The First Frost

After every dark night, you will have a brighter day.

"The First Frost" is not your typical romance drama with lots of fluff and a little bit of angst. It is more about fighting your inner demons, loving someone unconditionally and the process of healing is not a straight line. It is my favorite work of the author, so I went in with huge anticipation though I had this fear that they might ruin the novel for me. They didn't. In fact they enhanced the novel at so many levels. There are flaws, but those flaws are not equal to the emotional ride this drama took me on. It is a drama which has right amount of fluff, angst and pain. I felt every emotion I can name with this drama. The cinematography is chef's kiss.

Story: It is the first love which turns into true love kind of story. ML and FL are high school sweethearts but due to the problems in FL's life, they separated. The FL has many problems, traumas and issues. These issues are not irrational. She went through so much that she should be applauded for how kind she is towards the world when the world was never kind towards her. She loves the ML but her problems are much bigger at that time. The ML has a perfect life. He has everything one could wish for. He has IQ, EQ, wealth, family and looks. His devotion towards the FL, even after the heart break he suffered was truly commendable. It is very rare to see MLs who are emotionally intelligent and he is one of the very few. He still cared for her after everything. The relationship is not one sided at all. FL hold ML at a high level because of how he affected her life, she calls him Sun and want to do everything to protect him from the shadows of her dark past. FL heals with time, becoming a better version of herself. The director showed how healing is not a straight line. You will have many setbacks on this journey but with the unconditional love, right support and help, you will eventually heal.

The love story is not really typical cdrama kind. It runs deep, feels raw and authentic. It has genuine and unconditional love and it is excuted too well.

Acting/Cast: ZRN and BJT embodied the characters really well. ZRN's acting is really commendable. She went from an emotionally distant character to portraying an attempted Se**al Ass**lt victim. You can feel the helplessness and how she lost her soul in the process. Her eye acting is amazing. BJT embodied a devoted man who loves and supports the woman amazingly. The way he used to tear up seeing the FL in pain was emotional to watch. The side characters too did a convincing job. The chemistry between both of them is electrifying. An eye contact between them will make you blush. The kisses were amazing. No fish kisses. It was realistically handled as the kisses went from awkward first kiss to sizzling hot kisses. There are many kissing scenes. The actors are treat to the eyes as well. The visual chemistry is beautiful. They both look so gorgeous onscreen that you might need to repeat few scenes just because you were too focused on their visuals. They compliment each other too well.

Music: The beats are nice and the songs are very meaningful, depicting the journey of the couple beautifully.

Rewatch Value: It is amazing but it has scenes which are heavy and emotionally draining. The actors will seep you in.

Overall: I absolutely love this masterpiece. There is a few things they added which I didn't personally liked but it is not enough to affect my love for the drama. It is my favorite Zhu Yi's work and now, my most favorite c-drama. WYF is the character which will make you sob for her. Unfortunately, there are many WYFs in the world but not everyone has the courage to start fresh. Not everyone has their own SY. The love between the leads is just heartfelt and consuming. The last episode had me in tears. SY's love and understanding won me over. His emotional maturity is just amazing. Not many MLs are like him and being emotionally mature towards someone who had went through the hardest things doesn't make you a doormat. He loves her and she loves him too. Love is not a transaction that he will see what he is getting in return. It is one of those dramas which will stay with you in the long run.

Some people call SY doormat or a flat character. He is not. He had been grown up in a healthy environment, never struggling for anything and he was not ambitious. He is naturally gifted. He is intelligent and excels at whatever he does. The only setback he ever faced was loosing his first love. At the age of 16, he saw WYF for the first time, had a crush on her which gradually changed into love as they became deskmates. He did everything he could to make her his and suffered a setback but soon, he pulled himself out. He graduated, opened a gastropub, did excellent job and is an amazing person with a pure heart holding no malice towards anyone. Just because he loved FL with everything, doesn't make him a doormat. He knew she went through a lot, so rather than being impatient, he did what an understanding person will do. Loving someone with mental traumas is not easy. You have to be careful in every step you take. His love for her was the purest form of love I have seen in a drama. We need more people like him with emotional intelligence.

