The First Frost

A Story That Lingers

The First Frost unfolds like the season it’s named after—cold, quiet, and heavy with unspoken emotions. The adaptation stays close to the novel but intensifies the female lead’s struggles, making her journey feel even more layered.

The pacing is slow, but that’s exactly what makes every moment between the leads matter. Their connection isn’t built on grand gestures but on quiet presence—on understanding what the other doesn’t say. The female lead isn’t written as someone waiting to be saved, and the male lead doesn’t try to "fix" her. Instead, their relationship moves with hesitation, shaped by the weight of their pasts.

Visually, the drama leans into its introspective nature. The muted colors, the distance between characters, and the way space is used all reflect their emotional state. Only as their dynamic shifts does warmth start slipping in. It’s not a typical romance, but for those who like slow, character-driven stories, it’s worth the watch.

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A Beautifully Written and Emotionally Captivating Love Story

I recently watched The First Frost, and I absolutely loved it. From start to finish, it was an incredible experience.

Sang Yan’s characterization was superb—his charm, wit, and unwavering devotion made him such a compelling character.

Wen Yi Fan’s innocence and love for Sang Yan were heartwarming, making their romance even more special.

The romantic chemistry between Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan was beautifully portrayed, filled with heartfelt moments.

Sang Yan’s care and protectiveness toward Wen Yi Fan made their bond even stronger.

The screenplay, camera work, and production quality were top-notch, enhancing every emotional moment.

What made this drama truly unforgettable was its emotional depth. Wen Yi Fan’s trauma and painful past made me feel deeply for her, and Sang Yan’s heartbreak after their breakup was equally heartbreaking. But what moved me the most was their unwavering love for each other throughout the years—the way they held onto their feelings and finally reunited made everything so satisfying.

My favorite scene was when Wen Yi Fan discovered that Sang Yan had been visiting Yihe just for her, all this time. It was a moment I had been waiting for throughout the entire series, and it was executed perfectly.

The music was another highlight—every track perfectly matched the mood of each scene, making the emotional moments even more powerful.

And finally, what I loved the most—the story itself. Zhu Yi’s writing is absolutely brilliant; she is my favorite writer, and this is one of the best scripts I have ever seen. I’ve already watched it three times, and honestly, it feels like a drama I could rewatch endlessly.

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A MASTERPIECE made with love and attention!

The First Frost is a story of 2 individuals who have always loved each other and are only meant for each other, where they go through the storms to see the eternal sunshine, focused on their second encounter/chance at being together.

I watch a lot of romance dramas and The First Frost has a unique tone that deals with sensitive issues, it surprised me how dark it could get, so it was hard to watch at first, but it got lighter and healed me as the story progressed.

It felt more realistic compared to those fluffy and romantic dramas because FL's problems made me connect to reality, it shows the dark side of society.

If you're in a bad environment and you're a woman who's always alone, and you're really pretty, you have a higher chance of being harassed. I think it justifies why FL had to go through a lot.

It broke me and healed me just like the characters in the story, I cried a lot when I watched it, but when it got happier, I was really happy.

It's been a long time since a drama made me cry, get angry, squeal with joy, and have a smile or a frown stuck on my face when I think back on the episode, an emotional journey.
I watched edits, discussed with friends about it, and hung around MDL to see everyone else's thoughts and opinions.
For TFF, I enjoyed every moment, I didn't skip scenes like I did with other dramas.

It was just that good.




The story (+ explaining my understanding)-

The flashbacks (related to high school):
ML was the sun in FL’s life, he helped her survive in her world of darkness by understanding that there is good in the world, it enabled her to save herself from trauma (character development) and cut ties with those who have hurt her.

She learned how to love and that she deserved to be loved (+ how to treat herself better) as she was treated horribly by her family.

ML, on the other hand, has a wealthy and loving family. He loved FL very much and was motivated by love to try harder in school when he didn’t like to study.

He treated her the best he could, even got her a place to practice ballet. It made me think that FL was like a flower being nurtured by ML, so heartwarming, as her family never gave her the proper care and love she deserves. But in high school, their relationship only ended with ML getting hurt by F, she broke their promise to go to the same university and to be together. He faced his first major setback which helped his character development, which also made him more colder…

Also, it's not FL's fault, she felt worthless because of how badly her family treated her, which led to a lot of her actions and decisions, that's why she distanced herself, was/is mysterious and reserved, and most importantly, she believed that Sang Yan (ML) deserved someone who could love him back wholeheartedly, as she believed she couldn't, plus she wanted to leave everything behind and go somewhere far away where no one knows her (because of her family).

