The First Frost

❧

Wikipedia

The First Frost
Promotional poster
Also known as
  • Hard To Please
  • Difficult To Coax
Simplified Chinese难哄
Genre
Based onThe First Frost
by Zhu Yi
Screenplay byQu Youning
Directed by
Starring
Opening theme"Willful" by Mayday
Ending theme"It's You" by Li Yuchun
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes32
Production
ProducerLong Danni
Production location
Running time45 minutes
Production companyYouku
Original release
Network
Release18 February (2025-02-18) –
10 March 2025 (2025-03-10)
Related

The First Frost (Chinese: 难哄) is a 2025 Chinese romantic television series starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan.[1][2] The plot is adapted from the Chinese web novel of the same name by Zhu Yi.[3] On 18 February 2025, it was released on Youku and Netflix worldwide.[4] It is about two former high school classmates who reunite after years and accidentally share the same apartment. It delves into the complexities of love, longing, trauma and healing.[5] On 15 November 2025, the Chinese animation First Frost was announced on Bilibili.[6]

On 23 August 2025, the series' two episodes were screened for 91 minutes at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.[7] It sets a record by exceeding 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' points within 2 days of its release on Youku.[8] On 27 February 2025, it was ranked 6th in 'Netflix Top TV Shows Worldwide', and has set the record for the highest ranked C-drama in 'Netflix Global' daily ranking history.[9][10] It was ranked in the S+ Tier i.e. 'Top Performing Shows' on Yunhe Chart.[11]

Plot

Wen Yifan accidentally runs into Sang Yan at a bar after six years. The two were high school classmates and had a crush on each other. However, she was driven to reject his feelings, causing them to drift apart. To avoid the awkwardness, they pretend not to know each other.[12] Due to circumstances, they are compelled to confront each other when they end up sharing the same roof. The nature of their relationship changes when Wen Yifan learns that she's sleepwalking again. Her condition escalates due to past family trauma and she finds herself in Sang Yan's room, which further intertwines their lives.[13]

Cast

Character Cast Notes
Sang Yan Bai Jingting Co-owner of Overtime restaurant & bar, team lead in a video game company and Yifan's high school crush[14]
Wen Yifan Zhang Ruonan News reporter/journalist and Sang Yan's high school love[15]
Zhong Siqiao Zhang Miaoyi Delivery girl, care services provider and Yifan's best friend[16]
Su Haoan Edward Chen Co-owner of Overtime and Sang Yan's friend from high school days
Xiang Lang Zhai Xiaowen Yifan and Siqiao's childhood friend, has a crush on Yifan
Mu Chengyun Yuan Ye College student, intern in Yifan's team and has a crush on her
Zhao Yuandong Feng Yunzhi Yifan's mother
Wen Liangzhe Zhao Xiaodong Yifan's father
Zheng Kejia Duan Xingyu Yifan's stepsister, intern in Sang Yan's team
Che Yanqin Kong Lin Yifan's aunt
Che Xingde Li Hongchen Yanqin's brother
Ji Peng Wen Ming Yanqin's son, Yifan's cousin
Zhang Wenhong He Jiong Highschool teacher for Sang Yan and Yifan
Li Ping Deng Ying Sang Yan's mother
Sang Rong Wei Zixin Sang Yan's father
Sang Zhi Liu Chutian Sang Yan's younger sister[17]
Duan Jiaxu Wu Yuheng Sang Yan's college dormmate and friend
Jiang Ru Paw Heeching Su Haoan's grandmother
Su Haojia Paul Chun Su Haoan's grandfather. He was later diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
Uncle Ma Zhang Shihong Su Haoan's uncle and grandpa's caretaker
Su Tian Chen Jianan Pregnant lady and news editor, Yifan's colleague
Fu Zhuang Zhang Keyuan Reporting camera assistant, Yifan's colleague
Qian Wenhua Fu Miao News Department team lead
Jiang Zhong Wei Gan Hong Yuan News Department manager
Yu Zhou Zhang Ruixi Overtime staff
Chen Junwen Zhe Tang Overtime co-owner and Sangyan's college friend
Qian Fei Su Yiyang Overtime co-owner and Sangyan's college friend
Wen Yifan (young) Li Mei Yibing 8-year-old Yifan with her dad
Sang Zhi (young) Ai Rui Sang Yan's younger sister
Wang Jun Yuan Lily Wang Police office
Lin Yuqing Zhang Muxi Ballet teacher in Hong Kong
A Sen Jeffrey Ngai Ballet teacher in Hong Kong
Wang Linlin Suo Langmei Qi Su Haoan's ex-girlfriend

