The First Frost

Slowburn or boring?

I watched this after all the hype I saw online, I also really enjoyed Hidden Love so I was excited to get this spinoff focusing on the brother. The acting was good and I enjoyed how the characters were portrayed. I was surprised by Sang Yang and how different he is in this compared to the character in Hidden Love. The music was good and visually the entirety of the show was nice to watch.
The plot is where I find the show to be the most lacking, I enjoyed how the writers tried to go for a more taboo and serious storyline but the execution was questionable. I found myself getting annoyed at how most of the men in the show were 1 dimensional and wanted to get with Wen Yi Fan or force themselves on her. It was just one after the other, it made the plot feel a lot less serious than it actually was. Also, I thought it was weird how Yi Fan would confront her uncle but also run away from him 2 minutes later, It felt out of character.
The pacing has to be this shows worst enemy, it was so slow and for no reason. Nothing happened for many episodes and I was bored out of my mind, I ended up watching it at a 1.75x speed and skipping a lot of scenes.
Overall I feel like this show had a strong premise but it was poorly executed. The acting and visuals were the only strong thing about it. It felt like a big downgrade from Hidden Love. I don’t think I could ever put myself through rewatching this show or the leads romantic scenes, not that they were cringe or lacked chemistry, I just got to a point where I didn’t care at all.
Cdrama are always a hit or miss for me and this one was a big miss.

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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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More Than Just a Love Story

Unlike many romance dramas, The First Frost doesn’t treat love as the answer to everything. Instead, it follows two people carrying the weight of their pasts, showing how difficult it is to move forward when old wounds don’t just fade away.

The female lead’s pain is central to the story, and the adaptation deepens it even further. It never rushes her healing, making every step feel real. The male lead’s role isn’t to change her but to be there, steady and patient. What makes him stand out is how well written his character is his kindness isn’t exaggerated, and his presence never feels forceful. Instead, his understanding and quiet strength make every moment between them feel natural and deeply felt.

The storytelling is subtle, with long pauses and cold cinematography emphasizing the distance between them. As they begin to change, the atmosphere does too slowly, just like them. The drama is well-written, with attention to detail in both the characters' growth and the way their relationship unfolds. Alongside this, the leads’ chemistry is undeniable, making every interaction layered and meaningful. Their performances bring so much depth to their characters, capturing both their vulnerabilities and resilience. It’s not a drama that relies on big twists, but for those who appreciate character driven stories, it leaves an impact.

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First Frost

“First Frost” tries to be a poetic, slow-burn romance, but unfortunately it ends up feeling more like a slow freeze. The drama is visually beautiful, but almost everything beneath the surface struggles.
1. Pacing That Moves at Glacial Speed
The biggest problem is the pacing. Scenes drag on long after their emotional point has been made, and side plots stretch thin just to fill episodes. Rather than atmospheric, the slow pacing often becomes boring and repetitive.
2. Chemistry That Never Quite Melts the Ice
Despite the story hinging on the romantic tension between the leads, the chemistry often feels forced and inconsistent. Their emotional beats don’t land, and intense moments don’t build on each other. The romance lacks sparks—ironically for a show named First Frost, everything feels lukewarm.
3. Plotlines That Start Strong… Then Vanish
The show introduces intriguing mysteries and conflicts early on, but many either get resolved too conveniently or fade away entirely. Secondary characters disappear for episodes at a time, only to reappear with abrupt shifts in motivation.
4. Overly Dramatic Dialogues
The script leans heavily into flowery monologues that sound deep but don’t actually say much. Instead of delivering emotional weight, the dialogue often comes across as self-indulgent and melodramatic.
5. Gorgeous Production, Wasted Potential
The cinematography, costumes, and setting are undeniably stunning, which makes it all the more frustrating that the narrative can’t keep up. The drama feels like it relies on visuals to compensate for weaker writing.
⭐ Overall Verdict
“First Frost” is visually captivating but narratively hollow. If you enjoy atmospheric dramas and don’t mind extremely slow pacing, it may still appeal to you. But if you’re looking for strong storytelling or compelling emotional arcs, this drama may leave you out in the cold.