Some people call him stalker too. SY is not even aware about what goes on in WYF's life. He only knows her college. He waits at her college gate to just catch a glimpse of her, sees that she is PHYSICALLY fine and leaves. It happens once in a while. He does this not because he is obsessive or something, but he had promised her to always be there for her. Once, he went to her work place because she expressed negativity towards life. Do you guys even have any idea how frightening it is to know that the woman he loves so much has such negative perception towards life. If he really stalked her as some people claim, WYF wouldn't have to suffer so much. She would have known she is getting stalked. You will ultimately realize if someone follows you all the time but she never saw him, means he didn't followed her or did something inappropriate. He wasn't even aware that WYF returned back to Nanwu. He always knew that her family is not there for her, so he took it upon himself to at least check if she is doing fine.

I would have never defended him if he really followed her like a creep. He never did it. He was always respectful towards her. They lived in a house for 1 whole year as roommates but not once did he enter her room or her personal space. He let go of the bigger room so that she will be comfortable as it has an attached bathroom.

WYF is a person who is always on high alert mode. If he really stalked her for 6 years, do you think she wouldn't have known. He looked out for her in those 6 years, knowing no one was by her side. He knew nothing about her life. I don't know how people go on calling him stalker.

WYF is one of the strongest female characters I came across. Going through so much, she still had a smile on her face. She don't go around screaming, but she does take stand for herself when needed. You might feel she is docile, but she is not. She is ignorant of the things not concerning her. Her love for SY is selfless, always looking out for his well being. ZRN really did a fabulous job of bringing a character as complex as WYF to life. What I really liked was how she healed herself. She might haven't made good decisions in the process, might have made mistakes too but healing yourself is always a journey. She healed herself because it was her duty to do it. She took her time, analyzed everything and with time, she was healed. The people around her might support her, but her healing shouldn't be them. It is not their duty to heal her because after sometime, they will feel burdened and she knew it. She worked on herself, became better and accepted the blessing god bestowed upon her as Sang Yan. SY supported her throughout this journey. Love doesn't always heal you, especially with the trauma she went through. It was time and her inner strength which healed her and made her better.

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very somber, but also very swoon-worthy

I initially became interested in watching this drama because I watched "Hidden Love". While initially saddened that this drama would have a different set of cast, I was not disappointed in the choices, especially Bai Jingting as Sang Yan. I have seen him in "Destined", and I absolutely loved him there. I think my favorite thing was just trying to imagine Jingting replacing Victor in "Hidden Love" scenes and vice versa with picturing Victor in "The First Frost". I also recognized Edward Chen from "Your Name Engraved Herein" and Zhang Miaoyi from "When I Fly Towards You", so I was pretty familiar most of the central roles aside from the female lead. After watching this, I will say Zhang Ruonan will be another name and face I will recognize and look out for in the future.

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● SHORT REVIEW
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[ --LIKES-- ]

✔ Amazing OSTs

✔ Beautiful cinematography

✔ Strong female lead capable of standing up for herself. Despite her introverted and soft nature, she is far from weak. On multiple occasions and scenario, she has been shown to stand up and defend herself, not needing someone to come save her. She is her own heroine.

✔ Male lead is likable. Although he tries to act cool and nonchalant, he is very caring and sincere.

✔ Yifan's friend Siqiao is smart, capable, and cares a lot for her friends.

✔ Loved when Yifan's current superior Mr. Gan made sure no one was causing her problems at work and also helps defends her when her job is questioned due to gossip.

✔ Enough cute and romantic moments to balance out the bleakness of Yifan's story

✔ Love the consistent format of the series with a flashback at the beginning and a bonus scene at the end


[ --DISLIKES-- ]

✖ I admit the beginning of this series was slow for me. The sadness of the female lead's situation made it a lot harder to watch, especially compared to the lighter vibe of Hidden Love. Being set in winter also adds to the somber vibes. However, it gets better as the story progresses and we also get some cuter, lighter moments.

