The First Frost

A Slowburn For The Ages

I feel like a lot of people are here from watching hidden love and wifty, both of which were decent dramas but not exactly to my liking. Hidden love felt like too much fluff and not as much of an interesting storyline, and I do like the characters but eventually it kind of fell flat to me. Wifty I really enjoyed for that high school nostalgia, friendships, and youth, but it was only the second couple that kept me going near the end. I feel like First Frost has characters and development that's more to my liking from what I've watched so far, and I'm enjoying this slowburn. And to preface, I haven't read any of these novels/manhuas before, so I'm starting the show completely unbeknownst to me as to what will happen.

I want to first praise the fl, Zhang Ruonan, for her amazing portrayal of Wen Yifan. Again, I haven't read the novel, but from my understanding, she completely embodies her character that's an introvert, someone who keeps so much to herself, lives a simple life she believes to be boring, but also someone who has deep trauma from her family relationships that have haunted her until now. The way she speaks, her actions, gestures, and eye movements feel so accurate for someone who appears to be kind of socially awkward with people she isn't close with. I guess another thing I really like about her character is simply because of how relatable she is in terms of her personality, depicting my exact feelings in my own personal life. This is also my first time watching her and she's killing it. Not to mention she's unbelievably gorgeous and adorable. People are talking a lot about the ml, Bai Jingting but Zhang Ruonan is undoubtedly stealing the show right now.

Like I mentioned, the story is about Wen Yifan, a news reporter who lives a quiet life. Ever since her father passed away in high school, shes been unwelcomed and assaulted by her family, she chooses to cut off all ties with them. She keeps to herself, only has one close friend, doesn't like socializing at work, and lives on her own. Every episode has that melancholic vibe, which I personally like because it feels like a reflection of my own feelings most of the time. This drama does also talk about sexual assault and how this has affected her daily life, and she carries these traumatic experiences with her in her interactions. It's not a one and done sort of topic, the drama shows her journey healing, and it makes my heart hurt whenever she thinks back to these times. Shes gone through way too much, and you spend each episode just wishing that she's happy. To her, she feels as if there's no meaning or joy in life, and she's fine with continuing her uneventful routine every day as long as she can live in peace. But that all changes when she meets her first love again, Sang Yan. He was unfortunately someone she also had to cut off when she graduated high school, not because she wanted to leave him, but because she believed he deserved better, and that she couldn't give him what she wanted. Long story short, they end up living as roommates, with Sang Yan OBVIOUSLY trying to get her back and Wen Yifan being totally oblivious because he actually do be confusing as hell with his communication lmao. I know some people might have complaints about the male lead and how he's so cold with her and how they don't talk much, but genuinely I believe that this is way more realistic than him actively trying to flirt with and pursue her. I see this as him giving her space and carefully tracking for signs that she might just feel the same way he does as hes been in love with her the entire time. What's the drama have 32 episodes for then if they get together right off the bat??? You'll immediately notice the tension between them and the loser that's Sang Yan trying to act non-chalant around her 24/7 but goes out of his way to do everything for her. I'm enjoying this phase of them before they date, and I like that this story shows the timeline, and we get to see their interactions improve the longer they're together.

This is a story about a girl who carries a lot of heavy baggage and trauma with all her relationships, who wants to take a chance and begin her pursuit of happiness, starting with Sang Yan. I'm all here for the second chance, the first love, and these two beautiful green flags. If you're looking for a slowburn with tender and soft romance, you should definitely start this.

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"Just finished First Frost and honestly, it was torture. 32 episodes that could've easily been wrapped in 25, with Sang Yan single-handedly carrying the entire show while the FL remained cold and dull. Their romance felt completely one-sided and dry—zero chemistry or mutual spark.

in the end her sudden exit and comeback made absolutely no sense, and I wouldn't be surprised if she bolts again in the future. The whole thing felt like watching someone chase an ice statue.