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amazing drama, worth the wait <3

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

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

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

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Greenest Flag of 2025

Can his flag can any greener??! Cuz daaaaamn
He’s one cheeky green flag.
One of the sweetest, charming, loving drama I've watched for 2025.
I know they are just acting, but their chemistry was through the roof.
Though it included a bit of "thriller", it was worth it.
A lot of messages are in this series.
When I say this man knows what love is and knows how to love, believe me!!!
Their love grew soooooo deep for each other.
I am glad the FL let go of all the negative persons in her life.
I just had to add, episode 21- bro was to eating her face up lol
Ummm, I just have to say it and its just me - the FL wardrobe, they could have done a better job.
A little scene in the last episode gave me WIFTY vibes and got me teary because this man will give up the world just to make her happy.
WRITER, THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING DRAMA!!!

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The masterpiece of our generation

A heart wrenching love story about healing, acceptance and love. Absolutely wonderful in every aspect you could possibly think of and well deserving of the total rating of 9.0.

I'll do the unconventional method of reviewing and start from the ending. I've never seen a proposal in any drama, movie or tv-series that was so beautifully executed and so emotional that I just could not stop crying or smiling. The way the main characters were so genuine, so utterly and completely in love with each other, was so touching. The normally put together and shamelessly arrogant Sang Yan turned into a complete mess of nervousness and hope and expectations that he couldn't even speak. He turned into the goofy and clumsy teenager we saw in his POVs at the ends of the episodes and I loved it so much. I also loved the video where everyone told Wen Yifan and Sang Yan's love story from their point of view. I could fell Yifan realizing there were so many people in her life who genuinely cared about her and see her teenage self healing. Just beautiful.

Now to Yifan's family dynamics. I really feel like Yifan did the right choice in cutting ties with her mother. She was never there for her, never thought to think about how Yifan fealt, how she was doing or whether or not she was safe. She literally saw what Yifan's uncle did to her, how broaken and hurt and miserable she was. Heard how scared she was. And....ignored her. What mother would ever even question whether or not her own child was speaking the truth about someone assaulting or harrassing her? Even if she realized she was wrong and that her actions, or more like lack of it, hurt Yifan, it's too late now. I don't even think she genuinely felt remorse, I just think she realized that she was all alone now that her husband had left her and her "family" was going to jail. She realized how empty and miserable it was to be all alone and was selfishly trying to keep at least one person in her life.

Yifan went through so much and even though I kind of understand she didn't feel like she should let Sang Yan into her life, I just wish she didn't hurt him a second time. When she left and ran away to Hongkong, I wanted to scream at her and demand that she'd return to Sang Yan. The first time was fine, she was a scared teenager, but now she was an adult and should've fought harder to stay. What was the point when in the end she didn't even need to be persuaded to come back? The second she set her eyes on Sang Yan she was more than happy to return.

My heart ached each time Sang Yan found out about Yifan's horrible past. The first time he saw where and how she lived? In a shabby little shared apartment with slimy perverted men? When he realized she didn't keep in touch with her family and why. When he learned about her sleepwalking. When he found out about the reason she sleepwalked. When he found out about how she was treated when her "family" saw her sleepwalking. When he found out about why she had to stop dancing...

This drama is worthy of each and every praise it has gotten so far. It was an emotional rollercoaster I wish I could re-visit for the first time again. And in my opinion, 10 x better than Hidden love.

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Patience and understanding is what everyone needs to watch this drama!

Do you like watching dramas with high school reciprocated crush, years of yearning, angst, and possibly lovingly stalking said crush for years, from afar, just to see how she's doing? Well, this drama is for you!!

This drama teaches you a lot about how your environment and the lack of support can affect your life and personality. It is the total opposite of the male lead's family where he gets plenty of support and happiness compare to the female lead.Trigger warning this drama involves SA, and murder.

The First Frost is definitely part of my list of top modern dramas of all times! Mostly because of how complex Wen Yi Fan's character is. It seems many viewers in the beginning did not enjoy how she is, but in reality this is the result of her environment and you just need to analyze and use critical thinking before saying the character sucks or the actress's acting is horrible.

