Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One, which has become one of Netflix’s most beloved K-dramas and a true masterpiece of coming-of-age storytelling.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One premiered on tvN on February 12, 2022, and aired every Saturday and Sunday for 16 episodes, with each episode running approximately 70 minutes. The series is available for streaming on Netflix and has captivated audiences worldwide with its nostalgic portrayal of youth, dreams, and first love set against the backdrop of South Korea’s financial crisis in the late 1990s.
This heartwarming drama masterfully blends romance, friendship, and personal growth, creating an emotional journey that resonates with viewers of all ages. The series explores themes of resilience, ambition, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, all wrapped in a beautifully crafted narrative that spans from 1998 to 2021.
The story follows a teen fencer who pursues big ambitions and meets a hardworking young man who seeks to rebuild his life, creating a love story that transcends time and circumstances.
Dreams Against All Odds
Twenty-Five Twenty-One tells the inspiring story of Na Hee-do, an 18-year-old high school student whose fencing team gets disbanded due to the South Korean financial crisis. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she refuses to give up on her Olympic dreams and fights to join the national team. Her path crosses with Baek Yi-jin, a 22-year-old man whose family lost everything during the crisis, forcing him to take on multiple jobs to survive.
The narrative beautifully weaves together their individual struggles and growth, showing how two people from different circumstances can inspire each other to pursue their dreams. The series doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the economic downturn while maintaining an optimistic tone about the power of determination and human connection.
Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) – The Unstoppable Dreamer
Kim Tae-ri makes her return to television after a three-year hiatus since Mr. Sunshine in 2018, and her performance as Na Hee-do is nothing short of spectacular. Hee-do is portrayed as a fierce, determined teenager who approaches life with infectious enthusiasm and unwavering optimism.
Kim Tae-ri brings incredible depth to the character, showing Hee-do’s evolution from an impulsive high schooler to a mature young woman facing adult realities. Her portrayal captures the essence of youth with its reckless passion and boundless energy, while also conveying the character’s vulnerability and moments of doubt. The actress’s ability to balance comedy and drama makes Hee-do one of the most relatable and lovable protagonists in recent K-drama history.
Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) – The Resilient Survivor
Nam Joo-hyuk delivers one of his finest performances as Baek Yi-jin, a character who embodies resilience in the face of adversity. Yi-jin’s journey from a privileged young man to someone who must work multiple jobs to support his family is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity and authenticity.
Nam Joo-hyuk has shown significant improvement as an actor, and his chemistry with Kim Tae-ri is absolutely magnetic. His portrayal of Yi-jin’s internal struggles, his determination to rebuild his life, and his gentle, supportive relationship with Hee-do creates a character that viewers can’t help but root for. The evolution of their relationship from mentor and mentee to equals and eventually lovers is handled with beautiful subtlety.
Climax – When Dreams Meet Reality
The series reaches its emotional peak as both main characters face pivotal moments in their lives. Hee-do must navigate the pressures of competitive sports while dealing with personal relationships and future uncertainties. Yi-jin confronts his past trauma and makes difficult decisions about his career and personal life.
The climactic episodes explore the complex nature of growing up, where achieving your dreams doesn’t always guarantee happiness, and sometimes the people we love most must take different paths. The series doesn’t offer easy answers but instead presents the realistic challenges that come with transitioning from youth to adulthood.
Supporting Characters – A Rich Ensemble Cast
The supporting cast, including Kim Ji-yeon, Choi Hyun-wook, and Lee Joo-myung, creates a vibrant world around the main characters. Ko Yu-rim, played by former WJSN member Bona (Kim Ji-yeon), serves as both Hee-do’s rival and friend, adding layers of complexity to the fencing world storyline.
The friendship dynamics, family relationships, and mentor figures all contribute to the series’ authentic portrayal of human connections. Each supporting character feels fully realized and contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative, creating a rich tapestry of relationships that enhance the main love story.
Success on Netflix
Twenty-Five Twenty-One placed first in viewership ratings for all its 16 episodes and featured on Netflix’s “Global Top 10” for 10 consecutive weeks. The series became a cultural phenomenon, particularly praised for its nostalgic 1990s setting, outstanding performances, and emotional depth. During its eight-week broadcast, the series and its stars maintained top spots in popularity rankings, with ratings consistently increasing and reaching 9.8 percent. The show’s success stems from its universal themes of youth, dreams, and first love, combined with exceptional production values and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the era’s spirit.
If you love coming-of-age stories filled with heart, humor, and authentic emotions, Twenty-Five Twenty-One is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This masterpiece will make you laugh, cry, and remember what it felt like to dream big and love fearlessly.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One delivers an unforgettable journey through youth and dreams that will stay with you long after the final episode, proving that some love stories transcend time and circumstances.
Series Details:
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