The First Frost

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.

Read More

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. ❄️🍃

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

First Frost - A Visual, Emotional and Introspective MASTERPIECE!!!!

I loved FF from start to finish. It just doesn't get any better than this. Here's why:

The chemistry between the leads simmers beneath the surface, subtle and slow-building—like a spark held just out of reach. It’s the kind of connection that grows with quiet glances, lingering silences, and the ache of what’s left unsaid. Every interaction carries an undercurrent of tension, an emotional gravity that pulls them together even as the story holds them apart.

There’s a tenderness in their restraint—a sense that they’re constantly on the edge of something deeper, something inevitable. When their walls finally crack and feelings come rushing in, it’s not sudden—it’s earned. Their love doesn’t explode; it *unfolds*—carefully, beautifully, like watching dawn break after a long night.

The slow burn makes every moment matter: the brush of a shoulder, the flash of jealousy, the shift from strangers to something infinitely more intimate. It’s a romance that feels not only believable, but deeply felt—one you don’t just watch, but *yearn* for alongside them.

This stays with you long after you have finished it. It's just magical :)

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

I'm not sure I'll ever move on from Sang Yan's love for Yifan.

Best contemporary melodrama I've ever seen

==Breakdown==
Background plot - 35%
Romance - 50%
Misc comedy - 15%

Background plot - Interesting
Romantic chemistry - OFF THE CHARTS AMAZING
Misc comedy - Cute
Production value - Good

The story is about a girl who is naturally quiet, thoughtful, and reserved who experiences a period of intense trauma (outside of her control). About a year before this period of trauma, she meets a boy and they are smitten with each other, although not overtly. It has lovely first-love and young-love vibes throughout as their history unfolds through short flashbacks at the beginning of each episode.

The bulk of each episode takes place in present day, where the woman and man encounter each other 6 years after she abandons him and breaks his heart (her reasons are explained fully by the end of the drama and make total sense / feel very real and authentic).

The casting for both the FL and ML was perfection.

The FL character is ridiculously adorable. She's not "cutesy" at all. There's no baby voice (in fact, her voice is soft and deep) but she's so darn wholesome and adorable, I often wanted to put her in my pocket and protect her from the world. And that makes watching her ordeal all the more difficult.

The ML character is played by the lead actor to absolute perfection, balancing on the line of "I'm angry with you for breaking my heart" with "I care deeply about you and want you to be safe and well." I was impressed with his delivery. One second he's giving her the most heart fluttering look of pining and longing, and then in the next moment he's arrogantly insisting she finish his left over porridge because he hates to waste food.

Their story was so good because it was clear that Sang Yan truly loved Yifan and cared about her, regardless of whether they ended up together or she ever wanted to date him. He did things in secret in order to ensure she was taken care of and safe. He felt she deserved the best, even if she never chose him. This doesn't make him a push-over, these actions demonstrate how truly exceptional his character is.

The author cleverly introduces several other male characters who all show interest in Yifan, but are clearly more interested in dating her/what they can get from her than her well-being. They mansplain, they strut, they try to make their feelings her problem. Sang Yan never does this, but rather disguises his feelings by coming up with excuses for the kind things he does so as not to make her feel pressured.

I've enjoyed a few contemporary Cdrama romcoms, but haven't (hadn't) yet found an adult contemporary romantic melodrama that I could stomach. As an aside, I typically don't enjoy adult contemporary romantic C-melodramas. Usually, the plot suffers from the infusion of Chinese government propaganda and is centered around how great China is (because one of the show's main characters-- usually the guy-- has a job as a "selfless hero," like a firefighter, policeman, soldier, etc. all in service to the greater good that is China). But this one had absolutely none of that, thank God. I think it was a much better story overall because it lacked the propaganda rampant in the genre.

Read More

Beautifully healing…

Personally, I’m not one to watch too many modern shows however I made this exception for BJT after seeing him in Destined.

I’ve never seen Hidden Love so I have nothing else to compare it to, however I feel like anyone watching The First Frost or Hidden Love should watch these two without any biases.

I thoroughly enjoyed every single thing about The First Frost. Our female lead, Wen Yifan portrayed by Zhang Ruo Nan did an exceptional job. As humans we all have our past and there are things that we rather leave behind, Zhang Ruo Nan did a such a good job at showcasing how someone with such traumatic past behaves. She is not your typical walk in the park female lead who going to have the upbeat personality, she isn’t bubbly nor is she going to be outspoken (at first) and that’s okay. At first I didn’t like how she wasn’t outspoken, but after experiencing all the thing she’s gone through and how so many people silenced her, why say anything else if they won’t stand by you. I began to understand her as a character and felt true compassion, every action that she has decided on is basically to protect herself. She’s flawed, but she’s also willing to allow herself to be free from her past. Her character is probably one of the best character growth that I’ve seen that felt organic with each episode.

Now for our male lead, Sang Yan who portrayed by Bai Jing Ting, he did such an impeccable job. He blew me away in Destined so I knew he would deliver as Sang Yan, and he sure did. Bai Jing Ting was able to convey so much love and patience towards the female lead. Even in times when he was at a lost for words to comfort our female lead, his eyes spoke so loudly for him, his actions that he did for her went beyond all measures out of care and love.

I truly like this show because it’s not all fluff and light, The First Frost appealed to me because it felt realistic and organic. The emotions that these two characters gave to the viewers is one that I’ll always remember. To be able to help each other, comfort each other and to help each other heal — it truly warmed my heart. I enjoy seeing broken characters who end up healed in the end, that’s just my cup of tea. However this may not be for you if you don’t prefer heavier subjects and want full fluff. But if you want an actual storyline that showcases the romance evolving beautifully, this is for you.

As someone who mainly enjoys seeing characters cultivate and immortals fight each other, this is the first (hopefully not last) modern show that I will have to give a solid 10/10 respectfully.

Read More