This review may contain spoilers
I wanna hug Yi Fan and completely shower her with gift!!!!!!
Okay so watching this because of the Hidden Love series made me think it was going to be a light hearted romance drama but I was definitely wrong...WARNING I TALK ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT + ABUSE
Female Lead:
Never in my life have I cried this much literally every episode and all my tears were for Yi Fan . We are first introduced to her as a character that is a victim of sexual assault and it affects her daily life, her life seems boring and tasteless. You can tell that Yi Fan is currently carrying a lot of unhealed trauma from her living conditions to her reaction to certain behaviours. One thing that I was very grateful for this show was that Yi Fan's trauma was meticulously written as her trauma wasn't glossed over or written with the intend of romance. This show clearly depicted how Yi Fan's actions are impacted from this, for example her zero tolerance for any type of harassment despite the 'mildness' of it or any unconsented and unpredictable physical touch from the opposite gender. From this she's seen as having an hard exterior for her willingness to fight justice and knowing who to cut off and set strict boundaries for herself. Her healing of trauma was centred around her meeting her high school classmate Sang Yan, who she had known before her incident, when she was an innocent child and stopped contact after the incident. This truly made her relook into the past with someone from her past and relook at the wholesome memories that were overshadowed by the trauma she faced. She also managed to find a special someone to care for her and reassure her that she should never doubt the intense things she had to face.
Male Lead:
So San Yang was someone I did not really like at all in the majority beginning of the show. This was mainly because of his lack of awareness of what potentially Yi Fan must have gone through. Especially throughout high school, he literally witnessed her being abused and neglected by her family. His ego was to big and when they reunited he was to focused of the fact that Yi Fan left him. However, it was so satisfying when throughout the show it actually presented why San Yang actually thought like this. One of the main reasons was because he grew up in a very loving family that made him oblivious to how much Yi Fan's family impacted her. His ego grew each time he helped Yi Fan out, for example when he overheard her family say she doesn't deserve food her provides her food and thought that was enough to make sure she's the happiest, which is all good intentions but he thought she wouldn't be impacted from the absence of love from her family because of the love he showed her. Therefore when she breaks their promise of going to the same uni San Yang is truly heart broken since he has done all of this for his love for Yi Fan however she replied with going to a different uni. This point is thoroughly explained when San Yang took accountability and apologised for holding such a big ego and had not considered her feeling at all (this scene literally made me sooooo happy cause I was still a little stingy about his character). Falling in love with Yi Fan 'again' was the main route of his character development since it made him question why she choice to leave and cut off contact and genially improved him as a person.
Yi Fan's relationship with her family:
Okay so one of my biggest pet peeve that is apparent in many shows is how despite all the terrible and sometimes criminal act a family does, at the end of the show it's all happy happy and all is forgiven. But in First Frost, it is finally handled realistically and how it should always be handled. Yi Fan and her mother possess a very difficult and strained relationship since after Yi Fan's dad died, her mother needed time alone and made Yi Fan lack a mother figure and made her stay with her neglectful Aunt and that despicable being of a person. Despite all of Yi Fan's plead to be taken back and even opening about how that that despicable being of a person has been sexually assaulting her, her mother brushed it off and was too centred around her life, she neglected Yi Fan. Now Yi Fan's older and her mother has 'settled down' the mother finally wants to start to rebuild the relationship. However, Yi Fan decides to cut off her whole family, including her mother at the end of the show, to symbolise has she's moved from the past and has people she loves now and cares for her. This ending was really satisfying because she clearly states to the mother that when she needed her to most, she wasn't there. Yi Fan says that her mother's daughter has been killed and saying that made a weight leave from Yi Fan's chest.
Yi Fan's dream was to be in ballet, however after that incident that injured her ankles, she is physically unable to reach that dream. In the later episodes when she ran away to Hongkong, she becomes a temporary ballet teacher. This is when us as viewers sees a woman who is so close yet so far from their dreams. This truly made me ugly cry from how much one person can impact ones life. How many people in the world have gone through such intense traumas and still haven't received justice or even allowed to call themselves a victim.
