Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Breath of fresh air from the typical kdrama cliches.

I am relieved that the story was not like typical k-dramas. There was no love triangle, no memory loss and no past connection etc .It was refreshing to watch a coming of age show and 2521 exceeded my expectations.

The main leads had amazing chemistry. I watched 2521 for Kim tae-ri but Nam jo hyuk as Baek ijin stole the show for me. His journey for me was more relatable and challenging. Na-hee-do’s journey was inspiring too but Baek ijin’s journey was full of ups and downs. I am not sure if anyone noticed but ijin is not your typical ML who can’t function without the FL, he is realistic, keeping his love separate from his dreams, he has his own journey. He is not a ML filled with cliches but a vulnerable ML just like a normal person.

I felt every emotion while watching the show.. I cried when Ijin was reading hee do’s diary, when he hugged her in his dream and felt the longing when ijin replayed hee do’s voice message on phone booth multiple times because it comforted him . The break up scene while they hugged each other for the last time was painfull. The friendship between Hee do, yurim, ji ung and seung wan was full of fun moments.
Although I got to admit that i liked 18 year old Na-hee do more than 21 year old hee do. But i loved both 22 year old and 25 year old ijin.

I wanted to see them meet again in the future and I thought they might run into each other again but they didn’t sadly.I wanted to see if Baek ijin was happy. If he had a family like hee do. That part was left to our imagination.

Ps I also do not care who was na hee do’s husband. His identity was not important here bcz his character was never showed in the show and it was not about him. It was about hee do’s first love.

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A good drama after so long :')

I've been watching kdramas for like 13 years and definitely this drama remains as an all time fav and in the top of my list !! All the episodes were engaging and i was fully invested in this drama. The music, acting ,cast was just perfect✨.However, i have mixed feelings about the ending :( i was ready for the breakup and i thought they were actually trying to prepare us for that through episode 15. However, i have so many unanswered question , and feel like the ending could have been executed better:( The ending kinda felt rushed :/. I can understand that them showing the father would not change anything but at least we needed some proper closure :/// Nonetheless, the ending will never change the fact that this was such an amazing drama ☺ This drama owns my whole heart :') I don't think i'll be ever able to move-on :'(❤

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The drama itself tells you how it will end, but we chose not to believe it.

I watched 25 21 knowing that I was in for a bumpy ride because from the very beginning you are given information that shows you that the main characters do not end up together. I don't even know if that is really a spoiler because the show tells you from the beginning that the main character got knocked up by someone else and her kid has no idea who her old boyfriend is. But I and probably a lot of people out there held out hope that we would be proven wrong - that there would be some light at the end of the tunnel.

But there was no light. Instead, we just got an older Heedo alone, saying goodbye to a memory that she had nearly forgotten.

The journey to the heartbreaking end was great. And perhaps because it was so great, the end hit harder. This is one of the shows that gives you a "realistic" ending - no fairy tale, even though everything seemed to work out for everyone but the main couple.

I thought I was fine and that I had accepted the ending for what it was, because I knew a break up was coming from the beginning. It seemed the point of this show was just to remind you how nothing in life lasts and to cherish the moments. However, I woke up in the middle of the night at 4 AM thinking about how this show ended and I actually could feel this deep sadness.

So to someone who hasn't seen this before, I only recommend watching this if you want to feel sad. You will get a high only to have it go crashing down and it doesn't come back.

That being said, I really love the OST.

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My Heart Broke

At the beginning I started to follow the young girl as she reads the diary of her mother. I started to enjoy the story as it went a long. The 2 young leading ladies, I love they were young but smart and competitive. One is doing it for her family and one is doing it for herself. As the male leads get added to these girls life the story becomes more complex and interesting. The actors performance was great and you really could feel the story as the young girl reads from her mother diary in every episode. But then the end happens. You are left hanging (what happen in the present time !, their future !, now !) If they were going to tells us the story of these characters when they where young why not keep the whole thing as they were young in the past until they got to 25/21. Why did they keep bringing us to the present time. They only showed us a 2 characters of how they are now and talk about some of the characters but gave us no glimpse of what happen to them now and then nothing. We are kept with just the memory of the past but not the present. We only know about the FL and her mother but not everyone else. I kept wanting to know did the present FL and ML ever meet again as they are older. What happen with the other FL, did she get married. My heart broke. DISAPPOINTMENT.

