PLOT.
If I could forget all episodes I would just so I could fall in love all over again, that's how much one of a kind it was. It's been awhile since I last been so invested and attached to a drama. They gave us everything. When the cast, teasers and trailers came out I was so excited! I knew 2521 would be one of the best this year but it ended up being one of my all time favorites. I'm in awe of how beautifully detailed this drama was. They made us laugh, cry and root for them altogether week by week. I'm gonna be honest: it was both a dream and a nightmare having to wait to watch this. From main to side characters, I could feel their pain, sorrow, happiness. 2521 is a roller-coaster of emotions, just like youth and life overall. Even though a handful of unfortunate things happened, the quintet shined brightly as the time went by. At some point I thought everything would go down all at once, and I actually bawled my eyes out because of so much pain. However, I could connect with this drama a lot and I'm grateful for that. Also, I've been waiting for something like Reply series for so long, especially Reply 88. Every single character matters here somehow, they're so well written. As much as Baekdo are the main characters, this show gave everyone a special moment and not a single boring episode in between. Speaking of which, I just want to point out that I love both Heedo and Yijin as individuals and also together as friends and lovers. I had soo much of fun with theories, even the wildest ones! So many dramas lose its freshness once it reaches the second half, they did a an amazing job here sustaining the plot. They made a good number of people question what'd happen next. Writing, directing, producing and acting on point! The majority of us wanted Baekdo to end up together, but so many details were indicating a sad ending: they left clues here and there. All the hints were right there yet I grew attached to its plot and characters. From the very start I had a gut feeling that this drama could end with a bittersweet taste in my mouth (just by watching the teaser with 2521 playing in the background and seeing the poster where they were looking at different directions). I think some things could've been better of course, yet, imo it was a fresh and well-written one for the most part. I'd like to point out some things though. Both Yijin and Heedo had so much potential as a couple, I'm still hurt they grew apart like that, not even remaining as friends who support each other. I'm also sad because Heedo had forgotten that precious summer trip with the gang. However, I understand that's life, things change and we can't always control everything in order to get what we want. I'm taking 2521 close to my heart regardless of this and that.

CHARACTERS.
Kim Minchae: this girl represents 2521 nation so well it scares me ngl. Her father! As much as I was really curious to know who he was I also understand why the writter didn't show us: he was simply not the main point. I'm happy that she decided to go back to ballet and challenge herself in order to create her own experiences.

Ji Seungwan: she stood up for herself while helping other people and is such a great friend. She's so brave and honest, I really like her and I'm glad she had a good ending.

Moon Jiwoong: at first we got to see his reckless self as a funny student and his charms as the 7th pretty boy from class 3. As the episodes went by he shows his other sides as we see his friendship with Seungwan growing stronger and how much he looks up to Yijin. Last but not least, his love towards Yurim: he went from someone who used to appreciate her because of her image, and ends up forcing himself to grow up little by little in order to picture a future with her. He grew up and matured beautifully, without leaving behind his genius personality. The way he proposed to Yurim was so cute :)

Ko Yurim: this is a character with interesting layers. When I saw the umbrella scene I thought she wouldn't be as sweet to Heedo as it looked like - and I was so right. Her mean attitute towards Heedo would always let a bitter taste in my mouth. I was of course waiting for her redemption so when they finally got to know the truth I was the happiest. Yurim is extremelly passionate when it comes to fencing, it's admirable. She had to mature at a really young age and I respect that.

Baek Yijin: I'm glad Joohyuk changed the tsundere Baek Yijin from the script, he's definitely one of the best characters. His acting has improved even more here. This character is now part of my favorite ones, he brought a lot of comfort with his wise words and selfless actions many times. He was such an important person in Heedo's life, so necessary. He struggled so much, I cried watching him getting more and more disappointed in himself. Both him and Heedo started to lose themselves at some point, it was extremely heartbreaking. Baek Yijin had a caring and giant heart but too many issues and traumas at once on his plate. Him and Heedo deserved way better than they got in the end. Nam Joohyuk AND Kim Taeri both deserve nominations, they nailed their characters with top notch acting.

Na Heedo: her younger self was such a daring and carefree character, I'd like to be friends with her. She's become one of my favorite characters as well. Whenever the older Heedo would appear, I knew something would make me sad somehow. She looked miserable and hurt even after so many years after the break up. It was a relief to see Heedo being at peace with her mom while still young. I was shocked when she told Minchae that she didn't remember the gang's summer trip, because it was her first one. Also, her future self had many regrets related to their break up. What they had was really precious, how painful.

OST.
Hands down to everyone involved here, I've been listening to the tracks non-stop (including the instrumental ones).

On a final note, I'd love to see at least Joohyuk and Taeri (or Taeri and Bona) working together again in the future, their chemistry on and off camera is really natural. Oh and I'll definitely watch the whole drama all over again once the feeling of emptiness comes to an end, which is going to take some time. If you read this till here, thank you ♡