The First Frost

A Story That Ends Beautifully

-Story-
The story does fall into the "slow-burn" type, so you have to be patient. I don't think this drama is suitable for audiences who prefer "fast-paced" romance stories. Although different, the characters of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan here are both typical of those who really calculate what they do. The type who really think about cause and effect, although in terms of "holding back", it seems that Sang Yan is far behind Yifan. I love both characters. They complement each other, and are very sincere. I don't know, I've lost count, because I think, out of 32 episodes, I cried in 30 of them. The drama isn't entirely sad, but there are too many lessons learned, so the story is often touching and moving. At its core, their story is "beautiful". I can't find another word to describe it anymore.

The one thing that bored me a bit, even tending to speed it up to 1.5 was Su Haoan's grandfather and grandmother scene. That's all. Not that the side-story was bad, but I was too curious about Sang Yan and Yifan's story which caught my attention more than Haoan's grandfather and grandmother's story, which seemed to only add to the duration of the episode. Regardless, this story still deserves a 10/10. The execution is so good. Very realistic. Realism that illustrates that not all love will go smoothly, and everyone will definitely get the "right" one. Patience that pays off. They are meant to be.

-Acting/Casting-
I don't need to comment much on this one. Their acting is all mesmerizing. It's enough to bring you into the story, as if you're experiencing the characters' joy, fear, and sadness. Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting managed to transfer emotions to the audience just by looking at their eyes. And it's perfect.

-Music-
Silence Wang! Argh! Love you. And all the music from the other singers. I love them all. Even when I'm not watching the drama, I'm willing to replay it on Spotify.

-Rewatch Value-
I give it a 9.5. Unlike Hidden Love with its light conflict, almost every episode is "happy", I don't seem to rewatch this drama very often. Maybe, I'll pick up a few episodes, the happy ones of course. Yifan's story is enough to make me breathless. I feel sorry to rewatch it. I don't have the heart 😭

That's how it is. In the end, The First Frost is my best watch for a modern drama in early 2025.

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More than I bargained for

This is my very subjective review. I wrote it, because I really wanted to. It's subjective, because I don't have another way of talking about it. It was the most transformational drama I ever saw. And I am 68.
I had to take long breaks between episodes just to digest and deal with all that I understood about my life, about the human predicament and life in general. For me, it was like a spiritual graduation. So ironic that the story's point of gravity was also graduation.
I can't promise it will mean this much to anyone else - we are all different with different lives and different challenges. However, for me thi story was deeply humane and really great despite any and all potential shortcomings (which are bound to be there in any piece of art created by humans).
It's a story that teaches you that sovereignty is not granted - it must be claimed. But when you do, nothing can harm you again. And it teaches you that while you cannot take over someone's burdens, you can help them carry, and ultimately shed them by giving them love and a safe foothold to stand on while they fight.

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I am reading the Manhua first frost so I'm really not expecting much. I just find the leads beautiful and their appearance has 100% chemistry. I didn't read hidden love(Not because I dont like it it's just that age gap isn't my thing), so i wouldn't understand why they say it's not their Sang Yan. For me who is reading first frost (Manhua is still On going), this drama made my Sang Yan and Wen Yifan come to life. Some of the scenes are exactly the same it amaze me. Sang Yan is really handsome and Yifan is very beautiful just like i the Manhua. Yifan's character is just that, she's quite and cold, even when they are living together. Sang Yan is really shameless and he loves only Yifan which is exactly shown in the drama.

One of the scenes they change that I preferred the Manhua, after Yifan saw her uncle in an accident and when she and Sang Yan kissed and sang yan made her choose if she wants to eat or she wants to kiss more. I was expecting she would choose kiss more since that's what happened in the manhua but sadly she's more hungry for food in the drama.

And she run away again? I dont know if this will happen too but I don't think she will do that. After dropping the "Don't hurt the people around me or else" something like that to her uncle, I don't think she will do that to Sang Yan again. Cause after realizing how he suffered after she left, all she want to do was love him wholeheartedly.

Overall I don't have much expectation but I love it! I waited for episode everyday.

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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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The First Frost

I just finished watching The First Frost, and I have to say — what an absolutely beautiful drama! From the very first episode, I was drawn into its emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling.Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan’s performances in The First Frost are nothing short of outstanding. Their on-screen chemistry feels incredibly natural, making their characters’ emotions and relationships deeply relatable. have to say, Bai Jing Ting looked incredibly handsome throughout the drama! Whether he was dressed casually or in more formal outfits, he carried himself with such charm and elegance. His expressive eyes and warm smile added so much depth to his character, making it impossible not to fall for him.Zhang Ruo Nan was equally impressive, bringing grace and authenticity to her role. Together, they made the perfect on-screen pair, delivering a heartfelt and memorable performance.
The First Frost isn’t just a drama — it’s an experience. If you’re looking for something that’s heartfelt, emotional, and leaves a lasting impression, I highly recommend watching it. Trust me, it’s the kind of story that stays with you.
Honestly, if I could rate this drama more than 10/10, I absolutely would! ❤️

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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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An Absolute Treasure – A Story of Strength, Love, and Growth

The First Frost is more than just a romance drama—it’s a beautifully woven story about resilience, self-discovery, and love that isn’t about saving, but about standing beside each other.

Wen Yifan is a character I found myself deeply relating to. She is intelligent, independent, and kind, but what sets her apart is her quiet strength. She faces hardships head-on but in her own way, not with exaggerated toughness but with a calm determination that makes her truly inspiring. What I love most is that she proves you don’t have to shed your femininity to be strong. Strength is about endurance, about standing your ground when the world tries to shake you.

San Yan, on the other hand, is far from the stereotypical “prince on a white horse.” He doesn’t swoop in to rescue her; instead, he sees her, understands her, and walks beside her, trying hard to fulfil her unspoken wishes. Their relationship isn’t built on grand gestures or unrealistic tropes—it grows through mutual respect, struggles, and moments of quiet understanding. It’s the kind of love that feels real, one where both characters remain true to themselves while also growing together.

Kudos to the Second couple, who did a great job as well. I do love FL's best friend, she's always there for everyone but sometimes fails to be seen when she needs others. But that did not stop her from taking care of her friends. I guess her 'to-be boyfriend' is a testament to her kind soul.

Finally, the cinematography is breathtaking, the storytelling is nuanced, and the chemistry between the leads is nothing short of magical. Every interaction, every glance, and every conversation carries weight, making it impossible not to get emotionally invested.

If you love stories that celebrate strong, well-written female leads and romance that feels deeply authentic, The First Frost is a must-watch. It’s not just a drama, it’s an experience.

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