What's frustrating is how differently they handled Hidden Love. There, they completely transformed Duan Jiaxu from the novel's moody, emotionally repressed character into a vulnerable, gentle lead who actually showed emotion. They created a balanced love story where both characters contributed equally—she healed his past, he secured their future, and even their physical intimacy felt mutual.

First Frost, however, stuck rigidly to the novel's characterization, especially the FL's personality, and it shows. This felt like a conquest story—ML finally 'wins' his prize after relentless pursuit. She barely contributed to their happy ending; it's entirely his journey and achievement.

They should've taken the Hidden Love approach and softened her character to create an actual partnership instead of this one-sided chase dynamic."

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Let me be the light in your dark world. Best 2025 modern cdrama.

Unexpectedly, this became one of the best modern cdramas I’ve ever seen, considering I was on the fence of watching it. If I could give it 100/10 rating, I would. The drama is about the female lead, who goes back to her hometown to work as a journalist. She meets the male lead, who she’s had an emotional connection with back in high school. Due to their complicated past, they pretend to not know each other at first, but end up being roommates. Their love story is emotional, healing and focuses on the female lead’s traumatic past.

POSITIVE:

- Slow burn romance + second chance trope.
- Beautiful kiss scenes.
- Strong female lead. I found her super relatable and loved her mental and emotional strength. To be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of the actress but this drama made me change my mind about her.
- Green flag male lead. The most devoted, protective and caring towards the female lead.
- Natural and beautiful chemistry between the leads. I love them to pieces.
- No fillers or draggy parts.
- Shirtless male lead scenes. Plus he looked so hot in black.
- Emotional, romantic and very healing. 
Plus, the subtle comedy actually cracked me up.
- No dreaded break up or stupid misunderstandings. Although there is a short separation, I felt it was fantastic as we learned valuable information about the female lead’s past. Plus, the drama did a great job of making me feel like the leads were together even when separated.
- Sexual assault theme. I felt like the drama did a great job in portraying that in a realistic and healing way without making the audience emotionally drained.
- Adorable high school flashbacks.
- Heartwarming and endearing final episode.
- Vibey OST.
- Cinematography - beautiful colouring, lighting + outfits.

NEGATIVE:
- Male lead is the biggest green flag which I LOVE, BUT he does come across a bit stalkerish at times. Especially when they are separated from high school to adult years. I feel like it was a bit too much how he always checked in on her, it looked like his world revolved around her. Still though, I love him haha some of the stalker parts were actually funny.
- Weird cinematography effect of double mirror/vision thing. I don’t even know the proper name but it made me so dizzy. Idk if the director was trying to be creative but uhh I could do without it.
- Second couple. They were super funny, great chemistry and I loved them but I feel they didn’t get enough screen time to really develop. Unpopular opinion but I did enjoy how the grandparents were the reason the leads got together. It felt very wholesome and different. But in the later stages of the drama, I wish the focus was on them as a couple, not the whole family.

OVERALL:
This drama made me smile and cry like crazy, all in the best way possible. I deeply connected to the characters and plot, and loved every minute of it. This is THE healing drama for me, where bad things happen but at the end of the day, justice is served. There are so many wonderful messages in this drama, that vulnerability is strength, that running away is not a solution, that it’s always important to speak up and believe in yourself, that it’s ok to not forgive and most importantly, that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Having said all that, it’s pretty clear that to me this is truly one of the best modern cdramas I’ve ever seen and will always remember. And that’s coming from someone who was on the fence of even starting this. With the biggest smile on my face and love in my heart, I highly recommend this.

TRIGGER WARNING:

Themes of attempted sexual assault.

FAVOURITE QUOTES:
“What I mean is… no matter what, you’ll always catch me.” (ep 20 / female lead )
“I’ve finally caught the shadows that haunted you. From now on, your world will only have light.” (ep 28 / male lead)
“Love means being each other’s light” (ep 29 / drama)

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Nice love story, but!

