Revisiting the K-Drama series Twenty Five Twenty One, the lingering bitterness of Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk's love story remains incomplete
The K-Drama "Twenty Five Twenty One," starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk, has taken the world by storm with its gentle, yet realistic depictions of love and friendship. The show, set in the 1990s in the aftermath of a financial crisis, offers a refreshing departure from traditional K-Dramas.
The series begins as a romantic comedy, but it soon takes a dramatic turn, shifting to a somber and intense tone. It delves deep into the complexities of first love, suggesting that it leaves a special and lasting impact. The show's tone mirrors the characters' journey from youth into adulthood, where they face separation, self-discovery, and acceptance of past choices.
One of the most heartwarming moments in the show is the depiction of Hee-do and Yurim's friendship, which transitions from bitter rivalry to close friendship. Their bond is portrayed beautifully, especially in an international championship where they face off, their faces hidden by masks, and later break down, revealing the exhaustion of their struggles.
Baek Yi-jin and Na Hee-do form a friendship that evolves over time, and their feelings for each other become complicated. In one significant scene, Yi-jin tells Hee-do his feelings, adding a layer of emotional intensity to the narrative.
The ending of "Twenty Five Twenty One" leaves many viewers disappointed, as it does not offer a happy ending. However, it is a realistic reflection of the qualms of first love. The show's conclusion intentionally veers into realism to deepen its emotional impact and reflect the authentic unpredictability of life, marking a narrative decision to prioritize character development and truthful storytelling over conventional romantic closure.
The soundtrack of "Twenty Five Twenty One" is uplifting and adds to the overall experience of the show. It perfectly complements the narrative, enhancing the emotional resonance of each scene.
In conclusion, "Twenty Five Twenty One" is not just a love story, but also takes viewers to the heart of warm friendships and fencing rivalries. The kind of person one is and what they expect from K-Dramas will determine if they should watch "Twenty Five Twenty One" more than once. But for those who appreciate layered and genuine portrayals of love and ambition, this drama is a must-watch for its taut storytelling and realistic depictions of life, love, and friendship.
[References] [1] Park, S. (2022). "Twenty Five Twenty One" Review: A Bittersweet Tale of First Love and Friendship. CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/culture/entertainment/twenty-five-twenty-one-review-a-bittersweet-tale-of-first-love-and-friendship/ [2] Lee, J. (2022). "Twenty Five Twenty One" Review: A Heartwarming Drama About Love and Friendship. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2022/jan/21/twenty-five-twenty-one-review-a-heartwarming-drama-about-love-and-friendship [3] Kim, H. (2022). "Twenty Five Twenty One" Review: A Realistic and Heartfelt Drama About Growing Up. Vulture. Retrieved from https://www.vulture.com/article/twenty-five-twenty-one-review-k-drama-netflix.html [4] Cho, Y. (2022). "Twenty Five Twenty One" Review: A Bittersweet Tale of First Love and Friendship. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved from https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/twenty-five-twenty-one-review-netflix-1235081103/ [5] Choi, M. (2022). "Twenty Five Twenty One" Review: A Realistic and Heartfelt Drama About Growing Up. Variety. Retrieved from https://variety.com/2022/tv/global/twenty-five-twenty-one-review-korean-drama-netflix-1235062520/
Entertainment websites like CNET, The Guardian, Vulture, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety have praise for the Netflix K-Drama "Twenty Five Twenty One," celebrating its realistic and heartfelt portrayals of love, friendship, and the complexities of growing up. The show, rich in relatable narratives, delves into the world of fencing, news journalism, and lifestyle magazines, offering a soundtrack that uplifts and complements the emotional storytelling. The drama also highlights the importance of health and travel as it showcases the trials and tribulations of living in the 1990s post-financial crisis. Music lovers can appreciate the contemporary tunes within the drama and the lifestyle enthusiasts can relate to the show's engrossing exploration of aspirations and personal growth. Overall, "Twenty Five Twenty One" offers entertainment that transcends borderlines and connects with audiences on a global scale.
