Twenty-Five Twenty-One

really nice storyline, except for the ending

I actually loved it, the storyline was so friendly and everything was so soft and funny too, though it made me cry a lot when they had to be separated because of Yijin's work 🥲 and I think that moment was kinda disappointing cause I thought they were going to make it work, especially when they both went throught a lot while figuring out their feelings for each other. I feel like it was my least favorite part of the drama, not because I wanted them to end as a couple, but because they really deserved better than that after all. 😞

On the other hand, I really loved the friendship they all had, my favorite one was Heedo's and Yurim's, it was soooo unexpected the way they became friends, and it was super genuine, you can see that when Heedo is one of the first people and almost the only one who supports Yurim unconditionally when she has to leave the country, I guess is there when you realize that even after all the fights they had at the beggining, they forgived each other and became the bestest friends. 💗

Anyway, I guess it was one of my favorites k-dramas, except for the ending 🥲 I didn't like the way it was developed, it could have been better, but skipping that part, it was a really beautiful and emotional storyline.

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EVERYTHING WAS GREAT UNTIL THE FINALE HAPPENED

I was really ready to give this series a rating of perfect 10 because it gave me that fuzzy REPLY 1988 feels, but then the finale happened. I know not all real-life stories have happy endings, and I wasn’t expecting one, tbh. I am disappointed with the execution. And the fact that many loose ends were left dangling. The biggest one of which is the identity of the father of HEEDO’s daughter. The viewers were expecting a twist or a big reveal in the finale – but that didn’t happen. You get the feeling of having been taken for a ride – because ALL the previous episodes were really, really good and were like teasing us to guess who the father is. It’s like they’ve made you invest in the characters and their stories, but shortchanged you in the end.

The cause of the breakup of the main couple was also not well established. So, male lead went to the US to cover victims of the Twin Towers attack. What was not made clear was why he decided to accept the job as a correspondent – and therefore live in the USA – without consulting or at least telling the female lead about it (she had to learn this from other people). And in their breakup scene, HE accused HER of thinking on her own! Really doesn’t make sense at all. Made me want to bonk him on the head. Big minus points for his character.

We were given updates on the other major characters – but up to 2009 only. What happened to them in the present – during the pandemic where the series took off? Would’ve been nice to know.

OVERALL

Despite that disappointing finale though, this is still an impressive series – great mixture of drama and comedy, one that we can easily relate to. The lines are good, very well written. It’s still a delightful experience, all in all. It leaves a special warmth in your heart; the way RELY 1988 did.

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Twenty Five Twenty One is my first true experience in the realm of K-Dramas and I could not have asked for a better start. This show has delivered in many more aspects than I could have ever dreamed. The simpleness of the story, but the rawness of the actors brings together a spectacular slice of life series.

At first I did not like the main lead Na Hee-Do as I felt she was a bit too over the top, but as time went on slowly but surely I started to relate with her and see my own self in her character. Her experience with being an individual with great potential but not acting on it slowly turned into just another talented person that could have been something special. She never backed down from anyone and always stood her ground believing in what she thought was correct so no matter if you like her or not, you would always respect Na Hee-Do.

The maturity shown in this series was refreshing. Even though most of the cast was teenage to twenty years old, they really behaved in such a sophisticated manner. Never taking anything personally no matter how harsh they must have felt it to be, they always thought that there must have been a reason behind it. This speaks volumes to real life in the sense that if you love someone but do not agree with their decisions do you really love that person whole? People do things in life that will benefit them as we are all selfish beings, so why is it that we are always so surprised when it happens directly to us? We think we are special and therefore we should not be betrayed to an extent, but in the other person's brain, it is not betrayal, it is simply making the best decision for themselves.

A compact 16 episodes really tells this story in full. I do not feel like it dragged, or even went on longer than it should have. It was enough… just like friendship and relationships are. Though it might not be as long as you might have hoped, without that person or persons, could you really say you would be the person you are today? So in that sense, was it not worth it?