Wen Yi Fan played by Zhang Ruonan is not your average bubbly, outgoing female lead. She seems like an introverted, awkward, and reserved female lead. Even when she opened up and gained more confidence, her personality is still there - awkward and introverted which is what I like about the character. You do not see these kind of female very often! I wouldn't say she is popular but she is seen as very beautiful that girls are even jealous of her. The First Frost is definitely about Sang Yan's love life, while Hidden Love was about Sang Zhi's. However, to me it felt like the story was about Wen Yi Fan more than Sang Yan. I felt so much empathy, and sorrow for Wen Yi Fan because of what she went through. It is so understandable why she is the way she is in modern times because of how traumatic her past is. In addtion, the one family member that she needed the most in her time of need was not there for her at all! Due to this traumatic past, WYF rarely open up to anyone, never asked for help because she thinks there's no point in it. Until she met Sang Yan once again. Throughout the drama, you can slowly watch WYF gain more and more confidence in herself as well as opening up more than before. It is mostly because of SY, he was always there for her even if they weren't close. Plese give WYF a chance before you say anything negative because I need yall to understand she has TRAUMA! I can't stress this enough! Maybe some of you can resonate with her in one way or another - I know I did. :(

This is my first drama of Zhang Ruo Nan, and I am quite impressed because her micro expressions were so good! Her awkwardness is very realistic, she acts like someone who definitely had hardships and suffered immensely through the years of isolation, loneliness, and trauma. Just one look at her and you can tell that she has gone through something. I am definitely looking forward to more of her dramas from now on!

Sang Yan played by Bai Jing Ting. I'm sure we have all seen many, many dramas of female leads chasing after the cold, stoic popular male lead. This is the reverse!! Except, Sang Yan tries to play it off coolly, which makes his character quite hilarious. Anyhow, The First Frost is about Sang Yan constantly running after and supporting WYF, even if they weren't in each other's lives, he still looked for her because he never stopped loving her since their separation. They had a plan to go to the same college to begin their relationship but due to other reasons, it did not go as planned and SY was heartbroken for YEARS. He is also stubborn, he still looks from WYF from afar - giving me the stalker vibes ngl. I suppose this only works in fiction, and definitely not in real life, but it's prob rare who knows. I digress. Sang Yan in this drama is more "cold" compared to Hidden Love's version of Sang Yan. He does still joke around, he's also pretty clueless to what has happened with WYF, but he's very patient with her. He's willing to wait for her until she tells him herself. He's the type of guy, minus the stalking, that every woman would want because he's patient, he reassures WYF when she feels down, he cooks for her (basically disguises it as he cooked too much lmao), cleans, and very protective of her even if he didn't understand everything. What I like about SY is he has so much empathy for WYF especially when he knows she's going through something. He would feel helpless because he's not sure what's going on with her. I think it's very poignant to see him cry because that just means she loves him so much. :')

There would be attempts of cockblockers, but I wouldn't worry too much about it because the leads would just shove them off honestly. They're very straightforward with how they feel and will not leave the cockblockers with much thought. Albeit, someone was quite entitled and stubborn but he will be gone eventually.

I've seen a few of Bai Jing Ting's drama in his early years, and he definitely has improved since then. His microexpressions, THE EYE ACTING!! It was just so good to see how much emotion he can portray with his eyes alone. You can tell someone is a good actor from not just their micro expressions but also the eye acting.
I think both BJT and ZYN nailed it! :]

I wasn't too interested in the second lead so I kind of skipped a lot of it. Their storyline was boring. I do, however, loved it when Sang Zhi came around because I wanted to compare it with Hidden Love and see where the timeline matched. ZYN's family did amazing job at acting though, especially the evil guy. Dude just emanates EVIL when he enters. It scared the crap out of me, even in his eyes it was like WHOA. Even the evil aunt was SOOOO fake from he begining, I could tell from the way she looks and acts - I've seen this in real life before and I hated the aunt for acting so fake and then explodes as if she's right. They did a wonderful job at acting ngl. Applause!

THE MUSIC, my new obssession is from the OST - Silence Wang -Like Sunny Day, Like Rainy Day! Every other song in this drama was amazing as well!!

I definitely recommend this drama if you love angst, melodramas, slow burn, and would like to see a male chasing after the female lead for once.

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