The 2025 Chinese drama, The First Frost, has taken viewers by storm with its rich storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Starring prominent actors Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, this adaptation of Zhu Yi‘s novel explores the rekindling of a friendship between two high school classmates after years of separation.
The themes of love, destiny, trauma, and resilience are beautifully woven into the plot, enhanced further by an exceptional original soundtrack.
The Emotional Impact of The First Frost OST
The OST for The First Frost is a finely crafted collection of musical pieces that includes emotive ballads and orchestral compositions, aligning perfectly with the characters’ emotional developments. Each track enhances significant moments throughout the series, from the protagonists’ initial encounter to their heartfelt reunion.
Notably, the soundtrack serves as a pivotal element in establishing the series’ atmosphere, adding a layer of depth to the overall viewing experience.
The soundtrack features contributions from well-known artists such as Mayday, Li Yuchun, Mao Buyi, Wang Sulong, and Zhang Bichen. A standout track is Serenade (只在今夜), performed by Mao Buyi, which captures the essence of a key confession scene between the lead characters, effectively intertwining music with the storyline.
The cast members, including Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, also participated vocally, adding authenticity to their characters. The duet Everything, sung by Zhang Ruonan and Zhang Miaoyi, beautifully encapsulates their profound friendship.
Bai Jingting’s personal touch is evident as he suggested a cover of Stefanie Sun‘s Invisible Man. WATKOI reported that he felt the song’s emotional resonance mirrored his character Sang Yan’s struggles.
According to WATKOI, the soundtrack’s development began in early 2023, with the production team carefully selecting songs that aligned with the transformative moments in the characters’ journeys. Director Qu Youning explained that the music reflects the principal themes of the narrative.
The complete soundtrack list for The First Frost includes:
- Willful (任性) – Mayday (Opening theme)
- It’s You (是你) – Li Yuchun (Closing theme)
- Serenade (只在今夜) – Mao Buyi
- Like a Sunny Day, Like a Rainy Day (像晴天像雨天) – Silence Wang
- The Invisible Man – Bai Jingting
- Everything – Zhang Ruonan & Zhang Miaoyi
- Late (晚点) – Zhang Bichen
- Stubborn – Sandee Chan
- I’ve Never Liked Anyone Except You – Zhao Lei & Fine Band
- Look at Me – Yan Yidan
- Crush – Edward Chen Haosen
- My Dear – Zhang Zhenhao
- I Want to Quietly Slip Into Your Soul – Xiao Bingzhi
- There Is You Amidst Raindrops – Chen Kexin
Global Reception of The First Frost OST
The OST for The First Frost is available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where it has received a warm reception from audiences. Since its release, the soundtrack has already achieved remarkable milestones.
The lead single, Serenade (只在今夜), amassed over 100 million views within its first week and has been saved in more than three million playlists, showcasing its explosive popularity.
Selected tracks from the OST have been showcased at major events, including concerts by Mayday, underscoring the fruitful collaboration between the series and these celebrated musicians.
Experience the magic of the music here
A Record-Breaking Conclusion for The First Frost
Wrapping up its 32-episode run on March 10, 2025, The First Frost has achieved astonishing success, eclipsing 1.1 billion views on Youku. This figure illustrates its wide-reaching impact.
On February 27, 2025, the drama reached a historic milestone by securing the 6th spot on Netflix’s Top TV Shows Worldwide—marking the highest ranking ever attained by a Chinese drama on the streaming platform.
The storyline traces the journey of Sang Yan, the older brother of Sang Zhi, as he navigates a tumultuous relationship with his childhood love, Wen Yifan. Their high school experiences forge an indelible bond, but unforeseen challenges pull them apart.
Burdened by her father’s death and a conflicting family backdrop, Wen Yifan struggles with love, ultimately choosing to distance herself from Sang Yan, leaving him heartbroken. Six years later, their paths cross again in Nanwu, reigniting old feelings and culminating in a poignant slow-burn romance fraught with tension and unexpressed emotions.
For those interested in this captivating drama, The First Frost is available for streaming on both Youku and Netflix.