Full disclosure: I have not read the novel and am unlikely to, so I can only speak from the drama's point of view. The First Frost is a nice love story that could have been a better drama. It is an unconditional love that spans years of lost time. The two leads are high school classmates who are clearly in love with each other, but for some unknown reason at the beginning of the drama, they separate. I truly liked the drama, but this is where I found my first flaw. It was a bit too slow-paced getting to the reasons for the separation. It is not what I would call a slow burn, but a question of why it is so slow. If the director intended for it to be a slow burn, then they missed the mark. This was the biggest disappointment for me, the dragging on. Other than that, I liked it.

It is a good story that deserves to be told. The bitter taste of life and family abandonment should be told to help people heal. You will be disturbed by the suffering the FL must endure. Which will make you an instant fan, and you will want to embrace her. It takes a draggy turn in the middle for a few episodes. I don't know how to rate the production because I am not sure what to think. The production felt low-budget and small. However, that may be intentional. I could not believe some of the living conditions. This drama can be a bit of a "Debby Downer" at times, too.

As far as acting, the ML and FL do a good job. Especially the ML, he is fully invested. His love for the FL feels real and underappreciated. The chemistry is there, but because the story is so slow and sad, it is hard to feel it. The cast of characters is sufficient, their acting is just okay. There are a few side stories and couples. Some are more interesting than others.

The soundtrack is good and fits the drama nicely

If you are romantic, this is a good watch. The devotion the ML has for the FL will leave you breathless and wanting for yourself.

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A Drama that Will Stay with You

I went into this drama with high expectations, and even so, those expectations were far surpassed. There are certain dramas that stay with you long after you've finished them, that consume your thoughts and emotions. This drama is unquestionably one of those. It’s not just the plot, but the depth and connection between the characters that will stay with you for a long time.

From the very beginning, it’s evident that the cast and crew poured their hearts into this project. Every element was thoughtfully crafted, designed to resonate deeply with the audience. It was clear that there was a genuine love for the story and the characters. The way every detail was brought to life made the entire experience feel intimate and personal, almost as if the drama was crafted just for you.

Let’s talk about the OST—it’s absolutely beautiful and haunting. The music elevates each scene, enhancing the emotions being conveyed. It’s not just background noise, but an essential part of the storytelling, weaving through every moment and making each one more poignant. I found myself deeply moved by the way the music added layers to the drama, enhancing both the sadness and the joy of the characters’ journey.

The Plot
The plot is excellently written. It’s a story of love, but also a journey of healing and self-discovery. I found myself feeling for the leads in a way that felt both heartbreaking and rewarding. The pain they went through was so real, especially because they are both such beautiful souls who truly deserved better. It’s a delicate balance between tragedy and hope, and the way the story unfolds is nothing short of captivating.

The Male Lead (Sang Yan)
Now, let’s talk about the ML. Sang Yan—what a character. His character brought to life by BJT sets the bar so high that I can’t imagine any other male lead coming close. His presence on screen, his visuals, and his performance are captivating. But what truly sets him apart is the depth of his feelings for the FL. The way he expresses his love through his eyes and actions makes every girl watching swoon. His devotion, his longing, and his commitment to the FL made my heart race. This is the kind of love we all dream of, and I truly hope every one of us gets our own Sang Yan someday.

The Female Lead (FL)
The FL is someone I deeply admired. Her strength, her resilience, and her ability to rise above the challenges she faces are truly inspiring. She’s a character I could relate to on a personal level, and her journey of healing felt incredibly authentic. She deserves so much more than what life has given her, but fortunately, she has the ML by her side to help her heal and rediscover her worth. Their connection and the way their love story unfolds is raw, emotional, and beautiful.

Themes of Healing and Love
While the central theme of the drama is love, it is also about healing. It’s a journey of confronting past traumas, battling insecurities, and learning to trust someone else to catch you when you fall. This drama also explores the importance of self-acceptance and knowing when forgiveness is not enough. Sometimes, the only way to heal is by letting go, even when it’s someone close to you, your family. These deeper layers made the drama more than just a love story—it became a profound emotional experience.