Soundtrack

On 31 December 2024, Taiwanese rock band Mayday released an official OST and music video for the series.[18] "The Invisible Man" sung by Bai Jingting, originally sung by Stefanie Sun from her 2005 album A Perfect Day, was listed among 'Top 10 Songs' on streaming platforms.[19][20] At the series finale, Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan performed a piano rendition of the song "Willful".[21]

Title Artist Lyrics/Composer Channel Length
Willful
Theme Song		 Mayday Ashin B'in Music 4:40
I'm So Into You Xiao Bingchih Xiao Bingchih 4:24
Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day Silence Wang Silence Wang Dreamer Music 3:56
The Invisible Man Bai Jingting Xiaohan, Eric Ng 4:45
Serenade Mao Buyi Mao Buyi 4:06
It's You
Ending Song		 Li Yuchun Li Ziming Official Channel 5:21
Everything Zhang Ruonan & Zhang Miaoyi Jesse Deng 3:40
Late Zhang Bichen Zhang Pengpeng 4:25
Stubborn Sandee Chan Sandee Chan 3.23
I’ve Never Liked Anyone Except You Zhao Lei & Fine Band Wang Tianfang, Huang Yueyang, Shen Mingli 3:45
Look at Me Yan Yidan Yan Yidan 4:14
Crush Edward Chen Zhuang Zhuheng 4:15
My Dear Zhang Zhenhao Li Zhizi Dreamer Music 4:03
There Is You Amidst Raindrops Chen Kexin Crispy Band (Taiwanese) Official Channel 4:00

Reception

Director Qu Youning joined the post-screening exchange at the 30th Busan International Film Festival, South Korea.[22] Before its release, the series collected over 8M reservations on Youku.[23][24] It surpassed billions of views across Douyin and Xiaohongshu;[25] set the record for contemporary dramas,[26][27] and was named the 'Hottest Youth Idol C-Drama'.[28][29] Its popularity led to its first merchandise pop-up store in Taiwan.[30][31]

During its release, Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan were ranked 'Top C-Drama Artists in the International Market'.[32][33] Bai's role as Sang Yan was ranked 1st on the 'Character Index List'.[34][35]

Critics reviews

Gulf News praises stating that "The First Frost is a more mature, emotionally intense journey. Bai Jingting bringing a quiet intensity that makes Sang Yan's pain all the more palpable. Zhang Ruonan delivers a powerful performance as Wen Yifan, whose guarded nature hides layers of emotional turmoil. The dual perspective storytelling, adds a compelling layer to the narrative, showing how emotions shape their interactions."[36][37] Indiatimes states that "The non-linear storytelling, seamlessly transitioning from their high-school desk to their now shared apartment, never confuses you. The visual aesthetic perfectly complements the theme of the drama. The thoughtful, slow pacing highlights subtle expressions, portraying their untangled yet impactful history."[38]

The Evrim Ağacı website stated that "The show dives deeply with emotion, centering on themes of heartbreak, longing, and healing. The initial episodes have delighted viewers, showcasing the commendable chemistry between leads, and expertly retaining the charm of the characters."[39] India Today stated that "The First Frost delivers it all, with stellar performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a script that captures weight of regret. A drama that lingers long after the credits."[40] English Jagran stated that "The First Frost leaves lasting impact worldwide, with its thought provoking storytelling, poetic visuals, narratives and masterful character development."[41][42]

GQ stated that the "This slow burn romance is packed with unspoken love, youthful chemistry and strong emotions, unfolding in a joyous manner as destiny brings protagonist under the same roof."[43] India Forum states that "The First Frost is a gripping and evocative statement on how mental abuse in teenage affects people. From being too self-reliant to dealing with constant low self-esteem, it touches a raw nerve."[44] Mashable rated 4/5 stating that "The First Frost hits all the emotional and heart-fluttering beats, a bingeable C-drama. It’s a refreshing and deeply nice take on romance, new insights that raise awareness on sensitive issues."[45]

