Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Beautiful story to the end, though many will disagree

Let me preface by saying a lot of people will not like how this ends. We watch dramas to escape reality but this one felt true to life. It's beautifully written and brillianty acted. We laughed and cried with characters we've come to love and care about over the course of 16 episodes. This tells the story of friendship, first love, heartaches, and growing pains. It was thoughtfully and poignantly told. The happy ending is a different scenario, not your regular kdrama expectation. Was it trying to be different? Sure, maybe. But the end was true to form for the characters and I choose not to question the writers intent or path taken when telling this story. Will I be rewarching this show? Absolutely. Because each one of us should be able to relate to the story one way or another. Watch it, and dont let the naysayers distract you from missing out on this beautiful journey of Baek Yi Jin and Na Hee Do.

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Life is long but we could only watch Na Hee Do for a mere 16 episodes

So I was watching a Netflix Korea clip on Twenty-Five Twenty-One during which Nam Joo Hyuk was asked his first impression of Kim Tae Ri to which he replied "Wow , that's Hee Do!". And I couldn't agree more. I have seen Kim Tae Ri in her past dramas and movies and I know that she is one of the very best out there. But I think that Na Hee Do's character was specifically made for her. I can't even imagine any other actor playing that character except for her. The way she brings out the character is just jaw dropping. She was just too good. She was innocent like a child for most of the drama but at times she was more mature than Yi Jin. I literally spent the whole drama simping over her.

Looking at the posters of this drama one might feel that it would be a pretty boring drama and all. Don't judge a book by it's cover. The writers have done a great job in writing the characters here. I am truly in love with Na Hee Do's character. Her pure heart and innocence just melts your heart and her confidence just raises the atmosphere. I have seen many dramas but I think that Na Hee Do's character is one of the very best written character out there. Definitely the cutest character out there. And I have seen a fair share of kdramas to be able to just say that.

The another thing that I loved in this drama after Na Hee Do is this drama's female characters and the strong bond between our Main Characters. There was no weak female character in this drama. And I loved it. Na Hee Do, Go Yu Rim, Ji Seung Wan, Lee Ye Ji, Shin Jae Kyung and Yang Chan Mi were a joy to watch. The female characters were already too good at the beginning of the drama but they got even better as the story progresses.

Nam Joo Hyuk's character Baek Yi Jin is also quite well written. But I don't know why he gets these types of characters which are quite overshadowed by other characters.Although his character had a big character development at the later part of the drama. But in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo his character was overshadowed by Lee Sung Kyung's character. Similarly in Start-Up his character was overshadowed by Kim Seon Ho's character. And here it was done by Kim Tae Ri's character. Even though he is quite a good actor and visually appeasing too .Hopefully he gets better characters like these in the near future.

The story gets better with each passing episode and this drama depicts 'Youth'. The chemistry between Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk is off the charts. They lit up the scene just by being on it. They were there for each other. For the very first time I felt a bond so special between two characters that even if they didn't end together I wouldn't be much upset over it. That's how special their bond was. You just can't predict what is going to happen until the very last episode. Do give this drama an eye as I assure you won't be wasting your time.In the end i would say is that all I have is one heart, how many times are you (Na Hee Do) going to win it over.

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A story about growth with some hits and fails, especially in the last episodes

2521 have some good points and it’s really good in the beginning. However, it also have some bad things and the last episodes is a downfall. Well first let me talk about the good things. The characters are captivating, the chemistry between them is beautiful, the montage and photography of the scenes are beautiful too. Also the OST makes the moments even more wonderful than they are. Talking now about the characters, my favorite ones were Yijin and Seungwan. I felt in love with Yijin (and with Joohyuk lol) and I could relate to him a lot, especially in his job with being a journalist. And Seungwan was SO INSPIRING, a badass really. Loved her so much! I also liked Heedo ofc, but she made me angry in some episodes. Jiwoong was a cutie but sometimes forgotten in the story. I hated Yurim in the beginning but she became better later.

About the story, I feel that overall the drama is about character growth before anything. Yijin finally manage to have a financially stable life and he finally reunite his family. Heedo and Yurim following their dreams and doing what they believe is right. Along with of course, Seungwan. The drama for me it was perfect from EP1 to EP13 but I think that in some points, the development of some things just felt off and the drama just lost themselves in the last episodes, it was a mess. Let me talk more about the things I didn’t like that much below.

