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C-dramas, just like K-dramas, have gained global popularity in recent years through hit shows such as You Are My Glory (2021)1, Hidden Love (2023)2, and When I Fly Towards You (2023)3. Two of the most prominent C-dramas in the U.S, coincidentally, were created by author Zhu Yi, the writer of The First Frost (2025)4, a hit C-drama from Netflix.
Zhu Yi’s essence comes from love-based lessons targeting a female audience. Simultaneously, reaching a wide range of viewers across other age groups. Her works have stood out because she draws from her personal experiences, a rarity among most C-drama scriptwriters in China who prefer historical dramas rooted in fantasy.
Zhu Yi And Writing From Real Life
Writer Zhu Yi, also known in Western countries as Yi Zhu, has penned numerous renowned Chinese novels that have been adapted into web comics and eventually C-dramas or vice versa. There is limited information available on the web about the inspirations behind her stories. Still, she revealed that Hidden Love was inspired by her unrequited love for her brother’s roommate, in the novel’s epilogue, before the C-drama’s adaptation.
According to fans, her unrequited love concluded once he returned to his hometown. Zhu Yi never saw him again, and as a result, he never knew about her feelings. Hidden Love was an alternative ending of what could’ve been a love story. Through the novel and now the C-drama, she lived vicariously through her fictional characters to achieve her dream scenario.
Hidden Love, adapted from the Chinese novel Secretly, Secretly; But Unable to Hide It by Zhu Yi, explores the life of Sang Zhi (portrayed by actress Zhao Lusi,) a young girl with a crush on her brother’s best friend and college roommate, Duan Jiaxu (portrayed by actor Chen Zheyuan). A work beloved to those who relate to the complexities of a young, first love that is non-reciprocated.
The story began with fourteen-year-old Sang Zhi, who arrived home and confused nineteen-year-old Duan Jiaxu with her brother, Sang Yan, claiming he had undergone plastic surgery. She soon discovered that Duan Jiaxu was her brother’s close friend and college roommate.5
Later, they went their separate ways and reunited during Sang Zhi’s high school years. Duan Jiaxu helped her with school and looked out for her like a brother would.6 However, they lost contact after he returned to his hometown and started working at a tech startup.7 One day, Sang Zhi overheard her brother talking about Duan Jiaxu dating a woman, which led her to make the reckless decision to see him. He showed up at the airport concerned about her traveling alone, but arrived with a mysterious woman.
She misunderstands Duan Jiaxu’s relationship with the woman as a romantic one, which breaks her heart. Especially, since he had promised to tell her if he ever dated anyone.8 From there, Sang Zhi is determined to move on entirely from her unrequited love.9
Although Sang Zhi had a crush on Duan Jiaxu since childhood, he never noticed or considered her romantically until she started university. Once he began to see her in a different light, he pursued her. The audience loved Duan Jiaxu’s sweet interactions and history with Sang Zhi, becoming emotionally involved. The highlight was Sang Zhi’s unwavering devotion to her first love and her resilience in the face of tough times, despite her sheltered upbringing.
Netflix users loved the C-drama, which is why it ranked in the Top 10 list in several countries following its release in 2023 as a stand-alone series. Hidden Love gained even more popularity among fans after they discovered that another story set in a parallel world, starring Sang Zhi’s brother, Sang Yan, was scheduled to be released in 2025. Both C-dramas conveyed an important message to their viewers, challenging and reshaping modern masculinity for audiences in both Asian and Western countries.
Modern Masculinity — Asia Vs. America
Modern masculinity is often discussed in the media as the evolution of traditional masculine traits that may not have been accepted in the past but are now viewed as morally and ethically appropriate. These traits also vary by region, country, and culture in today’s society.
C-dramas’ largest global audience is in the U.S., which has praised the roles of male leads and the differences they bring compared to most American shows’ male leads. However, audiences unfamiliar with foreign shows support what it means to be traditionally masculine, giving room for individual interpretation.
America’s Acceptance Of Toxicity
Masculinity in Western culture is emphasized by traits that defy weakness, shyness, and submissiveness. In many well-known Western shows like Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)10, Gossip Girl (2007-2012)11, and Jane the Virgin (2014-2019)12, masculinity is portrayed as dominating, protective, and often also toxic. In the U.S, modern masculinity is accepting of destructive and unhealthy relationships with a lack of boundaries and ineffective mutual communication.
