. Bai Jingting’s acting is flawless. He didn’t just play Sang Yan; he became him, nailing every subtle emotion and bringing the character from page to screen exactly how i imagined. Zhang Ruonan was a wild card for me (since i hadn’t seen her work before), but wow??!! she killed it. Wen Yifan’s early chapters in the novel are heavy with loneliness and overthinking, and Zhang Ruonan portrayed that so well through her expressions and delivery. You feel her struggles without her even saying much.

Cinematography-wise, it’s solid, nothing groundbreaking for a modern romance drama, but no complaints either. The props and sets felt realistic (no cheap-looking stuff, thank god), and the costumes is a chef’s kiss. Shoutout to Bai Jingting for helping style Sang Yan’s looks because yes. And can we appreciate his hair and makeup? The team deserves a raise for unlocking 100% of his Sang Yan aura.

Now, the downsides: (1) Too many harassment scenes (way more than the novel), which felt unnecessary and dragged the mood down. (2) The side plots: like Su Haoan’s grandparents’ story were kinda pointless. I’d rather have more focus on Su Haoan and Zhong Shiqiao’s romance instead.

But overall? Loved it! the production did justice to the novel, the leads had insane chemistry, and the OST are Iconic. Silence Wang’s song is an instant playlist addition. If you’re into slow-burn, emotional romances with depth, this one’s a must-watch! just keep tissues handy for Wen Yifan’s struggles and Sang Yan’s heart eyes. 9.5/10!

**Minor spoiler:** That scene when Sang Yan kissed Wen Yifan in the kitchen? I SCREAMED🔥

Read More

A Beautifully Acted and Written Show

This show was one of my most awaited shows for 2025 since the release of those brilliant trailers, and it surely didn't disappoint.

Storyline: The story of our main leads, Sang Yan and Wen Yifan, was genuinely one of the most beautiful love stories I have seen in my years of watching television. It was told with such a delicate touch of warmth and compassion. I know people were unhappy with the deviations from the novel, but in my opinion the changes were well intended and suited the characters and their dynamics better. The only problem I had in this department was the excessive time given to unnecessary side characters, who did not contribute much to the story and were an annoying addition. I wish the storyline was more compact with only the leads but in the end it was a satisfactory results.

Acting: Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruonan give performance of a lifetime here. They truly understood the core of the characters and what was demanded of them, and delivered exactly what the show needed. The chemistry was natural, giving you a sense of warmth and comfort.

Music: Again, 10/10 across the board. One of the beautiful album I have come across, each and every song is beautifully poignant. I wish they used the intro song by MayDay more frequently in the actual show, which was easily the standout in the album.

Rewatch Value: This will easily go down as one of my comfort shows to rewatch whenever I am need of that warmth and comfort.

The superficial fluffy shows are cute, but these stories where characters have years of history and yearning between them truly enchant me like no another. I am grateful this show was made and to BJT and ZRN for playing our Sang Yan and Wen Yifan. You guys will be missed.

Read More

The story

"First Frost" offers a captivating blend of youthful romance , masterfully portrayed by Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan. Their on-screen chemistry is electric, seamlessly transitioning between tender moments and intense confrontations. The drama's pacing is well-managed, keeping the audience engaged with its intricate plot twists and emotional depth. While some viewers might find the pacing slow in the beginning, the payoff is well worth the wait. Though not without its minor flaws, "First Frost" is a highly recommended watch for fans of angst romance dramas, showcasing excellent performances and a compelling story.

Read More

"First Frost": The Second-Chance Romance That Hit Different

Okay, so I just binged "First Frost" and I'm OBSESSED! This is not your typical slow-burn Chinese drama where you're waiting five episodes for them to make eye contact. The chemistry between Wen Yi Fan and Sang Yan had me hooked from episode one!

Let me break it down for you. This show follows Yi Fan, a reporter who runs into her high school deskmate (and former crush) Sang Yan at a bar he co-owns called Overtime. They both pretend not to recognize each other at first (the TENSION), but then through some classic drama shenanigans, they end up becoming housemates. Talk about an awkward situation turned second chance romance!

The storytelling? Absolutely chef's kiss. The way they weave flashbacks with current events is so smooth you're never sitting there like "wait, what timeline are we in?" Each flashback drops exactly when you need it, giving you those "aha!" moments that explain why these characters are the way they are.

Can we talk about the acting though?! The male lead deserves ALL the awards. By episode one, I could literally feel the pain through his eyes even though we don't know his backstory yet. His face was doing THINGS. The emotional range this man has is insane.

The vibes of this show are immaculate—one minute I'm ugly crying, the next I'm cackling. It manages to tackle some pretty heavy themes without making the whole show feel like a therapy session.
NGL, the female lead sometimes had me yelling at my screen like "GIRL, JUST TALK TO HIM!" She has this habit of running away instead of opening up, even after everything the ML does for her. Like, I get she has trauma from abuse and abandonment, but watching her leave him a SECOND time after he waited EIGHT YEARS for her?! Red flag behavior 🚩

But what makes this show hit different is how relatable it is. For him, it's all about love, persistence, and sacrifice. For her, it's about learning to trust again, accepting herself, and rediscovering joy after years of trauma.
And let's be real—unlike those PG dramas where couples in their 30s act like holding hands is scandalous, this show gives us some actually realistic romantic moments. The intimate scenes are tasteful but steamy enough to make you feel things. Their chemistry is just... I can't even. UNREAL.

If you're looking for your next binge-worthy C-drama that will have you in your feels while also serving major eye candy and relationship goals, "First Frost" is IT.

Read More