In conclusion, I am absolutely in love with this drama. I know I’ll be rewatching it countless times, and each time, I’ll be just as moved as the first. Even though it’s fictional, the unconditional love and the profound emotional journey it offers feel so real and meaningful. If you're on the fence about watching, I wholeheartedly recommend it. But dear viewers, keep a box of tissues nearby, and prepare to swoon over the ML—you won’t regret it.

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First Frost – Overhyped, Awkward and Disappointing

For me, this drama was boring and awkward from start to finish.
The female lead is written as extremely weak, while the male lead is portrayed as the obsessive “hero” who constantly saves her, a dynamic that feels outdated and forced. Almost every other male character is framed as a bad guy who sees her as an object, simply to make the male lead look better. But he’s also stalking her which the plot conveniently romanticizes to win over the female audiences.
Bai Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan didn’t work for me. I actually preferred Victor Ma’s performance in Hidden Love , it felt unique and fresh.
Bai Jingting’s acting here is too safe, mainstream and sometimes awkward, especially in scenes with the female lead.
Their chemistry feels wooden and visually, I don’t find him fitting the “so handsome” image Sang Yan is supposed to have. In some angles, his features, especially his large nose made me question if this was really the heartthrob the story claimed.
The female lead, however is undeniably pretty.
Their relationship is equally unconvincing. The plot conveniently forces them to live together despite the FL repeatedly experiencing sexual assault.
In reality, someone with that trauma wouldn’t easily trust any man, yet here she just goes along with it.
It’s another example of the drama prioritizing a cliché romance over realistic character behavior.
Overall, First Frost feels like an overhyped, typical romance drama with little depth, a frustrating portrayal of its leads and nothing truly fresh to offer.

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First Frost (Nan Hong): A Slowburn Masterpiece of Healing and Second Chances

𝗜 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗸𝘂 𝘀𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄, 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴.

First Frost is a deeply emotional and beautifully crafted drama that tells the story of Wen Yifan (played by Zhang Ruonan), a reserved and introverted news reporter who carries the weight of past trauma, and Sang Yan (played by Bai Jingting), her first love who re-enters her life after years of separation. The drama explores themes of healing, second chances, and the quiet strength it takes to confront one’s past.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝟵.𝟱/𝟭𝟬
Wen Yifan’s life is marked by pain—her father’s death, her mother’s abandonment, and the trauma of sexual assault inflicted by a family member. These experiences have shaped her into someone who keeps to herself, living a simple yet lonely life. When Sang Yan reappears, their reconnection sparks her journey toward healing. The slow-burn romance is tender and realistic, with Sang Yan patiently navigating Yifan’s walls while grappling with his unresolved feelings.

The pacing is deliberate, allowing the characters’ emotions and growth to unfold naturally. While some viewers may find the slower moments challenging, the payoff is deeply rewarding. The drama also handles sensitive topics like trauma and sexual assault with care, showing Yifan’s struggles and gradual healing in a way that feels authentic and respectful.

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝟵.𝟬/𝟭𝟬
Wen Yifan is the heart of the story, and Zhang Ruonan delivers a breathtaking performance. She perfectly captures Yifan’s quiet strength, social awkwardness, and the emotional scars she carries. Her portrayal is nuanced, from her guarded demeanour to the subtle shifts in her expressions as she begins to open up. Yifan’s journey is relatable and heartbreaking, making her a character you root for from the very beginning.

Sang Yan, played by Bai Jingting, is a green-flag male lead who balances stoicism with unwavering devotion. His love for Yifan is patient and selfless, and Bai Jingting portrays this with a quiet intensity that makes Sang Yan unforgettable. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, with every glance and interaction brimming with unspoken emotions.

