This review may contain spoilers
my favorite drama of all time
this was the second zhuyi adaptation and second c drama i ever watched and it was impeccable amazing beautiful perfect incredible i have no words. like i would give it an infinity rating out of 10 if i could because its just that crazily good- at least on my terms. it is my ultimate top tier show of all time and i will not shut up about it and i will never get over it or ever recover from how amazingly good it was; after i finished that show i was genuinely depressed for a week realizing that it was actually over and all i could do was scroll on edits mindlessly, listen to the ost 247 and think about sangyan and wenyifan every waking hour. compared to wifty its a lot more somber and less feel happy but the plot, storyline, and characters are just so beautifully written i actually can’t and will never get over thisthe fmc wenyifan suffers from past childhood and family trauma + abuse and has always been more reserved and hesitant since, but sangyan the mmc is the only one who she genuinely trusts and hes the only one who genuinely cares about her and hes shown that through SO MANY different ways and the edits of him are actually so perfect hes an amazing character like hes unreal and basically nonexistent no one will ever be actually like that in real life and the thing with them two its that its a second chance because theres flashbacks to their high school lives and how their friendship grew there just to prove how good he is i created a 18 point list on everything hes ever done for her thats actually like so thoughtful like it extends beyond princess treatment vs. bare minimum it is higher than queen treatment hes just too incredibly amazing
but okay its not only the characters its literally just the overall vibe and setting of this whole show like it was set in chongqing which is a beautiful city and the aesthetics of every scene thats filmed is just impeccably beautiful and i need new adjectives to describe how amazing it is because these adjectives dont do it justice but the setting is just gorgeous and every scene is absolutely pure bliss and perfection
NOT ONLY THE SETTING AND THE CHARACTERS- the ost is just as good as everything else and it fits it so well i love how the actors’ own songs that they published are also part of the soundtrack too and the songs are just so beautiful and i just can’t accurately describe how perfect they are just go watch it so you’ll understand because this show is life altering
i am absolutely obsessed with the characters and i wlll never get over this drama- 100% my favorite of all time and im still at the restaurant !!!
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Love That Never Gives Up—A Story That Echoes Through Time
The First Frost is more than just a romance drama—it is an emotionally profound journey that resonates deeply with those who have experienced the trials of unwavering love. Watching Sang Yan patiently wait for Zhong Si Qiao, never wavering in his devotion, felt incredibly personal to me. His persistence reminded me of my own story—pursuing my wife for over a year until she finally accepted my love on the day I was about to give up.Every moment in this drama touched my heart, bringing tears and an overwhelming sense of warmth. The performances were exceptional, and the storytelling beautifully captured the essence of love that withstands time and challenges. Without a doubt, The First Frost deserves a perfect 10/10—it is a masterpiece that will stay with me forever.
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No emotional expressions whatsoever.
I tried really hard trying to like this drama... I even went about watching it with friends in hopes of finishing it since I've only heard good things. But for some reason, all that I got from it was disappointment. As much as I love BJT, the way he played Sang Yan just didn't justify his acting abilities. And don't even get me started on the FL... no emotional expressions whatsoever and from reading other reviews, it seems like there's just no character development until the very end and overall the drama is just very unrealistic. I skipped around quite a bit but only managed to watch 12 full episodes, but i generally know the plot and it's nothing impressive. One thing I'll say however is that i absolutely love the OST and some of the songs I play on a regular basis. I wasn't number fan of Hidden Love either, but TFF was just a even greater let down. From the start nothing cleared how Sang Yan even fell in love and I was so sick of wasting 12 eps just for there to be NO character development at all from Wen Yifan. Anyways I usually don't write reviews but if you see this and think this is a good drama, then please go check other 2025 releases (like The Best Thing, Speed and Love, and Love in the Clouds) to understand what a truly GOOD cdrama is like.Was this review helpful to you?
A Frosted Reunion That Had Me Falling For
* No Spoilers *This drama had me hooked from start to finish, never once tempting me to hit the fast-forward button—though I did skip a few of the more graphic scenes.