Disadvantage:
I found myself skipping all the scenes with the side couple because it was just so basic, boring and predictable it actually annoyed me how much screen time they took. Also that whole grandpa thingy literally took nearly a whole episode. It was just a really random topic to focus in and did NOTHING to the main plot. Also I genially felt like Yi Fan's and Si Qiao's friendship should have been covered a lot more since this show mainly only focused on romantic relationships and kind of only bought up their friendship when it was convenient. Like when Yi Fan was opening Si Qiao, it was literally cut out and jumped straight into Si Qiao telling Yi Fan she went through a lot and that was it. Also San Yang as a character had literal to no personality or hobbies and kind of just existed for Yi Fan, but this bever bothered me as much because this show was all about Yi Fan and her journey.
Ending:
Okay so despite this being a 'happy ending' I think it is more of a bitter sweet ending. Because yes Yi Fan's perpetrator got arrested, she established her relationship with her family and got with San Yang and even opened up to him. However, this still makes me highly emotionally because despite all her efforts this trauma is still with in her. She still lived through all of this.
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This review may contain spoilers
one of the best slow burn romance I’ve seen
I’m not a modern cdrama fan but I was intrigued many are watching this show. so I tried.finished 4 episodes in one sitting. by then, everything, from storytelling, production to acting, it was considered good.
as episodes passed, it became amazing. especially both leads. to the point the actors are the characters themselves.
I don’t mind the lack of plots because the emotional development of the main leads are far more important and interesting. also using non linear storytelling without confusing audience, was really really good.
the slow burn in this drama is just like simmering broth, the longer it takes, more savoury and every single scenes between Yifan and Sang Yan are just chef kiss.
show while showing the romance, never shy to portray the trauma of SA victims, how it shapes their character, the actions they take…
many dislike the HK arc but imo, it’s integral. from yifan pov, we get to see how she deal with things when it goes wrong. this time when sang Yan already involved in her life. and those two years, sang Yan began to figure out what kind of life she lived during those days. because yifan is the type that don’t share such things even with her best friends, what more to sang Yan. this is her personal trauma. she has difficulty letting in people and let them know her struggles. she know running away won’t solve problems but that’s the only way she knows. until she decided that she has to put this to a stop, by herself. not anyone else but her own.
wen yifan struggles and her growth, throughout the show was so amazing. to a point there are aspects that I truly relate with her, and wish to have someone like Sang Yan in my life, as a support, for me to build my own self confidence and fly, soar in the sky.
one thing if show ought to do was to spare some time to expand on Sang Yan’s growth. it’s only through sangzhi’s pov we got to know how he changed, after he lost Yifan.
as for supporting leads, amazing. just the grandpa arc a little bit redundant. I understand that his family is about communication issue after a traumatic event. I’m surprised grandma just went off to travel and assumed grandpa love other woman. backstory only came from Su haoan’s mouth. but I guess they don’t want to do much on their storyline since main story already heavy.
watching this show had me yearn for my own sang Yan. even how fictional this character seems to be, praying for one, at least that’s the best we can hope for.
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Heartfelt, Heartbreaking, and Absolutely Unforgettable
The First Frost took me on an emotional roller coaster, and I’m not sure I’ll ever recover. This drama made me feel everything—from heart-fluttering sweetness that had me smiling like a fool, to frustration and anger that made me want to throw my pillow at the screen, to heartbreak so intense it left me staring into space.The story is beautifully told, pulling me in with every twist and turn. The characters feel so real that their happiness became mine, and their pain hit me like a punch to the gut. And let’s talk about the chemistry—every glance, every touch, every unspoken moment between the leads had my heart racing. It’s the kind of connection that lingers long after the final episode.
But what made this drama even more special was the music. The soundtrack didn’t just complement the emotions—it amplified them. The OST made the sad scenes even more gut-wrenching, while giving every emotional moment so much weight. Even now, hearing those songs brings back all the feelings like a flood.
I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to move on from this. It’s rare to find a drama that leaves such a deep mark, and The First Frost has set the bar impossibly high. Until another drama comes along that can make me feel this much, this one will remain my absolute favourite.
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Fate works hard, but Sang Yan works harder
This drama brought me back into a full-on C-drama spiral — seriously.The First Frost is a story that quietly shows how love, at its core, is selfless. Selfless enough to want the other person to be happy, even if that happiness doesn’t include you. Selfless enough to stay behind their boundaries when they don’t reach out first. Selfless enough to keep showing up silently, even when your heart is breaking.