First, maybe an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t like the whole enemy thing with Yurim in the beginning and their friendship development was poorly done for me. Yurim only apologizing to Heedo AFTER finding out that Heedo was her internet friend sounded extremely bad. It looked like she only regretted being an asshole to her because she discovered the truth, and for me it would been better if she regretted everything before finding that, because her apologies would look more sincere. They tried to explain why Yurim treated Heedo that way but it still wasn’t a plausible reason for me. Heedo just end up forgiving her and they become friends after that and as I am weak for squad and friendships, I just tried to ignore everything because I wanted them to be friends from the beginning. But honestly, for me it was kind off.

Also, I know the couple is not the priority thing in the drama but it’s kind disappointing how they show a lot of scenes of them but we don’t have that much of scenes of them BEING A COUPLE. They only get together in the end of episode 13, we have more focused scenes of them only in episode 15, and in 16 they break up. I was really disappointed with this because the chemistry between the main leads are insane but they took a time to make them finally have 25-21. Actually for me, they spent too much scenes of them still being a minor, I think 10/11 episodes could be enough and then we could have more scenes of them being an adult.

Talking more about the ending, omg, it was such a disappointment. When they showed us the reasons why Heedo and Yijin have to break up, even being realistic, it just felt silly because it could be easily solved. They were always helping each other and then suddenly looked like they didn’t matched anymore and that’s it. Yijin transferring to NY was no sense to me as well. Even Jiwoong and Yurim got together in the end but the MAIN COUPLE couldn’t? Ugh. (PS: I shipped Jiwoong more with Seungwan too lol for me him and Yurim was just meh.)

Idk it just felt like everything was happening too fast in the last episodes. Also, the others characters not appearing in the present time it was so??? It made seem like except Heedo, none of them were important. What happened to the other characters in the present, and especially Yijin? He’s also the main character lol It sucks because it’s a drama so we expect that all relevant characters have a good conclusion. Plus, the drama sell this image of squad, friendship and love but everything just feel like it wasn’t that important in the end. They just make present time Heedo visit the tunnel again, put a scene of young Heedo saying goodbye to Yijin and that’s it? I know nothing last forever but we should have seen more about the characters in the end.

So yeah, like I said, for me the whole thing with 2521 was about character growth and especially about Heedo’s growth. The characters are good and EP1 to EP13 are a masterpiece. I loved! But the development of some characters and the last episodes were poorly done for me. This made a drama that it looked like a 10/10 before, lose some points. Still recommend tho if you like themes such as friendship and growth, but be prepared to maybe be disappointed in the end.

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What might have been, could be...

I have found the acting to be superb in many instances. Most of the characters involved in the main story are essential to the storyline as well as show great capability of conveying the unique and charming aspects of their character. I think that, since I am not Korean, I cannot fully appreciate the way in which these young people feel a need to be fully responsible for their parents. Helping them yes, but its almost a sense of helping to regain their family pride when, by doing so, the completely lose sight of their own well-being. I am trying hard to grasp the concept.
Yi-jin seems to be so depressed and without real confidence that I'm not sure he can be truly what Na Hee Do needs? I have really enjoyed the other relationships developing and, I think its a waste of talent not have had a love interest for Seung Wan. Although I perceive that all along she has loved Ji Woong and has failed to offer up this bit of honesty.
Without going much deeper as to what I think will happen, I do have one complaint that I believe would have made this an even better movie.
A. Movie should/could have had Na Hee Do's daughter searching for her Yi-jin with her father having passed on and, she is reading her mom's journal...the search for Yi-jin and the reunion of Yi-Jin and Hee Do, would have made this the perfect ending.
What to hope for now, as we watch Yi-jin congratulation Hee-Do on her wedding and their wanting looks at one another are way too telling. Bottom line, we shall see!

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“That summer was ours to keep.”

THIS WAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND COMFORTING DRAMA- It made me cry, laugh and rethink important topics of life. It was such a meaningful drama that thought me a lot about family, friendship, the hardships of life and how some things no matter how important are for us at the moment and even in the future sometimes aren´t meant to be more than just beautiful memories. It gave me the opportunity of seeing the growth of Na Hee Do which made me appreciate life and being a teenager, it also made me feel so close to the characters because they showed real emotions and real struggles that we viewers can relate to. On top of all that this drama isn´t just another drama that tells only a love story but tells us so many teachings from being persistent to empath, to never giving up or to even feeling ok with giving up as hard and pressured as it may seem. I know the end may have upset some people but to me, it made everything so much real, the only thing I can point out that should have been done better was the answering of some questions that were left without a response, they just ended it there. Aside from that it really didn´t change my overall opinion on this drama, that it was splendid and a 10/10 easy, I really recommend everyone watching it and to welcome one of the best experiences ever because it will not disappoint.