Sang Yan’s entire character seemed to revolve around Wen Yi Fan, as if his purpose was to bring her the warmth and affection she had been deprived of growing up. While he maintained his usual arrogance and teasing nature, he was always there to remind her that she, too, deserved good things. His loyalty and small, heartfelt gestures were endearing. He might have played it cool, acting cocky on the surface, but deep down, he was nothing more than a top graduate from the “loser school.”
Wen Yi Fan was never weak. Her constant efforts to escape the difficult environment she grew up in proved that. She was outspoken—whether at work or in expressing her dislike for her mother—except when it came to her feelings for Sang Yan, which took her longer to admit. Her past was heartbreaking, and her present was riddled with similarly unfortunate encounters (a bit too many, if you ask me—I’m looking at you, director! It was enough!). She bottled everything up, carrying the weight of it all on her own.
Bai Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan felt more refined and slightly less rebellious compared to the source material, but it was still excellent. He embodied the character effortlessly. Zhang Ruonan brought Wen Yi Fan to life so well that it’ll be hard not to think of Wen Shuangjiang when I see her in future projects. She may not match the exact visual description from the original work, but that hardly mattered. As for the second leads, Zhang Miao Yi and William Chan were an absolute delight to watch.
Now for the criticism:
The drama’s visual style included some artistic choices that may have made certain scenes difficult to watch—I definitely took note of that. The side couple’s storyline wasn’t an issue, but the way the grandpa’s arc was integrated often felt intrusive to the main plot. I understand that it was meant to offer a different perspective on love and contrast the various sides of life, but it sometimes felt excessive. Then there was the “mosquito dude” who constantly hovered around Wen Yi Fan, acting as if he was entitled to her. I’ll let that one slide since he was never a real contender, and watching him get put in his place was downright hilarious.
Lastly, the Hong Kong arc—I initially disliked it, but after rewatching it alongside the following episodes, I appreciated it more. It played a crucial role in Wen Yi Fan’s growth, allowing her to finally open up about her past with Sang Yan.
All in all, I loved this frosted reunion, I’m going to miss the warmth and love these two radiated so effortlessly on screen. I love them fiercely.
❄️: "Tell me, were you sent by my dad to take care of me?"
🍃: "No, I volunteered."
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Genuine, Healing, and Full of Unconditional Love
I'm going to potentially bristle some hairs, and say that the extent one can appreciate this drama is a fairly good measure of one's maturity, emotional intelligence, and depth of empathy. It is not for every viewer, and I especially would not recommend it to viewers who are younger (mid-20s and under) or those who are simply looking for a good time.I commend this drama's entire team for creating a masterpiece that delves so fearlessly into incredibly difficult topics. As a viewer, you physically feel the discomfort because the scenes do not shy away from taking you along as our FL endures abuse on multiple fronts. This drama can trigger intense emotions in the viewer - in the most painfully beautiful way, it shatters your heart but then brings it back together, stronger and healed.
The soundtrack is absolutely insane. This is hands down in my Top 3 for Chinese drama soundtracks, because wow. Gorgeous tracks, with a star-studded list of artists, that complemented the drama scenes so well. The cinematography was stunning as well. Nothing was overdone, but there was a clear sense of artistic flair that I really appreciated simply because it was beautiful. (Frankly, this drama is depressing enough without a more dark and gritty visual style.)
This is one slow burn. It doesn't drag, but I highly recommend you take the time to slowly savour the entirety of each episode. Each one is set up with the same formula: a snippet from the past, a time jump to the present, and a cute bonus scene before the ending credits. It's like a satisfying 3-course meal every time!
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
I want to defend the Hong Kong arc because it was widely discussed, with many viewers being discontent with it because it didn't "make sense". Those who had similar experiences, and/or share avoidant attachment tendencies like the FL, will not see anything amiss. If anything, the Hong Kong arc made perfect sense. The point was not for the plot to be logical. It was to send the FL on a trajectory of healing and was vital for how both her character and the main relationship progressed. Seriously. The people behind this drama knew EXACTLY what they were doing, and they executed it brilliantly. Kudos.
