Zhang Ruonan's Look in 'First Frost' Sparks Controversy Among Original Novel Fans

The live-action adaptation of the popular web novel 'First Frost' (Khó Dỗ Dành) has been one of the most discussed topics in the C-drama community. However, the recent reveal of Zhang Ruonan's styling as the female lead, Wen Yifan, has met with mixed reactions from netizens. While Zhang Ruonan is widely praised for her 'innocent goddess' aura and youthful beauty, fans of the original work argue that she doesn't fit the specific description of the character.

In the novel, Wen Yifan is described as a 'fox-like' beauty—sharp, stunning, and possessing a star-quality allure that commands attention. Fans feel that Zhang Ruonan's soft and gentle features clash with the character's sophisticated and cold aesthetic. Furthermore, the leaked photos show a styling choice that many deem 'unflattering.' Critics pointed out that the bangs and the somewhat baggy wardrobe make the actress look 'plain' and 'dowdy' rather than the mesmerizing beauty described in the source material.

Comparison photos of Zhang Ruonan alongside Zhang Miaoyi (who plays the male lead's sister, Sang Zhi) have further fueled the fire. Netizens remarked that both actresses look too 'sweet,' making them appear more like two versions of the same character rather than distinct personalities. Despite the backlash, a segment of the audience remains optimistic. They believe Zhang Ruonan’s acting skills will 'breathe life' into Wen Yifan and that her performance will eventually win over the skeptics. The 'First Frost' project, starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, carries immense pressure as it adapts one of Jinjiang’s top-rated novels. Whether the production team will adjust the styling or rely on the actors' chemistry to carry the show remains to be seen. For now, the 'Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan' hashtag continues to trend with millions of views on Weibo.

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