The plot may seem typical, two people loved each other and they found their way back later on. Sang Yan & Yifan met in high school, but then fate has to separate them because sometimes life is just cruel. Years ahead, they were reunited and ended up sharing a house. In which, all things started to unfold, all feelings start to get resolved and it ended on a very satisfying note as all loose ends were neatly tied, beautiful!
Again, I'm not a fan of slow-burn romance, but somehow TFF managed to make me want to see how their relationship develops. Sometimes, C-dramas tend to get cringey with forced romantic moments — but not this one. Their interactions feel natural. Their connection grows gradually and organically. It’s subtle. Real. Earned.
The characters - SANG YAN SANG YAN SANG YAN YOU SET THE BAR SO HIGH. I've seen some interviews where Bai Jing Ting said the director has taken the best image he could ever have, and he has this fear of not being as perfect as Sang Yan later on (lol!). His small gestures are everything. His micro-expressions. The way he holds back but still loves so fully. The way he chooses quiet gestures over grand ones — like he's scared that reaching out too directly will make her leave again. He expresses his love for her through subtle acts of affection, and he doesn't think twice to let go of his pride and acknowledge the significance of Yi Fan's pain. "Through all these years, I never loved anyone but you" what kind of psycho would hear something like this and not breaking down into their knees?!
Wen Yi Fan is a character who suffers a lot. She used to be someone bright, but then again life doesn't go as planned. She is someone who had long belittled the thoughts of what she deserves in this life. But then again, she has always seen Sang Yan as someone who deserves all the good things in life; she protects his light, even when she’s lost her own. Her character development on opening up and being gentler with her feelings definitely makes me feel more sympathetic towards her.
I've seen some mixed opinions regarding the differences between the novel plot and also the drama. But being someone who saw both, I think both versions have their own charms. Since in the drama version, it focuses more on the SA plot but then again it makes the overall vibes of the drama more mature and complex. My own personal downside is probably how the grandfather's arc kinda feels like fillers overtime. At first the interactions and relationship progress between the second couple was fun to watch. But then, it starts getting repetitive with all these characters revolving around the Grandpa.
The OSTs are TOP NOTCH, been on replay in my playlist. And i just found out that Bai Jing Ting also sing for one of the OSTs!
Anyway, it takes me AGES to finish this drama. Since after episode 27 to 30 i keep on going back to rewatch previous episodes. It takes so much time for me to finally watch the two last eps just because it feels sad to say goodbye to this beautiful drama. This drama made it on top of my favorite modern C-drama list, and I’ll keep going back to it.
Over and over.
Happily.
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ENDURING LOVE
I rarely give a rating to a drama that I just finished watching. This was my 2nd time rating a drama, the very first drama I rated was "LOVELY RUNNER" because I thought that time that no one could beat that drama from being my #1 spot for a very very veryyy long time, guess I was wrong because this crama without a doubt took the #1 spot for me, ignoring the story of the grandpa and the 2nd lead/couple because I find it sooo unnecessary, it is sooo dragging. Sang Yan and Wen Shuangjiang story is the perfect definition of ENDURING LOVE, that love takes time. You can't love someone who don't even love themselves, their love for each other is so patient, respectful and full of understanding, without even forcing anything. They just understand and respect each other well and they give each other time and space whenever they need it. Eventually, after everything that has happened, they will always find their way back to each other, they don't give up with each other and they will always catch each other. THAT'S LOVE FOR ME 🍃❄️❤️🩹Was this review helpful to you?
Slow and sweet
Even though it was over 30 episodes I felt that all episodes added something to the overall story. We had a very very slow reveal of the back story and the why and how things happened at the time the two started University. I especially loved the little snippets at the end of each episode showing and explaining things that happened before or during the episode. Most times ML did something super cute or swoonworthy...The two leads had some great chemistry and some moments were so heart achingly beautiful.... it made me cry a few times. Emotionally mature and deep, a tale of love, trust, finding yourself and admitting to needing other people for real happiness and also handling trauma in life.
The side story of the two friends was also engaging but here I felt the chemistry was missing a bit.
But all in all a lovely series that I watched in less then a week and that kept me invested and engaged until the end.