I feel as though Na Hee-Do’s mothers character is one that can garner some intense views, but personally as harsh as she was I do agree with her. I believe Na Hee-Do would not be the champion she became without the strong womanly presence her mother brought to her. Tough love is not always agreed upon, but it is how I was raised and I thank my mother as well for that. It brings true strength. This one line from her mother encapsulates her character in a whole “ It is not my job to congratulate you, it is to make you worthy of congratulations``. She loves her daughter as most mothers do, but feels that praising her daughter will make her be content with her standing so she does the opposite and never praises her. Forever leaving Na Hee-Do to be in a constant state of trying to win her mothers approval while at the same time bettering herself in the process.

This show is a constant tearjerker especially during the controversial final between the two main women. Seeing Na Hee-Do get comforted in the restaurant by those old men telling her that she truly did win was a fantastic portrayal of grief being overcome. Till then, no one has really congratulated her, not even her mother. Seeing the love she received in the most unlikely of places was beautiful. If that was not enough, we also see that the main male got in contact with the referee and convinced him to get a piece of his opinion on the action. This show is perfect as showing all sides, it brings up a problem and tackles it in such unique ways from all different angles. The relationship between pretty boy and Ko Yu-Rim is also moving extremely slowly but perfectly in the context of the story. Also one of the aspects I love about K-Dramas is how they portray love in such an innocent way. It all starts as friends first and slowly moves further and further as we see both characters are in love but too shy to express it in their own ways.

One of my favorite scenes in this drama is when Ko Yu-Rim is singing and later jumps into the pool. Na Hee-Do is there to watch all this and as much as she might believe she hates Ko Yu-Rim, you could see the worrisome nature in her face seeing the jump. She was genuinely fearful because as much as she might see her as a rival, she still respects her as an individual and a person. The music, the tense but relaxing atmosphere, the sight of Ko Yu-Rim being in her feelings and showing emotion made this scene absolutely unforgettable to me. Both these women are broken, yet found the solitude in fencing. As much as they compete, they do not yet know they are the exact same person. Twins born of different parents even. The next scene is the two women messaging on the chat board yet unknowing that they are speaking to each other. Truly a prophetic moment, two girls with everything in their hands and the world at their fingertips, yet at the end of each day, all they can do is go and message the one person that has been there throughout everything. The one person that they have not even seen in person yet trusts them with all their hard difficulties.

I also love the scene where Na Hee-Do hears two women in the washroom gossiping about Ko Yu-Rim and her family situation. It is at that moment where she takes charge and goes into the stall and attempts to beat up the two girls in protection of Ko Yu-Rim. This is one of the true moments we see Ko Yu-Rim and Na Hee-Do work together and it felt absolutely fantastic to see. Ko Yu-Rim had always disliked Na Hee-Do but after learning that she was the one Ko Yu-Rim was talking to, she does a complete 180 and realizes all of her past mistakes which takes a truly grown person to do. The actress that plays Ko Yu-Rim has great facial emotions. Whenever she is in a sad scene, it really makes the viewer feel exactly what it is that she is feeling. You just can't help but want to give her a hug and tell her everything will be alright.

Seeing the two embrace each other after Ko Yu-Rim confesses she is the online friend is so heartwarming. I just could not help but smile the entire time through. The two girls finally found their platonic soulmate and it is beautiful to see. All that hatred and all that anger at one another just vanishes and it turns to embrace and lovingness.

The second last episode was absolutely heart wrenching especially towards the end. Seeing the differing situations between Yi-Jin and Hee-Do was just setting this show up for a sad finale. Growing up is an occurrence that no one can ever help. You can not ever beat time. We should have known that this would eventually happen to the couple that fell in love so young, but we just never learn as humans. Relationships between humans are the most difficult thing to work out because of them having two fully functioning people. Two smart and in different mind stated individuals.

No one was simply to blame in this couple's ending, if anything it was simply the cards they were dealt. Having to be apart so early in the relationship, and on top of the already difficult long distance was the added agony of both and especially Yi-Jin’s day to day life. He wanted to succeed and in doing so he took all opportunities, but the cost was the life he imagined with Hee-Do. We see when they break up first, that Hee-Do does not even seem like the same person. She is so cold on the outside and has just fully checked out from an emotional standpoint. She thought of all different routes this relationship could go and came to the conclusion that it was a lost cause and there was no way to pick up the already broken pieces.