✖ Not sure how I feel about Mu Chengyun as a character. I felt like his character was there just for the sake of being there, but he never felt like anyone with an effect on the lead's relationship other than being a slight annoyance. He did a couple of annoying things like self inviting himself into Yifan's apartment and also lying about things Sang Yan said, but neither of those scenario were shown to really impact the leads' actions in the grand scheme of things. Our male lead was confident and the female lead never wavered or sided with Chengyun. I feel like we could've removed his character and it wouldn't change the story much, if any. I felt maybe having Xiang Lang (the guy best friend) was sufficient enough.

✖ I love Siqiao and Haoan's story, but I wish we spent a little less time on the grandparents' story. Would have loved more of Siqiao and Haoan's story outside the context of the Haoan's family stuff.

✖ Probably because I watched Hidden Love and adored the siblings interaction there, I kinda hoped there would be more scenes with the Sang siblings. I loved their bickering in HL, and I also understand First Frost has a more serious tone but I peronally would have loved a few more scenes/interactions with the sister, even if it's more serious and heartfelt rather than light and comedic.


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● IN-DEPTH REVIEW
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[ --STORY/PLOT-- ]

I'll begin by saying that even though "The First Frost" shares the same universe as "Hidden Love" and involves some of the same characters, you don't really need to have seen HL. With that said, I do recommend checking out HL though if you haven't, especially if you want to learn more about Sang Yan's sister Zhi and his best friend Jiaxu. It's kind of fun to see how the timeline/events line up between the two. The vibe is also a lot more lighter.

"The First Frost" adopts a more sad and serious tone and deals with much heavier topics. Yifan's life has been full of hardship. She deals with loss, assault, workplace harassment and gossip, and lacks love, care, and protection from the people who are suppose to be her family, especially her mother. However, when there was no one there to save and protect her, Yifan defended and stood up for herself. She does this on multiple occasions and I love that about her. While she appears to have a quiet and gentle nature, she is far from weak. She is capable of fighting for herself when it matters. Yifan is the hero of her own story. As a result, she is independent. This is both a good and bad thing. It's good that she is capable and solves problems on her own. However, since she's so use to handling things herself, she keeps her problems to herself and suffers alone instead of asking for help. It's understandable though given her own mother ignored her in the past. Despite it, she does her best to take of herself and even tries to protect Sang Yan from the traumas that haunt her.

As a contrast to Yifan, we have Sang Yan, who comes from a loving family. In the somber vibe that is Yifan's story, Yan brings light and warmth to it. He gives Yifan the deserved love, care, and comfort she lacks in her life. He is someone who makes her feel comfortable and helps her (and the viewers) smile. It's funny watching the male lead keep up a cool and calm demeanor but is actually really caring, cute, and sometimes even silly. I think that was much needed when the series feels very melancholic. The first time I actually grinned during this series was during a flashback of Yan getting his sister Zhi to pretend to be lost so he could meet up with Yifan. For me, that was my first impression of a lighter moment in such a heavy series. He does a lot of things like that to get her to notice him and it's somewhat endearing. Yan's involvement in Yifan's life gives us quite a few swoon-worthy moments with some nice cinematography. An example that stood out for me was after their Ferris wheel kiss, when Yifan was thinking about it. I loved the artistic way they showed her thinking about the kiss while lying in her room.

Yifan is not the only capable female in this series. Her best friend Zhong Siqiao is also very capable, hard-working, and smart. Siqiao is also selfless and cares a lot about the people around her. This is shown through her interaction with Su Haoan and helping him deal with his family problems. She is very likeable and I appreciated that. Sometimes, with Chinese series, the support female best friend role can have an annoying personality or traits, but the main females are both strong characters and I love that. Siqiao and Haoan's story is much lighter but still have a lot of heartfelt moments that should not be overlooked. Their story also deals with similar themes of love, family, trauma, and healing.