The supporting cast, including Yifan’s close friend, Qiao Qiao, and Sang Yan’s loyal friend, Haoan, adds depth to the story through Haoan's family background and the development of his grandparents opening up to each other.

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹:
One of the most significant changes in First Frost from the novel is the handling of Wen Yifan’s confrontation with her abuser. In the novel, Yifan demonstrates remarkable growth by facing her uncle head-on, symbolising her strength and resilience after years of trauma. However, in the drama, she runs away to Hong Kong when her uncle reappears, leading to a more prolonged arc of her hiding and struggling to confront her past. This change has sparked mixed reactions among viewers.

While the novel portrays Yifan as someone who has grown strong enough to stand up to her abusers, the drama takes a different approach, emphasising her vulnerability and the ongoing impact of her trauma. Some viewers feel this shift undermines her character development, making her seem more like a damsel in distress reliant on Sang Yan to “save” her. In the novel, Yifan’s ability to confront her uncle directly is a pivotal moment of empowerment, whereas the drama’s version leans more heavily on Sang Yan’s role as her protector.

Additionally, the drama alters the setting of the confrontation. In the novel, Yifan’s uncle waits for her outside her workplace like a stalker, while in the drama, he becomes a security guard at her office, adding a layer of tension and intrusion into her daily life. While this change heightens the drama’s stakes, it also shifts the focus away from Yifan’s agency, which is a defining trait in the novel.

Despite these changes, the drama still captures the emotional core of Yifan’s journey. Her struggles with trauma from SA, her gradual healing, and her reliance on Sang Yan’s unwavering support are portrayed with sensitivity and depth. However, for fans of the novel, the drama’s decision to deviate from Yifan’s empowered confrontation may feel like a missed opportunity to fully showcase her growth.

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗮𝗻:
Sang Yan has been a point of discussion among viewers, with some labelling him as “unrealistic” or a “simp” for his unwavering devotion to Wen Yifan. However, this criticism overlooks the depth of his character and the emotional intelligence he displays throughout the story. Sang Yan is not just a love-struck romantic; he is a man who understands the weight of Yifan’s trauma and chooses to stand by her, offering patience and support without expecting anything in return.

In Episode 28, Sang Yan reflects on his younger self, acknowledging how his pride and immaturity once clouded his judgment. He admits to misunderstanding Yifan’s actions in the past and expresses regret for not being there for her when she needed him most. This moment of vulnerability highlights his growth and underscores his commitment to making amends.

Sang Yan’s love for Yifan is selfless and rooted in a desire to see her live a happy, fulfilling life. He doesn’t see himself as a saviour but as someone who wants to ensure she knows she’s not alone. His actions—whether it’s searching for her tirelessly when she runs away or quietly supporting her as she heals—are driven by a deep sense of care and responsibility.

While some viewers have criticized the dynamic between Sang Yan and Yifan, arguing that she doesn’t reciprocate his efforts enough, it’s important to remember that Yifan’s journey is one of healing. Her reserved nature and struggles with trust make it difficult for her to express her feelings openly. However, her love for Sang Yan is evident in subtle ways, such as cooking for him or standing by him during difficult times.

Sang Yan’s character is a refreshing departure from the stereotypical male leads often seen in dramas. He is emotionally intelligent, patient, and devoted—a true green flag. Rather than being a “doormat,” he is a man who understands the complexities of love and trauma, making him one of the most compelling characters in the story.

𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴/𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁: 𝟭𝟬/𝟭𝟬
Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting are the standout stars of First Frost. Zhang Ruonan embodies Wen Yifan’s vulnerability and resilience with such authenticity that it’s impossible not to feel deeply for her character. Bai Jingting, as Sang Yan, delivers a masterclass in subtle acting, conveying layers of emotion through his eyes and body language. Together, they create a love story that feels raw, real, and deeply moving. Their chemistry was off the charts!! Each romantic scene, each emotional and solemn scene was portrayed so well. You could see the gaze in their eyes, the micro-expressions and movements. It felt as if you were seeing it happen right in front of your eyes as a real moment.

