The First Frost

amazing drama, worth the wait <3

"The First Frost" is my favorite novel out of all Zhu Yi's work. I was so happy when they announced there would be a drama adaptation, I went from anticipating this drama the most to watching it with my very own eyes. Although it wasn't complete and exact copy of how the novel is like, I am still very pleased with this drama adaptation, there might have been changes but this changes still brought positive outcomes. From being a favorite novel to now a favorite drama. This drama will remain special for me for the years to come.

Bai Jing Ting potrayal of Sang Yan is immaculate. He nailed his character and didn't disappoint, his acting performance is outstanding. Zhang Ruo Nan did justice to her character as Wen Yi Fan, this woman is so talented. The chemistry between both of them what is there more to say when their chemistry is overflowing. I would love to see them working on another project together.

Thank you the first frost team for bringing us this amazing drama, the long wait is worth it.

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Genuine, Healing, and Full of Unconditional Love

I'm going to potentially bristle some hairs, and say that the extent one can appreciate this drama is a fairly good measure of one's maturity, emotional intelligence, and depth of empathy. It is not for every viewer, and I especially would not recommend it to viewers who are younger (mid-20s and under) or those who are simply looking for a good time.

I commend this drama's entire team for creating a masterpiece that delves so fearlessly into incredibly difficult topics. As a viewer, you physically feel the discomfort because the scenes do not shy away from taking you along as our FL endures abuse on multiple fronts. This drama can trigger intense emotions in the viewer - in the most painfully beautiful way, it shatters your heart but then brings it back together, stronger and healed.

The soundtrack is absolutely insane. This is hands down in my Top 3 for Chinese drama soundtracks, because wow. Gorgeous tracks, with a star-studded list of artists, that complemented the drama scenes so well. The cinematography was stunning as well. Nothing was overdone, but there was a clear sense of artistic flair that I really appreciated simply because it was beautiful. (Frankly, this drama is depressing enough without a more dark and gritty visual style.)

This is one slow burn. It doesn't drag, but I highly recommend you take the time to slowly savour the entirety of each episode. Each one is set up with the same formula: a snippet from the past, a time jump to the present, and a cute bonus scene before the ending credits. It's like a satisfying 3-course meal every time!

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

I want to defend the Hong Kong arc because it was widely discussed, with many viewers being discontent with it because it didn't "make sense". Those who had similar experiences, and/or share avoidant attachment tendencies like the FL, will not see anything amiss. If anything, the Hong Kong arc made perfect sense. The point was not for the plot to be logical. It was to send the FL on a trajectory of healing and was vital for how both her character and the main relationship progressed. Seriously. The people behind this drama knew EXACTLY what they were doing, and they executed it brilliantly. Kudos.

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When love becomes a healing power

I watched this drama for Zhang Ruonan, the leading actress. It catches my attention that she repeatedly starred in a drama in which she plays a wounded character, such as in Love is Panacea (she played a young woman who suffered from a terminal illness) and Date with the Future (her character is a survivor of a natural disaster). This drama is no exception but has led her to a new height. She played Wen Yifan's character, who suffered trauma, abuse, neglect, and sexual harassment so well. The way she portrayed the suffering and the strength of a powerless young woman who tried to survive in the harsh world is empathizing and touching. She delivered the character seamlessly.

The story itself is unexpectedly good. First, it takes human psychology seriously. The scenes involving responses to heartbreak, defense mechanisms, and trauma responses were executed naturally. It has strong sentimental nuances but doesn't fall into a melodrama. The cries and tears are controlled (suppressed and released) timely. Second, it respects the theme of love as a healing power. Love transforms people into a better version of themselves with understanding, forgiveness, unconditional positive regard, and genuine care. The villains are effectively portrayed as the antithesis of love, so we can compare and contrast things with minimum ambiguity. I like that they didn't try to "humanize" the evil people by giving them a troubled past and making them grey characters. Most evildoers deserve punishment, which should be the story's moral. Third, the relationship is burning slowly but simultaneously, full of tension and anticipation. From the first episode, we learn and know exactly about Wen Yifan and Sang Yan's love story. They just don't admit it and play along with the situation as mere roommates. The moment they realize their love, it is so monumental. The scenes of recognition were written poetically with some parallelism. Everything becomes well-rounded in the end.

It also gave us a strong message about social justice, women empowerment, and equality among people in society. This drama is packed with social criticism and reminders.

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First Frost: A Well-Written Slice of Life with Great Chemistry

First Frost is a well crafted slice of life drama with strong performances and a compelling story. The leads have great chemistry, making their relationship feel natural and engaging. The romance is well-developed, and the OST enhances the atmosphere beautifully.

Wei Yifan is a thoughtfully written character, and her journey is handled with depth and nuance. Sang Yan, the male lead, stands out for his emotional maturity, which adds a refreshing dynamic to the story. Both actors portrayed their roles exceptionally well, bringing out the emotions and complexities of their characters.

I decided to write this review after seeing discussions questioning whether the reviews for this drama are fake. This isn't about bias just something I wanted to share. I also don’t understand why First Frost keeps getting compared to Hidden Love. They are very different. If Hidden Love is sunshine, First Frost is darker and more serious in tone. I enjoyed both for what they were.