[ --ACTING/CAST-- ]

As briefly mentioned before, I was already acquainted with some of the cast going in. I was already a fan of Bai Jingting from watching "Destined", Edward Chen from "Your Name Engraved Herein", and Zhang Miaoyi from "When I Fly Towards You". All of which are series and a movie that I've rated highly, so I already suspected I would like this series a lot. I didn't know Zhang Ruonan, but after watching this series, her name is one I will look more into. I think everyone, main and supporting case alike, did a great job. Che Xingde, the aunt, and mom invoked anger in me so I commend the actors for their portrayal. Both our male and female leads conveyed the emotional and heartfelt scene very well and very naturally. Whether it was Sang Yan's sincere, tender, and persistent care and love or Wen Yifan's anxieties and sadness, I felt it all.

[ --MUSIC/OST-- ]

Much like Hidden Love, this series introduced to me so many great OSTs that gave me the feels. They were all memorable. Each added values and greatly enhanced the scenes they played in. I added most of them to my playlist, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be '像晴天像雨天' (Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day) sang by Silence Wang.

[ --REWATCH VALUE-- ]

As far as romance series go, this one is up at the top as one of the contenders for my favorite.

[ --FINAL THOUGHTS-- ]

Overall, this series has a lot of memorable scenes enhanced by great cinematography and/or great music, supported by great acting, and features likable main characters. The story is somber but balances it out with some very sweet moment. I loved the Sang Yan in "Hidden Love", but I like the character even more here in "The First Frost". Wen Yifan is a survivor, and I absolutely love her. I also really enjoyed the second couple, and they also had a lot of cute moments. The first couple of episodes will be kind of rough to get past, but much like Wen Yifan's life, it will get better with persistent like Sang Yan's love.

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● NOTE
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I'll always conclude my review by saying that ratings and reviews is not really a indicator of whether you may enjoy something. We all have different criteria and standards. Don't let a bad rating, review, or comment discourage you from watching something. My advice will always be to give something a chance if the premise interests you, and only use the ratings/reviews to determine priority if you have a list, or if you're deciding if you want to continue it due to time limitations.

♥ Thanks for reading my review! Feel free to comment or hit me up if you want to discuss anything ♥

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The First Frost A Slow, Emotional Journey That Stayed With Me

SUMMARY

The First Frost was never in a rush to impress. It followed Sang Yan and Wei Yifan over the years as their relationship slowly shifted from quiet familiarity to something deeper and more intimate. It wasn’t just a romance, it was a story about healing, trust, and choosing yourself after years of silence. The pacing was deliberate, allowing every emotional beat to land without being overplayed. It took its time, especially with Wei Yifan’s trauma, and that made the final payoff feel real and well-earned.

CHARACTERS
Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan
Bai Jing Ting brought a calm steadiness to Sang Yan that grounded the entire drama. His character wasn’t loud or dramatic, but his presence had weight. He played Sang Yan with restraint and warmth, making every small gesture, from a glance to a simple touch, feel significant. What stood out most was how he showed patience without pity, how he supported Wei Yifan without ever trying to “fix” her. It’s a quiet performance, but an incredibly memorable one.

Zhang Ruonan as Wei Yifan
Zhang Ruonan had the harder task: portraying someone who had learned to stay small to survive. Wei Yifan’s past, especially her strained relationship with her mother, shaped so much of who she was. Zhang Ruonan made those layers visible. There was a constant tension in her, a fear of taking up space, and when she finally started choosing herself, it hit hard. She played Wei Yifan as someone both fragile and brave, and it made her growth feel personal to watch.

What I Loved
This was a slow burn in every sense. The drama didn’t rush into love confessions or dramatic confrontations. It let moments breathe, letting glances, silences, and routines do the work. It acknowledged trauma without making it the whole story. The characters had to earn their happy ending, and that made it more satisfying. What I appreciated most was how it emphasized mutual care, especially from Sang Yan’s side. He waited for her, not out of obligation, but because he respected her pace.

Favorite Scenes
The first date: It was understated, but it said everything about how far Wei Yifan had come. She let herself want something and let Sang Yan in.