It gets to a point in some relationships where even if you are one of the people within, you look as a bystander. Some relationships are just not meant to last, and it gets to the point of simply watching either yourself or your partner lose the attachment once felt.

All in all, this show was a great entry and had magnificent points throughout its 16 episode run time. I do believe that it had a bit of a fall off later in the series, but the last 2 episodes were done greatly. Some questions such as how Yi-Jin and Yu-Rim know each other from their childhood, I feel could have been incorporated into the story a lot better. I definitely would not say this show has failed potential as it had a great ending and accomplished what it set out to, but I was not satisfied quite fully after the show ended.

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Never thought another show would affect me so deeply

I've watched many dramas over my five years of getting into the K-drama, but only two have greatly affected me: Goblin and twenty-five twenty-one. From the beginning, I was hooked. The wide array of emotions I experienced was like no other. I felt like I was a part of the journey they were on as characters. I celebrated with them when they achieved their goal, I cried when they cried, I got angry when they were wronged, and I felt the love yi jin and hee do had for each other. This is why this show was just excellent because I was fully invested in every moment of the episodes. Additionally, I cannot forget to rave about the soundtrack because my god, was the music phenomenal. After the last episode aired, I felt empty and lost because I no longer had 2521 to look forward to. Nam joo hyuk really outdid himself in this role. He fully embodied the character, Baek yi jin. Kim tae ri is one of the best female actresses ever. In each performance she tackles, she does exemplary. The rest of the cast did excellent jobs as well and I don't think any other actor or actress would have been able to make the characters as successful as they were. My 2521, you have left an impressionable scar on my heart that can never be replaced by any other show. I'm always proud to say that I got to experience phenomenal dramas such as Goblin and 2521. I recommend everyone to watch 2521!!!!
P.S. I don't claim episodes 15 and 16 because of what happened. Like really writer-nim!!???

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Inspirational! Exciting! Great cast! But...dragged on after ep13

"This show was a visual feast with its vibrant cinematography and skilled direction. The ensemble cast delivered outstanding performances, evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia for the 80s. Despite not being born in that era, the series sparked in me a desire to travel back in time and take up fencing myself.

Initially, I intended to have it play in the background, but Na-Hee Do's character captivated me with her persistence, fighting spirit, and personal growth. Moon Ji-woong injected humor into the narrative, while Ko Yu Rim and the remaining cast members offered average performances. However, there were several storylines that felt completely unnecessary. The series could have reached a satisfying conclusion by the 12th episode; the extension only diluted its impact.

Two specific narratives left me questioning their significance. Ji Seung-wan dropping out of school to raise awareness about corporal punishment seemed weakly executed. By the series' end, it became evident that this arc had minimal influence on the overall storyline. It felt like a two-episode tangent that lacked substantial relevance.

Similarly, Ko Yu-Rim's family struggles initially provided depth to her character, emphasizing how backgrounds can both motivate and burden individuals. However, the exaggerated portrayal of her father's car accident and the subsequent financial strain felt unnecessary. The lack of development for the injured character and the exaggerated circumstances made this arc feel drawn-out and tiresome.

Moreover, the sudden shift in Baek Yi-jin's behavior towards Na Hee-Do after her confession of love seemed jarring and poorly executed. The ensuing two episodes seemed misplaced and could have been omitted without affecting the storyline. His decision to change departments later on raised questions about why he didn't make that choice earlier.

Overall, I'd rate this series a 7/10. It had the potential for an 8, but the inclusion of unnecessary subplots that extended the show to 16 episodes detracted from its quality."

Hopefully, this captures your thoughts and organizes them in a clearer and more polished manner!

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An enthralling emotional roller coaster.

