Twenty Five Twenty One

Mostly About The Ending.

Twenty Five Twenty One broke my heart into two. Not like the first K-drama I watched, My Girl (2005), which had me ugly crying for days. However, it left an incredible impression on me. This drama left me thinking so much about the ending and why the relationship ended the way it did. After I finished the drama, I started reading reviews online and it left me feeling that the ending needed to be that way.
Na Hee Do and Back Yi Jin found each other and became the most important people for each other. They each gave support to one another and pushed one another to become what they dreamed of being, for Na Her Do's case. It is truly a story of recollection of Na Her Do's most important period of her life. Through Bak Yi Jin, she was able to be the Gold Medalist worth making her late father proud. She became a carpenter because of the advice that Bak Yi Jin gave her. Back Yi Jin was able to move through a difficult part of his life and became a great reporter in the end.
Their support started platonic and as they grew together, eventually became more. However, because of their careers, they drifted apart. Towards the end, their needs differed and they were not meeting eye to eye. I have no doubt they truly loved each other, and many say that there was more that they could have done to be with each other. But in that case, that would have made everything that they worked for and supported each other for seem like it was for nothing. They supported each other from the start and still support one another, from afar, even though the relationship reached its ending.
Don't get me wrong, the drama is not without flaws, but I wanted to give my point on why the ending is great in my opinion. It was a great chapter of her life, but one that needed be closed for Na Hee Do to be the person she became in present time. At least that's how I view it.

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Live in the moment, cherish them and have no regrets!

Beautiful! Spectacular depiction of what real life is. Life struggles and achievements are beautifully shown in different personalities. Sorrow, pain, struggles are all parts of growing up. Parts of LIFE!
I adored every second of this drama. Especially the friendship. Love how the episodes gradually makes you feel all kind of feelings. It’s true you can learn and understand a lot from kdramas. I would suggest everyone to watch this well written masterpiece.
Last but not least this was HEARTBREAKING BUT BEAUTIFUL WHILE IT LASTED.

안녕, 스물다섯 스물하나
(Goodbye, Twenty Five Twenty One)

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A quality drama with a controversial ending, but ultimately worth the watch.

WARNING: this review is going to contain some spoilers.

At first, I agreed with the outraged reviews around the ending. But now that the initial emotion has worn off, I'm a little more at peace with this finale. I don't have an issue with the outcome of the pairing itself, but I do still think they should've executed it differently (there are countless other ways I can think of that would've given me more closure!!), and that might have alleviated a whole lot of anger and betrayal that everyone's been feeling.

But ultimately, this story is a tribute to youth. When we're 18 with the world in the palm of our hands. When we're 18 and we feel like time is ours for the taking. When we're 18 and we think our today will be our forever. It's a frozen snapshot in time; a first love that endures long after it's ended, immortalised in old worn photos and creased diary pages. That was what this drama sought to capture, and they did that to perfection. This was sophisticated storytelling - an elevation of the coming-of-age genre to a level that I haven't seen another youth show before 2521 achieve. I felt the highest of highs and the lowest of lows with this drama, and to that, I have to credit the quality of the storytelling - the writing, the directing, and the acting, all somehow coming together to create a magical synergy that made this drama glow and pulse with life.

Episodes 1-13 and 15 were more perfect than any drama has ever been for me, and I've been watching dramas for over 13 years now. Episodes 14 and 16 were the hardest to get through, and reviews might tell you that it's no longer worth watching because of the ending, but I do believe that if you go into this show knowing what to expect, this will still be a magical watch, and the heartbreak will still be worth it. It's been a privilege watching Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin grow together and love each other these past 16 episodes. My heart still hurts for them, but as Adult Na Hee-do once said: "Nothing lasts forever. Everything flows away. And that's not always a bad thing."

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The story with a more realistic ending

The time we spend being reckless with friends and passionate about life would end up being one of the best memories of your life and at the same time, it would also be the one to pass by most quickly - well, that is what this series is all about. I can't help but loving all the story buildings for both the main leads and their friends throughout the entire drama. To have such amazing support and motivation by your side just when you hit the bottomless pit of your life is simply a miracle and a huge blessing. I loved how beautifully NHD and BYJ grew alongside each other as their life progressed and at the same time, how delicately they expressed their love for each other just at the right time - it felt like all of it was meant to be.

But then, in the end, I just couldn't absorb their breakup really well. They have been good to each other, grew and motivated each other, GENUINELY LOVED EACH OTHER and then got separated just like that? It's just sad that they felt that letting go was easier than holding on after all these time. After all these time of endless laughter, happy moments and endless dreams, it was easier for them to let go of each other instead of working hard enough to stay in each other's life.

