The First Frost

Starts slow but is worth it as it gets very good

9/10 is my rating.



Review

(Scroll down for synopsis and spoilers)



This is a very heartwarming romance that will give romantics the warm fuzzies that we look for in romance dramas. I liked it a lot and would highly recommend it for anyone that likes romantic dramas with some roots in some hard realities. My main critique is it started really slow. I am not, in general, a huge fan of just straight up drama.  Up until about episode 10, I was wondering what people liked about it.  But then it started to get REALLY good and I understand why it was very popular. And I also understood, a little, why that long, seemingly slow lead up mattered. But it was a really frustrating later as it kept flashing back and filling in details. There are few instances where I like stories told as flashbacks. I would rather just get the story in the order it occurred.  A technique that gets overused is to tell a skeleton of the crucial events and then use the flashbacks as the reveals. To me, the character finding out those details could be the reveals. Traveling back and forward in time can easily become disorganized chaos. In this story they use a realer like time line and show, as you travel back and forth, where you are at on that timeline during the cut scenes. That helped. But the fact that was necessary is an indicator of how much the story moved back and forth in time.



Synopsis



This is a 2025 Chinese Romantic drama with 32, 45 minute episodes. It was adapted from a novel by Zhu Yi and has the same title.  The main lead character in this played the brother in another Chinese drama "Hidden Love." There are references to the characters from Hidden Love and even a cameo or so. In terms of timeline this takes place partially, in the flash backs, during the same timeframe as the high school scenes in hidden love but after the main part of the story after high school.





Sang Yan (Bai Jingting) and Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan) were a high school couple until a series of misunderstandings drove them apart. Wen Yifan broke up with Sang Yan and they were both heart broken. Eight years later they are living very different lives. Sang Yan wealthy and lives in a nice apartment and is part owner of a popular bar and also a video game programmer. Wen Yifan is trying to break into the news reporting industry. She works for a smaller news program and is trying to get a big story to get more recognition and so she is promoted. Because of her limited economic means, she lives in a very impoverished area. Because she has very little resources and is alone in the world she lives in an apartment with multiple virtual strangers to keep living costs down. Due to her beauty she suffers many unwanted advances and has even been assaulted by unwanted admirers. Wen Yifan has avoided Sang Yan for over eight years but starts to bump into him more frequently and then finds herself in a co-habited rental where she knew she was getting a new roommate but did not realize it was the man she was trying so hard to avoid.



Spoilers



Her mother is among the worst I have seen. Call me vindictive but I was glad she told her just pretend like I was a victim of that serial killer you refused to save me from. Because, really, if she hadn't been a tough victim, that is what would have happened.  It was heart breaking when she called her mother begging her to get her out of the situation and saying she didn't feel safe and her mother basically saying suck it up. If you are that cold to someone, anyone, let alone your own child, you deserve to spend the rest of your life thinking of what you could have done better. She tried with her. FL did. She went to her house when the mom reached out but then her horrible aunt was there.  Her last string of trust was betrayed.  The fact that she did not forgive her made me like the show more.

I am also glad FL did not fall for her half-sister's ruse that she wanted to be close to her. I thought it was all about being able to get in with the ML through her. I loved that about the FL. I give you every chance to be a good human but if you don't take any of them then that bridged you burned is not repairable.  You reap what you sow.

If ever you wanted a ML who would walk through literal fire for the FL this was it. He loved her with a conviction and unwavering determination. Some might say he was "stalking" her.  I would agree if he ever approached her and she indicated she did not want him around.  There can be a fine line between the two. But he was clearing watching out for her. Checking in on her. 

I am not usually a fan of people leaving but, in her case, I totally understood. The treatment she dealt with was both physical and psychological torture. She genuinely thought people she cared about would do better without her. There was no malice in her actions.



#FirstFrost

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A masterpiece of a Chinese drama!

I binged this masterpiece in 2 days. I saw so many edits of this show on TIKTOK, so I decided to check it out. NO REGRETS, this is my favorite chinese drama.

Some people may think the pacing of the show was slow, but who cares as I could better understand the characters and see SANGYAN and YIFAN'S relationship develop. They look SO GOOD together. I even teared up in some scenes, especially the moments when Wen Yifan showed her vulnerable side to Sangyan.