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The best, purest representation of love shown in a K-Drama

i finished this in one setting- didn't see it while it was airing- really pulled an all nighter spent 16 hours in the diary pages of na heedo, witnessing her youth. and let me tell you what i think.

it was beautiful, nostalgic, heart wrenching and so fucking real i still tear up seeing baek yijin's face because he made the show for me. do not misunderstand heedo definitely is up on my list of best female protagonists ever, i love her to bits but baek yijin. baek yi jin. BAEK YI JIN. the literal definition of comfort, soulmate, love. he loved so purely so deeply so unconditionly and maybe that's why it hurt so much. it feels like i've let go of the love of my life, my first love. but sometimes letting go is the only answer and this is what these two characters- these characters who had the best representation of selfless, unconditional love ever shown on kdrama- did. they couldn't ask the other person compromise themselves just for their love just for their happiness. from the beginning they were each others biggest supporters, rooted for each other going to great lengths just to make things workout for the other person. and maybe that's why they realised the only way things will workout in their lives for a better future was by letting each other go.

sometimes the greatest love you'll ever have is just their to teach you what it truly means to love. and i think if you get to experience even momentarily(21, 25) then consider yourself lucky. na heedo and baek yijin's love was like that. the once in a lifetime kind of love. and im glad they will always get to cherish that time period of their lives in their memories for as long as they live. and i will too cherish these 16+ hours spent of my life witnessing a great love.

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Quality series that is both a bittersweet and nostalgic

Very much a homage to the highs and lows of growing up

The good:
The fencing storyline feels realistic in capturing the dedication and single-mindedness it takes to make it in elite sport. You get to see the injuries, rivalries and external pressures that Yu-rim and Hee-do face.
All the leads characters have their own distinctive personalities and back-stories. You feel invested in each of their journeys and it's an addictive watch.
The balance between humour and seriousness in each episode is for the most part, just right. There plenty of laugh out-loud moments.
The 90s setting is hard to resist complete with pagers, oxford shirts and curtain haircuts.
The romance between the two leads is tender and genuine. The story is about how it develops and grows. Unlike other reviewers I was not as affected by the age gap because I felt it was handled carefully and appropriately.
All the lead actors were great but stand out performance has to be Kim Tae-ri as Hee-do who goes from stroppy and adorable teenager to thoughtful and world-weary adult. Kim Hye-eun is also great as the gruff but caring fencing coach.
The ending, although sad, is reflective of real life. Friends and partners do sometimes drift away and it takes time to accept it.

The bad:
This quite a long critique only because until ep14, this one of the best series I have watched. The issue was not due to the ending but the fact that the final two episodes felt rushed and unfinished. All the comedic moments and romantic nuances suddenly vanished. Baek Yi-jin spent most of his screen time looking depressed but it wasn't articulated in the dialogue.
Present day Hee-do remained vacant and regretful. As the audience it's unclear exactly what the message is. Personally I think this could have been resolved by either:
A) Giving more screen time to present day Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin - show how they have moved on and grown as adults
B) Scrapping this story line entirely and ending with 2009 interview as a cliffhanger

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This Drama Is One Of The Kind.

I don't know where even to begin. One thing is for sure, the 15 episodes if this drama are one a whole different level from many other dramas out there. 2521 set the standard too high and I really hope more dramas are going to be this good.

I probably have never watched anything filled with this much genuine love for life, realistic optimism, tear jerking nostalgia and hearful motivation to have a dream as 2521.

2521 reminds us that it is important to have a purpose in life. It fills us with all the emotions is intended to enwoke and succesfully deliebered everything it wanted to deliver. It is very rare for a film or series to achieve this, to be this genuine and impact the viewers this strongly.

I don't think I could came up with any other kdrama acting duo that had this much chemistry. Tae Ri and Nam Hyuk managed to so believably deliver the feelings and connection their characters had, it's crazy. Their chemistry was one of the most electric and captivating not only in the kdramas, but in the tv series generally speaking. I would put them up there with Joe/Cameron, Fleabag/Hot Priest, Sylvie/Loki, - pairings that just oozed chemistry.

Okay, now let's touch on the biggest, and pretty much the only flaw of 2521. The ending.

