The First Frost

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irst Frost is a masterclass in the "slow-burn" romance genre, offering a poignant and mature exploration of how first loves can evolve and heal over time. As a sister production to the hit Hidden Love, the drama shifts its focus to the more grounded, bittersweet story of Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan) and Sang Yan (Bai Jingting). The series excels by leaning into the tension of their reunion in Nanjiang, where years of unspoken regrets and past traumas initially create a cold barrier between them. Bai Jingting perfectly captures Sang Yan’s signature "tsundere" arrogance hiding a heart that never actually moved on while Zhang Ruonan delivers a nuanced performance as a woman navigating her own vulnerabilities. With its high-quality cinematography and a soundtrack that perfectly mirrors the wintery, melancholic atmosphere, First Frost is a deeply satisfying watch for anyone who believes in second chances and the quiet strength of enduring affection.Honestly, First Frost hits different because it feels like a weighted blanket on a cold night. While Hidden Love was all about that sweet, dizzying first crush, this show is about the quiet ache of a love that never really went away. Sang Yan isn't the "annoying brother" here; he’s a man who has been holding a grudge for years just to hide how much he’s still hurting. The way he looks at Wen Yifan when she’s not looking? It’s devastating. And Wen Yifan is such a relatable lead she’s not a damsel, she’s just someone trying to keep her head above water while dealing with a past that keeps dragging her back. It’s slow, yeah, but every look and every "accidental" run-in feels earned. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to wrap yourself in a scarf and go for a long walk in the rain.

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This drama has become my favorite Chinese drama of 2025 (even though today is the last day of the year). I highly recommend it.

I’m in love with this story. It was perfect. The story, the characters, the music — everything. Ever since the broadcast was announced, I couldn’t wait for it to air. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to finish it earlier, and avoiding spoilers until now was a real challenge. But hey — what better way to end the year than with a high‑quality, heartwarming series.

For fans of Hidden Love: don’t skip The First Frost. Or the other way around — depending on which one you watch first. For me, there’s no comparison between them; each drama has its own charm, and both are worth watching. While Hidden Love is lighter, funnier, and sweeter, The First Frost is darker, deeper, and more emotional.

One of the things I loved most was the atmosphere — the soft lighting, the muted colors, the quiet moments that say more than words. Even the smallest details in the cinematography felt intentional, adding depth to every scene. The transitions between the past and present were incredibly smooth, with each timeline blending naturally into the next, making the story feel cohesive and alive.

This drama pulled every emotion out of me. I laughed at the sweet, awkward moments between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. I cried during the heartbreaking scenes, especially when they revealed the past, and most of all during the final proposal — complete emotional meltdown, one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen. I was angry at Wen Yifan’s family, especially her mother. Some people simply don’t deserve to have children. This drama is proof that family isn’t always defined by blood. And I’m more than happy that Wen Yifan managed to break free from all her chains, while Sang Yan was her support the entire time — even when he was in the shadows and she had no idea. This is a story about pain, about the shackles that can hold you for years, and about the person who can become your light and your anchor.

I have a question: where can I get myself a Sang Yan. Seriously — this man is unreal. Everyone needs a Sang Yan in their life. Why do they create men like this in dramas/books — it makes all real men look fake. Bai Jingting portrayed his character phenomenally — attentive, patient, and emotionally intelligent.

Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan was exceptional. She managed to portray the pain, loneliness, and strength needed to endure everything her character goes through — alive, fragile, and brave all at once.

The dynamic between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan is sweet, awkward, painful, warm — everything a good romantic drama should be. Their relationship grows in a way that feels natural and earned, full of small moments that slowly build into something powerful.

The second lead couple was also surprisingly well‑developed. None of their scenes felt unnecessary; they had their own charm, chemistry, and emotional depth. They added warmth, humor, and grounding moments that enriched the story and made the world of the drama feel more complete.

The OST fits perfectly with the tone of the drama, enhancing the emotional weight of the scenes. Some tracks linger long after the episode ends, pulling you right back into the story.

This is a beautiful, well‑crafted story about life’s hardships and the light that gives you hope for a better future. The First Frost is a beautiful, well‑told, and emotionally rich drama that stays with you long after the finale. I hope 2026 brings more masterpieces like this one.