Sang Yan and Wen Yifan are pretty well-written characters. We see how their romance has developed since highschool, and how these characters each have their own weaknesses ( especially Yifan and her family issues, as well as How SangYan had struggled living 6 years without any contact with her). Their emotions felt real and it was just amazing seeing them date and eventually became a couple.

The side characters were pretty good too, they weren't annoying and helped us better understand the characters!

This show was really beautiful, I really felt emotional towards them, especially the experiences they went through.

The soundtrack was amazing, “Like Sunny Days, Like Rainy Days ” is SO GOOD OMG, i've already listened to it a million times. The OSTS and the animation was also amazing.


Bai JingTing and Zhang RuoNan are such good actors. Their acting felt real and not forced at all. I loved their chemistry.
Truly an amazing show that felt truly genuine and real.
10/10, 100/100, 5/5 stars-->Amazing.

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Love, Sacrifice, and Redemption: *First Frost* Takes You on an Emotional Rollercoaster

⭐ *First Frost* – C-Drama Review (9/10) ⭐

*First Frost* isn’t your typical light and fluffy romance—it’s a dark, deeply emotional journey filled with trauma, resilience, and redemption. At its core, the drama thrives on the unwavering love of the male lead, whose devotion remains steadfast despite pain, distance, and harsh words. Meanwhile, the female lead’s quiet strength and selflessness make her a deeply compelling character, constantly putting others before herself even at her own expense.

One of the most interesting questions this drama poses is: *Would I rather be brave like our female lead, who sacrifices so much for others, or like our male lead, whose love never wavers even in the face of heartbreak?*

I also think *First Frost* suffers from inevitable comparisons to *Hidden Love* (which aired first despite being the second book in the series). This shapes audience expectations rather than allowing the drama to stand on its own. While *Hidden Love* offers a soft, comforting romance, *First Frost* is a much heavier, more emotionally intense story about love that endures through darkness.

The only drawback for me? The music didn’t leave a strong impression—none of the songs made it onto my Spotify list. But that’s a minor gripe in an otherwise powerful drama.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be ready for an emotional journey, not a lighthearted love story.

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Emotional

The drama is highly emotional; however, the chemistry between the leads made it watchable. Their love story and his dedication while chasing her showed unconditional love. A good one!

I liked the second leads too. The drama also highlights the injustice faced by girls who are already struggling to find their way. Some get justice, while others do not. It also explores how people around them react—some are selfish, some are controlled by powerful influences, and some choose to stay out of the mess and refuse to help.

Despite all this, some girls refuse to give up and continue to fight for their rights. The drama also beautifully portrays how true love never lets go of its partner’s hand.

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One of the greatest shows

Unique storyline though it seems typical at first but that’s not the case at all. The female lead character and acting top notch. Perfect casting. Yearning in San Yans eyes to die for. I appreciate the fact that FL is neither a dumb silly girl nor a happy sunshine or even bossy arrogant cocky type. it portrays different kind of real life women , greatly appreciate the FL character development though it may seem she’s all gloomy and sad all the time, it’s real and not for everybody. Seeing such character was unique and need more characters like this in other drama

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When the Chemistry is Chemistrying & the Storytelling is Storytelling-ing

Alright, ladies, gather 'round because I'm about to tell you about your next TV boyfriend. If you're a romantic fiction junkie like me, then Chinese drama "The First Frost" is about to become your new obsession.

All you have to do is find it on your Netflix and click Play.

Now, I'll be real with you—I’m a huge fan of Chinese fantasy, but I'm usually not one to venture into the world of contemporary C-dramas. The culture differences after watching so much Western TV is jarring and I do need to be in the right mood. But Netflix kept on showing "The First Frost" to me since I already watch a lot of international content, so I decided to check it out.

First of all, this show has all my favorite tropes (high school sweethearts, second-chance romance, forced proximity—hello, roommates!), plus an epicly (is this even a word?) swoon-worthy male lead.

And let me tell you, this drama does not disappoint. From the jump, the production value is off the charts. The cinematography is so dang stunning. For someone who has worked on sets and did years of photography, this was so visually satisfying. The angles, the bokeh, the tricks the crew used with lights and fixtures. My eyes were so happy.

Seriously, the way the production team uses the visuals to set the mood and really draw you into the characters' journeys? Chef's Kiss

Now, let's talk about our leading lady Wen Yi Fan played by Zhang Ruo Nan. Yes, she might come across as a little weak at the beginning, but remember, this is a different culture, with its own set of societal norms. So, you need to adjust your expectations accordingly. And typically, a couple of episodes is enough to get into the groove.