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This review may contain spoilers
An emotional yet sweet drama with a walking green forest as the ML
This drama has such a beautiful blend of romance, healing, and resilience. While it may not be perfect, (this is my opinionpls don't come at me for saying it has its own flaw) it delivers a compelling story that resonates deeply, especially through its well-developed characters and heartfelt performances.The journey of the Yifan, female lead, a woman who has endured immense trauma and struggles with self-worth. Despite her pain, she never gives up—her strength grows even more when she decides to protect the person she loves. Her story is heartbreaking yet inspiring, as she slowly learns that she, too, deserves happiness.
The male lead, Sang Yan is an absolute standout—he is the definition of a "walking green flag." he is a whole damn forest ahhh. His love for her is unwavering, expressed through quiet acts of service, gentle teasing, and endless patience. He falls in love first, and even when she leaves, his feelings never waver. His devotion is one of the most beautiful aspects of the drama, making their love story feel genuine and deeply touching.
The drama shows sensitive topics like sexual assault and victim-blaming. These moments are heavy and triggering (I myself am a victim so I can relate to her big time), but they highlight important real-world issues that many women face daily. Seeing the female lead’s journey from victim to survivor adds depth to the story. It’s heartbreaking to watch how those closest to her failed her, but it’s also empowering to see her fight back and ultimately take control of her life.
There is undeniable chemistry between the leads which is a treat to us hehe. Their relationship is built on genuine care and understanding. There are moments that will make you cry, but also plenty of heart-fluttering and giggle-worthy scenes that balance out the heavy themes.
The emotional depth, the incredible chemistry between the leads, and the male lead’s unwavering love make it a must-watch. For those who enjoy heartfelt romance with meaningful storytelling, this drama is definitely worth it. A solid 9/10
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SLOW BURN ? but worth the waiting…
"The First Frost" 2025 Chinese drama is a captivating urban romance!*Rating: 9.2/10*
**Story:* 9.5 - A poignant, slow-burn love tale of past and present, exploring love, regret, and healing.
**Chemistry:* 9.8 - Leads Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan's subtle sparks IGNITE!
**Acting:* 9.5 - Nuanced performances, especially Bai Jingting's emotional resonance!
This beautifully crafted story follows Wen Yifan, a determined reporter, and Sang Yan, her high school crush, as they reconnect and confront past traumas.
*Positives:*
• Engaging plot with unexpected twists
• Stellar acting performances
• Breathtaking cinematography enhancing the bittersweet atmosphere
Realistic portrays on the issues of SA and Abuse
• Intricate storytelling with a non-linear narrative
*Negatives:*
• Slow pace requiring patience
• Heavy themes of past traumas and emotional struggles
• Some storylines left unresolved
The drama concludes on a highly satisfying note, tying loose ends perfectly.
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Love language is acts of service
a really enjoyable drama, the male and female leads have great chemistry on screen.the introverted character of the female lead was portrayed really well, she shared only thoughts that she felt were necessary and never wanted to divulge anything more that others could not do anything to help with. my heart reached out to her whenever she was suffering alone. i felt the character portrayed strong inner strength.
BJT looked good in this show as male lead, he portrayed the character really well too. i wonder how the male lead character will be received in real life, imagine a guy who stalks you for years post break up... thankfully the female lead likes him as well... otherwise isn't it another form of harassment? just another pov...
the songs from this show are really good though...
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First Frost
First Frost is a visually stunning drama that captures the heart with its timeless love story. The chemistry between the male and female leads is nothing short of magical—they act so well together that every glance and word feels deeply genuine. Their bond feels eternal, like a love that transcends time and fate.Beyond the romance, the cinematography is breathtaking. The scenery is so beautifully shot that it adds an almost dreamlike quality to the story, enhancing both the mood and the emotional depth.
If you're a fan of soul-deep connections and unforgettable visuals, First Frost is a must-watch.
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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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My new comfort drama and characters!
Watching The First Frost was the best part of my day. The characters portrayed every single emotion so perfectly that it had me feeling like I was there beside everyone. This is the first ever cdrama that I’ve watched from the first episode till the last and that’s not to say that I haven’t tried watching many others. Words will never be enough to describe what this drama means to me and I know that I will be rewatching it again and again.Was this review helpful to you?