As I was watching the end of this drama, I was getting my heart broken little by little and just to think of that, for most people in the world, they do not end up being with the person whom they truly love was even more of a painful realization for me. I understand that they didn't want to feel sorry for each other after one point, but was letting go really worth it?

Anyways, I would highly recommend the drama for its good feelings and (to some extend) a realistic ending for viewers who are looking for a good drama. You won't be disappointed but you'll definitely have an emotional roller coaster ride! :)

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My first 10/10 kdrama

That's right, after watching 21 dramas, this show is my highest rated one. There is everything to love about this show, with few to none critiques. This show has so many fun and emotional scenes, and it highlights the beauty and fleetingness of youth. Just to be clear, this show is a story, as in a chapter in the past. It is clear that is the case in the first few episodes. The characters are no longer in Hee-Do's life. That is why I was confused why everyone hated the ending, because it was a really great ending. But for my non spoiler part of this review, this show had it all. It was a sports, romance, coming of age drama all in one. It also was one of the best friendship dramas I have seen. Fantastic character chemistry with really fun moments that make you feel young and like you are the characters made this show so special. Also a phenomenal OST of both fun and emotional songs really made this such a well rounded show that absolutely everybody should watch. This show was never slow, and often times really exciting and emotional. I could not wait each Saturday and Sunday morning to watch the new episodes, so to anyone considering, please watch this Twenty-Five Twenty One.

SPOILER TIME: The ending was meant to read us the final lines in the Yi-Jin chapter of her life. We knew it would not be a happily ever after ending because the daughter did not appear to know a lot about Yi-Jin, meaning he was not the father. Also, we do not always need a happily ever after, they are fun but sometimes predictable. This was a nuanced ending, a bittersweet if you will. This show in its entirety was Hee-Do's reflection on a story of beautiful friendships, her first love, and the end of her youth. I know the ending did not tell us who her husband was, but it kind of did not matter. He was a random person, and we kind of already knew that. I would rather them not have spent time explaining who the random person was when at the end of the day, he was just a random person. I would much rather spend the last episode seeing Ji-Woong and Yu-Rim get engaged, and see how Yi-Jin and Hee-Do ended their story.

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Couldn't stop my tears...

I usually like dramas with bad endings but how should I say... I wish it was a good ending. I mean in some ways Baek Yi Jin was the reason of their ending. Even though I loved him so much, how could someone decide to move to another country without asking his partner? If there is love, there must be a communication. That was their problem for me. But even from the start we already knew they've been broken up ages ago.

Overall, it was a great drama except the ending. I cried, laughed and felt the friendship I've never had. I just wished to see all of their adulthood. How was their relationship-friendship in the future, did other couples got married etc.

All the actors were awesome. They all carried acting in to a different level.

Hope to see this kind of dramas (but with better ending) in the future.

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Will always have a special place in my heart.

It was a beautiful journey right from the first ep to the last. I laughed when the characters were silly, I cried when they were in pain, I was determined towards my aim watching the characters strive for their future, I was motivated by their avidity for their passion and learnt what it actually means to be happy. This drama went right through my heart.
The ending hit me with a strong message that the awful and joyous times we experience in life will be a precious memory in the future and it will complete our life, eventually.

I like how the story goes back and forth from the present to the past and vice versa. It makes the storytelling more engaging. Sometimes, this way of storytelling also leaves a remarkable takeaway for me; don’t worry too much, the sadness/mistakes we make today will going to be just okay someday and we’ll learn something from it.

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I liked the ending...

I know that a lot of people have to say about the ending, a lot of people say that the ending was either rush or it just wasn't the result they wanted. But looking back at my comments and my prediction from the beginning of the series, I wanted this type of ending or at least really similar. My prediction was that they weren't going to be endgame and they were going to standing on their own and different side of the screen in present time. In this case they kinda were but not in reality and not in the present. Let's go down to the pros and cons.

PROS: I really like the story, how it was played out. The idea of the reporter and a fencer, and etc. I also liked how each character got its own background, we get to see each character grow and how their upbringing got them to where they are now. A lot of people are sorta iffy about the whole present and past thing, but I think with that it allowed speculation between the watchers. I think the quality was really good, a long with the ost. It was a pretty standard netflix kdrama. I really enjoyed the fencing scenes and the friendship. The fencing was well done that made me want to watch it, and even though Hee Do did not get to go through the same pain that BYJ went, though we saw it I was kinda glad about that.