Don’t worry though, their second chance helps make up for it!

Overall, FL was a bit relatable in some aspects, so I was able to understand her character quite well.


Additional story/production notes:

Both of our main characters wanted the best for each other, it was such a pure and beautiful love they had for each other.

The story focuses on adulthood, where they meet again and get their second chance to be together (it's fate!), while it flashbacks to the past (high school life + university life) at the beginning of the episodes, and mostly shows ML's POV at the end of the episode, as the story is done in FL’s POV.

It is made with attention to detail, a high quality production, like the cinematography, plus even the whole OST album (sounds good and the lyrics!) is amazing! ❤️




Final thoughts-
The best modern romance C-drama!
It was definitely my cup of tea because I love the dark/sweet vibe, plus the comedic aspects gave me the "not trying hard" kind of humor and was still hilarious.

The acting was natural and perfect, as if they were a real couple. Like the marriage proposal scene, wow!

The pacing is slow as the story is a slow burn which definitely BURNED me. I especially enjoyed the banter and teasing scenes.

So it really was a full package, although I would have liked to see more of Sang Yan (ML) being taken care of by FL, and a wedding scene would have been nice.

Just wanted to state, Sang Yan is a whole green forest, the best boyfriend to exist in the C-drama world.

Also, I wanted to point out that this show can be difficult to understand, if you don't understand the psychological aspects, you won't be able to understand FL. She is one of the most realistic characters in C-drama, showing you how people with trauma/PTSD live. I would say that this drama is made for a more mature audience.

Lastly, TFF teaches us:
"Treat yourself well and the world will have more love for you!"

At the end of the day, this drama is a heavy, but a healing journey with cute and sweet romance that will leave you on the edge of your seat with the amount of emotion it will/can make you feel. A MASTERPIECE!

❤️🍃❄️

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A Deeply Moving Second-Chance Romance with Outstanding Emotional Depth

Some dramas entertain, while others leave a lasting impact. The First Frost does both effortlessly. It is not just a romance but a beautifully crafted story of love, healing, and self-discovery, brought to life through exceptional performances and nuanced storytelling.

The strength of this drama lies in its characters, particularly in the way they are portrayed by Bai JingTing and Zhang RuoNan. Their performances are not just convincing—they are immersive, making every emotion, every hesitation, and every moment of vulnerability feel deeply personal. The drama thrives on subtlety, never over-explaining its emotions but letting them unfold naturally, allowing viewers to connect with the story on a profound level.

Bai JingTing’s portrayal of Sang Yan is undoubtedly one of the most compelling aspects of the drama. Sang Yan is not the typical overbearing male lead; he is mature, emotionally intelligent, and endlessly patient, a true representation of a “green flag.” Bai JingTing delivers a multi-layered performance, capturing the playful charm of Sang Yan while also showcasing his depth, sensitivity, and unwavering support for Wen Yifan. His ability to convey emotions through expressions and body language alone makes every scene between them feel organic and real.

One of the most remarkable choices the drama makes is in how it portrays Sang Yan’s response to Wen Yifan’s past. He never blames her, never demands explanations, but instead provides the safe space she needs. He listens, he understands, and he reassures her without pushing. His line, "You did well," is one of the most powerful moments in the entire drama—a simple sentence that encapsulates his ability to recognize her struggles without judgment. Bai JingTing’s measured and deeply affecting performance transforms Sang Yan from just a romantic lead into one of the most well-written and well-acted characters in recent C-dramas.

Zhang RuoNan’s portrayal of Wen Yifan is equally powerful. Her character is shaped by past trauma, abandonment, and self-doubt, yet she is never reduced to just a “damaged” heroine waiting to be saved. Instead, the drama takes its time letting her heal on her own terms, and Zhang RuoNan embodies every step of this journey with extraordinary sensitivity and grace.

Her acting is subtle yet incredibly expressive—the hesitation in her voice, the fleeting vulnerability in her eyes, the quiet moments where she struggles to let herself believe she deserves love. Instead of forcing dramatic breakdowns, the drama allows her emotions to unfold naturally, making her growth feel authentic and deeply moving.

One of the most significant additions to the drama, which was not in the original novel, is the “Hong Kong's escape” arc. Wen Yifan, overwhelmed and suffocated by her past, chooses to leave for a while, not as an act of running away, but as a necessary step towards self-acceptance. This was a brilliant narrative decision—a realistic depiction of how trauma often makes people feel the need to retreat before they can face their emotions. Her time away is not about avoiding Sang Yan, but about finding the courage to finally speak her truth.

