Twenty Five Twenty One (2022)

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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Reality applied unevenly in the story

There has been many many great reviews of the story, so I will add only one that I have not seen anyone mentioned.

I agree that what happened to the main couple, and even the Class President (sorry, can't remember the name) are realistic. Those things happen in real life, even though we don't think great love like that of Baek Ji Yin and Na Hee Do should be like that. However, they are still just young adults. They still have so much to learn and grow.

However, my quibble is with the unrealistic achievements afforded to Yurim and Ji Wong. In real life, people with limited resources, as Yu rim's and Ji Wong's background were depicted, face a lot of obstacle when starting their own business. Passion and skills alone are not going to be enough. Funding is a big one. I can see that Yurim has a better chance to open her fencing school. However, given Ji Wong's family circumstance, where did he realistically get the support and resource to start a company that can buy and sell high quality products? The story would have been much more in line with the desire to be real if Ji Wong had a thriving blog but not a CEO of a successful company after 7 years.

Does it sound like I am salty? Yes, I am. :)

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realistic story

i crying over this best 2022 kdrama ever, i can't move on even after months and never rewatch cause this "congratulations on your wedding" traumatized T_______T but i like kim taeri, bona and nam joohyuk's acting here hoping next project for both of them. my fav scene is when baek yijin break up with na heedo thats hurt so bad and i got a moral message that what is forever close to us may not necessarily be together. even i totally agree that na heedo husband is not published because it will ruin the expectations of the audience including me, better not to know.

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You must watch this drama!!

This story will get you immersed. You'll laugh, cry and be with them until they reach their own dreams. Main cast and other casts are all good actors. They really showed the right emotion every scene that they are acting. One of my fave scenes is when Baek Yi Jin had to sub for the guitarist during the school festival, I feel the scene when Na Hee Do looked at Baek Yi Jin during the stage and Baek Yi Jin smiled and looked back during his times. AAAAAAA I love them so much, all scenes are worth watching! I will never forget the bus stop scene, I cried so much and so many thoughts kept ringing on my head. Also the Full House scenes, fencing matches, beach trip and the nostalgia from 1998. How they meet and how they progressed, the scenes from the tunnel!!! I learned a lot and I relate so much with this drama. I hope you watch it too! :)

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A little jewel

I am truly in love with this drama. And for people who are used to my comments, I never say this.

The thing is, everything about this drama is so poetic and gives you a nostalgic feeling even if you never lived in Korea at that time period or even if you were too young (or not born) to remember how the end of ghe 90’s and beginning of the 20’s were. In that, the drama is very strong.

I won’t say much about the performances, everyone is on point, they don’t over do it and don’t lack in any way. You get attached to all of them. And again this is how strong the drama is.

The cinematography, the music everything is very poetic to me.

What I like the most is how every details matters. Who knew there was an old korean song holding all the meaning of this drama and its ending before you reach it ? And the directing is giving it to you.

If I had to point out one drawback it would not be the end. As I said, if you are ok with the meaning of the song (same name as the drama for thos who don’t know) and the fact that the drama is a time traveling to a forgotten time, the ending is good. So the only drawback I have is the Na Hee do as a mom and the teenager Na hee do are too far apart to me. Of course we all grow up, get wiser blah blah blah but to me there is absolutely nothing similar to old versus young Na Hee do… and it should be important. As we are opening and ending with the old Na hee Do (sorry spoiler), we want the young one to make that bridge that will connect each other and it is missing. I think it was a cast problem.. (maybe).

otherwise, great !

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First Love

The title alone should already warn us of the ending but some didn't take the hint.

Likes
1. The friendship between Heedo and Yurim was my fave part. All their final matches and when Heedo retired 😭
2. Heedo and Yijin's relationship. It was the right love at the wrong time. Maybe if they met in their 30s they could have handled the relationship better.
3. Yurim and Jiwoong's happy ever after is a contrast to H&Y. Despite the LDR they still made it work. Maybe coz they didnt have a lot of issues to deal with.
4. The fashion, the music of the 90s I can relate.
5. I love sports themed dramas so i love watching all the fencing scenes.

Dislikes
1. I think the present timeline wasnt necessary. Maybe because they used a different actress to play Heedo and she had a very different vibe from the younger Heedo. It makes you think what happened to her all these years and how her youth and passionate love shaped her into who she is now but we didnt get any of that. Instead I felt like she only had closure when she found her diary. Who did she marry and was she happy?
2. We also dont see what happened to older Yijin aside from being UBS anchor.
3. I didnt mind the ending, just wish it was stronger and made more impact. But otherwise this was almost perfect.

Rating: 9/10

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I hate to love it

I am absolutely livid at how this show ended. This was one of the best love stories I've seen in a kdrama in ages. I haven't felt so captured by the two lead's emotions and the story as I did in Twenty-Five-Twenty-One and it hurt when you find out that they didn't end up together. The actors and story did such a good job in making the viewer believe in love and then they rip it out from underneath you. I've set the rewatch value at such a low rating because I don't think I can put myself through that kind of pain again. Like I avoid these types of painful situations in my own life for a REASON. I'M TOO WEAK AND WILL NEED TIME TO RECOVER AFTER WATCHING THIS.

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