AsianDramas

Twenty Five Twenty One had been on my watchlist for years, mainly because of how often it was described as emotional and heartbreaking. I kept postponing it, waiting for the “right time.” After finally watching it, I understand why it stayed with so many people. This drama is a beautiful portrayal of youth messy, hopeful, painful, and deeply sincere.
What I loved most was the bond within the group. Their friendship felt natural and lived-in, balancing humor with emotional depth. Yu-rim’s behavior toward Hee-do was frustrating at first, but her growth was written so well that my perspective slowly shifted, making their friendship genuinely rewarding. Seung-wan standing up to the abusive teacher was one of the most satisfying moments, and Ji-ung and Yu-rim’s relationship, especially surviving long-distance, felt more meaningful than simple puppy love.
Hee-do and Yi-jin’s relationship formed the emotional core of the story. Their love grew gently from friendship, and their eventual breakup though painful felt realistic. Careers, timing, and distance often win in real life, and I appreciated that the drama didn’t romanticize staying together at all costs. (And I was proud of Heedo for realising that and prioritising herself. it was painful but glad she didn't stay stuck in the relationship. And realistically speaking given their careers they couldn't have done much unless one of them gave up everything and went with other).
The sports aspect was also handled beautifully. The hard work, discipline, and pressure athletes face were portrayed realistically, including how one mistake or decision can invite public hate and media exploitation. The ending left me feeling both full and empty not because it was tragic, but because it felt real. I didn’t cry over the breakup; I felt the emptiness of saying goodbye. Even the brief glimpse of Yi-jin’s family reunion added quiet emotional closure.


P.S. what felt slightly off to me was the narrative framing. Hee-do’s husband was never shown, and Yi-jin’s future whether he married or how his life fully settled was left ambiguous. Additionally, the story continued even though Hee-do’s daughter only discovered the last diary at the very end, which broke the initial storytelling pattern. These choices didn’t ruin the experience, but they did leave a few lingering questions.