The chemistry between Bai JingTing and Zhang RuoNan is another highlight. It is not loud or exaggerated; it is built on small, quiet moments—the way they look at each other, the unspoken understanding between them, the way their connection feels natural rather than forced. It is a slow-burning, emotionally satisfying dynamic that makes their relationship feel not only believable but deeply earned.

While some viewers initially wished for Victor Ma to reprise his role as Sang Yan after his appearance in Hidden Love, Bai JingTing proves why the casting decision was the right one. Victor Ma embodied Sang Yan as an older brother—playful, caring, and protective, but Bai JingTing transforms him into a fully realized romantic lead. His portrayal allows the audience to see Sang Yan not just through his younger sister’s perspective but as a man in his own right—thoughtful, emotionally developed, and deeply in love.

Beyond the performances, The First Frost is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography and a perfectly curated OST that elevates the emotional depth of every scene. The background music never overpowers the moment but instead enhances the atmosphere, making each significant interaction even more poignant.

What sets this drama apart is its ability to balance romance with personal growth. It does not rely on unnecessary misunderstandings or toxic drama to create tension. Instead, it focuses on how two people—both shaped by their pasts—learn to support each other without losing themselves in the process. It is a love story, yes, but more than that, it is a story about healing, self-worth, and the quiet strength that comes from truly understanding another person.

With a well-written script, mature storytelling, and two of the most compelling performances in recent memory, The First Frost is a drama that lingers long after the final episode. It is a testament to how romance dramas should be written—thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and deeply resonant.

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Slow, Boring and Emotionless

Because I saw good reviews and high ratings on this site, I decided to watch The First Frost.

I don’t usually write reviews but this drama was such a big disappointment that I had to say something.
I thought it would be a touching love story about two people finding a perfect romance but it ended up being really slow, boring and hard to finish.
Every episode felt the same with long silences and very little happening.
By episode 10, I was already losing interest. I was only watching because I had started it not because I was eager to see how the story would unfold.
The main reason I couldn’t enjoy the show was the two lead actors.
Bai Jingting who plays Sang Yan was just so dull. He mostly stood around, looking serious or sad but showed no real emotion.
He felt more like a robot than a heartbroken man.
His character was supposed to be deeply in love but he just seemed strange and even a bit creepy at times. It didn’t feel romantic at all.
Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan wasn’t much better. Her acting felt really flat and I didn’t feel any emotion from her either. She didn’t seem strong or confident just quiet and unsure all the time.
It was hard to care about her or understand what she was feeling.
In my opinion, the two of them had no chemistry together.
Their scenes were cold and awkward and there was nothing impressive about their relationship. I kept waiting for a moment that would make me feel something like romantic feeling involved in their love story but it never came.
The show looks okay and the music is fine but that’s not enough.
The drama felt empty inside and I’ll eventually forget it because there’s nothing memorable or beautiful about it.
If it hadn’t received such high ratings, I wouldn’t have had any expectations going in. Now I totally understand that ratings aren’t always trustworthy.

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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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I feel like I gained a friend through Wen Yifan and Sangyan..

Instead of a review, this is my love letter to The First Frost. 🤍

One of the most beautiful, heartwarming, heartbreaking, precious, comforting, healing, nostalgic, and memorable series I've ever watched in my entire life. I've been watching asian dramas since high school and now I'm a working adult going through life as times go by. A lot of has happened and things have changed but The First Frost made me feel like everything will get better soon. No matter how dark our past was. No matter hard it is. No matter how tough it will be in the future. Everything will be alright as long as you hold on and keep on fighting.

Yifan taught me to how to stand up, speak up, and fight for myself. She made me believe that even after we lost almost everything in our lives, there'll always be hope and light to guide us towards a brighter future and more fulfilling life.

Sangyan taught me how important it is to take care of myself and that I deserve all the best things in life, even if everyone around you tells you the opposite. He also made me realize how supporting and loving someone truly meant.

They both taught me how to treat myself well, accept all my insecurities, move forward, and live my life to the fullest.

Just need to work hard, be patient, and focus on ourselves. I want to have the courage, bravery, persistence, patience, calmness, and love they both have.

I'll cherish their story forever and keep them in my heart, eternally. ❄️🍃

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SANG YAN SET THE STANDARDS HIGHER

First of all, let me scream real hard and loud. SANGYAN SET THE STANDARDS HIGHER! Imagine waiting for a person for years, constantly going back and forth to Yihe just to see Yifan, played games to be his mentor, bought cake for her, and made himself as Yifan's wings, loving her for 4064 days.