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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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Nostalgia will hit you like a truck.

I will keep it short
for those who have watched Hidden Love and loved it .
The first frost will deliver that felling of watching Hidden love again in a new way .

I am not saying both of them are same but
I cannot help that it reminds me of HL.

Trust me when I say this , TFF and HL will go down in cdrama history. and this both drama has set standard for other modern romance drama .

TFF and HL has also spoiled me
cause it will be hard for me to get hooked up in other dramas if the other dramas do not deliver the same quality

the Cast, Director, Actors have played their role delegently. to the point that there are no la lacking.

some might say I am over rating this both drama.Its fine because people have different preference.
but you can't hate it unless you try it yourself.

This both drama will remain in a special place in my heart

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sold my soul to this drama and bai jingting, no regrets

i am only two episodes in but i am already completely hooked. this drama is everything, comforting, beautifully shot, and so effortlessly captivating. the pacing, the cinematography, the warmth in every scene, it all just pulls you in. i’m watching this at 1x speed, savoring every single moment, not skipping anything because every second is worth it.

the ost feels like a warm hug, so soothing and perfectly woven into the story. the chemistry between the leads is just chef’s kiss. bai jingting is a gem, an absolute scene stealer, and ruonan is so stunning and expressive. their performances feel so natural, so immersive.

this drama carries a different tone from hidden love but in the best way possible. where hidden love felt like sunshine this one has a deeper, more emotional pull, yet both capture love in such a heartfelt, beautiful way. honestly, this might be one of the best novel adaptations i’ve ever seen. everything about it just works, and i already know it’s going to stay with me long after it ends. 🥹🫶🏽

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The First Frost: A Beautiful Story of Healing, Love, and Unwavering Devotion

The First Frost is a powerful drama that shines a light on the struggles young women face after experiencing trauma, especially sexual assault. Instead of showing the female lead’s choice to distance herself as a breakup, the story presents it as a necessary step for her healing. She takes time to process her pain, protect the male lead, and prepare herself for a healthy relationship.

Yifan’s journey is shown with care, making it clear that healing takes time and strength. Her struggles don’t make her weak—instead, they highlight her resilience and courage. Some critics say she seems too much like a victim compared to the original novel, but real-life survivors face difficult battles before finding their strength again. Healing isn’t always a straight path, and the drama does a great job of capturing that reality.

At its heart, this is a story about two people who truly love each other and find their way back because one of them never gives up. The extended ending, spread over several episodes, allows their love to unfold naturally, making their reunion all the more rewarding. It deeply captures the essence of unconditional love, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of viewers. This is one of the most satisfying endings to a drama I have ever seen, delivering both emotional depth and a well-earned resolution.

With heartfelt performances and a deeply emotional story, The First Frost is more than just a romance—it’s a meaningful journey of growth, recovery, and unwavering love. Rather than focusing on the negative reviews, this drama deserves praise for handling such a serious topic with honesty, sensitivity, and depth.

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A Masterpiece of Emotion and Storytelling

Story - The First Frost is a beautifully woven tale of love, fate, and personal growth. The drama effortlessly captures the changing seasons, both in nature and in the hearts of the characters. The storytelling is immersive, drawing viewers into a world where emotions run deep, and every moment carries significance. It masterfully balances romance, drama, and life’s bittersweet realities, creating an unforgettable journey that lingers in the mind long after the final episode. The pacing is perfect, ensuring that every scene contributes to the overall narrative without unnecessary fillers.

Acting/Cast – Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruo Nan deliver stellar performances, making their characters feel incredibly real and relatable. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, bringing both warmth and heartbreak to their love story. Bai Jingting’s portrayal is nuanced and powerful, showcasing his ability to convey emotions through subtle expressions and heartfelt dialogues. Zhang Ruo Nan’s performance is equally mesmerizing, bringing depth and authenticity to her character. The supporting cast also plays a crucial role in enriching the drama, adding layers of meaning to the main storyline.

Music – The soundtrack of The First Frost is nothing short of breathtaking. Each song complements the mood of the drama perfectly, enhancing the emotional depth of key scenes. Whether it’s a melancholic melody accompanying a heartbreaking moment or a soft, hopeful tune underscoring a tender interaction, the music elevates the storytelling to another level. The OST is so powerful that it stays with you long after the drama ends, making it a perfect addition to any playlist.

Rewatch Value – This is a drama that deserves to be rewatched, not just once but multiple times. Every rewatch unveils new layers of meaning, allowing viewers to appreciate the finer details of the story, acting, and cinematography. The emotional impact remains just as strong, if not stronger, upon revisiting it. The depth of the characters and their journey make The First Frost a timeless piece that will continue to touch hearts for years to come.

Overall, The First Frost is an absolute masterpiece—emotionally profound, visually stunning, and deeply touching. With its flawless storytelling, outstanding performances by Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruo Nan, a mesmerizing soundtrack, and immense rewatch value, this drama stands out as one of the best in recent years. Whether you are a fan of romance, drama, or simply beautifully crafted narratives, The First Frost is a must-watch.

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