The First Frost

Unnecessarily lengthy

The series could have been shorter like hidden love, most scenes seemed like a drag. It started well, the romance part was good, however I watched the last few episodes in 1.5X speed on Netflix, too much filler and wait time in between dialogues, male lead being hopelessly romantic and supportive from start. I never understood his craze or love for her, they even showed he liked her from the very instance he saw her and tried to woo her.
They never told us why the male lead left his job. She even left him twice and lacked communication skills being a reporter which is even weirder, chose a wrong profession clearly. Is there no restraining order against the offender to help protect the victim, the show didn’t address it. The convict roamed freely and did as he pleased, he even messed with the male leads business, I don’t know why he did it when there was clearly no outcome , he was after compensation as well as causing fear for female lead,
I was highly disappointed with the overall English subtitles seemed a miss for me, didn’t feel right at certain places, I am not a Chinese speaker but I felt the sentences could be framed better, so whoever gave the subtitles needs improvement. The outfits for the ladies were plain boring for first as well as second leads, don’t know what they were trying to achieve, as well as the second lead had weird hairstyles in some scenes.
None of the scenes exactly touched my heart for me to cry, hidden love was far better. I naturally kept comparing the songs, dialogues, acting, the depth of conversations between characters, especially Sang Yan played by Victor Ma, although Bai Jung Ting was good for the role. Zhang Ruonan looks naturally beautiful compared to other Chinese actresses who wear lots of makeup. However both leads could have performed better towards the end. I felt bored sometimes instead of feeling connected.

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Realistic and touching modern cdrama that isn't what you'd expect

What really made this cdrama stand out from the other modern ones I’ve watched is the steady, but realistic plotline and pace of the story. The conflicts faced by the characters are ones many people in the world experience. I think BJT and ZRN did an amazing job portraying the trauma and healing process between SY and WYF. I really want to shout these two actors out because they really blew this out of the water. I can’t imagine anyone else playing these two characters the way they did. The chemistry was literally unmatched. They didn’t rush into their relationship; it was a slow burn. And this also played into the realistic aspect because someone like WYF who had gone through so much would definitely be cautious when committing to a relationship. Some people thought the drama was too slow, but I think this is what makes it so attractive. It doesn’t sugarcoat or fluff up trauma recovery. Rather, it validates that it takes time to heal from these things, and you will always be supported and loved throughout. You shouldn’t think you are unworthy of care because everyone deserves to be loved. The First Frost brings many societal issues into light, such as sexual assault. It’s a really sensitive and deep theme that I didn’t expect to see in a romance, modern cdrama like this one. I think it’s important that cdramas represent more of these problems and accurately portray how they are in society. Additionally, the First Frost doesn’t pretend the conflicts the characters face are easy to solve and everything favors them. In fact, it didn’t for like 8 whole years. There was a steady character growth and subtle changes that made the story seem more relatable. In other modern cdramas, a lot of unrealistic events occur that make the plot seem super fake or impossible in real life. However, in the First Frost, all the plot events make sense for the circumstances the characters are in.

I also want to note the First Frost gained so much global traction. It’s really interesting to see more American audiences making the First Frost so popular. Edits of the First Frost have literally been flooding my social media pages. I’ve seen so many influencers say how they’re out of their “cdrama slump” or ditching “kdramas” for the First Frost. It gives me pride that people are recognizing cdramas but I also feel sort of frustrated that people don’t give enough attention to the hundreds of other AMAZING cdramas that have already been produced. I think cdramas deserve so much more recognition and admiration.

There honestly isn’t anything I didn’t like about this cdrama. The OST was stellar, actors amazing, cinematography CRAZY GOOD, story soul touching. This director really does a good job with creating perfect modern cdramas. Highly recommend people who haven't watched it to watch it. It’s a really rewarding journey.