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Healing and unconditional second chance romance

To me, this drama is like a warm hug. An endless warmth after a blistering snow storm.

Yifan is so sad and lonely with a painful past, but Sang Yan is so incredibly caring. He carries a quiet intensity that no matter what life throws at them, he will be the one to keep them afloat. It's funny how it seems like it's the cold ML x naive FL cliche. The dual POVs reveal that their misunderstandings are due to fear to hurt the other when there actually is such a depth of love.

Yifan's trauma is intense and almost triggering. It's understandable why she is the way she is, her strength is quiet but unyielding. Sang Yan is the most chalant nonchalant man I ever witness. He is such a loser in-love that it hurts my eyes.

A second-chance romance that actually is a first love story, Sang Yan had never let go.

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THE GREENEST MALE LEAD EVER

This series was simply amazing. I don't write reviews unless I really love a series, so you can understand if I'm writing one for this. The storyline was great. The actors perfomace was phenomenal. And the best of all was the male lead. The character is the greenest flag out of all the other male leads in any other series. Some people might argue about this, but I'll tell you why he is the best amongst all.

No matter how many times the female lead pushed him away, understood her and continued being there for her. He understood that woman without her having to say a single thing. He is the most attentive person a woman can find. The way he admires her with eyes full of love and tears when he sees her doing something she loves. The way he reassures and lets her know that she deserves nothing but the best every single time she thinks she's not worth it all.

There have been many others who have done this, but no one has done it as well as Sang Yan. The lengths he went through and would go through for her🤌. It's how he stayed, even though she pushed him because he knew she had her reasons and would definitely come back one day. He is a man any girl would wish for.

The FL's friendship is also something worth praising. I loved how FL's best friend stayed with her no matter what. And her love story was cute too. It was well developed. All the characters in the series were well-written, and the actors did an incredible job playing them. They justified their roles.

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A Slow Burn Romance with Unforgettable Chemistry

The casting of Sang Yan as Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan as Wen Yi Fan was absolutely perfect. They had amazing chemistry, and you could truly feel the longing they had for each other.

Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan was a match made in heaven. I had my reservations when I first heard he was cast in the role, as I thought Victor Ma was excellent as Sang Yan in Hidden Love. But now I understand why they chose him. Bai Jing Ting has a wide acting range, and the role seemed to come naturally to him.

Wen Yi Fan’s portrayal of Zhang Ruo Nan was equally brilliant. In moments when her character feels awkward or shy around Sang Yan, you can see the hesitation in her expressions before she speaks. Her gestures when scared, the trembling, the crying, and the hurt in her eyes are incredibly believable. It was absolutely captivating.

The story begins with Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan meeting in high school, when their relationship should have started but did not because of Wen Yi Fan’s dark past. The drama then flashes forward to the present, where their paths cross again under unexpected circumstances. They become roommates. Sang Yan initially keeps his walls up because of the pain Wen Yi Fan caused him, appearing standoffish and cold. But it is clear that he still loves and cares for her. He gives her the better bedroom, pays for her snacks, and even cooks for her. During this time as roommates, his walls gradually come down and he softens considerably. The first half focuses on them rebuilding their bond.

The second half of the drama is much darker, as Wen Yi Fan’s past, the darkness she has desperately tried to run from, finally catches up to her. She leaves Sang Yan to protect him from getting involved. Sang Yan does everything he can to find her. As he retraces her steps, he learns more about her past and grows increasingly angry at himself for not being there to protect her when she needed him most. I really liked how the story builds up this part, allowing viewers to fully understand how dark Wen Yi Fan’s past truly was.

I also liked how Sang Yan respected Wen Yi Fan’s boundaries; he never forces his feelings onto her. He grew up in a privileged, happy, and loving environment, and while his world is very different from Wen Yi Fan’s, he is willing to do anything to be a part of hers. In the beginning, Sang Yan is rather carefree and directionless, while Wen Yi Fan wants to be independent and unaffiliated with the people she once called family. When they separate for college, it deeply hurts Sang Yan, and you begin to see his outlook on life change.