CONS: Like I had said in the beginning I liked the ending, however I do understand people frustration of it feeling a little rush. I like the open ending but it did feel rush and felt like it could've been done a lot better. Thinking about this now, I know that people wanted to see BYJ in the present time, but I think it was an okay idea to keep him out of it so that it followed the story of like its in the past, nothing lasts forever. However seeing him the present if they were to do it I think a talk with BYJ and the daughter explaining their love story and why it ended would've been good, instead of having the book store owner give the book, have some interaction or something. I think also the ending of the House manwha was kinda just let go, i wish they continued it and I also believe that for some reason during the romantic scenes after they were together felt a little weird ish.

I really did like this drama and would recommend for those who don't want a full on romance drama but a lot of friendship and family.

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its just so beautiful

Im not going to lie i felt exhausted after watching 4 episodes because of how much i hated a character (still did) but i continued anyway.. That explains why i need a month just for 16 episodes. Many people complained about the ending but yeah realistically not every plan can goes according to how you wished it would go. The ending is beautiful enough if u think about it. Everyone is succesful in their own career and are able to chase their dreams (except for yijin, but at least he has a stable job now). Yes they loved each other, and yes they didnt end up together but what about it…

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A MUST WATCH DESPITE THE ENDING

Given all the moments that made me irritated, which also shows how much I truly LOVE this show to be so involved in their characters and their lives, shows what a STELLAR show this was. I do think the ending could've been better though.

PROS:

1. I still keep thinking about the intimacy of the scene when they had a match together in episode 4. When he first saw her in her gear, his appreciative gaze and respectful attitude was so sexy, and when he got curious enough she made him wear some man's gear, which of course looked like it was made for him. But when she helped him put it on, that quietness felt SO natural and sexy and organic. And the way he was looking at her then...GOSH.
Their match was as expected, and then when she looked at him afterwards, that realisation was amazing.
2. Another scene I cannot forget, after the intimate and sexy match in episode 4, is the beautiful snowflake scene in episode 5.
Each second the scene got better and better, first they transitioned so beautifully, and that MUSIC WOW, and THEN looked at each other, THEN they both reacted to that man calling her out, AND THEN he pulled her to him AND THEN THEY LISTENED TO EACH OTHERS MESSAGES.
I love this supportive and soulful relationship.
3. I also can't help but swoon over when they walked under the rain with an umbrella and reached her hotel, I couldn't help but swoon over how NJH conveyed his feelings with his eyes, the way his eyes shone when she was doing what she was doing. He stood perfectly still even as she turned around, because he knew she would climb back down the stairs! He knew she wanted to spend more time with him, and he was allowing it, he allowed her to lead their relationship pretty much, because he probably realised then he couldn't help but return her feelings as they were too strong. His conversation with her 'ex-boyfriend' was telling, he wanted what was best for her, and finally he believed that he could be the best for her!
4. Then their kiss, the anticipation, the tension, that moment was amazing, and the way she clarified her feelings right afterwards, because she knows him and probably spent ages thinking of possible reasons why he wouldn't return her feelings, and came to the (right) conclusion that he was simply doing it to protect her.
5. And then when he sent the patrolman on the road just because he knew she was going to go home alone at night, my heart melted.
6. Also how he keeps protecting her in a non-oppressive way, simply to protect her from the harm that she may not be able to see, not because she's incapable but because she may be blindsided, was so sexy of him, even when they were breaking up.

CONS:
1. That ending was sloppy and rushed and inconsistent with each character of the show, it really feels like they changed the writer after episode 13, to the point that the actions of each of the characters didn't necessarily make much sense.
Until then the theme of the show was that everyone choses a different path in life and sometimes life chooses a path for you and that's okay.
2. But there are many odd things I noticed about their behaviour after the random accident in ep 13, how NHD was insistent on getting into a relationship initially yet somehow regretted it as she noticed the similarities in him to her mother (that's because of his job which you already knew which everyone told you to be careful of!), and then when she was shown to be tenacious and optimistic, but somehow turned their relationship into wanting someone to be there for her, even though she herself keeps travelling and doesn't really stay in a place for too long?
He was in a very dark place mentally and she wasn't really there for him as even a silent support, he was covering a tragedy and she wasn't patient enough to see through it and maybe give him one chance to get therapy and work on himself (and that airport scene when she just left his bag carelessly? No.) before breaking up with him.
3. The reason for their breakup makes sense, but it was a surprise to me that she saw it happening very early on, that means she was expecting to be separated from him anyway, and that the tragedy and his lack of attention simply fast forwarded things. Also from his behaviour maybe he had already given up on her but then he was wanting for her to get back together with him? Idk that just confused me.
4. That breakup scene was emotionally charged and very well acted, but the actions afterwards, with somehow fate bringing her diary back to her, and then him actually remembering her as his first love, also the whole interview with the lack of personal questions which he insisted on, and her left side being better which she insisted on, just SCREAMED to be explored and expanded and explained and continued. It made no sense otherwise tbh.