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Love and ambition

Twenty Five Twenty One was a beautiful series. It was the story of how two persons shared a first love that empowered them to overcome their challenging and difficult situations in their life. This first love ended. But instead of ignoring their feelings or being bitter, they remembered the special times and how their love supported them both and allowed them to grow as individuals.
It is sad that they could not have ended up together, but they both had strong drives for success and goals to achieve that required them to continue along their separate paths. It was very inspiring and heartwarming to see when Ye Jin interviewed Hee Doo in episode 15 that they could acknowledge their feelings to one another; maybe it was not still love, but it could have been acknowledgement, respect and gratitude. They were both very successful in their fields and knew that could have only happened because they gave up each other. Hee Doo could not have been happy with Ye Jin, if he was a foreign correspondent or the news anchor because he did not have the time that she would have needed from a spouse. Ye Jin would have been very unhappy, constantly disappointing Hee Doo. Their understanding of the need to separate from each other whilst still in love was a very mature decision.
I will remember this series and its message for a long time. The writers were fantastic with the pacing of the episodes and actors did an amazing job in portraying the emotions at each stage.

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The cast definitely carried the show

Okay, before I say anything, I just have to say how I've fallen in love with Kim tae ri, she honestly is so beautiful, she portrayed her character sooooo welllllll
And Nam Joo hyuk, my babyyy has improved so much.
The main leads pairing was the best I've seen this year.
The story was great, the writers did a good job... but it almost felt like they gave an angry five year old to write the ending for them.
I get that things don't always work out or whatever, but the ending was poorly executed (facts).
It just felt sloppy and rushed. The writers wanted our main leads to break up at all costs, that's why they introduced that messy New York story with only a few episodes left in the drama.

I really did enjoy the drama but the ending was WRONG😂

I would definitely recommend this drama a hundred times, the ending wasn't enough to spoil the drama for me, it was THAT good.
The cast, the ost, the scenery, everything was just really magical, I just wish it had a better ending

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You need to laugh in order to forget, and you need to forget in order to live

When I started watching this drama it was with a lot of trepidation as it had been going on for a while and there are a lot of conflicting opinions, I went along anyway. I love everything about this drama, at first it was like watching a cartoon with a really stupid but endearing main character then other characters were added to the story and the result is just beautiful. I loved every episode, all the main characters all, their interactions, the story is so far one of the most beautiful of all the Korean drama I've ever watched, to this story is added a wonderful acting. twenty-five twenty one, through its characters has taught me this:
-Na Hee Do: always believe in yourself even when no one else does, give your all to everything you do especially when you are doing something you love, what others think of you should never affect what you think of yourself.
-Baek Yi Jin: when life gets difficult at times taking a step back is sometimes the best thing to do, not achieving your dream does not make you less than others and living your dream does not make you superior to others.
-Ji seung wan: if we can't change the world, let's not let the world change us either.
-Moon Ji Woon: not trying and waiting for good results is by far the most embarrassing thing to do.
-Ko Yu Rim: when you know what you want in life and where you want to go, even if you get lost and confused on the way, you will always arrive at the right destination.
Some people complain about the ending, but I think it's a good conclusion. Rather than forcing a reconciliation, they preferred to let the characters experience other things that are much better for them. Sometimes the greatest act of love is letting the other go. If it breaks your heart so much that the main couple doesn't end up together, the second couple will make you feel better, they are so cute.
All in all, I recommend this series because it is funny (very), touching, motivating, sad but not melodramatic and inspiring. It's worth being seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

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The emotions I got to know through you

Twenty-Five Twenty-One did all the right things, could have easily been the best show of the year, but unfortunately was not.