In Gilmore Girls, a show about Lorelai Gilmore’s (portrayed by Lauren Graham) struggles as a single mom with her daughter, Rory (portrayed by Alexis Bledel.) Toxic masculinity exhibits in Rory’s life through various romantic partners as the seasons pass. In Rory’s first boyfriend, Dean Forester (portrayed by Jared Padalecki), toxic masculinity manifests through manipulation. Dean gets upset with her when he tells Rory, “I love you,” but she does not reciprocate, leading to their first break-up13. To many viewers, Dean’s explosive reaction was justifiable, and Rory was in the wrong for not reciprocating his display of affection that provoked his insecurity. This leads to the conclusion that masculinity is characterized by dominance and aggression, which is widely accepted and normalized in America.
Even so, through characters like Jess Mariano (portrayed by Milo Ventimiglia,) Rory’s second boyfriend, Gilmore Girls attempts to offer a different view of masculinity. Jess is attentive and well-spoken, but he also exhibits subtle dominance and aggression beneath his established persona. His character can be described as hot-and-cold, as he switches between caring and explosive. In the public eye, Jess was considered a much better boyfriend than Dean in terms of chemistry, intelligence, and appearance. Still, those were seen as more important than his toxic masculinity traits, which could be dealt with later.
After Rory’s second boyfriend, Jess, during her college years, she met Logan Huntzberger (portrayed by Matt Czuchry.) Their relationship started as a casual fling14, but as feelings grew, they decided to take it further after reaching a turning point. Once they made things official15, Rory often tries to share her feelings, but he dismisses her with jokes, guilt-tripping her into making the issues a big deal16. His character was seen as toxic by most fans of the show; however, some justified it based on their compatibility in backgrounds, better opportunities, and wealth, claiming Logan was Rory’s best boyfriend. In dramas, the notion of choosing someone based on their financial status, overlooking their flaws, has been criticized in Asia.
Asia’s Criticism Toward Toxicity
Male characters in Chinese and Korean media used to embody toxicity as a natural part of masculinity, like in America. This norm changed on September 2nd, 2021, when the Chinese entertainment industry effectively banned effeminate men from new media as part of a radio and television regulation. In the Korean media, viewers became more critical of characters displaying toxic and unhealthy behaviors toward female characters, and K-drama scriptwriters aimed to appeal to a female audience, coming from women themselves.
In C-dramas like Love Scenery (2021)17, The Rational Life (2021)18, and The Best Thing (2025)19, viewers praised the male leads for their gentleness and display of toxic-free chemistry with their female leads—moreover, the ability of male characters to adopt less-traditional masculine traits without seeming unrealistic or over the top.
In Love Scenery, a drama about a computer science student, Lu Jing (portrayed by Lin Yi), with a crush on a soloist singer, Liang Chen (portrayed by Xu Lu), before her fame, defies the stereotypical trope of a female lead’s obsession with a famous male lead. As the story progresses, Liang Chen grows more confident and independent than she initially was. She was seen as more dominant and less over-protected. From a traditional lens, a female lead would become attached to the male lead and cease to grow as an individual, apart from their relationship. Love Scenery encourages men and women to pursue their respective dreams alongside each other, not holding back for the sake of the other.
Before the 2021 radio and television regulation in China, dramas like Meteor Garden (2018)20 (rebooted from
Through characters like Sang Yan in The First Frost, modern masculinity is reshaped by the passage of time and the examination of toxic behaviors in male characters in media across both Asia and America, united by the Netflix streaming platform.
The First Frost (2025) — Sang Yan’s Quiet Devotion
The First Frost follows the story of Sang Yan (portrayed by Bai Jingting), Sang Zhi’s brother in Hidden Love, and Wen Yifan (portrayed by Zhang Rounan), his former high school classmate. Spending time together during their school years builds a friendship between them. Soon, their feelings deepened, and they began to care for each other. Eventually, they promise each other to attend the same university — a promise that Wen Yifan breaks.22
Their close bond is short-lived due to a misunderstanding, including Wen Yifan’s personal struggles, which led her to hurt Sang Yan’s feelings and cut off contact with him. Six years later, they meet again at his restaurant.23 Initially, he acts as if he dislikes her, but as the story unfolds, it becomes evident that he is always ready to help Wen Yifan when needed and harbors feelings for her. He quietly offers help without her knowing, ensuring she won’t feel burdened.