This is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review for a drama. It was that good.
[This review contains SPOILERS]

I had no interest in fencing initially, but I loved how the series depicted Na Hee Do's endeavors in the sport and its impact on her development as a person over the years. It takes more of a backseat in the second half, which is a little unfortunate. I loved the focus on fencing in the first 8 or so episodes. I especially loved Hee Do and Yu Rim's encounters, and how each fight differed from the last both in stakes, and atmosphere and signified the evolution of the characters and their relationship throughout the series.

The character development in this series is exquisite. One of my favorite aspects of the show is Yu Rim and Hee Do's friendship. Their festering mutual resentment made the show genuinely uncomfortable to watch at some times. But the evolution of their relationship over the course of the series was a delight to observe. From admiration to resentment and hatred, to love and understanding. It was a long and painful journey. But the destination was worth it.

Na Hee Do's character started out as annoying for me. But her energy, ambition, and stubbornness are infectious. This drama is her coming-of-age journey, and it is quite a ride. From her journey in the fencing world to her personal relationships, hopes, dreams, ambitions, disappointments, and heartbreaks; this series takes us through it all. It was a pleasure to watch her face life's curveballs with unwavering determination and sheer indefatigability and transform as a human being throughout. Her character was well crafted, and Kim Tae Ri was amazing in this role.

Ko Yu Rim might just be the second best-written character in the series. Her thoughts are conveyed transparently in her conversations with Hee Do, from which we can get to learn about her as a person. I thought she was gonna end up being the typical rival/ bitter enemy character who's just an ass for no reason. But I loved that the show humanized her instead of going along with some dumb K drama trope. With her family dynamics, relationships and ambitions, there was considerable depth to her character. She suffered a lot, but endeavored earnestly and earned her happy ending. Her going to Russia was probably the only thing that was stupid about her character. Not the idea of changing countries to earn some extra cash. But a post-collapse Soviet Union offering more money than a rising economy like South Korea for something as obscure as fencing? Funny.

Yi Jin was a little pathetic initially, but I liked how he learned to be better over the passing of the years. His family life and past were potential subplots that were completely ignored, so that was a shame. I think his story was a bit too focused on Hee Do. He didn't seem to have much of a life outside of things that directly or indirectly concerned her. Regardless, he's a better than okay ML. The other two members of the gang, Seung Wan and Ji Woong were cool, but they were underutilized as characters. I would have loved to see more of DJ Wanseung. Well, at least she had an arc of sorts and we get some decent conversations involving her and the other main characters. But the only thing we know about Ji Woong is that he likes Yu Rim. That's it. So, he was a bit of a plot device. Really enjoyed the chemistry of the gang. They had some great times together and it was a joy to watch.

This show takes place in the present and tells a story that starts more than two decades in the past. However, the Hee Do of the present nor her child contributed absolutely nothing to the series. We didn't get to catch up with Yi Jin and the other members of the gang either. Thus, I can't see the point of its narrative style. The whole point of telling a story from the future is to build a connection to the past and foreshadow certain events, maybe even spoil them to some extent to pique the interest of the viewer. That's not what happened here. The only purpose it serves is that it spoils a bunch of important events.

I don't remember anything from the late 90s and very little about the early 2000s. Regardless, the series portrays an authentic atmosphere of that period, with retro technology, automobile, food, events, fashion, and whatnot in a refreshing manner. Not super relevant when it comes to the plot or the characters, but that was a nice touch.

The romance between Hee Do and Yi Jin- It was short, but it gave us a lot of lovely memories. I already knew about the outcome of their union so it wasn't a surprise, but I still failed to brace myself for the emotional impact I was in for. Probably the best breakup I have ever seen, which isn't to say I wanted that to happen. The ending.. I loved it. It was bittersweet but memorable. I thought the breakup itself was a little forced, but it was impactful. And it's not incoherent with the rest of the show. The flashbacks that show their memories are edited so beautifully and timed perfectly to accentuate the emotional impact of the events. A truly heart-wrenching finale. It's sad that they broke up for good, but even sadder when you realize the fact that after all that, they were never a part of each other's lives in any capacity. The flashbacks and their final interview really highlight that fact. Also, the shoelace tying scene. That was heartfelt.