The supporting cast also shines, with each actor bringing their characters to life in a way that enhances the story. The villains, particularly Yifan’s family members, are portrayed with such conviction that they evoke genuine disdain, further highlighting the emotional stakes of the drama.

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗿...
The proposal and ending in EP 32 was the best I've seen among all proposal scenes... (I was in tears ㅠㅡㅠ) Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan delivered the emotions and micro-expressions so well SLHTKTLKHKGSKT (crying again).

𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰: 𝟭𝟬/𝟭𝟬
The soundtrack of First Frost is a perfect complement to the story, enhancing its emotional depth. The melancholic yet hopeful tones of the instrumental tracks mirror Yifan’s journey, while the lyrical songs add poignancy to key moments. Tracks like the opening theme and the ending song capture the bittersweet essence of the drama, making the music an integral part of the viewing experience. My favourites were the opening- 任性 (Willful) - 五月天 (Mayday), ending- 是你 (It’s You) - 李宇春 (Li Yuchun), My Dear - 张洢豪 (Zhang Yihao), 晚点 (Later) by Zhang Bichen. Bai Jingting also sang one of the OST tracks. So did Zhang Ruonan and Zhang Miaoyi as a duet and Chen Haosen did as well. The OST was lovely!

𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆: 𝟭𝟬/𝟭𝟬
The cinematography in First Frost is stunning, with each frame thoughtfully composed to reflect the characters’ emotions. The use of lighting and colour palettes—cool tones for Yifan’s loneliness and warmer hues as she begins to heal—adds visual depth to the story. The flashbacks to their high school days are beautifully shot, creating a nostalgic contrast to their present lives. The attention to detail in the sets and locations further immerses viewers in the world of the drama.

𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: 𝟵.𝟬/𝟭𝟬
First Frost is a drama that rewards multiple viewings. Its layered storytelling, emotional depth, and standout performances ensure that each rewatch reveals new nuances to appreciate. While the heavier themes may make it a challenging rewatch for some, the tender romance and heartfelt moments make it a story worth revisiting.

𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: 𝟭𝟬/𝟭𝟬
First Frost is a poignant and beautifully executed drama that explores the complexities of love, trauma, and healing. Its strong performances, emotional storytelling, and stunning cinematography make it a standout in the world of C-dramas. While it may not be perfect, its ability to touch the heart and inspire reflection makes it a must-watch for fans of slow-burn romances and character-driven narratives.

For those seeking a drama that balances heartbreak with hope and offers a profound exploration of human resilience, First Frost is a gem worth experiencing. It’s not just a love story—it’s a journey of healing, growth, and the quiet strength it takes to find happiness.

Despite the changes from the novel, First Frost remains a beautifully crafted drama with strong performances, a compelling storyline, and stunning cinematography. Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting deliver standout performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The drama’s exploration of trauma, healing, and second-chance love is both poignant and relatable. It is a story about resilience, love, and the quiet strength it takes to heal. It’s a drama that lingers in your heart long after the final episode, making it a worthwhile addition to any watchlist.

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First Frost is not for everyone!!

I never write any reviews publicly; this is the first since I had written notes about this drama on my phone, so I thought of sharing them here.

Love is rarely a straightforward path—it is often tangled with misunderstandings, regrets, and the lingering weight of the past. With that said, love alone cannot guarantee a happy ending. The First Frost perfectly captures the fragile nature of love—one that is hard to coax but even harder to forget.
Wen Yifan and Sang Yan shared a deep but unspoken affection for each other in their youth. Though they never put their feelings into words, they both understood what was in their hearts. When the time finally came for Sang Yan to confess, Wen Yifan ruthlessly rejected him, leaving him alone in the rain—like a loyal dog abandoned by its owner.

