The First Frost

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.

Read More

I think the writer of this drama beautifully incorporated the aspects of romance , friendships , childhood and youth . The story is about the kids trauma and how the abuse and trauma makes and takes up most part of her life while her only escape from that trap was her childhood lover , who she wanted to embrace every time she wanted to runaway from the world . But nevertheless , there are always problems with true love , they has to separate their ways because wen yifan decided to not go to her dream college or the the college they decided to go to together , as a result they separated ways but couldn't maintain the distance that their heart was growing . This story was my comfort escape , when I wanted to runaway from the world well...I don't have sang yan to run back into but I hope this drama can become your... :)

Read More

The most magnificently alluring romance stories to ever exist in the world...

This is my very first time writing a review like this. Pardon me for my grammar or the way i explained it... oh and that point is enough to tell how magnificent "The First Frost" is until it makes me touched to write a review even though it could be such a mess.. I don't know if this contains spoiler or not but I think it is not... but maybe for some people it is spoiler🥹🙏

First of all, the two main characters are so beautifully written. Wen Yifan, who faced a lot of pain still manages to take care of herself well. She manages to stand up even when she loses everything and has no one to rely on. Even when she could have someone "Sang Yan", she still thinks of how she could have hurt him. She probably thinks it was like keeping "black ink" in her heart, one drop of it could make people around her feel hurt too.. That is why she is always closed her heart to explain more.. She is such an incredible woman, and i am proud to witness her story..

Sang Yan, a boy who used to get everything he wanted as he planned.. He grow up in a lively family.. Then he falls in love with Wen Yifan who hide her heart not because she doesn't love him, but because she loves him, she couldn't bare to see him know her pain... But he is a MAN who keeps his word.. He loves her and he will always do as what he said to her in their highschool.. He loves her in their bright day and their darkest one.. But i feel like, his feeling for her is much bigger than the word "Love" it self.. He adore her, he care for her, he appreciate her, he adore her, he is willing to do everything for her.. But the Bai Jing Ting (xiao bai) and Zhang Ruo Nan (nannan) who played them are nailing it soooo brilliantly🥹The PERFECT Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. I feel so attached and connected with their characters... I really love the way they interpreted their characters.. The chemistry is📈📈 off the charts🥹😭💖🤩 I really hope they will meet again in a new project together..

And that is why The First Frost got me 10/10 for the Story, Acting/Cast, and for Rewatch Value???! Broo the story and acting are so perfect, but we got perfect visuals too?!! hell yeah!! perfect visuals from the cast and the aesthetic videography!! thank you so much to all the of the Team who put everything into making such a brilliantly magnificent ART! OH! and don't forget the OSTs!! I'm currently writing this review while listening to the osts... such a perfect OST... every single song is a hit!! it compiles every scene so perfectly... oh also the background music, the sound, the instrumental oh my...🥹that "hoo hoo hoo~" sound that played during SangYifan Highschool scene is giving a very nostalgic feels.. (context: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtl3nU-dEqU&ab_channel=deepti)

Ohh how i love The First Frost so much🥹😭 I love Wen Yifan and Sang Yan sooo much!!🥹💖 I never ever felt like this before after watching plenty of dramas... you all are so precious to me.. i always wanted to go back to the time when i watched The First Frost for the first time again... i remember thinking about it all the time when i haven't finished watching it yet and even ended up crying plenty of times not just when watching the dramas but when i was just think about it in my head🥹💔💖... when it was ended I'm so not ready to watch the last 2 episode (eps 31 and 32) because i just couldn't believe that it was already ended🥹💖at the end i watched it at March 30th 2025 about like 11 o'clock i guess? until March 31st 2025 at 0:11🥹My Best Drama of All Time!!

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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!!

Read More

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

Read More

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.

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

Nostalgia will hit you like a truck.

I will keep it short
for those who have watched Hidden Love and loved it .
The first frost will deliver that felling of watching Hidden love again in a new way .

I am not saying both of them are same but
I cannot help that it reminds me of HL.

Trust me when I say this , TFF and HL will go down in cdrama history. and this both drama has set standard for other modern romance drama .

TFF and HL has also spoiled me
cause it will be hard for me to get hooked up in other dramas if the other dramas do not deliver the same quality

the Cast, Director, Actors have played their role delegently. to the point that there are no la lacking.

some might say I am over rating this both drama.Its fine because people have different preference.
but you can't hate it unless you try it yourself.

This both drama will remain in a special place in my heart

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