It's a beautiful story, with such amazing acting. The actors truly brought their characters to life. This is a show that captivates you, makes you so emotionally invested that you aren't even aware until the tears fall. I cried, laughed, and sat in shock. Words aren't enough to describe the feelings I felt, and continue to linger on. Amidst this immense heartbreak I can't help but still recommend this show and give it high praise for the stunning 15 episodes it gave us.

After watching the 16th episode, I find myself heartbroken, confused, frustrated... a cluster of emotions and no way to make sense of them. One of the things that left me unsatisfied at the end of this series was a lack of closure. The questions I had at the beginning, the questions I imagined answers to as the characters grew up, these questions... never really got answered.

The ending is a heated debate. But I don't want it to discredit the journey. Heedo, Yijin, Yurim, Jiwoong, and Seungwan's struggles navigating their youth deserves more than that. Episodes 1-13 were absolutely gorgeous. From the cinematography, to the outstanding acting, to the build up we were all waiting for between Heedo and Yijin. There is incredible attention to detail anyone can appreciate. Everything, every scene, has significance. It matters, so watch closely. 2521 represents youth in a very relatable way, yet also makes you long and pine for those special, one of a kind experiences.

The escapist part of myself wants to believe it ended there, that day in the snow.

But reality isn't like that (unfortunately, haha...)

(ending spoilers ahead!)

For me, this is the reason why the ending is so unsettling. Heedo and Yijin had such a magical, fantastical relationship that was built up so well. They leaned on each other during the darkest time of their lives, but their romance ended because of mere growing apart? And they reunite on live television, years later? Never to speak again? After something that was founded on strong friendship, unconditional support, "love in all ways," it bothers me that they aren't even friends in the future. And their personalities were shown to be so strong-willed and passionate in their own ways. Heedo giving up on Yijin was never what I would've expected. Yijin not discussing anything with her is also something I didn't expect. It 100% feels out of character. So, that's why their breakup is so painful... it's not really them. That's what made their separation so difficult. They never saw it coming, after the five years they spent by each other's side, feeling on top of the world and invincible. Those feelings are momentary. To put it simply, things change, whether it's over time or in the blink of an eye. Sometimes you can't put a stop to it. It's such a bleak and hopeless realization in spite of the optimism that pushed them through their youth.

I could write so much more about this and imagine what if situations. Yes, there is indeed a world in which their relationship would have most definitely survived. But their downfall wasn't because of their love for each other fading, it was more because of the situation they were in. Their dreams brought them together, allowed them to stick together--temporarily. This is what hurts the most.