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When love becomes a healing power
I watched this drama for Zhang Ruonan, the leading actress. It catches my attention that she repeatedly starred in a drama in which she plays a wounded character, such as in Love is Panacea (she played a young woman who suffered from a terminal illness) and Date with the Future (her character is a survivor of a natural disaster). This drama is no exception but has led her to a new height. She played Wen Yifan's character, who suffered trauma, abuse, neglect, and sexual harassment so well. The way she portrayed the suffering and the strength of a powerless young woman who tried to survive in the harsh world is empathizing and touching. She delivered the character seamlessly.The story itself is unexpectedly good. First, it takes human psychology seriously. The scenes involving responses to heartbreak, defense mechanisms, and trauma responses were executed naturally. It has strong sentimental nuances but doesn't fall into a melodrama. The cries and tears are controlled (suppressed and released) timely. Second, it respects the theme of love as a healing power. Love transforms people into a better version of themselves with understanding, forgiveness, unconditional positive regard, and genuine care. The villains are effectively portrayed as the antithesis of love, so we can compare and contrast things with minimum ambiguity. I like that they didn't try to "humanize" the evil people by giving them a troubled past and making them grey characters. Most evildoers deserve punishment, which should be the story's moral. Third, the relationship is burning slowly but simultaneously, full of tension and anticipation. From the first episode, we learn and know exactly about Wen Yifan and Sang Yan's love story. They just don't admit it and play along with the situation as mere roommates. The moment they realize their love, it is so monumental. The scenes of recognition were written poetically with some parallelism. Everything becomes well-rounded in the end.
It also gave us a strong message about social justice, women empowerment, and equality among people in society. This drama is packed with social criticism and reminders.
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My Review of The First Frost
The First Frost is one of those dramas that lingers in your mind long after the final episode. It’s a slow-burn romance that thrives on nostalgia, unspoken emotions, and the bittersweet feeling of reconnecting with someone from your past.Bai Jingting delivers a heartfelt performance as Sang Yan, a character who hides his vulnerabilities behind a playful yet emotionally guarded persona. Zhang Ruonan, as Wen Yifan, perfectly embodies the quiet pain of someone who has learned to protect herself from heartbreak. Their chemistry is beautifully restrained, making every small gesture—stolen glances, hesitant touches, lingering silences—feel heavy with meaning.
The cinematography adds to the atmosphere, using warm lighting and soft-focus shots to capture the characters' emotions. The storytelling is non-linear at times, weaving past and present together in a way that makes their relationship feel layered and real.
That being said, the pacing might not be for everyone. It’s not a drama filled with grand gestures or dramatic twists, but rather a thoughtful exploration of love, regrets, and second chances. Some of the side characters felt underdeveloped, and a few subplots could have been explored further, but overall, the main couple carries the show effortlessly.
If you enjoy slow-burn romances with deep emotional depth and beautifully crafted storytelling, The First Frost is definitely worth watching. It’s not just a love story—it’s a reflection on time, change, and the possibility of rekindling what was once lost.
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Love that gives you strength to be the best version of yourself
The drama about different types of love and how lack of it impacts one's life. The story about a girl with heartbreaking past and a guy, who loves her with every fiber of her body. Great performance from both leads that show the depth of the characers.I'm especially impressed with the female lead, who shows the journey of the girl with walls all the way up, closed down to the outside world to the girl that loves fiercely and lives her life without fear, in a very heart-touching portrayal. There is great attention to detail in this show, from how the characters dress (male lead always wear black at the beginning and then starts to wear brighter colors as the story progresses) to in which light on which side of the screen the characters are shown.
The drama is accompanied with a great soundtrack that sets the mood for the show beautifully.
My favourite of 2025 so far.
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THIS IS MY FAVOURITE DRAMA OF THE YEARR!! I just completed IT and all I must say is I LOVEDDD ittt!!
I can't accept that I finished it I want more please their married life tooo.Wen Yifan is such a unique character she is an introvert, is shy but not socially awkward she cries but she's not weak. Her character is so real and I love it. I somehow feel relatable with her character because I feel we are similar.
