ICYMI, the final episode of Twenty-Five Twenty-One aired over the weekend, garnering its highest viewership rating across the drama’s 16-episode run.
If you were a loyal fan of the series, then you’re probably one of many who harbors mixed feelings toward its ending. Spoiler alert: The show’s main couple, Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin don’t end up together, and we never really get to know the true identity of Hee-do’s husband, a.k.a. the show’s biggest mystery from day one.
While Twenty-Five Twenty-One garnered a global following thanks to its nostalgic approach and relatable themes, this isn’t the first time the show has left viewers divided.
Early on in the series, the K-drama became the topic of discussion on social media due to the age gap of its two lead characters who were 18 and 22 when they first met. While some might brush off the four-year difference, other viewers still had reservations about Hee-do and Yi-jin’s budding relationship since the former was still in high school.
Kim Tae Ri, who seamlessly portrayed Hee-do’s infectious youth, revealed in a post-show interview that they were aware of the issue the age gap might cause even during filming. Hence, why they proceeded with great caution while shooting their scenes.
“From the perspective of Nam Joo Hyuk acting as Baek Yi-jin, it was a really important aspect,” shared Tae Ri. “The actors paid a lot of attention to this and acted carefully. We constantly were in discussions with the director and writer. The director also thought a lot about how to approach this from a directing standpoint with the actors. I think that’s how we gradually created it, one-by-one.”
As for her thoughts on the finale, Tae Ri, much like most Hee-do and Yi-jin supporters, was also left saddened by how they ended up.
She admitted, “While watching the drama, I also felt that Hee-do was so lovable and that Baek Yi-jin was such a good and warm person..Wouldn’t it have been [viewers’] desire for their mutually supportive relationship to continue on until the end? And until marriage, if marriage was the end? If I was a viewer and not the actor, I would’ve supported their happy ending too. I feel apologetic because so many viewers supported us. I’m sad too.”
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