And just like that, K-dramas reach a whole new level.
Twenty Five Twenty One feels like a new step for the Korean drama industry in terms of quality and complexity within the romance genre. It is superbly written and acted, and those are the two pillars that the drama depends on.
It is also a very mature take on young romance and life in general, which makes for an ending that will leave a lot of people upset, but hopefully not mad. To me, it represents a new era of complexity in K-dramas that is fresh and exciting, though bittersweet for those of us who like to hope for the nice but predictable happy ending. Either way, Twenty Five Twenty One presents us with an ending that feels like a reflection about life and youth, and the fact that things don't often pan out perfectly. As a fan, I still need some time to make peace with that.
Overall, Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk are absolutely delightful, as well as the rest of the cast. Tae-ri's energy makes not only for a believable teenager but also for a real one. Her comedic timing is perfect and her chemistry with Joo-hyuk is top notch. The scene in which he's dressed in fencing gear with her while tension fills the air around them will always be among my favourite ones in K-dramas.
It's safe to say Tvn did it again.