As we watch the show, we also see the progress in Wen Yi Fan. The way she's been shaped by her traumatic past reflects on her personality greatly. But she makes up for her weakness by standing up for herself when it counts. Her relationship with her high school crush Sang Yan and how it develops in the present is also showcasing her character arc. I’ve seen some unconvincing leading ladies and Zhang Ruo Nan does an amazing job playing a victim of domestic violence and assault. Her performance is nuanced and believable. It’s endearing to watch her come into her own, to make the right decisions for herself and her happiness, to learn how to trust again. She looks fragile, but she has a lot more power than the viewer expects.

Writers did an amazing job with her character overall, and I think the actress was able to bring it to life wonderfully.

And then there's Sang Yan, our male lead. Fans self.

Honey, this man has been simping for Wen Yi Fan since high school, and let me tell you, the actor they cast absolutely nails it. Just a small piece of info in case you didn’t know: “The First Frost” is a spin-off of another popular TV series “Hidden Love,” in which there’s a different actor playing Sang Yan. He was recast for “The First Frost” because someone with more experience in romantic roles was needed for this drama.

I am so happy with the casing choice. Bai Jingting is a total sweetheart. He is nonchalant where it’s necessary and caring in a quiet, brooding way, but no overbearing. He knows Wen Yi Fan is the one for him, and he does everything to make her life easier. As someone who’s been writing romance novels for ten years and publishing them for six out of those ten, I can tell when the actor really puts his heart into a role. Sang Yan does everything for Wen Yi Fan that a gentleman will do, including sneaking in that cat tree into her room. This was such a sweet moment.

I’m also going to say that no matter how good the actors are, if there’s no chemistry between them, then it’s just not going to be convincing. Well, this show has no chemistry problems. The sparks between these two are off the charts, and the little moments where he shows his devotion? Swoon central, I tell you.

Another interesting thing I noticed is that Sang Yan is a green flag. Mostly, there will be some red flags in male leads in Asian shows, at least if you watch them from the Western point of view. If you are used to Asian content, then you will not notice. I have to constantly switch my brain depending on what I watch and tune in my expectations, but that’s just me.

Lastly, I want to talk a little about intimacy in this show. C-dramas are pretty tame. You’re lucky if you get more than one or two kisses over the course of 40 episodes. There’s no skinship whatsoever. You will hardly see a woman in a bra. Male torso will most definitely be shown. So, knowing how it typically is, I was pleasantly surprised that while “The First Frost” didn’t go full-on Hollywood style and open bedroom scene, there was a lot more steamy moments overall between the couple than in most C-dramas I’ve seen, which will be pretty satisfying for romance fans. These moments are quite important because they don’t just showcase a couple getting closer, but the trust the female lead puts into the male lead, which is part of her character development.

Side notes.

There’s a second couple, and they are cute, but I think the storyline about the grandparents bogged down the main plot a little and took a lot of time. But I also know why it was there, so I just skipped the lengthy dialogues that were meant to be educational.

We also had this hiccup of an arc that happens on almost all Asian romance dramas, where one has to leave the other because they think that the other is better off. (I actually understand why, because I would have probably done the same thing in my current medical situation to let the one I care about lead a better life. But I’m not 26 YO, and these people are effing healthy). I always roll my eyes at this trope because it’s becoming tiring, but the rest of the drama was very good. Overall, the story is so well-crafted, the characters so compelling, and the romance so darn swoony, you won't even care about this bit.

My verdict.

If you're in the mood for a drama that's gonna make your heart flutter, and your eyes tear up, you gotta check out "The First Frost." And trust me, you're gonna be thanking me later when you've found your new TV boyfriend in Sang Yan.

Music.

I need to say a couple of words about the soundtrack. It’s amazing and I even saved a few songs into my playlist.

Favorite song from the show: 想悄悄住进你的灵魂 (Want To Quietly Live in Your Soul) - 萧秉治 (Xiao Bingzhi)


P.S. And yes, it’s in Mandarin and it has English subtitles.

P.P.S. I have been trying to bring myself to watch Hidden Love just to see what the hype is about, but I have started and stopped twice now, simply because the cinematography in Hidden Love is not as good. I will give it a try again at a later date.