My problem with the ending isn't that it was bittersweet. In fact, I'm a sucker for a good bittersweet ending and I had expected it after ep.15.

The issue is that the leads felt really out of character. Also, their relationship was never "inherently" romantic, as time passed, they would've reconciled, at least as the friends. It didn't feel "realistic", it felt forced.

Like, the last episode was the opposite of "realistic" because it was not believable at all. These two people didn't want to let each other go, and they were shown to still harbor feelings for each other in the future. It didn't feel like "things change but life goes on", it felt like "people do things they regret", and I wouldn't have an issue if that was what the writer actually wanted to say, but I doubt that, it just came off as that.

Listen, all that matters in fiction is a good storytelling, 2521 definitely had an exceptionally great storytelling up until ep.16. The thing is, while this fantastic drama's rating shouldn't drop just because one episode, it is tricky when it comes to the last episodes, the bad last ep is going to leave a sour taste in the viewers' mouths. Objectively speaking, the last ep was not written well and not delivered well storytelling wise.

I liked the idea of "they break up to protect the purity of their love and leave only the good memories" but again, didn't came off as that. It didn't feel right and it didn't make much sense and the whole thing had a bad packing.

The 15 eps of 2521 made the drama one of the very best series in the recent years, but ep 16 was rushed and forced.


It was incredibly ironic how it felt like they were forced to part their ways by the outside forces rather than on their own accord.

I would actually say this makes this pair all the more exceptional in the dramaworld. And even generally speaking.

No, the ending was not written well, but the previous episodes seemed to have given the characters so much life that the conflict between what was the authors' intent and the unbelievable sequence of events was too apparent.

YJ and HD's separation would have made sense if they did it to save their friendship, to make sure they can preserve what they had.

And again, it is realistic that people part ways, but it is not realistic that people just give up on those they loved deeply, without really any strong reason.

Unlike many people, I don't really mind HD's husband staying unrevealed, he was never important to the story. What irritates me is the fact that we don't know if she's still married or divorced. She isn't wearing a ring (I think), her daugher is way too invested in her mom and her ex's story without any bitterness, HD's mom mentioning YJ, ect.

I agree that it seemed like the writer was playing something like "what happened to YJ" and maybe throwing confusing details in the future plotline. I personally dislike this tactic because it's only worth anything wile viewing the series for the first time. A good series is as good when re-watching it, and 2521 is most certainly a very re-watchable drama, but the future line, just like the last episode, is a mess and could have been better.

I'm glad they showed us HD becoming a professonal furniture maker instead of a housewife or something though.

Anyways that's it. I'm happy I watched this drama and I will he re-watching it again, maybe just skipping the ending.

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2521 would be one of the best k-dramas to be put out in these few years.

This will be a long review because this show will always hold a place in my heart in terms of being one of the best k-dramas I will ever watch in my lifetime.

The best and main takeaway of this show is the characters and their development throughout the series.
Na Heedo, played by Kim Tae Ri, is a very phenomenal character that portrays a perfect interpretation of everyone's ideal first love.
Baek Yijin, played by Nam Joo Hyuk, portrays an ideal boyfriend, whose love and affection will deeply touch anyone he comes across.

The acting and chemistry between the two were spectacular which leaves me wanting more even after the series ended.

The story and plot throughout the start showcase how the 5 main characters blend with one other and they were very in sync with one another, filling the viewers with nostalgia back in their own early days. The only thing the show did not get a perfect score on was because the chemistry between the two leads was so perfect that anything other than a happy ending will just leave the viewers with a lot of emotional heartaches. However, added points for realism that nothing lasts forever and the way it brings that level of emotion to the viewers despite it being unfavorable and gloomy is something very commendable.

The cinematography was absolutely amazing, with the 90s being explored to new audiences and nostalgic to those that lived through it. The crew did a great job in presenting how things worked in the past and also made it look so stunning.

The OST of this drama was one of the best in encapsulating the mood and the atmosphere within the show, with some being emotionally heartbreaking and some capturing the highs and lows of the typical life of youths. "Your Existence" by Wonstein made me feel like I was floating in clouds.

One of the best dramas that were put out throughout the years, literally going through a drama drought because this show set a very high standard for others to follow. Grab plenty of tissues before watching.

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It's the journey, not the destination

Exquisite series! Twenty-Five Twenty-One beautifully highlights the complexities of young love and growth in a poignant narrative. Without revealing too much, the series delicately navigates the bittersweet journey of its characters as they traverse the highs and lows of their lives.

