Twenty Five Twenty One

Twenty Five Twenty One follows two young people whose lives collide as they chase distant dreams in a time when opportunity feels scarce. Na Hee-do, a determined teenage fencer with a wild streak and big aspirations, meets Baek Yi-jin, a hardworking young man trying to rebuild his life after setback. Set against the late 1990s atmosphere, their unlikely bond grows as they train, laugh, and lean on each other through teens and early adulthood. The story centers on ambition, friendship, and the awkward, often funny, heartbreak that shapes who they become. Through their eyes we see resilience, missteps, and stubborn hope. Supporting players Ko Yu-rim, Moon Ji-woong, and Ji Seung-wan deepen the emotional texture as friendships evolve and rivals appear.

Created by Jung Jee-hyun and Kwon Do-eun, Twenty Five Twenty One premiered in 2022 as a Korean drama balancing sports, romance, and coming-of-age moments with period flavor.

Fans embraced the on screen chemistry between Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk, and the show sparked nostalgia for the time period and fashion of the era. The series sparked chats online, fan art, and discussions about youth resilience and first loves.

Critics praised the performances and the balance of sports, romance, and emotional growth, while audiences connected with the themes of ambition, friendship and finding one’s place. The drama treats adolescence with warmth and honesty, avoiding cynicism and keeping hope at its core.