Sang Yan is such a green flag he kept his promise and never left her side even when she distanced herself from the whole world.
This drama turned out to be so heavy I didn't expect it but everything was so real and natural the way she felt I could feel it through the screen.
This drama made me a fan of both leads. I love how we can see sang yan's blood boil and tears in his eyes when she's telling everything she has been through. He never blamed her once he instead blamed himself for not making himself trustworthy!!
THE ACTING😭😭😭
THE VISUALS!!
THE CINEMATOGRAPHY!!
THE FRIENDSHIP!!
THE LONGING!!
THEIR STORY!!!
I'm scared no drama could match this!!
MY TOP 1 DRAMA OF THE YEAR!!
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Love is Becoming Each Other’s Light
The First Frost is one of those Chinese dramas that really gets under your skin—in the best way possible. It’s not just a simple love story; it’s a beautifully layered journey about love, heartbreak, trauma, and the slow, painful, but ultimately hopeful process of healing. As a spin-off of Hidden Love, The First Frost follows Sang Yan and Wen Yifan as they navigate their way back to each other after a complicated past. Across 32 emotional episodes, their story unfolds with missed chances, unresolved feelings, and a slow-burning connection that tugs at your heart.It’s quiet and tender at times, heartbreaking at others, but always deeply human. Whether you watched Hidden Love or not, The First Frost stands strong on its own — a drama that reminds you that love isn’t always about grand gestures, but about growing, forgiving, and choosing each other even when it’s hard.
₊˚⊹♡ Sang Yan and Wen Yifan’s story begins in their youth — a sweet, blossoming romance cut short by painful circumstances. Years later, fate reunites them under one roof, forcing them to confront all the unresolved emotions and heartbreak they’ve been carrying. The narrative is enriched by a dual-perspective approach, with each episode presenting both characters' viewpoints, offering a comprehensive understanding of their internal struggles.
This is not a fairytale romance. Their love is built on lived experiences — on heartbreak, distance, silence, and healing. What follows is a tender rediscovery, a slow and powerful reconnection built on empathy, emotional growth, and quiet, persistent love. ♡
₊˚⊹♡ Bai Jingting’s portrayal of Sang Yan is nothing short of brilliant. He’s not your typical drama heartthrob — he’s gentle, emotionally intelligent, deeply kind, and patient. His love for Wen Yifan isn’t loud or showy — it’s steady and real. From the very first time they meet to the moment they find their way back to each other, his feelings for her never waver. Watching his journey — from a confused, heartbroken teenager to a man capable of setting aside his pride for love — is incredibly moving. Bai Jingting brings so much to this role: vulnerability, warmth, and unwavering devotion. Sometimes, he doesn’t even need to say a word—just one look from him, and you feel everything. The love, the pain, the hope. It’s all there, right in his eyes. ♡
₊˚⊹♡ Zhang Ruonan delivers a breathtaking performance as Wen Yifan. Her character is layered and heartbreaking — a woman carrying invisible wounds, quietly surviving in a world that has scarred her. You can see the guardedness in her eyes, the weight of her trauma, and yet also the flickers of hope when she begins to open up again. Her transformation — from running from her past to facing it with strength and grace — is portrayed with such authenticity that you can’t help but feel every step of her healing. Her pain, her fear, her hope. It’s raw, it’s real, and it stays with you.
₊˚⊹♡ The chemistry between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan is the kind that doesn’t scream for attention — it simmers quietly, like a soft flame that never goes out. It’s gentle, warm, and so emotionally rich that you feel it in your chest. It’s not exaggerated or overacted; instead, it feels natural and genuine. You see their love in the way they look at each other, speak to one another, and quietly care in the smallest of gestures. What makes it so special is that you don’t just want them to end up together — you genuinely hope they heal, find peace, and learn to breathe easier, both on their own and as a couple. Their love story isn’t just about romance; it’s about growth, forgiveness, and coming home to someone who sees all of you and stays.