I love the music in the show. Love the cast. How Kim Tae Ri can simultaneously look like a late 20's woman and a schoolgirl is beyond me, but she was fantastic. Nam Joo Hyuk, Bona, and the others as well.

I'm not an avid K drama fanatic. I'm an anime/ video games/ Western TV guy. When it comes to entertainment, the things that I love leave a feeling of bittersweet emptiness when I finish them. It's a pain that I relish. The more I like a work of fiction, the more intensely I feel the emptiness in my heart after I complete it, knowing I'll never experience it for the first time again. I've liked other K dramas before, but this is the first time I've felt said emptiness. This was an awesome show. Take it from someone who's not generally into dramas.

So.. What does this show leave us with? 2521 illustrates the ephemerality and preciousness of passionate love and friendships in youth. I think its message is that some people may only be part of your life for a short period, but the times you spend with them are priceless. Cherish those moments, so that even when you are no longer in each other's spheres, you don't regret thinking "What might have been." Improvement in your craft isn't always linear. Keep going even when you hit a wall if you truly enjoy it. Disappointment, frustration, and heartbreak are all part of life. But you can't let any of them break you. Is it better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all? The writers certainly think so.

This show left me with a lot of memories and feels. I will fondly recall its many amazing moments, with a bittersweet pain in my heart, slightly bleary eyes, and a faint smile.

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Quite possibly my most favorite kdrama

Well, this is gonna be hard for me to be objective so I think I'm just gonna straight up subjective :)
One of the best things of this drama is the feelings and thoughts that it lefts after you finish watching. You will be absolutely overwhelmed with sadness, uncertainty, frustration but at the sametime hopefulness, bittersweetness, nostagia and content. Your heart will sunked when you're coming to accept that the couple could not find a way back together in the future. In the vast multiverse, surely there will be countless one where there's a happy ending. However, I respect the the writer's decision to explore the bittersweet of life and the human nature in accepting and living with the consequences of their own action. The outcome of their relationship is logical considering their own choices. It's disheartening that Ji Yin's profession is the one that caused Hee Do so much trauma in her childhood, although it's one of the trait that attracted her to him. It's fortunate that they come together in a time that they most needed each other, being each other's motivation and drive for all future success. However, it's unfortunate their relationship began when they're both too young, too under prepared for all the hardship that came their way. In this sense, the writer have done a fantastic job cultivating a tight-knit story portraiting love and life.
The casting for Na Hee Do is perfect. Her performance is off-the-chart when representing an student athlete who is reckless, driven, stubborn and full of positivity.
I would like to thank the cast and crew for all the hard work that they put into the drama, amidst post-pandemic. Their effort and love to this drama is clearly shown in each scene that I watched.

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Tragic

The first 10 episodes of this show are truly amazing. Episode 6 was one of the most well written episodes I've ever seen and was executed so perfectly.

The fencing themes in this show are honestly where it thrives the most, I think the strongest characters are Hee do and Yo rim and their stories are told so well. Their dynamic in the first half of the show is so interesting and honestly heartbreaking to see and their development as a partnership is a joy to watch. The messages sent to the audience through the fencing in this show make it all feel necessary and worthwhile as opposed to a useless gimmick to drive the story.

The show is at Its best when the group is still in school, because as soon as they graduate, everything turns upside down. The characters fall apart and as an audience member you fall apart with them. This drama was one that gave the characters adversities and you watched them overcome them, they were dealt a bad hand and the flipped it, especially Yi Jin. But as soon as episodes 13-14 roll around it becomes one sad story. You see Yi jin fall into a whole and he doesn't even try to get out of it.
He even volunteers to stay in it, which I struggle to understand why to this day.

The ending to this journey is extremely tragic but honestly I found it beautiful, first loves are just that, they are first loves, they got each other through the most difficult time in their lives and they are both respectful and grateful for that.

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What if it did all work out, for at least a few golden years?