The drama is set during the times of economic crisis that hit all parts of asia, where teens and pre adults try to navigate their way through life.

It had great storytelling, hooked us right away with the usage of present reminiscing the past. Also creates a healing and light atmosphere that anyone wouldn't pass on while keeping in mind tragedies ahead of our characters.

Cinematography was everything hereee, caputres 90s korea in such a unique way. The rainbow scene with Hee Do and Yi Jin, just pure eye candy. Music was also a strong point of the show, having 2 different intros was great and wasn't done just for nothing, it creates a good atmosphere in what to expect frip the episode.

A memorable scene of mine is Hee Do trying to solve the math problem in the academy. It was not only relatable(why do academy's do this?) it also the start of the developing relationship of the leads.

I also like the character development in this show, not only was good but also felt natural, admitting past mistakes and insecurities made is believable that characters actually do want to change for the better.

Something this show loves doing is, symbolism and foreshadowing with almost everything. The most prominent ones, which led to our conflicts at the end was Heedo's mother and coach relationship was a reflection of Heedo and YijIn relationship.

It also gives us a lesson to ponder about, how we control and are responsible for everything that happens in our life. Life is the combination of good and bad, in order to reach good, we must be able to tolerate the bad.

Along with that are issues in our society, how people easily believe false rumors and turn your back at any momoent. also how your differently treated based on your wealth and prestige.

Another strong point was scriptwriting and acting, with the combination of both, we are treated with amazingly amazing dialogues that hit the heart.


Pacing was also good until the Ep13-14 where everything goes downhill. gone are the squad moments, fencinng practices, etc and we shift to a depressing repetitive series of episodes. The shift from bright and funny Heedo, to a mature serious one was hard and demotivating in a way, especially as a teen.

Ending also further emphasis on my 1st problem, and if you're reading this then you know exactly what I mean, no miracle for our main couple and the writers insisting on being realistic, smh.

It was as great as the hype it received but prepare for a hugee heartbreak. Overall a great refreshing and light show, highly recommended!

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Happiness

This drama means so much to me... It's been one of the things that makes me happy lately, Na Hee Do is so amazing and she motivates and inspires me so much, is by far my favorite female character of all, 25 21 hasn't even reached the end yet but I can say it's one of my favorite dramas, I don't think I've ever enjoyed a drama so much in so little time. I hope it has a happy ending and I'm very curious to understand what happens in the present tense of the drama and what happened to Na Hee Do and Bark Yi Jin but anyway this has been the best drama of the year for me so far.... ❤️

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❤Nothing Lasts Forever, But The Impact Of This Drama Will.... ❤ 9/10

