Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One, which has undeniably become one of Netflix’s standout K-dramas and a genuine masterpiece in coming-of-age storytelling.
Debuting on tvN on February 12, 2022, Twenty-Five Twenty-One aired every weekend, offering 16 episodes, each approximately 70 minutes. Available on Netflix, it has captured the hearts of global audiences with its nostalgic depiction of youth, aspirations, and first love amidst South Korea’s financial turmoil in the late 1990s.
This touching drama skillfully intertwines romance, friendship, and personal development, crafting an emotional journey that resonates with viewers of various ages. It delves into themes of perseverance, ambition, and the bittersweet facets of growing up, encapsulated in a beautifully told story spanning from 1998 to 2021.
The plot centers on a teenage fencer chasing grand dreams and a young man striving to rebuild his life, forming a love story that defies time and situations.
Chasing Dreams Against the Odds
Twenty-Five Twenty-One narrates the motivating tale of Na Hee-do, an 18-year-old student whose fencing team is dissolved due to the financial crisis. She faces numerous challenges but remains steadfast in her Olympic aspirations, determined to join the national team. Her journey intersects with Baek Yi-jin, a 22-year-old whose family lost everything, compelling him to work several jobs for survival.
The story artfully intertwines their personal struggles and growth, illustrating how individuals from different backgrounds can inspire each other to chase their dreams. The series bravely depicts the harsh realities of economic downturns while maintaining a hopeful tone about determination and human connection.
Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) – The Unyielding Aspirant
Kim Tae-ri returns to the small screen after a three-year break since her role in Mr. Sunshine in 2018, delivering an impressive performance as Na Hee-do. Hee-do is portrayed as a spirited, resolute teen who tackles life with contagious enthusiasm and steadfast optimism.
Kim Tae-ri infuses significant depth into the character, depicting Hee-do’s transformation from an impulsive teenager to a mature young woman confronting adult challenges. Her portrayal captures the spirit of youth with its reckless passion and unrestrained energy, while also revealing vulnerability and moments of doubt. The actress’s capability to juggle comedy and drama makes Hee-do a relatable and cherished protagonist in recent K-drama history.
Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) – The Tenacious Survivor
Nam Joo-hyuk shines in his portrayal of Baek Yi-jin, a character symbolizing resilience amidst adversity. Yi-jin’s transformation from a privileged youth to someone juggling multiple jobs to support his family is delivered with notable sensitivity and authenticity.
Nam Joo-hyuk has displayed significant growth as an actor, and his chemistry with Kim Tae-ri is electrifying. His portrayal of Yi-jin’s inner struggles, his resolve to rebuild, and his gentle, supportive bond with Hee-do crafts a character audiences wholeheartedly root for. The evolution of their relationship from mentor and mentee to equals, and eventually lovers, is managed with beautiful subtlety.
Climax – When Aspirations Confront Reality
The series reaches its emotional zenith as the main characters face crucial moments in their lives. Hee-do navigates the pressures of competitive sports while managing personal relationships and future uncertainties. Yi-jin confronts past traumas and makes tough decisions regarding his career and personal life.
The climactic episodes delve into the intricate nature of maturing, where achieving dreams doesn’t always equate to happiness, and sometimes those we love most must choose divergent paths. The series doesn’t offer simple solutions but instead portrays the realistic trials that accompany the shift from youth to adulthood.
Supporting Characters – A Rich Ensemble
The ensemble cast, including Kim Ji-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Lee Joo-myung, helps create a vibrant world surrounding the main characters. Ko Yu-rim, portrayed by former WJSN member Bona (Kim Ji-yeon), serves as both Hee-do’s rival and friend, adding complexity to the fencing narrative.
The dynamics of friendship, family relationships, and mentor figures all enrich the series’ authentic portrayal of human connections. Each supporting character is well-developed and meaningfully adds to the overarching narrative, weaving a rich tapestry of relationships that enhance the main love story.
Success on Netflix
Twenty-Five Twenty-One topped viewership ratings throughout its 16 episodes and appeared in Netflix’s “Global Top 10” for ten consecutive weeks. The series became a cultural sensation, particularly lauded for its nostalgic ’90s setting, stellar performances, and emotional intensity. Throughout its eight-week run, the series and its stars consistently ranked high in popularity, with ratings peaking at 9.8 percent. The show’s triumph stems from its universal themes of youth, ambitions, and first love, merged with excellent production quality and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the era’s essence.
If you enjoy coming-of-age narratives brimming with heart, humor, and genuine emotions, Twenty-Five Twenty-One is the ideal series to binge on Netflix. This masterpiece will make you laugh, cry, and reminisce about dreaming big and loving without fear.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One offers an unforgettable exploration of youth and dreams that lingers long after the final episode, proving that certain love stories defy time and circumstances.
Series Specifications:
Number of Episodes: 16 Platform: Netflix Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDb) Genre: Romance, Drama, Coming-of-Age Main Protagonists: Kim Tae-ri (Na Hee-do), Nam Joo-hyuk (Baek Yi-jin) Supporting Cast: Kim Ji-yeon (Ko Yu-rim), Choi Hyun-wook, Lee Joo-myung