Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s, "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" is a nostalgic tale of youth, love, and resilience. The story follows Na Hee Do (Kim Tae Ri), an ambitious high school fencer whose dreams are shattered when her team is disbanded due to the financial crisis. Undeterred, Hee Do fights to rebuild her aspirations, showcasing the unwavering spirit of youth. In the same era, Baek Yi Jin (Nam Joo Hyuk) grapples with the collapse of his family’s fortune, transitioning from a wealthy heir to a struggling young man trying to make ends meet. As Yi Jin takes on multiple jobs to support himself, he meets Hee Do, and their connection begins to blossom into a complex mix of friendship, mentorship, and love. The drama also highlights the lives of their friends, including Go Yu Rim (Bona), Hee Do’s rival-turned-friend, and Moon Ji Woong (Choi Hyun Wook), a charismatic and stylish classmate with a unique flair. Together, they navigate the joys and challenges of adolescence, forming bonds that shape their futures. With stunning performances from Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk, "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" beautifully explores themes of love, perseverance, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The drama’s heartfelt narrative and vivid depiction of the 90s era make it a must-watch for fans of romance and coming-of-age stories.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 스물다섯 스물하나
🌎 Also Known As: Twenty Five Twenty One, Seumuldaseos Seumulhana, 2521
🎭 Genres: Romance, Life, Drama, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Coming of Age, Nostalgia, Fencing, Nice Male Lead, Friendship, Character Development, Competition, IMF Crisis, High School to Working Life, Reporter Male Lead
✍ Screenwriter: Kwon Do Eun
🎬 Directors: Jung Ji Hyun, Kim Seung Ho
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: February 12, 2022 – April 3, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

  • Hee Do and Yi Jin’s Rainy Day Reunion: A beautifully emotional scene that captures their deep connection and shared struggles, set against a nostalgic 90s backdrop.
  • Hee Do’s Fencing Victory: An intense and inspiring moment showcasing Hee Do’s dedication and growth as a fencer, solidifying her role as a determined female lead.
  • Yu Rim and Hee Do’s Rivalry: Their dramatic fencing duel highlights the complexities of competition, respect, and eventual friendship.
  • The Beach Scene: A tender moment between Yi Jin and Hee Do where their chemistry shines, emphasizing the subtle evolution of their relationship.
  • Moon Ji Woong’s Romantic Gesture: His quirky and heartwarming confession adds charm and lightheartedness to the story.
  • Danyang Fencing Stadium: Used for intense fencing competitions, adding authenticity to the sports-driven narrative.
  • Gangneung Coastal Areas: Captures the serene and nostalgic vibe of the characters’ reflective moments near the sea.
  • Traditional Korean Neighborhoods: Sets the stage for Hee Do’s hometown, showcasing the charm of 90s-era Korea.
  • Busan’s Cultural Streets: A vibrant backdrop for scenes capturing youthful adventures and camaraderie.
  • Seoul Broadcasting Stations: Provides a realistic setting for Yi Jin’s career as a news reporter, reflecting the professional challenges of the time.
  • 90s Fashion Revival: Features retro outfits like oversized jackets, flared jeans, and sporty tracksuits that perfectly capture the era.
  • Bright Color Palette: Represents the characters’ youthful energy and optimism while contrasting with the emotional undertones of the story.
  • Authentic Fencing Gear: Adds realism to Hee Do and Yu Rim’s competitive fencing scenes.
  • Naturalistic Lighting: Enhances the nostalgic and heartfelt mood of both outdoor and indoor settings.
  • Props and Memorabilia: Old-school items like cassette tapes and flip phones immerse viewers in the 90s era.
  • Resilience in Adversity: Highlights how the characters overcome personal and societal challenges during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
  • The Power of Friendship: Explores deep and meaningful bonds between Hee Do, Yi Jin, and their friends as they navigate life’s trials.
  • Chasing Dreams: Inspires viewers through Hee Do’s unwavering pursuit of her fencing goals despite obstacles.
  • Love and Sacrifice: Balances the joys and heartbreaks of first love, showing its transformative impact on the characters.
  • Generational Reflection: Juxtaposes the youthful optimism of the 90s with the reflective maturity of the present, resonating across age groups.
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Real Fencing Training: The actress underwent intensive training to deliver convincing fencing scenes, impressing viewers with her dedication.
  • Nam Joo Hyuk’s Iconic 90s Look: His portrayal of Yi Jin brought retro fashion trends back into the spotlight.
  • Bona’s Dual Identity: The actress played a high school student while being a celebrated K-pop idol in real life, showcasing her versatility.
  • Inspired by Real Events: The 1997 IMF financial crisis serves as a significant backdrop, adding historical depth to the story.
  • Record Ratings: The drama achieved high viewership ratings, particularly for its heartfelt finale that resonated with audiences worldwide.

“Twenty-Five Twenty-One” has garnered several prestigious awards and nominations:

  • 58th Baeksang Arts Awards (2022):

    • Best Actress: Kim Tae-ri for her role as Na Hee-do.
    • TikTok Popularity Award: Kim Tae-ri.

  • 13th Korea Drama Awards (2022):

    • Best Director: Jung Ji-hyun.

  • Asian Academy Creative Awards (2022):

    • Best Drama Series: “Twenty-Five Twenty-One.”

  • MAMA Awards (2022):

    • Best OST Nomination: Wonstein for the song “Your Existence.”

These accolades highlight the series’ exceptional storytelling, direction, and performances.

As of now, there is no confirmed information about any real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of the Korean drama “Twenty-Five Twenty-One.” While the on-screen chemistry between actors like Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk has been widely praised, there have been no official announcements or credible reports indicating that these relationships have extended beyond their professional roles. It’s important to rely on verified sources for such personal information to respect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Trailer

Music / OST

Gallery

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Cast

Kim Tae Ri
K-Actress Korea
Kim Tae Ri
Nam Joo Hyuk
K-Actors Korea
Nam Joo Hyuk

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