Extremely Good Writing+Great Acting+Phenomenal Chemistry+Awesome OSTs+90s vibe = 25 21 (MUST WATCH)
..
*SPOILER-FREE REVIEW*
It's a Rare Gem of a drama, It's been soo long since I have loved any Korean drama to give it=10/10...
The Story is Emotional, Endearing, Passionate, Healing.
Kudos to the writer for introducing such a Wonderful Story & Beautiful Characters.
All the Actors suit their respective roles perfectly and they have undoubtedly portrayed the Character Impressively.=10/10
(Kim Taeri said that Nam Joohyuk's Baek Yijin is Different from the Original Yijin) because he immersed himself in his roles so devotedly and gave us a Perfectly Imperfect Character Baek Yijin...
Great Portrayal of Na Heedo by Kim Tae Ri
This show has Awesome OSTs, (my Personal fav being the intro song and Very Slowly)=10/10
**It's totally a must-watch drama**
Every character has a unique element and you don't get bored throughout the drama... I couldn't skip a single scene in this drama(instead kept repeating many scenes, thus rewatch value =10/10) cause each scene is meaningful and important in the development of the Characters...
..
**FROM HERE ONWARDS THE REVIEW CAN BE QUITE MESSED UP** BEAR with ME :P
This isn't a healing drama it's way more than that
More relaxing,
Makes u feel through it,
you laugh with them,
you cry with them,
you get angry at their mistakes,
You feel proud of their Accomplishment...
I don't think Anyone can regret watching this drama...
..
PLOT:
Nam Joo Hyuk Plays the Part of a 21-year-old college student Baek YiJin who had to drop out due to his family crisis, though I don't have much knowledge about the IMF crisis it really must have been hard on those who were affected...
BUT in the dark phase of his life, he met and befriended 18 a free-spirited girl Na hee do (Kim Taeri) who as a friend became his ray of hope brought light to his darkness and gave him the courage to fight for himself instead of running away from his problem.
This story or the relation between Heedo and Yijin is beyond any intimate relation even when they are separated they rely on each other
(Heedo kept listening to Yijin's old recording finding them encouraging and something to miss him by)
(Yijin memorized her number and kept listening to her voice mail and kept going on with his life's tough time)
When the world was against Heedo even her mother didn't help her but Yijin was the only one who came forward and cleared her name...
You only need one person on your side to keep going and for HEEDO AND YIJIN, it was Themselves...
And
Simply
This
Drama
Gives
Us
A
Reason
To
Smile
Foolishly.
..
..
..
..
..
*S.P.O.I.L.E.R..A.H.E.A.D*
Things I Love:
PAST;
The bond between lead is unmatchable
It's really like A Rainbow... pleasing to the eyes
the more fun and cute na hee do is, the more calm and breathtaking Baek Yi Jin is,
They help each other become strong in life and they are always supporting each other even if they were apart...
The impact they have on each other's lives, everybody needs these types of friends in life...
...
Heedo loves fencing, she doesn't force it on herself, she does it because she enjoys it...
Yurim and Heedo are perfect examples of enemies to best friends...
Then our diaper buddies are the support system of this whole drama making it more enjoyable...
every character plays a meaningful part in this beautiful drama...
...
Things I Love:
PRESENT;
I love how Na Heedo's daughter is different from her mother and is way more mature than Heedo was at her age
and how she understands her grandma's feelings and the sacrifices she made...
and I'm very curious about what happens in the present times to all five of them...
...
EDIT: I HAVE STOPPED AT EPISODE 15 AND COULDNT CONTINUE
Cause the last episode has been spoiled for me soo much that I feel SAD watching the finale and I don't wanna cry...TT
..
if I think from a real pov: that's life sometimes we have to let go of people for their own benefit BUT even though it's understandable but it still hurts... Seeing much they cared and loved each other...
it was a damn Fiction Story they could have done it better, just for the sake of viewers who have invested in it BUT no, SERIOUSLY all the drama that are set in the 80s/90s time period gives us such disappointing endings like happy endings didn't existed at that time, they all love and are separated at the end either they die or this... TT
..
BUT A BREAKUP DOESN'T NECESSARILY STOP HER FROM LOVING HIMCAUSE AT THE END THEY ARE THE MEMORY OF HER YOUTHFUL DAYS AND SHE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM AS HER FIRST LOVE AND ONCE A BEST FRIEND...
LOVE YOU HEEDO AND YI JIN...
I'M GONNA CRY WHENEVER ILL THINK ABOUT THEM... TT

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this shit got me on my knees

This is genuinely a piece of fiction that will remain in my heart for a very long time, mashallah. It is a tearjerker in the sense that even the slightest mishaps that occur in the character's lives will bring you on your knees crying as the production regarding the ever-so-beautiful OST, the intimate acting, and the godly cinemaphotography.

STORY 9/10 for the most part of the series was truly something to remember, it is embodied by youth and teaches us many life lessons that will prove useful in our future experiences whether it be romantic, family and passion. However, there were some plot points that were explored in the beginning only to either be brushed away in a 2 minute scene or absolutely left unanswered.

CHARACTERS 9/10 every character had their own story but it was clear our side characters are as they are... side characters;. With the crazy length of each episode, you would think they would dive deeper into our side characters. Unfortunately, they did not bruv, absolutely buggered me. BUTT our main characters arcs are so well explored creating social

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