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A MUST-WATCH DRAMA

I can’t stop talking about this drama—it’s honestly one of the best I’ve ever seen. Every little part of it is amazing, from the storyline and script to the leads, acting, and even the smallest details. The writing is very clear and keeps you interested from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships feel real, which makes the emotional scenes even stronger. The story moves at a good pace, not too fast or too slow, so everything feels natural.

The leads give great performances that make their characters come alive. Their chemistry is strong, making every scene between them feel real and interesting. I also like how the drama mixes serious and funny moments, which makes watching it more enjoyable.

The OSTs are amazing too. The music fits perfectly with the mood of each scene and makes the feelings stronger. You should look up the lyrics after watching because they are very meaningful and well written. The songs don’t just play in the background—they tell their own story and help you connect more with the characters and the plot.

Overall, this drama is very well made. You can tell a lot of care was put into the script, acting, music, and direction. If you want a drama that will keep you hooked and make you feel a lot, this is the one to watch. The last episode is exceptional—it’s so perfect and natural. You won’t regret watching it.

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The best kind of love is the one that makes you want to change for the better.

omfg this exceeded all of my expectations and is one of the most beautifully done cdramas i have seen in 2025 so far.

-wen yifan? my love,my shayla oh my GODDD MY SHAYLAAAA. I love the way this story voices SA victims wen yifan is not alone and neither are the other innocent souls, seeing her grow stronger and braver and crack out of a dark place was inspiring and honestly beautiful to see.
she is ALSO breathtakingly GORGEOUSSS like sang yan my bro, i get it, i really do.
-the OST, I, much like everyone else is jamming to it as we speak i ADOREEE IT.
-sang yan? a man who yearns is a man who earns and sang yan proved that periodt. His love language is acts of service and it can be seen so clearly all throughout the drama i loved it.

one thing to add tho, i know most people's problems with this is that it seemed ''unrealistic'', such as sang yan being so deeply in love with her and yifan SEEMINGLY not ''reciprocating'' the same amount of feelings back.
but i call CAPP, they love each other in their own unique ways, while sang yans love can be seen through his actions, his yearning and his care. i personally think yifan expresses her love with her words, saying she wants to live 6 years more then him and the reason behind it omg girl i love you.
she loved him enough to leave her happiness for his safety and he loved her enough to look and wait for her for YEARS. Thats true love imo. they're perfect for eachother.

i may have had my own doubts when i was in the middle of the whole drama, but the last few episodes blew me away, the story was extremely enjoyable throughout and actually very heavy in contrast to hidden love.

9/10 would 1000000% recommend.

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Beautiful beyond words

There are no words to describe this drama. It was beautiful from start to end and showed that life isnt a fairytale,but they did get their happily ever after. Male actor carried the show, female was beautiful but was very cringe and awkward to watch on some scenes but it could have been the writers vision and he told her to act like that idk. I will most definately rewatch in the future though and i dont really re-watch shows. This show made me cry of happiness and fullfilled what a love story should really be like. Now if only real life could be like the way he loved her :(

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Is there any point in saying anything about it? Just what

announced that this series was coming out, so I wanted to watch it (I was waiting for the whole thing to come out). I finally watched it with sis and I have to tell you that this is called a Chinese masterpiece. I haven't seen many cdramas, but this will 100% be one of my favorites. It's BEAUTIFUL. Really. The relationship between the main characters is BEAUTIFUL. The story is BEAUTIFUL. The overall production is BEAUTIFUL. I cried a few times - not because it was sad, but mainly because of how beautiful the drama is. What got me the most was probably that it's a spin-off of "hidden love" (which I still haven't reviewed (especially since I'm rewatching Imao)) and stay tuned!!! More spin-offs of hidden love are being prepared (some classmate or something). Anyways, in first frost one of the main characters is Sang Yan, whom we already know from "hidden love" as Sang Zhi's brother. Which seems really cool to me, because I really liked Yana in Hidden Love, and when you told me that it was actually a spin-off, I was even more shocked and excited.

I was super excited yesterday because, as I said, the drama was wonderful and I'm so sorry it ended (I would watch it again in a heartbeat). I also can't forget to mention the wonderful soundtrack, which is worth listening to (I'll throw my favorites in here) and I applaud the actors for their great work, and also the people who participated in the entire series, because this is called a masterpiece.

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