This cdrama tackles about love, toxic or not, phillia, eros and self-love. They really gave all the justice to Zhu Yi's work. The acting is top-tier, I really felt bad for Zhouran (Yifan) because in the entire series she's crying and hurt. The OSTs got me really bad because it made me search the lyrics and it's English translation. It'll be my 2025 LLS; Silence Wang's voice and songs are just-- I'm speechless. Also, the production is superb!

Throughout the series, Wen Yifan taught me how to be strong -- that instead of running away, we must face every challenge life may give. Even though her wings are broken, she found the right person who is more than willing to be her wings. Life is not sweet, but Sang Yan made it bearable. And lastly, let's talk about Sang Yan. His character made me really want to fall in love.

A rollercoaster of emotions, I cried, I laughed, cried again, squeled out of Sang Yan's actions, cried again. I'm so in love with this drama. This is totally highly recommended.

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The essence of truly loving someone.

The First Frost is a 2025 Chinese drama that tells the story of love and overcoming challenges between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. Six years after graduation, Wen Yifan encounters Sang Yan, her former high school friend, in a bar. Initially, they pretend not to recognize each other, but fate leads them to become roommates under unexpected circumstances. Throughout the series, the drama explores not only the rekindling of an interrupted love but also deep issues such as sexual harassment, emotional healing, and the process of forgiveness. Together, they face challenges, discovering that true overcoming comes from learning to deal with the wounds of the past and moving forward. The series offers an intense reflection on how love can be a source of strength and healing, even in life's darkest moments.

POSITIVES:

1. Chemistry between the protagonists: The interaction between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan is the biggest highlight of the series. The way actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan portrayed their characters was simply incredible, creating a strong emotional connection. The bond between them was so genuine and exuded so much authenticity, especially through subtle glances and gestures. Filled with intense emotions, the drama went beyond a simple romance, showing us, as the plot progresses, the evolution of their chemistry, from unresolved tension to a mature relationship built on mutual support. This network of support and love that Yifan received from Sang Yan was vital for her emotional healing, adding a new dimension to their connection.

2. Addressing complex themes: The series sensitively tackles themes such as sexual harassment, loss, and overcoming difficulties. Wen Yifan deals with these experiences, and the narrative shows how this trauma affected her personal and professional life. The harassment she faces makes her question her own reactions and the impact it has on her self-esteem and relationships with others. The series not only illustrates the act of harassment but also focuses on its psychological consequences, such as fear, stress, shame, loss of trust, and challenges in establishing healthy relationships. By addressing these issues, the series conveys an important message about the need to approach these matters with empathy and care.

3. Cinematography and soundtrack (OST): The cinematography of the series was of high quality, with the use of a color palette and filters that complemented the emotional tone of the story. The winter atmosphere and seasonal changes are also used symbolically, reflecting the cycle of the characters' lives. Additionally, the soundtrack complemented the cinematography, with several tracks of a melancholic and introspective tone, reflecting the central theme of the series: overcoming trauma and the healing process.

4. Time anchoring: Throughout the narrative, the drama used an interesting technique of showing the timeline of significant events. This stylistic choice played an important role in how the plot was presented. I found this tool useful, as it added a touch of realism to the story, allowing us to observe the process of their lives since high school.

AREAS I WOULD ADJUST:

The script was well-structured, aligning with the initial plot proposal. However, some aspects could, in my opinion, be adjusted:

1. Development of the secondary couple: Although this couple's arc was not entirely unsatisfactory, I feel there was room for a more interesting story for them. It's not that I disapproved of what was presented, but I believe that, with a more creative approach, their partnership could have been explored in a deeper and more engaging way, as they had good chemistry.

2. Dance scenes: I don't think the dance scenes were bad, but I believe they could have been executed better to deepen the immersion in the scenes. While dance has the power to convey intense emotions and reflect the relevance of this activity in Yifan's life, at times, the movements performed by the actress didn’t seem to fully explore the potential that the character appeared to have, especially since she had been practicing ballet since childhood.

3. Yifan's disappearance: I understand that Yifan’s six-month disappearance represented an important period of emotional and physical distancing for the character. During this time, she withdrew from her relationships and daily life, using the time to reflect on her personal traumas and challenges, intending to protect those she loved. This six-month interval was a time of isolation and self-discovery, allowing her to return stronger and more determined. However, in my opinion, I think this plot could have been left aside, as Yifan did not explain her absence to anyone, causing suffering to Sang Yan, who was left wondering what happened or where she was.

OVERALL VIEW:

The First Frost is an engaging and intense series that presents a more mature romance and addresses deep themes. The performances were excellent, and the plot has a significant emotional impact. My rating is 9.5/10.

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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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