Daily Tribune (Philippines) praised The First Frost stating that "It is a soul stirring and angsty masterpiece. It's a drama that stays with you long after the credits have rolled - a warm, lingering hug on the coldest of nights."[46] Newspoint appreciated stating that "The series deals with the aftermath of discovering love in a painful and gut-wrenching way. Its cinematography doesn't just display sentiments, it makes you feel them."[47] Dramadaze highlights that "The First Frost is the perfect balance between heartfelt romance and visual storytelling. It’s a love story that feels both grand and personal, pulling you in with its sincerity."[48]

Production

The First Frost is produced by Wajijiwa, Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., and Hunan Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media Co. Ltd.[49] The production house issued an official statement on their Weibo account that a live adaptation of Zhu Yi's novel The First Frost will be made.[50] In August 2023, the production house stated the series was undergoing script polishing and content development.[51] It also has a Manhua adaption named Eternal Love. On 24 March 2024, the initial posters were released.[52] From February to June 2024, the filming took place in Chongqing.[53][54] On 27 June 2024, the series' first official teaser was released.[55] In December 2024, the series got its airing permit for 32 episodes on Youku.[56]

Ratings

The series topped Yunhe with 50M daily views, Dengta with 70M views, 19.7% market share, and led other platforms.[57]

  • The Orange number represents the lowest ratings and the Blue number represents the highest ratings in China.
  • Based on the average audience share per day (Yunhe Data).
Day Original Broadcast Date Episode Average Audience Share National Ranking
China
1 February 18, 2025 1-4 7.7% 2
2 February 19, 2025 5-6 13.2% 1
3 February 20, 2025 7-8 15.6% 1
4 February 21, 2025 9-10 18.5% 1
5 February 22, 2025 11 20.5% 1
6 February 23, 2025 12 19.4% 1
7 February 24, 2025 13-14 18.3% 1
8 February 25, 2025 15 17.7% 1
9 February 26, 2025 16 16.1% 1
10 February 28, 2025 17-18 18.1% 1
11 March 1, 2025 19 19.1% 1
12 March 2, 2025 20 18.4% 1
13 March 3, 2025 21 16.6% 1
14 March 4, 2025 22 16.1% 1
15 March 5, 2025 23 15.3% 1
16 March 7, 2025 24 13.4% 1
17 March 8, 2025 25-26 16.1% 1
18 March 9, 2025 27-28 18.1% 1
19 March 10, 2025 29-32 16.8% 1
Average

16.6%

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResultRef.
2025 30th Busan International Film Festival
(Asian Content & Global OTT Awards)		 Best Leading Actor: Male Bai Jingting Nominated [58]
People's Choice Awards: Best Actor Bai Jingting Won [59]
Best OTT Original The First Frost Nominated [60]
Best Original Song Willful: Mayday Nominated [61]
Weibo Cultural Exchange
Thailand		 Most Popular TV Series The First Frost Won
Weibo TV & Internet Video Summit Popular Work of the Year The First Frost Won [62]
Best Original Work The First Frost Won
Best Drama The First Frost Nominated
Best Drama Actor Bai Jingting Nominated
Best Drama Actress Zhang Ruonan Nominated
Best Drama Character Sang Yan Nominated
Wen Yifan Nominated
Best Drama Couple Sang Yan & Wen Yifan
Bai Jingting & Zhang Ruonan		 Nominated
Best OST Willful: Mayday Nominated
Like A Sunny Day, Like A Rainy Day: Silence Wang Nominated
30th Asian Television Awards Best Actor in Leading Role Bai Jingting Nominated [63]
Best Actress Zhang Ruonan Nominated [64]
Best Supporting Actress Zhang Miaoyi Nominated
Best Scriptwriting Qu Youning Nominated
Best Cinematography Xinhua Feng Nominated
Best Editing Yuwei Wang Nominated
Best Production Design Honghu Liang Nominated
Best Theme Song Willful: Mayday Won
Chinese American Film Festival
(Golden Angel Award)		 Best TV Series The First Frost Pending

