The First Frost (2025)

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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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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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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Loving you, from the first day to forever ❤️

I never thought I would get glued to a Chinese drama like this. The plot is a simple one - Loving you, from the first day to forever ❤️ If I don't get another comfort series , I'm going to yap about #TheFirstFrost and Sang Yan for another year. Sang Yan is not just a green flag but a whole greenish Amazon forest. He has become one of my fav fictional characters right now.

Both Male and Female lead acting and chemistry were exceptionally good. Male lead will make you seated in spite of the slow paced story and screenplay in the beginning Give it a try , you won't be disappointed.

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Beautiful Show

Overall, it was an amazing and beautiful show. It reminded me a bit of When I fly Towards You maybe with a touch more mature characters (cause they werent in HS for majority). I really liked Sang Yan‘s character. He really portrayed like a pure form of love cause he knew that he loved her and it didn’t matter if she saw or knew all that he did for her. One thing I didn’t like was the story kind of dragged near the end and it was it felt like certain plot lines were added just to extend the story. I really didn’t like or feel it was necessary to have the second couple under their love story, especially there was so much going on and on top of that adding their confusion was just a bit too much.

But overall, it was a beautiful story and I loved it

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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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A Drama that Will Stay with You

I went into this drama with high expectations, and even so, those expectations were far surpassed. There are certain dramas that stay with you long after you've finished them, that consume your thoughts and emotions. This drama is unquestionably one of those. It’s not just the plot, but the depth and connection between the characters that will stay with you for a long time.

From the very beginning, it’s evident that the cast and crew poured their hearts into this project. Every element was thoughtfully crafted, designed to resonate deeply with the audience. It was clear that there was a genuine love for the story and the characters. The way every detail was brought to life made the entire experience feel intimate and personal, almost as if the drama was crafted just for you.

Let’s talk about the OST—it’s absolutely beautiful and haunting. The music elevates each scene, enhancing the emotions being conveyed. It’s not just background noise, but an essential part of the storytelling, weaving through every moment and making each one more poignant. I found myself deeply moved by the way the music added layers to the drama, enhancing both the sadness and the joy of the characters’ journey.

The Plot
The plot is excellently written. It’s a story of love, but also a journey of healing and self-discovery. I found myself feeling for the leads in a way that felt both heartbreaking and rewarding. The pain they went through was so real, especially because they are both such beautiful souls who truly deserved better. It’s a delicate balance between tragedy and hope, and the way the story unfolds is nothing short of captivating.

The Male Lead (Sang Yan)
Now, let’s talk about the ML. Sang Yan—what a character. His character brought to life by BJT sets the bar so high that I can’t imagine any other male lead coming close. His presence on screen, his visuals, and his performance are captivating. But what truly sets him apart is the depth of his feelings for the FL. The way he expresses his love through his eyes and actions makes every girl watching swoon. His devotion, his longing, and his commitment to the FL made my heart race. This is the kind of love we all dream of, and I truly hope every one of us gets our own Sang Yan someday.

The Female Lead (FL)
The FL is someone I deeply admired. Her strength, her resilience, and her ability to rise above the challenges she faces are truly inspiring. She’s a character I could relate to on a personal level, and her journey of healing felt incredibly authentic. She deserves so much more than what life has given her, but fortunately, she has the ML by her side to help her heal and rediscover her worth. Their connection and the way their love story unfolds is raw, emotional, and beautiful.

Themes of Healing and Love
While the central theme of the drama is love, it is also about healing. It’s a journey of confronting past traumas, battling insecurities, and learning to trust someone else to catch you when you fall. This drama also explores the importance of self-acceptance and knowing when forgiveness is not enough. Sometimes, the only way to heal is by letting go, even when it’s someone close to you, your family. These deeper layers made the drama more than just a love story—it became a profound emotional experience.

In conclusion, I am absolutely in love with this drama. I know I’ll be rewatching it countless times, and each time, I’ll be just as moved as the first. Even though it’s fictional, the unconditional love and the profound emotional journey it offers feel so real and meaningful. If you're on the fence about watching, I wholeheartedly recommend it. But dear viewers, keep a box of tissues nearby, and prepare to swoon over the ML—you won’t regret it.

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HOW DO I MOVE ON FROM THIS!!!