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BEST ROMANCE DRAMA EVER

i think one of the reasons why i love the first frost so much is because they portray the intimacy of being in love so intricately like you can feel the melancholia and the longing they have for each other so intensely and a very few shows are able to capture that. THE FIRST FROST having forced proximity,second chance and slow burn romance tropes,REAL yearning,stolen glances,delicious angst,insane visuals,outstanding actors,beautiful cinematography and heartwarming osts and the perfect pacing; thats MY drama.
The cinematography of The First Frost is truly praiseworthy, as if it came to life from the pages of a book. It enhances the nostalgic atmosphere of the cdrama. More people should recognize how stunning it is.

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The leads ruined it for me

Things I loved

1 That it was related to Hidden Love that I adored and I thought I knew the character of the ML since I had adored him as well in Hidden Love. So I was excited to watch this.

Things I liked

1 That she was a journalist. My favorite job in the world. Unfortunately she never convinced me that she was a good one.

2 The parallel between present and past. When it's well done it's great and I've seen other dramas where I adored that. Here there were some good scenes in the past and the resent but all in all nothing to make me care.

Things I disliked

1 The second couple. It's funny that both actresses, the FL and the 2FL are in the list of those I won't watch any drama with her anymore. I think they're no great and every time I try to watch them they come out as too childish or too flat.

2 The ML. I won't say I hated him, but honestly after watching his role in Hidden Love played by another actor and loved him, here he felt lifeless. I can't comment of how he was written in the novel, but it would be surprising if the novelist created two so much different versions of him. in Hidden Love he was one of my favorite characters other than the leads. Here he tried too hard to play the brooding hero but in the and he wasn't convincing. To be honest I don't think I'd watch the actor in anything else since he doesn't appeal to me and seems like an adolescent and I can't see him in any thing adult. Unfortunately I don't find him a great actor either.

3 The FL. This was my last attempt to watch something with her. She isn't a good actress, it's now established. She is flat and bland and doesn't steer any emotion when she recites her lines. Is she pretty? Probably for many people. I don't like her acting so i don't find her attractive either. It happens when you dislike the acting of an actor to find them unappealing and the opposite is also true. I don't find some actors handsome but when they act I suddenly find them gorgeous. To make things short, the casting was wrong if you ask me. This is nowhere near the masterpiece that is Hidden Love. Humor, emotions, romance are on the highest level. Here there's nothing to keep. Maybe a scene here and there, but that's all.

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First Frost - A Visual, Emotional and Introspective MASTERPIECE!!!!

I loved FF from start to finish. It just doesn't get any better than this. Here's why:

The chemistry between the leads simmers beneath the surface, subtle and slow-building—like a spark held just out of reach. It’s the kind of connection that grows with quiet glances, lingering silences, and the ache of what’s left unsaid. Every interaction carries an undercurrent of tension, an emotional gravity that pulls them together even as the story holds them apart.

There’s a tenderness in their restraint—a sense that they’re constantly on the edge of something deeper, something inevitable. When their walls finally crack and feelings come rushing in, it’s not sudden—it’s earned. Their love doesn’t explode; it *unfolds*—carefully, beautifully, like watching dawn break after a long night.

The slow burn makes every moment matter: the brush of a shoulder, the flash of jealousy, the shift from strangers to something infinitely more intimate. It’s a romance that feels not only believable, but deeply felt—one you don’t just watch, but *yearn* for alongside them.

This stays with you long after you have finished it. It's just magical :)

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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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I'm not sure I'll ever move on from Sang Yan's love for Yifan.

Best contemporary melodrama I've ever seen

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 35%
Romance - 50%
Misc comedy - 15%

Background plot - Interesting
Romantic chemistry - OFF THE CHARTS AMAZING
Misc comedy - Cute
Production value - Good

The story is about a girl who is naturally quiet, thoughtful, and reserved who experiences a period of intense trauma (outside of her control). About a year before this period of trauma, she meets a boy and they are smitten with each other, although not overtly. It has lovely first-love and young-love vibes throughout as their history unfolds through short flashbacks at the beginning of each episode.