The sleepwalking scenes: They were oddly intimate. Watching Sang Yan care for her so gently while she wasn’t fully aware said more than words could.

The proposal : Simple, sincere, and completely in character. There were no grand gestures, just a feeling of safety and certainty.

Wei Yifan leaving her mother: This was one of the most powerful moments. She wasn’t angry, she was done. That quiet strength hit harder than any confrontation could.

Final Thoughts And My Written Poem for SangYifan

The First Frost wasn’t a drama about falling in love quickly. It was about learning how to live again, slowly, and choosing to love someone not in spite of their past, but with full understanding of it. It wasn’t flashy, but it was full of feeling. And because of that, it stayed with me.

For Sang Yan and Wei Yifan 💝,

Two people who found something rare when they least expected it
someone to walk beside, without fear.

He gave her the space to breathe again,
to trust that some things, some people, would stay.
Not by force,
but by being there, quiet and real,
like the sky after a long storm.

And she
she loved him deeply,
not just in the easy moments,
but through the complexities, the quiet doubts,
and every soft step they took together.
She loved him with a quiet strength,
showing him that love can be gentle,
and yet powerful enough to transform everything.

Together, they built a love not out of grand moments,
but out of quiet mornings, shared laughter,
silent comforts only they could understand.

Sang Yan and Wei Yifan
a love that healed,
a love that stayed,
a love that made even the coldest winter feel gentle again.

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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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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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One sided love story

When I first started watching it, I thought I liked it. But looking back, I realize that impression came almost entirely from the cinematography, the atmosphere, and the overall aesthetic.

At its core, the narrative is clearly centered around the female lead, with the male lead functioning primarily as her love interest.

The female lead is portrayed with very realistic human emotions and emotional baggage, while the male lead is treated almost like an idealized fantasy character.Because of that, their dynamic feels unbalanced, too heavy on one side and too light on the other, like an uneven scale.




When the first ghosting happens, I barely react. It feels like obvious plot convenience and at that point, I assume they’re only loosely connected. But as the flashbacks unfold, it becomes clear how emotionally close they actually were, which shifts the context.

Apparently, there’s a second ghosting. I’m not sure if that’s confirmed but I have no interest in continuing if that’s the direction it takes especially after a confession.

At that point, any remaining patience I have for the female lead would probably run out. And it’s not that I can’t appreciate flawed or emotionally complex characters. I’ve liked many problematic male or female characters before. Here she's not even problematic,just troubled. But this one just doesn’t engage me at all.




As someone who enjoys romance, I don’t mind when the man takes the lead or puts in more effort. But here, it’s not imbalance, it’s absence. There’s virtually nothing from the woman’s side. Even the slightest indication of effort, literally 1% would have changed how I feel about this story. Instead, by the end, the relationship feels entirely one-sided.

San Yang is idealized as a love interest to the point of being almost unreal, while her side is only developed as an independent character , her feelings for him remains underdeveloped.


As a character, I don’t have an issue with her. she has her own emotional weight. But in a story marketed as a romance, I couldn’t really see her as part of the romantic equation. I was willing to wait for her romantic growth but if she ends up leaving him hanging again, then the growth doesn’t really mean much. It just feels like the same cycle repeating. She passively receives his love rather than actively participating in it



Beyond the main storyline, the side plots only make things worse. They feel disconnected at best and irritating at worst. I couldn’t care less about the second couple. The grandfather’s storyline adds nothing to the central narrative. It comes across as unnecessary filler rather than meaningful expansion and the uncle and the female lead’s mother are consistently grating, adding more frustration


In the end, this is a drama that leans heavily on mood and visual appeal but aesthetics alone can’t sustain a romance. Without emotional reciprocity or narrative balance, the story feels hollow.

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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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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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the fairy and her most handsome man, the love that kept the ghosts away.

Love was never something to give expecting something in return.. that’s what their love was like, sublime, pure, selfless, unrealistically real.. their love was greater than anything, so they’re to me..