₊˚⊹♡ The cinematography, the incredible OST, and the use of flashbacks gave this drama the perfect emotional depth. Every frame captures the ache, the nostalgia, and the quiet joy of rediscovery. The visuals, paired with the music, wrap around you like a soft blanket of emotion.
₊˚⊹♡ The First Frost is absolutely worth watching. (ﾉ^^)ﾉ It’s a well-written Cdrama with a beautiful story, unforgettable acting, and amazing OST. This is one of those rare dramas that stays with you long after the final episode. It doesn’t just tell a love story — it tells a story of wounds, of resilience, of facing life’s harshness, and slowly, carefully learning how to heal.
₊˚⊹♡ Favorite Quotes:
❄ "You are the fate I refuse to escape." —Sang Yan
❄ "Sang Yan, do you think you might have been sent by my dad to be good to me?"
Sang Yan replied, "No. I volunteered."
❄ "To me, you look like a fluttering butterfly. You always shine. I want you to fly free forever. I want to give you wings and destroy all your pain. I will always catch you." —Sang Yan
❄ “I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death. It’s you, Sang Yan.” —Wen Yifan
❄ "I never treated you as a backup plan." —Wen Yifan
❄ "Do you think everything in this house was bought randomly? Every item, each one was chosen for you. You deserve the best of everything." —Sang Yan
❄ "I want to live six years longer than you. That way I can love you for six more years." —Wen Yifan
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A love letter to Wen Yi Fan
"No one loves me anymore, only you.""I will only love you..."
It's been a long time since I've felt as deeply about a drama, enough to write a review about it. It's a love at first sight story, and the chemistry between the two actors is out of this world.
Bai Jing Ting plays Sang Yan, the greenest of green flags. If you've watched Hidden Love, you would have a deeper understanding of the environment he grew up in. Both he and Zhi Zhi (his younger sister) grew up in the healthiest environment, full of warmth, love, and support. At first sight, he falls for Wen Yi Fan played by Zhang Ruo Nan. Wen Yi Fan's upbringing was also full of warmth, love, and support until her father passed away. Her entire life was turned upside down and spiralled into the most horrific nightmare.
Wen Yi Fan deserves a separate paragraph as much as she deserves a happy ending. I've only skimmed through the novel and didn't have a firm attachment to it. I want to extend my gratitude to the director for being trauma-informed and giving us a beautiful love story without sweeping under the rug all the uncomfortable things that come with complex PTSD. It's rare for a Chinese drama to portray the recovery journey of PTSD accurately. Mostly because people are uncomfortable with the ebb and flow of healing. We like things to move in one direction - forward. But the reality of working through PTSD is back and forth, full of mistakes and darkness, which I think this drama portrayed incredibly well.
I've been a fan of Zhang Ruo Nan ever since her first drama, "Everyone Wants to Meet You". She truly outdid herself in this drama. Wen Yi Fan is a heavy character to embody. Zhang Ruo Nan carries Wen Yi Fan's sorrow and pain incredibly well. From the sleepwalking scenes to that moment when her mum abandons her on the worst night of her life, her portrayal of Wen Yi Fan's emotions will stick with me for a long time.
I'm also a huge fan of Bai Jing Ting, and goodness, if a man like Sang Yan truly exists, I will wait forever for him to arrive by my side. He loves Wen Yi Fan wholeheartedly. Some call it an obsession; some have called him a doormat, a simp, a loser - I see it as pure. His love for her is untainted, despite all the pain they had to experience to get their happy ending. By the end of the drama, there is no doubt that he is as loved by Wen Yi Fan as Wen Yi Fan is loved by him.
I don't know if there is another modern C-Drama that is on par with this one. I can count on one finger how many dramas I've rated a 10/10, I didn't even hesitate to give this drama full marks. It's slow, it's healing, and it engages with all your emotions (including the uncomfortable ones).
Lastly, if there is a Wen Yi Fan somewhere in this world, I hope you know how brave and strong you are for surviving all that you have experienced. And I hope there can be more Sang Yans in this world, walking alongside their Wen Yi Fan during her darkest days without ever giving up on her.
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