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Beautiful plot, cast, and OSTs - but a very questionable and painful ending...

If you don't count the ending, this is one of my favorite dramas of all time. It's such a well-rounded show that covers topics from all different aspects of life - personal growth, friendship, rivalry love, youth, family, and more. I found myself relating to a lot of the characters in many ways and felt motivated and inspired about my own dreams and life after finishing this drama. Every episode left me with a tear-stained face, whether it was from happiness, sadness, or anything in between.

OVERALL PLOT:
The plot was set up for every character to shine, fail, and grow. There were so many challenges that each character - even side or supporting roles - struggled with and overcame that only made them an even better character by the end of the drama (minus the last 2 episodes lol). Not every character gets their chance to go through that kind of progression all within 16 episodes, but the fact that 2521 made it possible is one of the reasons why I loved the show so much.

I enjoyed how romantic love was not an overly consuming theme in this drama. The main leads had a healthy, reciprocating relationship and aspirations in life that were equally as important. This made the plot more admirable and realistic in comparison to other dramas where couples would do literally anything for love. I found myself feeling inspired and motivated watching Hee Do and Yi Jin lift each other up during hard moments and wholly enjoy each other's presence during happy times; their love was so pure, selfless, and wholesome. Up until the last couple of episodes, I really believed that their relationship was what every couple should strive for. I also appreciated how the writers planted the couple's first kiss towards the end of the drama; it just further reinforced how pure their love was, and made the wait for watchers like me SO worth it. Man, that kiss had me shaking in my boots - the buildup to it was just *chef's kiss*.

The strong emphasis on friendship and fencing rivalry also presented more opportunities for character complexity and development. I loved watching Hee Do and Yu Rim go from enemies to the most supportive besties. Their Madrid fencing competition was one of my favorite scenes of the show.

Hee Do's relationship with her mom is one of the most realistic portrayals of what Asian families can be like. She wasn't just a naggy mom who would only lightly scold her child. She was straight up unsupportive, abusive, and unforgiving to her only child because she was struggling with her own trauma - and we saw how deeply it affected Hee Do. It's ugly, painful, but real.


ACTING:
I loved the cast's acting, but I especially want to express my love for Kim Tae Ri. This is my first time watching her acting and I was truly blown away. She embodied Hee Do's strong spirit, quirky and cute humor, and emotional outbursts so well. Because of her talent, Hee Do's character/personality was a shining point in this show. Young and naive, but full of life, strength, and grit to handle any challenges that come her way. This persona heavily contrasts the endless female leads in other shows who often start off strong and end up weak or dependent on a man again. This alone makes the drama quite rewatchable; I found myself rewinding to certain parts of the show during Hee Do's victories or happy moments because her smile and energy were really contagious! I can't think of any other actress who could've played this role as well as Kim Tae Ri.

OST:
I LOVED every single OST from this drama. Every song really embodied what the characters were feeling. I added all of them to my Spotify playlist. :')

ENDING:
I know a majority of watchers were accepting of the ending because it's "realistic." Not all couples make it, whether it be due to internal or external problems - I get that. But the entirety of the drama built up the characters to have fighting spirits, to never waver in support for one another, and to love each other through life's challenges.

I know the writers' wanted no one to be at fault for the breakup - but it still felt like it was Yi Jin's fault to me. He was stuck in a job that made him depressed and traumatized, and as a result, he started neglecting his relationship with Hee Do. Meanwhile, Hee Do was always so eager to see and talk to him and was always all ears to offer him support. Hee Do also kept pushing him to be honest with his feelings, but he chose not to be. So where's the character development here? Did he just stop growing after he became a reporter? Considering how caring and loving Yi Jin was throughout the entire drama, I felt like this was really out of character for him.

Their last argument really upset me. I felt like they gave up way too easily after yelling at each other, neither one of them wanting to have an open and honest discussion about their feelings. You'd expect that after 600+ days of being in a relationship with someone you claim to love so deeply, you'd have a good understanding of how to bring up problems and be candid with each other.

The ending really broke the characters' continuity and who they're supposed to be to the core. If the writers wanted to take a more "realistic" approach, perhaps just have Hee Do/Yi Jin go overseas like how Yu Rim did - but have them reconcile at the very last second for an open-ended ending. I'd much rather prefer that kind of wrap-up than whatever they decided on.

I don't think the ending completely ruined the drama for me because there were just too many good moments throughout the show that still made it worth watching - but I definitely feel like the writers could've made it the perfect drama had they taken a different approach.

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