I won't be too detailed about their characters because it might take me too long praising how wonderful they are. Sang Yan is indeed a green flag, but someone that you will not find in reality. He have the capabilities and willingness to do everything for her. But imagine if he grew up in a different environment, like not a lovely family? Or what if he isn't wealthy? Would he be able to do anything that he did? I doubt. But I guess Sang Yan will opt for an alternative. What am I trying to say here is that he's too good to be true. Let's be real that you cannot find someone who have both the same level of capabilities and willingness of Sang Yan. Some may have the will, but no capability to do so. Some may have the capability, but get tired easily. Some may have both, but you can't expect them to reach Sang Yan's level. Because he set it too high!!

Wen Yifan, on the other hand, was said to be weak by the other audience but in actuality she's just reserved and hyperidependent; even with all those that happened to her, she still stood tall. In the first few episodes, her innate loneliness aura deeply resonates with me. I remember that when Zhong Siqiao called her, Wen Yifan just listened. She just stood there inside the train, listening but not saying anything. I don't know but that single scene entirely captures her loneliness. That reason alone made me continue watch it. Her eyes speaks so much sadness, no words needed.

Anyway, they finally meet again after few years, but for Sang Yan, it never felt like they had been apart. Throughout the years, he kept his silent promise—to always be there for her, even if it meant flying back and forth between Yihe and Nanwu. Just as he had once traveled from Nanwu to Beiyu every weekend during their sophomore years to accompany her, he continued to go out of his way for her without expecting anything in return. Despite being rejected and treated as a 'backup plan', it didn’t matter. As long as he could watch over her, even from a distance, that was enough.
His love ran so deep that he was willing to let his own special moments slip through his fingers just to witness hers, like missing his own graduation to watch her's. (This is top tier but actually creepy in reality haha)

Even as she pursued her career as a journalist, Sang Yan remained her silent supporter. Every article she wrote, he made sure to buy directly from a newspaper stall in Yihe. I really love how he still did it even though it's not guaranteed that WYF will see his effort.

On the day of her resignation, Wen Yifan found herself mindlessly staring at a strawberry cake—her favorite. Yet, she didn’t buy it. It wasn't because she couldn’t afford it, but because she believed she didn’t deserve good things. This belief had been forced upon her by her terrible aunt, who had ingrained in her mind that she was unworthy—even of something as simple as a bowl of chicken soup.

To Wen Yifan, Sang Yan was the best thing in the world while she wasn't, which was precisely why she pushed him away. She convinced herself that she would only burden him. She knew his personality—knew that he would go to great lengths for her, flying back and forth between cities just to be by her side. What she didn’t know was that, despite her rejection, he still did.

Their story isn't only about rekindling a lost romance. It is about learning to love oneself to fully able to love another without fear and hesitation. To demonstrate one's love, it doesn't require grand romantic gestures; sometimes, you can find it in quiet and awkward moments—stolen glances, silly actions.

Sang Yan prove it that love, no matter how difficult it is to coax, is worth the patience it demands. As Wen Yifan's reluctance to embrace love is deeply rooted in her past, Sang Yan were able to melt her cold defenses with his silent but warm affection—one that is filled with respect, understanding, and consideration0.

After they became roommates, he appears cold yet his actions speaks otherwise. Afraid that the intensity of his love might scare her away, he could only expresses it in quiet and imperceptible ways; even if, in her pespective, he was seen shameless.

It might seem shameless, but for Sang Yan, it is his way to make up for the opportunites he once missed. After all these years, he never loved anyone but her. And for her, it was also the same. Yet, for Wen Yifan, loving—and being loved—was never easy.

It may have seemed selfish for her to accept his warmth then running away without returning it. But in truth, she was selfless. She let him go, giving him the chance to choose someone better—even if it meant she would be left alone once again.