The nostalgia and and wistful longing is painfully strong in this drama. Targeted at adults, it explores common what ifs from teen-years:
1) What if the popular, cold bully in high school turned out to be my best friend?
2) What if that handsome older guy who I have a huge crush on, actually was pure of heart and waited for me?
3) What if I actually could be world class using a talent from my teen years?

Credit to the show, not all of these "what ifs" end up happily.

With the world we live in now, it is painful to look back on such golden times and this emphasis adds another layer of emotional connection for the viewer. Credit to actually honoring the professions featured (fencing and reporting) and not just giving superficial treatment to cut to the romance bits. I was inspired enough by the show to checkout some fencing on YouTube!

The acting for Na Hee-Do is a bit over the top at the beginning likely to create a believable teen and leave room for growth. By the third or fourth episode, I thought Kim Tae-Ri settled into the role wonderfully, and I became extremely attached to her character. Baek Yi-Jin is played a bit more subtly, and I must say Nam Joo-Hyuk at this point has had a great career of portraying angst, protectiveness and 'holding back' strong emotions.

I really really liked two of the songs on the soundtrack which is rare for me for a modern drama. I especially liked Your Existence by Wonstein and Very, Slowly by Bibi.

I grade on other criteria as well:

Complex Themes: 7.5
Sometimes life does not go as planned, but the journey can be one to remember. Make sure you cherish those who care and support you. Plateaus happen, but just around the corner could be the success of your dreams. Relationships can be work yes, but they shouldn't make you feel like your life is on hold.

Character Growth: 7.5
Na Hee-Do is the guiding light and has strong moral convictions at the start and doesn't so much grow as come to terms at the very end with the lesson that not everything can work out through sheer determination alone. Baek Yi Jin is the one who grows from being cynical and entitled to being inspired by Na Hee-Do to be more earnest and to seize life.

Complex roles for women/between women: 9.5
There's excellent roles for women and amongst women especially the complex relationship between Na Hee-Do and her mother, and the friendship/rivalry between Na Hee-Do and Ko Yu-Rim. Both allow for a mix of complex emotions and resentments and a lot of screen time.

Cinematic/Production Quality: 9
Excellent as we've come to expect from these dramas with a fair amount of outdoor shooting and a good amount of different sets. Some experimentation with framing scenes in interesting ways such as from the back. The fencing scenes were top notch.

*** A note on the age difference portrayed. I am disappointed the focus of the story is in the ages where the romance is squicky and inappropriate e.g. Na Hee-Do is in school, living with her mom, and in a completely different development stage than Baek Yi jin.

In addition, in real life, older guys who can't make it in the real world and come back to their hometown to hang out with teenage girls are huge, walking red flags.

As the actors were actually much older, and there was a big emphasis on slowing the romantic part of their relationship until Na Hee-Do was more grown up, I wasn't so offended by the inappropriate ages that I turned it off.

However, just focusing the show on a couple years later would have made this much less problematic without sacrificing much.

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Could have been so perfect

Till episode 14, this was going to be my new favourite drama. It was one of the most beautiful, hopeful, genuine dramas I had seen with extremely loveable characters and a pair of leads whose relationship transcended the limitations of words such as friends and lovers. They were soulmates and I don't say it lightly. It was a perfect 10/10. And then came the last 2 episodes which ruined it all. It was the definition of crash and burn. I don't mind sad endings at all as long as they make sense and this one was just senseless. The headstrong girl and the gentle boy who loves her above all else, just turn into completely different people and it seems to come out of nowhere. Their actions and decisions don't make sense. These two people, who loved each other through time and distance, don't fight for their love at all?? Don't even reconnect and rekindle their connection later? Lead miserable lives full of regret without each other??? What nonsense. I understand the themes of "fleeting beauty of youth" and "nothing lasts forever" but other couples get a happy ending but not these two?? Yeah, no, that's not realistic no matter how many people say it was. And the adult scenes seemed pointless.

Lost all it's rewatch value because of that ending. Nonetheless, except for the last 2 episodes, it is one of the best dramas out there. The acting throughout was phenomenal, especially by KTR and NJH.

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