References

  1. ↑
    • HOME, CPOP (13 February 2025). "The First Frost - Bai Jingting, Zhang Ruonan". CPOP HOME. Retrieved 20 August 2025.
  2. ↑ Shê, Chase (27 June 2024). ""The First Frost" Wraps Filming, Announces Cast". DramaPanda. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  3. ↑ "《偷偷藏不住》 姊妹作！白敬亭＆章若楠《難哄》8大看點：9年雙向暗戀，《我可能不會愛你》導演執導". ELLE (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 22 September 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  4. ↑ Datta, Srimoyee (2 July 2024). "Is Upcoming Chinese Drama The First Frost a Spin-off of Hidden Love?". ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  5. ↑ Times, I. D. N.; Rosilawati, Essi. "3 Fakta Drama China First Frost, Spin Off Drama Hidden Love". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  6. ↑ 哔哩哔哩番剧. "难哄". www.bilibili.com (in Simplified Chinese). Retrieved 28 November 2025.
  7. ↑
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  9. ↑ "TOP 10 on Netflix in the World on February 27, 2025 • FlixPatrol". FlixPatrol. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  10. ↑ Shetty, Karishma (20 March 2025). "Adolescence beats Dabba Cartel, Crime Patrol and The First Frost to top Netflix India's Top 10 TV Shows right now". GQ India. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  11. ↑ "Feel The Pulse of Chinese Entertainment!". www.v-pulse.com. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  12. ↑ Times, I. D. N.; Fadilla, Risma. "Sinopsis Drama China The First Frost, Hadirkan Spin Off Hidden Love". IDN Times (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  13. ↑ "Akhirnya Selesai Syuting! Drama The First Frost Bagikan Trailer Dengan Nuansa Sendu Antara Bai Jingting dan Zhang Ruonan - Riau Makmur - Halaman 2". Akhirnya Selesai Syuting! Drama The First Frost Bagikan Trailer Dengan Nuansa Sendu Antara Bai Jingting dan Zhang Ruonan - Riau Makmur - Halaman 2 (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  14. ↑ Shê, Chase (27 June 2024). ""The First Frost" Wraps Filming, Announces Cast". DramaPanda. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  15. ↑ "Photos of Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan Filming 'First Frost', the Story of Yan's Brother Zhi from Another 'Universe' in 'Hidden Love'". En.KapanLagi.com (in Indonesian). 14 March 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  16. ↑ "Bai Jingting & Zhang Ruonan Dikabarkan Bintangi First Frost Kisah Cinta Kakaknya Zhao Lusi di Hidden Love - Kabar Banten". kabarbanten.pikiran-rakyat.com. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  17. ↑ CA, Mutia. "Lu Chutian Siap Hidupkan Karakter Sang Zhi 'Hidden Love' Saat Masih SMP di Drama China Spin Off 'The First Frost' - Cari Aku". Lu Chutian Siap Hidupkan Karakter Sang Zhi 'Hidden Love' Saat Masih SMP di Drama China Spin Off 'The First Frost' - Cari Aku (in Indonesian). Retrieved 12 December 2024.
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  19. ↑ "Stefanie Sun's latest album "A Perfect Day"". music.yule.sohu.com. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  20. ↑
  21. ↑ "白敬亭章若楠四手联弹庆《难哄》收官 白色情人节浪漫互动甜度爆表_温以凡_桑延_表演". m.sohu.com. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
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  23. ↑
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  25. ↑ "Most Watched C-Dramas on Douyin: The First Frost Leads Q1 2025". Tonboriday. 17 April 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.*"热播剧登全网收视第一白敬亭代言收入或超1亿元_品牌_专业版_显示". m.sohu.com. Retrieved 19 April 2025.
  26. ↑ Ari, Timotius (2 July 2025). "The First Frost Jadi Drama Online dengan Jumlah Tontonan Tertinggi di Paruh Pertama 2025". Layar Hijau. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  27. ↑ China, Record. "上半期の配信ドラマ再生回数ランキング、「難哄」が1位―中国". Record China (in Japanese). Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  28. ↑ "The First Frost Finale: Fans hail Bai Jingting, Zhang Ruonan's drama as the best of the year, thank them for keeping romance alive". Indiatimes. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  29. ↑
  30. ↑ "Falling for The First Frost? Here are 7 more romantic C-dramas you can binge-watch on Netflix". GQ India. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  31. ↑ "The First Frost, The Prisoner Of Beauty, Youthful Glory and more: Chinese dramas of 2025 better than K-Dramas". India Forums. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
  32. ↑ "Feel The Pulse of Chinese Entertainment!". www.v-pulse.com. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  33. ↑ tegami (6 March 2025). "Zhang Ruonan Went Viral across China for Breathtaking Crying Scenes". KBIZoom. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  34. ↑ Naik, Mamta (20 March 2025). "What's next for Bai Jingting after 'The First Frost'? Find out". Mashable ME. Retrieved 22 March 2025.
