An enthralling emotional roller coaster.

This is the first time I have felt compelled to write a review for a drama. It was that good.
[This review contains SPOILERS]

I had no interest in fencing initially, but I loved how the series depicted Na Hee Do's endeavors in the sport and its impact on her development as a person over the years. It takes more of a backseat in the second half, which is a little unfortunate. I loved the focus on fencing in the first 8 or so episodes. I especially loved Hee Do and Yu Rim's encounters, and how each fight differed from the last both in stakes, and atmosphere and signified the evolution of the characters and their relationship throughout the series.

The character development in this series is exquisite. One of my favorite aspects of the show is Yu Rim and Hee Do's friendship. Their festering mutual resentment made the show genuinely uncomfortable to watch at some times. But the evolution of their relationship over the course of the series was a delight to observe. From admiration to resentment and hatred, to love and understanding. It was a long and painful journey. But the destination was worth it.

Na Hee Do's character started out as annoying for me. But her energy, ambition, and stubbornness are infectious. This drama is her coming-of-age journey, and it is quite a ride. From her journey in the fencing world to her personal relationships, hopes, dreams, ambitions, disappointments, and heartbreaks; this series takes us through it all. It was a pleasure to watch her face life's curveballs with unwavering determination and sheer indefatigability and transform as a human being throughout. Her character was well crafted, and Kim Tae Ri was amazing in this role.

Ko Yu Rim might just be the second best-written character in the series. Her thoughts are conveyed transparently in her conversations with Hee Do, from which we can get to learn about her as a person. I thought she was gonna end up being the typical rival/ bitter enemy character who's just an ass for no reason. But I loved that the show humanized her instead of going along with some dumb K drama trope. With her family dynamics, relationships and ambitions, there was considerable depth to her character. She suffered a lot, but endeavored earnestly and earned her happy ending. Her going to Russia was probably the only thing that was stupid about her character. Not the idea of changing countries to earn some extra cash. But a post-collapse Soviet Union offering more money than a rising economy like South Korea for something as obscure as fencing? Funny.

Yi Jin was a little pathetic initially, but I liked how he learned to be better over the passing of the years. His family life and past were potential subplots that were completely ignored, so that was a shame. I think his story was a bit too focused on Hee Do. He didn't seem to have much of a life outside of things that directly or indirectly concerned her. Regardless, he's a better than okay ML. The other two members of the gang, Seung Wan and Ji Woong were cool, but they were underutilized as characters. I would have loved to see more of DJ Wanseung. Well, at least she had an arc of sorts and we get some decent conversations involving her and the other main characters. But the only thing we know about Ji Woong is that he likes Yu Rim. That's it. So, he was a bit of a plot device. Really enjoyed the chemistry of the gang. They had some great times together and it was a joy to watch.

This show takes place in the present and tells a story that starts more than two decades in the past. However, the Hee Do of the present nor her child contributed absolutely nothing to the series. We didn't get to catch up with Yi Jin and the other members of the gang either. Thus, I can't see the point of its narrative style. The whole point of telling a story from the future is to build a connection to the past and foreshadow certain events, maybe even spoil them to some extent to pique the interest of the viewer. That's not what happened here. The only purpose it serves is that it spoils a bunch of important events.

I don't remember anything from the late 90s and very little about the early 2000s. Regardless, the series portrays an authentic atmosphere of that period, with retro technology, automobile, food, events, fashion, and whatnot in a refreshing manner. Not super relevant when it comes to the plot or the characters, but that was a nice touch.

The romance between Hee Do and Yi Jin- It was short, but it gave us a lot of lovely memories. I already knew about the outcome of their union so it wasn't a surprise, but I still failed to brace myself for the emotional impact I was in for. Probably the best breakup I have ever seen, which isn't to say I wanted that to happen. The ending.. I loved it. It was bittersweet but memorable. I thought the breakup itself was a little forced, but it was impactful. And it's not incoherent with the rest of the show. The flashbacks that show their memories are edited so beautifully and timed perfectly to accentuate the emotional impact of the events. A truly heart-wrenching finale. It's sad that they broke up for good, but even sadder when you realize the fact that after all that, they were never a part of each other's lives in any capacity. The flashbacks and their final interview really highlight that fact. Also, the shoelace tying scene. That was heartfelt.

I love the music in the show. Love the cast. How Kim Tae Ri can simultaneously look like a late 20's woman and a schoolgirl is beyond me, but she was fantastic. Nam Joo Hyuk, Bona, and the others as well.

I'm not an avid K drama fanatic. I'm an anime/ video games/ Western TV guy. When it comes to entertainment, the things that I love leave a feeling of bittersweet emptiness when I finish them. It's a pain that I relish. The more I like a work of fiction, the more intensely I feel the emptiness in my heart after I complete it, knowing I'll never experience it for the first time again. I've liked other K dramas before, but this is the first time I've felt said emptiness. This was an awesome show. Take it from someone who's not generally into dramas.

So.. What does this show leave us with? 2521 illustrates the ephemerality and preciousness of passionate love and friendships in youth. I think its message is that some people may only be part of your life for a short period, but the times you spend with them are priceless. Cherish those moments, so that even when you are no longer in each other's spheres, you don't regret thinking "What might have been." Improvement in your craft isn't always linear. Keep going even when you hit a wall if you truly enjoy it. Disappointment, frustration, and heartbreak are all part of life. But you can't let any of them break you. Is it better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all? The writers certainly think so.

This show left me with a lot of memories and feels. I will fondly recall its many amazing moments, with a bittersweet pain in my heart, slightly bleary eyes, and a faint smile.

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