This was reflected in the way she lived—unbothered, in a small and unkempt apartment—despite having the means to afford a better life. It wasn’t about money or circumstances; it was about the belief that had been ingrained in her for years—that she didn’t deserve anything good. That his love was never hers to keep.
She believed she was a burden—someone no one would ever make an effort for. Who would dare love a woman covered in callouses from the scars of her past? Yet, for him, loving her was breathing—effortless, instinctive, and without hesitation. It wasn’t just love; it was unconditional devotion that only Sang Yan can do.

No matter what, he was always there to catch her. No matter how long it took, he would make sure she knew she had a home to return to. So, when she ran away, he never resented her. He simply understood. Even after all the time they had spent together, he realized how little he truly knew about her world. But it wasn’t because she had hidden it from him—it was because her life had always been like a cage, so small that she could only run in circles, forever trapped by her past. Hence, when she finally broke free and ran toward something new, he understood even if it means leaving him behind. What angered him was not her leaving, but the realization that he had been blind to it all along. He had always thought he was by her side, watching over her from the distance—yet, in the end, she hadn’t trusted him enough to fully open up. That was his failure.

When she was gone, she fought the battles within herself. Without facing them, she knew she could never love him the way he deserved. Before she could coax his heart, she had to first learn to coax her own. That's why, you have to treat yourself well, and the world will hold more love for you.

In comparison to the novel, I might have expected a different ending, wishing that they would sneak a wedding clip, but the ending is undeniably portrayed well. Among all the drama with wedding as the ending, I never thought that ending it with a proposal feels this good. It didn't only looked good, but actually made me feel things. I feel proud as if I contributed in making the proposal be successful. Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan acted so well that I totally forgot it's a drama and not their reality.

The cinematography is immaculate as well with the sun almost setting, and the added scenes of other characters giving their blessing to their marriage made me cry more. I thought proposal is just for formalities so I never really think of it as special, but this scene just gave me butterflies. I thought, how nice it is to be proposed with so much effort and consideration. Sang Yan didn't need to kneel down, which actually suited his character, but them sitting in the classroom where their romance started to bloom feels so special. He wasn't wearing a suit, but a school uniform, because to him, their high school life wasn't just a phase but a symbol of their romance. Those little things made it so extra special and authentic for me.

Lastly, as someone who easily get cringed whenever I see an unnecessary scene and if the actors would overreact or if they're too underwhelming; for instance, even if they're on the background, they should still act naturally. In other words, I'd like it if everything is logical and natural. Nevertheless, First Frost never made me feel awkward. Although I can feel their awkwardness, I just think that it was so natural and it has the right amount of it. Like, they portrayed it so well that it made me love their awkwardness and sillyness. (the subplot is little annoying at first but it's because I always crave for SY and WYF momsnts, so it needs to be rewatch with much patience)

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Slowburn or boring?

I watched this after all the hype I saw online, I also really enjoyed Hidden Love so I was excited to get this spinoff focusing on the brother. The acting was good and I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed. I was surprised by Sang Yang and how different he is in this compared to the character in Hidden Love. The music was good and visually the entirety of the show was nice to watch.
The plot is where I find the show to be the most lacking, I enjoyed how the writers tried to go for a more taboo and serious storyline but the execution was questionable. I found myself getting annoyed at how most of the men in the show were 1 dimensional and wanted to get with Wen Yi Fan or force themselves on her. It was just one after the other, it made the plot feel a lot less serious than it actually was. Also, I thought it was weird how Yi Fan would confront her uncle but also run away from him 2 minutes later, It felt out of character.
The pacing has to be this shows worst enemy, it was so slow and for no reason. Nothing happened for many episodes and I was bored out of my mind, I ended up watching it at a 1.75x speed and skipping a lot of scenes.
Overall I feel like this show had a strong premise but it was poorly executed. The acting and visuals were the only strong thing about it. It felt like a big downgrade from Hidden Love. I don’t think I could ever put myself through rewatching this show or the leads romantic scenes, not that they were cringe or lacked chemistry, I just got to a point where I didn’t care at all.
Cdrama are always a hit or miss for me and this one was a big miss.

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