  35. ↑ HOME, CPOP (28 March 2025). "Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan in "The First Frost": A Sweet Romance with Electric Chemistry". CPOP HOME. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  36. ↑ Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (20 February 2025). "The First Frost: The new Netflix Chinese drama on love, heartbreak, and closure". Gulf News. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  37. ↑ Shetty, Karishma (17 March 2025). "The First Frost OTT release: Here's when and where you can watch the final episode of Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan's C-drama — Hidden Love's spin-off series — in India". GQ India. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  38. ↑ "The First Frost review: Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan lead a slow-burn romance that leaves you yearning for more". Indiatimes. 22 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  39. ↑ "Emotional C-Drama 'The First Frost' Streaming Now". The Pinnacle Gazette. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  40. ↑ "The First Frost review: Love, trauma, longing - new Chinese drama delivers it all". India Today. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  41. ↑ "The First Frost Leaves Lasting Impact Worldwide, Fans Say 'It's A Memory I'll Always Carry...'". English Jagran. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 10 March 2025.
  42. ↑ "The First Frost: Best Romantic Quotes From C-Drama That Will Make You Believe In Love". English Jagran. 21 March 2025. Retrieved 24 March 2025.
  43. ↑ Mankermi, Shivani (26 February 2025). "The First Frost: All you need to know about the Chinese drama Hidden Love's spin-off, streaming on Netflix". GQ India. Retrieved 28 February 2025.
  44. ↑ "The First Frost: Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan's show is a timeless classic; here's why". India Forums. Retrieved 17 March 2025.
  45. ↑ Raut, Mamta (20 February 2025). "'The First Frost' review: Bai Jingting, Zhang Ruonan's 'Hidden Love' spin-off is witty, wise, and heart-melting". Mashable ME. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  46. ↑ "'The First Frost': A soul-stirring and angsty masterpiece". tribune.net.ph. 16 March 2025. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
  47. ↑ "Forget K-Dramas! 7 Reasons To Watch 'The First Frost', A Romantic Chinese Series That Has It All!". www.newspointapp.com. 25 February 2025. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
  48. ↑ Bandapalle, Shraddha (24 March 2025). "The First Frost Review: A Heartfelt Tale of Love, Loss, and Healing". Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  49. ↑ Shê, Chase (9 March 2024). "First Frost: Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan Spotted on Set". DramaPanda. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  50. ↑ Peanuts (28 September 2021). "First Frost / Hard to Deceive / Eternal Love / Difficult to Coax 难哄 by 竹已 Zhu Yi (HE)". 书声Bar. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  51. ↑ "The casting of "Hard to Woo" has sparked heated discussions. The crew issued a statement: It is still in the script polishing stage". www.toutiao.com. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  52. ↑ "เรื่องย่อ First Frost วันนี้ วันไหน ยังไงก็เธอ ซีรีส์จีนภาคต่อ แอบรักให้เธอรู้ 2". www.sanook.com/movie (in Thai). 7 August 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  53. ↑ "All "The First Frost" Drama Filming Locations in Chongqing". Tonboriday. 14 March 2025. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  54. ↑ "The First Frost – The Drama Meter". 20 November 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  55. ↑ "Is Upcoming Chinese Drama The First Frost a Spin-off of Hidden Love?". ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. 2 July 2024. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
  56. ↑ ockoala (7 December 2024). "The First Frost Archives". A Koala's Playground. Retrieved 16 December 2024.
  57. ↑
  58. ↑
  59. ↑
  60. ↑ "《难哄》《边水往事》入围2025全球流媒体大奖，白敬亭吴镇宇分别角逐男主和男配奖_釜山_内容_碧游". m.sohu.com. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
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  62. ↑ "2025 Weibo TV and Internet Video Summit complete winners list". Tonboriday. 4 November 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
  63. ↑ "炸了！刘亦菲白敬亭双双提名亚洲电视大奖，黄亦玫桑延角色封神，这演技太能打". m.sohu.com (in Chinese). Retrieved 8 October 2025.
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