The bulk of each episode takes place in present day, where the woman and man encounter each other 6 years after she abandons him and breaks his heart (her reasons are explained fully by the end of the drama and make total sense / feel very real and authentic).

The casting for both the FL and ML was perfection.

The FL character is ridiculously adorable. She's not "cutesy" at all. There's no baby voice (in fact, her voice is soft and deep) but she's so darn wholesome and adorable, I often wanted to put her in my pocket and protect her from the world. And that makes watching her ordeal all the more difficult.

The ML character is played by the lead actor to absolute perfection, balancing on the line of "I'm angry with you for breaking my heart" with "I care deeply about you and want you to be safe and well." I was impressed with his delivery. One second he's giving her the most heart fluttering look of pining and longing, and then in the next moment he's arrogantly insisting she finish his left over porridge because he hates to waste food.

Their story was so good because it was clear that Sang Yan truly loved Yifan and cared about her, regardless of whether they ended up together or she ever wanted to date him. He did things in secret in order to ensure she was taken care of and safe. He felt she deserved the best, even if she never chose him. This doesn't make him a push-over, these actions demonstrate how truly exceptional his character is.

The author cleverly introduces several other male characters who all show interest in Yifan, but are clearly more interested in dating her/what they can get from her than her well-being. They mansplain, they strut, they try to make their feelings her problem. Sang Yan never does this, but rather disguises his feelings by coming up with excuses for the kind things he does so as not to make her feel pressured.

I've enjoyed a few contemporary Cdrama romcoms, but haven't (hadn't) yet found an adult contemporary romantic melodrama that I could stomach. As an aside, I typically don't enjoy adult contemporary romantic C-melodramas. Usually, the plot suffers from the infusion of Chinese government propaganda and is centered around how great China is (because one of the show's main characters-- usually the guy-- has a job as a "selfless hero," like a firefighter, policeman, soldier, etc. all in service to the greater good that is China). But this one had absolutely none of that, thank God. I think it was a much better story overall because it lacked the propaganda rampant in the genre.

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You Are Worthy of Love

"𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦?"
"𝘕𝘰, 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥."

May this love find every woman who has tried to escape from love her whole life.

The First Frost ❄️
"Shuang Jiang," or "Frost's Descent," marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter—a reminder of nature’s cycle of renewal and transformation. This story follows a girl named Wen Yifan, whose father gave her the nickname Wen Shuang Jiang because she was born during the first frost.
Just like her name, Wen Yifan’s life also transformed suddenly—like the changing of seasons. But ever since that moment, she has been stuck in an endless winter, cold and unforgiving, where warmth feels out of reach.
Will the warmth find her? Will she find her sun?

To me, it's more than just a love story. It's a journey of healing. Every girl can somehow relate to this character. This drama approaches the topic of sexual assault with subtlety and realism. The makers of this show did an excellent job portraying such a sensitive topic, making the message clear: 'The one who has to suffer is the criminal, not the victim.' Victims should not have to carry their wounds forever.

Yifan’s healing journey is at the heart of The First Frost. It’s raw and emotional. Running away from everything was her only way of surviving. But when there was one more person she wanted to protect—someone she loved—she realized that running could no longer be the answer. Gradually, Yifan finds the courage to love herself again.

So, did Wen Yifan find the warmth?
No, because it had been with her all along, quietly waiting.
A warmth that had never left, never faltered.
Someone who volunteered to take care of her, to hold her, no matter the cost.
Someone who loved her with a depth that time couldn’t erase, a love so pure, so patient.
Someone who, in every way, was made of love—raised by it, shaped by it, and capable of offering it in its truest form.
All this time, it was 𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙔𝙖𝙣.

This drama was so beautiful from start to finish. It wasn’t just a story—it was an emotion, one that lingers long after the final scene.