OMG...It has been a while since I've watched a drama that was this PERFECT!!!
To say it was worth the wait is an understatement!
So how do I move on from this???!!!
An amazing series that had me addicted from Episode 1!
The Soundtrack will make you swoon...
The casting ABSOLUTELY PERFECT...
The storylines amazing...
THIS IS ONE FOR THE AGES.
Everything about this drama is perfect, the music, the casting, the storylines, the production itself...just amazing!
Watching it, I was truly drawn into this beautiful complex story.
I thought the acting of Zhang Ruo Nan as Wen Yi Fan was superb in this complex role. Portraying a character innocent yet flawed and damaged was quite a feat! She was so very believable! A young woman with a past of crippling encounters with males, tentatively opening up and trusting her lover was so beautifully handled by her!
Bai Jing Ting as Sang Yan was the perfect combination of bravado and fragility together in his portrayal of Wen Yi Fan's first love/protector. Both of them, as innocent truly ""first time" lovers was, I can't think of a better word, then precious.
The secondary couple, Edward Chen as Su Hao An (my first encounter with him and I think he is fantastic!) . And the wonderful Zhang Miao Yi as Zhong Si Qiao (who I watched in my very first Asian drama: "When I Fly Towards You "...so she holds a special place in my heart) were really wonderful and I found myself almost as invested in their storyline as in the Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan story!
Where many dramas rush the end/resolution of their story, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that The First Frost took the time to give us two beautiful episodes after the "conflict" was resolved to just develop the end to their story...creating such a satisfying feeling of closure to this drama ....perfect!!
Kudos to the director, writers and cinematographer for gifting us with this amazing series...it is one I will savor for a long time, probably rewatch many times in the future and for sure buy the DVD when it is available!
A MASTERPIECE!!!!
Do NOT miss this!!

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Certainly the best modern C-Drama I've ever watched :)

I don't normally write reviews, and if I'm being honest, this is only my second review ever. Now after watching The First Frost, for some reason I felt very much obliged to write this review (definitely due to how much I enjoyed this drama and how powerful I think the drama is). I'm not really a review writer so I'll hopefully keep this short!

First off, I can hands down say that this was the best modern C-Drama I've ever watched, and maybe THE best C-Drama I've watched in general. The story was amazing, emotional, and impactful - a true masterpiece. I'm a simple person. I don't ever give my opinion about a drama publicly - usually I just give each drama I've watched on my watchlist a rating and move on (no matter how good or bad) - but The First Frost stirred something inside me. Dare I say that the realistic nature of the show had some sort of grip on my emotions. It had everything; it was comforting, captivating, compelling, and let's not forget about the romance. I think the mature nature and the slow-burn love story really shone through.

Now, massive massive credit to both Zhang Ruonan and Bai Jingting. Absolutely incredible acting, and I can see why they were chosen as the main leads. The way they portrayed the drama's love story was powerful, raw, and passionate. Fantastic chemistry between the two. They made the drama feel so personal and immersive, and I felt like I was there experiencing everything with them. I understand why The First Frost went so viral on Chinese social media now, and why it was trending every single day. The acting + storyline was and is certainly at the peak of modern C-Dramas.

I think the two main things that stood out to me were both the cinematography and the soundtrack. I've watched plenty of modern C-Dramas in the past, and from the moment I laid eyes upon episode 1, I knew The First Frost was going to be one of, if not, the best Chinese show I've ever watched (and it was!). Everything was beautifully shot, from the choice of lighting, the transitional flashbacks, and the story's pacing. - absolutely flawless. The way everything was laid out felt so different to other C-Dramas I've watched and for some reason felt more professional in a sense? I hope other dramas in the future take note of this type of production level.
Of course, a work of art drama requires a work of art soundtrack, and boy did The First Frost deliver! I'm never one to listen to a show's soundtrack, nor do I ever go out of my way to search up certain music pieces in a drama, but once again, The First Frost changed that. The way the drama intertwined the background music to fit with each respective scene was perfect and very much highlighted the impactful nature of every single scene. Do make sure to read the lyrics of the intro song - those lyrics represent the lead couple's love story so accurately and so intensely that it really does make you feel sentimental once you fully understand it. Absolutely incredible choice of music and was without a doubt the best I've ever heard.

Definitely recommend watching The First Frost. I don't think I'll watch such a powerful and impactful C-Drama for a while now as I have doubts that a new modern C-Drama will be able to surpass the level that The First Frost showcased for a long time. Will 100% rewatch :)

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