This story is a slow burn, but it is intriguing and never feels dragged out. It shows just how powerful love can be, how it can pull someone out of darkness, and give them courage. Sang Yan heals Wen Yi Fan, and you can see that only someone born and raised in a loving, happy home could become the man he is. The love Sang Yan has for Wen Yi Fan is unconditional and selfless. He simply wants her to be happy and have the best in life.

Besides the main leads, I didn't really care for the other characters. It felt like the people casting didn't put much thought into who they chose for the supporting roles. I felt that the friends of Sang Yan in Hidden Love were cast much better, but that may be because the friends didn't play as significant a role in The First Frost compared to Hidden Love.

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SA survivor and her wholesome lover

So this drama is about an introvert girl who falls in love with an extrovert guy. It's pretty standard romantic story but they are cute together.

My problem is that they take wayy too much time to develop some chemistry and the romance is too slow paced for me. The story could have been so much more nuanced but they missed that chance and kind of started running in circles after one point

The FL has past traumas and she is pretty much dealing with it on her own.
The ML desperately wants to be a part of her life and shine some light in her dark world but he is very careful about it because he doesn't want to violate her private space and get her creeped out.

She takes sooo much time to finally open up to her crush but the drama actually makes it worth it.
I have to appreciate the villain for giving me goosebumps and looking menacingly scary and predatory. He made the drama interesting .
I have seen the male lead before and I won't say it's his best work in acting. I have definitely seen better from him. The female lead was alright but I wouldn't call her performance stood out to me.

It's a decent watch for romance loving audience if they have the patience to finish the whole thing.

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best c drama

story 8.5
the story is very realistic and intriguing but of course there are flaws but that's fine and i love the story pace it's slow but it's intriguing and unique in it's own way and I even like there extra clips by the end it is super adorable
acting and casting 8.0
the main lead played by Bai Jing ting is good he is good In acting emotional but it's still far from excellent acting same as the female lead she still lacking in many ways but her acting is not bad and not great but it will do since that's the character she is playing
music 10.0
opening and ending ost is brilliant I don't skip it because it's captivating even the lyrics moved me.

rewatch value 9.0 but I don't repeat series that I already watched only if I forgot to save it here ..

overall rating 9.5
I recommend this series
it is the most realistic series I ever watched

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Why director why?

Why does this drama seem to favor the female lead so much? I just don’t get it—like, the male lead has been chasing her since their school days all the way to adulthood. At first, I understood why she ran away—because he couldn’t really protect her back then since he was still immature, and she probably thought he wouldn’t be able to accept the truth.

But after they started working, why did she still have to run from him? The male lead already has power, he’s grown up, and he can protect himself. Why does the female lead just run whenever she wants and come back whenever she pleases? This isn’t a "green flag" guy situation—this feels more like she’s playing with him. I’m sorry, but I just can’t be as patient as the male lead.

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The best tv show ever

The First Frost is, without a doubt, the best Chinese drama I've ever watched. Its captivating storyline, intricate character development, and stunning cinematography create an immersive experience that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Every episode is meticulously crafted, blending suspense and emotion in a way that resonates deeply with the audience. In my opinion, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Hidden Love, matching its intensity and depth in every aspect. On kisskh, I rated it a perfect 10/10, reflecting its excellence in storytelling, production, and overall impact. If you're looking for a series that challenges the boundaries of conventional drama, The First Frost is an absolute must-watch.

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The show is almost as good as the novel!

I really liked the novel and the nuance of how some sensitive topics were handled.

As for casting, I was really hoping for a Victor Ma comeback, I thought the casting overall was better in the other drama.

But, BJT pleasantly surprised me. It took me some time to warm up to him as Sang Yan but eventually I think he matched the vibe the director was going for. I still think Victor could have done an equally good job if not better though but I am happy with Sang Yan overall.

Cant say the same about Yifan. Her character is so complex in the novel and I dont think ZRN was the right choice. I was hoping she would grow on me like BJT did but she simply did not. Her range of expressions is limited, an issue I find with many Chinese actresses. But I have also seen improvement (Angela Baby, she isnt great but she is improving) and I dont feel that way about ZRN.

Regardless, I was overall pretty happy with the drama.

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