The C-drama explores different themes and lessons about healthy relationships, boundaries, and overcoming hardships. Viewers learn most of these through the male lead, Sang Yan, and his acts of devotion.
Themes Of Respect, Trauma, & Growth
As the male lead of The First Frost, Sang Yan rejects traditional masculine traits that are often viewed as toxic and widely accepted. Throughout the C-drama, he opts to respect Wen Yifan, help her through her ongoing trauma, and grow alongside her as an individual and partner.
Mutual Respect
In The First Frost, Sang Yan takes the initiative to look out for Wen Yifan because of her family’s dynamics, which grow apparent to him through multiple instances. A noticeable difference from Hidden Love, where Sang Zhi defends and protects Duan Jiaxu from those trying to harm him. This leaves an encouraging message that gender does not define who receives care and respect.
From beginning to end, many male characters attempt to harm Wen Yifan, seeing her as vulnerable because of her gender and position in society. Oftentimes, male characters speak ill of her and tear her down as a result of her rejection. Sang Yan, despite being hurt and rejected, continues to respect her as an individual, regardless of her gender and societal status.
Overcoming Trauma
The First Frost allowed viewers to get a glimpse into Wen Yifan’s daily life, and right away, it was clear that she was mistreated everywhere she went. She lived in a run-down building with other people, one of whom proved to be a bad person who reminded her of her past trauma back in high school24. On top of that, she suffered from workplace harassment at her previous job25. Her traumas were deep and rooted in abandonment, family issues, and abuse. After reuniting with Sang Yan six years later, she gradually improves and confronts the past she had been avoiding.
Throughout the episodes, she often looks back and recalls painful situations, intertwined with Sang Yan’s comfort. In episode 11, during a flashback to their high school years, Sang Yan notices a bruise on Wen Yifan’s arm and tries to hide it with a butterfly drawing to make her feel better26. It is portrayed with realism from the mind of a young teenage boy who lacks awareness of the world, but wants to make their loved ones happy.
Sang Yan, through small gestures, helps Wen Yifan realize she is worthy of love. He doesn’t expect anything in return and is determined to treat her as an equal, a fact that becomes increasingly clear to her as the story unfolds.
Self-Growth
As the drama concludes, both Sang Yan and Wen Yifan undergo character development. Sang Yan realizes he doesn’t have to be perfect at all times, and Wen Yifan comes to love herself. They grow both as a couple and individually. They lean on each other but let each other make their own decisions, as classified by a healthy relationship.
Their growth was not solely dependent on their romantic relationship; even as they cultivated their friendship, they learned to see the world in a different light, encouraging viewers to grow independently, and with the help of a platonic relationship.
Modern Masculinity As Respect, Growth, & Compassion In The First Frost (2025)
Over the years, masculinity has adopted a new definition. It is no longer accepted as toxic or abusive. In the US, it is sensationalized and receives typical media coverage, but the tolerance of audiences has been shifting. Audiences have grown critical of flawed characters, analyzing their development to foster healthier and more realistic growth in character development. Modern masculinity has been redefined by mutual respect, growth, and kindness.
Sang Yan teaches The First Frost audience that everyone is worthy of a positive and fulfilling life, regardless of societal limitations imposed by expectations, traditional values, and gender. Without emphasizing his relationship with the female lead, Wen Yifan helped herself overcome difficult times, believing she deserved the basics that any other person did, even if his feelings partly influenced his decision. Modern Masculinity is defined by looking beyond gender and seeing the person beneath a label and belief.