Perfectly opening, perfectly reaching the climax, then perfectly writing the last line..
While it sounds ridiculous to some, this is the greatest modern romance drama that came out from China, not meaning that anything else is mid, but for me, everything else is below The First Frost.

The slow burn burned me, in a good way..
The heartbreaks also broke me, in a perfect way..
I never felt so connected and related to a character story like I felt with Wen Yifan, we didn’t have the same struggles, but it was so relatable and natural that I cried for her like I was watching myself going through all of that.. and while accepting her ‘only’ bad decision would be hard for somebody, not understanding her is possible, let alone blaming her.. it doesn’t take you an experience to empathise with a survivor..
At the same time, loving Sang Yan was only natural, such a lively man, confident and kind, gives without expecting, and waits for you like a fool—
How can a lady's heart not swoon for him? not even fairy Wen Yifan resisted his charms.. even in her sleep she walked to his embrace..
while watching them yearn for each other, and suffer alone, how bad I wanted to give her a hug, how bad I wanted to heal their scars, to unalive whoever made them unhappy.. how bad I wanted to rewrite their story so it would be less painful for them..

What I loved the most about this story is the angst and complexity of the characters, especialy Wen Yifan, you don’t see this often in modern romance dramas, that’s what makes The First Frost undeniably special.

“It seems like Beiyu rain soaked my bones, no matter where I go, I can’t run away from that rainy night” Wen Yifan - Is the line that broke me the most .. no matter how hard you try, how far you run.. you can’t escape from that prison, that memory will keep haunting you until you collapse, and you’re no longer you..

But don't let anyone deceive you and tell you that Sang Yan is one-dimensional just because he sees Wen Yifan as his life, being madly in love won’t make him a poor-written character.. he’s not you typical cold/bad childhood/vendetta/bad behaved male lead.. rather, he was raised with love, wealthy, energetic, determined, picky, talented, intelligent, lazy, emotionally sensible, responsible, understanding, cocky.. and much more! He’s the perfect blend of a bad guy and a bubbly girl..
And please, Wen Yifan is the only one who deserves Sang Yan, no one will make him happier than she did, she's the only one who sees the real him, the bright, humble and confident him behind the arrogance appearence and sarcastic tone.. despite being broken and stuck in her pitch-dark nightmares, she stayed gentle and kind, elegant and proud.. not even the worst turns of life kept her from living on.. she's literally the strongest and the most brave one in this drama..

The acting? Never seen characters alive as I've seen here..
Cinematography? Can't get enough!
Chemistry? Watching them from my screen isn't enough I want to be a chair in their room.
Music? Yeah baby, already memorised it
Storyline? I don't think I can describe how hooking it is..
My only issue with this one (besides the grandpa filler story) is that it ended too soon !! I wanted to see a lot.. much more than this !! Not even my daydreaming will help fulfill my needs !
Other than this, it’s subjectively 10/10, objectively 9.2/10… it feeds the passion of a writer (me) now all I want is to write fanfictions about them.

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The First Frost changed the trajectory of my life and will forever be etched in my heart.

The First Frost is not for the faint-hearted. It tackles themes of suffering, sexual harassment, and heartbreak, but beyond that, it delivers an important message: the pursuit of justice is essential, especially for those who, like Yifan, have endured unimaginable pain. Above all, it tells the beautiful love story of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan, who faced countless trials before finally getting their happily ever after.

Bai Jingting perfectly embodied Sang Yan’s blend of shamelessness and arrogance, while also capturing his deep yearning, empathy, and unconditional love for Wen Yifan. His portrayal feels raw and genuine, as if he’s living Yifan’s pain. Zhang Ruonan’s portrayal of the gloomy Wen Yifan is equally powerful — her performance will move you to tears.

What I love most is how involved the actors were in creating certain scenes, including contributing their own ideas. This collaboration made these moments feel incredibly authentic — especially the proposal scene.

Finally, the soundtrack. Every OST was so thoughtfully chosen, perfectly complementing each scene and deepening the emotional experience.

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