Before watching this, prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of love, heartbreak, healing, and the kind of devotion that feels almost too good to be real. 🎡


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A little yapping about the greatest lover boy:
I could write a thousand words about Sang Yan, but no amount of words would ever be enough for him. He is too fictional to even be fictional.
Only a woman could have written a man like him. And living in a world where men like Sang Yan don’t exist? That feels like a punishment.

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Beautifully healing…

Personally, I’m not one to watch too many modern shows however I made this exception for BJT after seeing him in Destined.

I’ve never seen Hidden Love so I have nothing else to compare it to, however I feel like anyone watching The First Frost or Hidden Love should watch these two without any biases.

I thoroughly enjoyed every single thing about The First Frost. Our female lead, Wen Yifan portrayed by Zhang Ruo Nan did an exceptional job. As humans we all have our past and there are things that we rather leave behind, Zhang Ruo Nan did a such a good job at showcasing how someone with such traumatic past behaves. She is not your typical walk in the park female lead who going to have the upbeat personality, she isn’t bubbly nor is she going to be outspoken (at first) and that’s okay. At first I didn’t like how she wasn’t outspoken, but after experiencing all the thing she’s gone through and how so many people silenced her, why say anything else if they won’t stand by you. I began to understand her as a character and felt true compassion, every action that she has decided on is basically to protect herself. She’s flawed, but she’s also willing to allow herself to be free from her past. Her character is probably one of the best character growth that I’ve seen that felt organic with each episode.

Now for our male lead, Sang Yan who portrayed by Bai Jing Ting, he did such an impeccable job. He blew me away in Destined so I knew he would deliver as Sang Yan, and he sure did. Bai Jing Ting was able to convey so much love and patience towards the female lead. Even in times when he was at a lost for words to comfort our female lead, his eyes spoke so loudly for him, his actions that he did for her went beyond all measures out of care and love.

I truly like this show because it’s not all fluff and light, The First Frost appealed to me because it felt realistic and organic. The emotions that these two characters gave to the viewers is one that I’ll always remember. To be able to help each other, comfort each other and to help each other heal — it truly warmed my heart. I enjoy seeing broken characters who end up healed in the end, that’s just my cup of tea. However this may not be for you if you don’t prefer heavier subjects and want full fluff. But if you want an actual storyline that showcases the romance evolving beautifully, this is for you.

As someone who mainly enjoys seeing characters cultivate and immortals fight each other, this is the first (hopefully not last) modern show that I will have to give a solid 10/10 respectfully.

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the definition of " i will always be there for you even you don't see me"

" Tell me, were you sent by my dad to take care of me? " Wen Yifan asked. "No, I volunteered." Sang Yan replied.

The First Frost is a heart warming story about two young people who met at high school and they had a crush on each other, but life wasn't fair enough, so they don't met for like 7 years, then became accidently a roommates !
our ML is Sang Yan is a handsome confident man who had a crush on his highschool friend " Yifan" a beautiful and talented girl and she seems to have feelings too but her life was complicated enough as after her father died, her mom abandoned her to get marry again and sent her to relatives, that's how Yifan find herself in her aunt's house where ahe gets the truma of her life " poor girl". any way San Yan and Yifan decided to go the same collage but suddenly she tells him she don't want to see him again in that heartbreaking scene..
after about 6 years, they met again but this time as roomates by accident and it's finally when you should hold your breath and get ready because all the secrets will be revealed and with every episode, we get to understand the past and why she broke up with him like this. and did they really moved on?
..
with each flashback in every episode, your hear will grow warmer because these two had the most beautiful and heartbreaking story ever!
but no worries cuz the ending is so beautiful too.
and for us " Hidden Love" fans , thia story tell us about Sang Yan who is is the older brother of San Zhi which is soooo warm cuz i swear to god i was so curious about him since Hidden Love.
i loved everything about this drama and i don't know how I'm gonna move on! so probably gonna rewatch soon :)

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