Footnotes
- You Are My Glory (2021). Wang Zhi and Gu Man, creators. Tencent Penguin Pictures. Tencent Video, July 26-August 30, 2021. ↩︎
- Hidden Love (2023). Zhu Yi, Lee Ching Jung, Wang Xiongcheng, and Shen Fei Xian, creators. WAJIJIWA Entertainment. Netflix, June 20-July 6, 2023. ↩︎
- When I Fly Towards You (2023). Yue An, Mao De Shu, and Tao Kaixin, creators. Youku Information Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Youyisi Film & Television, and Hangzhou Feiben Entertainment. Youku, June 13-29, 2023. ↩︎
- The First Frost (2025). Zhu Yi and Qu You Ning, creators. WAJIJIWA Entertainment, Youku Information Technology Co., Ltd., Hunan Galaxy Cool Entertainment Culture Media. Netflix, February 18-March 10, 2025. ↩︎
- Hidden Love. Episode 1, “I Have Been Waiting.” Netflix, 10:56-13:00. June 20, 2023. ↩︎
- Hidden Love. Episode 1, “I Have Been Waiting.” Netflix, 27:30. June 20, 2023. ↩︎
- Hidden Love. Episode 7, “Promise. The Important Little Things.” Netflix, 12:13. June 22, 2023. ↩︎
- Hidden Love. Episode 5, “In Secret. The Name Engraved in My Heart.” Netflix, 28:40-31:00. June 21, 2023. ↩︎
- Hidden Love. Episode 7, “Promise. The Important Little Things.” Netflix, 18:10-38:10. June 22, 2023 ↩︎
- Gilmore Girls (2000-2007). Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator. Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions, Hofflund/Polone, Warner Bros. The WB, October 5, 2000-May 15, 2007. ↩︎
- Gossip Girl (2007-2012). Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, creators. Warner Bros. Television, Alloy Entertainment, College Hill Pictures, CBS Television Studios, Fake Empire. The CW, September 19, 2007-December 17, 2012. ↩︎
- Jane the Virgin (2014-2019). Jennie Snyder Urman and Perla Farias, creators. Poppy Productions, RCTV International, Electus, Warner Bros. Television, CBS Television Studios. The CW, October 13, 2014-July 31, 2019. ↩︎
- Gilmore Girls. Season 1, Episode 16, “Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers.” The CW, 34:00-37:50. March 8, 2001. ↩︎
- Gilmore Girls. Season 5, Episode 15, “Jews and Chinese Food.” The CW, 41:00-43:00. February 8, 2005. ↩︎
- Gilmore Girls. Season 5, Episode 19, “But I’m a Gilmore!” The CW, 04:00-07:06. April 19, 2005. ↩︎
- Gilmore Girls. Season 5, Episode 19, “But I’m a Gilmore!” The CW, 30:00-30:57. April 19, 2005. ↩︎
- Love Scenery (2021). Qin Zhen, Xu Mengjia, Qin Wen, Luo Xiaoting, and Qiao Yao, creators. Tencent Penguin Pictures, Xinglian Film and Television. IQIYI, April 8-May 1, 2021. ↩︎
- The Rational Life (2021). Xu Fujun, Long Xiaoshan, Chen Chen, and Chen Tong, creators. Hunan TV Interactive, Entertainment Media Co., Ltd. Netflix, March 3-June 18, 2021. ↩︎
- The Best Thing (2025). Che Liangyi and Ou Sijia, creators. IQIYI Studios. IQIYI, February 25-March 9, 2025. ↩︎
- Meteor Garden (2018). Lin Helong and Angie Chai, creators. Netflix, July 9-July 13, 2018. ↩︎
- Boys Over Flowers (2009). Yoon Ji-ryun and Jeon Ki-sang, creators. Group 8. KBS2, January 5-March 31, 2009. ↩︎
- The First Frost. Episode 5, “Get Closer, Would You?” Netflix, 17:40-20:30. February 19, 2025. ↩︎
- The First Frost. Episode 1, “Goodbye Sang Yan, Goodbye Wen Yifan.” Netflix, 09:40-13:48. February 18, 2025. ↩︎
- The First Frost. Episode 2, “Your Name is Written on My Heart.” Netflix, 28:25-30:25. February 18, 2025. ↩︎
- The First Frost. Episode 13, “We Made Promise: I Want to be With You.” Netflix, 25:05-25:45. February 24, 2025. ↩︎
- The First Frost. Episode 11, “Take Care of Yourself. I’m Always Here.” Netflix, 02:35-04:50. February 25, 2025. ↩︎