What stands out most is its ability to capture the essence of young adulthood—the dreams, aspirations, and inevitable challenges that come with it. The relationships portrayed are not just raw and authentic but deeply emotional, showing both the sweetness of love and the bitterness of reality.

Throughout the series, there's a subtle yet powerful exploration of the passage of time and the importance of cherishing every moment.

I would love to watch this show again for the first time.

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A Drama That Forgets Who Their Characters Are

I had really high hopes for this drama starting off with the tone it set very early on. It truly captured the feeling of the late 90s in Korea right from the start while doing an excellent job in tying it all together with real world events specifically the IMF Crisis. Despite the story basically spoiling the ending with the present day being the first thing that was introduced. The way the drama used the journal of Hee Do being read by her daughter in the present day as the way the plot is moved along. The story itself is the average coming of age story and first love with that unique 90s touch to it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the dynamics of the entire cast which fit perfectly together. The friendships, the rivalry, and the way they were able to grow together was excellent, up until a specific point.

This drama fell into a complete rut towards the end the series around Episode 12 when the characters who have had set personalities and motivations became completely different, almost as if the writer forgot who they were or realized that they wanted a different ending so they made the switch. The most notable change in character was the male lead, Yi Jin. He became unnecessarily depressive, nihilistic, and self destructive making brash choices which made zero sense considering past episodes and how he felt. There were two motives for the male lead, to reunite his family and his love for Hee Do, the later was completely forgotten about, even flat out abandoned with his move to New York. Every single choice the he made was completely self destructive which drove a wedge between him and Hee Do. Hee Do's character wasn't damaged as badly as Yi Jin was but the change for her was a complete let off, her main personality was that she was up front and unafraid to say what she wanted and be who she wanted. But around that same time Yi Jin changed, she became timid and afraid to speak her mind.

It's like the drama corned itself into forcing the break up of the two leads with the present day being the first thing that was set in stone and had to force in reasons for the two to break up. Even during the break up it was clear that both leads loved each other still and yet still continued with the break up. Even more salt in the wounds, it is implied that Hee Do herself in 2009 and Hee Do in 2022 did not seem at all happy with her marriage to the unmentioned husband, even mentioning that the husband is away as well which caused her to break up with Yi Jin. All of this took the drama from a solid 9/10 for me all the way down to a 7/10.

Outside of Episodes 12-16, the cast did a fantastic job with their roles with Kim Tae-Ri doing a wonderful job as the female lead. I had never seen anything before with her, but her portrayal of Hee Do made me an instant fan of hers. This was my third drama I have watched with Nam Joo-hyuk being the male lead and outside of the writing done to his character toward the end, this definitely was the best acting he has done so far. I'm a huge WJSN fan so I may be biased when it comes to saying this but Bona was perfect with her portrayal of Yu Rim, the ability of her to switch from the cold rival of Hee Do to her best friend was great. The rest of the cast contributed greatly to the story allowing for great side stories which gave a great look into more unique issues that different teens face growing up.

The OST was perfect with the entire album being so enjoyable. Especially the opening themes and closing credits. Plus whoever did the design of the opening and closing credits deserves a raise. They are the greatest I have ever seen from any drama. The cinematography was extremely high quality and well done.

Overall, the drama felt disappointing on the finish and left me feeling rather empty. It's one of those dramas where I would warn before watching to somebody.

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A masterpiece!!

The beauty of 2521 lies in the innocent yet realistic portrayal of first love with a backdrop of 90s nostalgia. The story captured my heart by portraying love and friendship in such a beautiful way, with a life lesson that not everyone’s first love comes true.

The main lead couple didn’t took bullet for each other or sacrificed their dreams to be together. Their act of love lies in the smallest things like comforting and supporting each other and thats what love is about, motivating each other to grow!! This is the most beautiful thing about their story. The simplicity of it. Their problems were relatable and reminds us of our first love. Like who didn’t once had a crush on someone older then them.I am glad that there was no love triangle. The story was complete in itself and didn’t need a love triangle plot.the 2nd lead couple was also cute and relatable. All characters and their problems were relatable.

Although it bothered me the way our main couple broke up. It kinda felt rushed. and I was hoping for them to meet in the future. Anyhow in a way it taught us about letting go. I am sure many people can relate to it too. It’s not the lovey dovey endings for me but the story that matters.
I am soo glad i stumbled upon this gem of a show. It took me back in time. First love is truly something and
soo is letting it go.

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