K-Dramas That Capture 1990s Korea Twenty-Five Twenty-One

 K-Dramas That Capture 1990s Korea Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Drama Overview & Nostalgic Backdrop

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022, tvN) is a coming-of-age drama set against the backdrop of South Korea’s late 1990s IMF financial crisis. Airing from February to April 2022, the series became a massive hit, achieving high viewership ratings and widespread acclaim in Korea. Now streaming on Netflix, it has captivated audiences worldwide with its compelling storytelling and nostalgic charm.

One of the drama’s standout features is its authentic portrayal of Korean society and youth culture in the 1990s. In an era before smartphones and social media, characters stay connected through pagers, public payphones, and handwritten notes, while spending their free time at comic book cafés. These nostalgic details not only transport viewers to a bygone era but also offer international audiences a unique glimpse into life in Korea during the ‘90s.

Want to Relive 1990s Korea?

Set in 1998 during the IMF financial crisis, Twenty-Five Twenty-One vividly captures Korean culture and daily life in the late ‘90s. Through this drama, viewers get a nostalgic glimpse into a defining era of modern Korean history.

• IMF Financial Crisis: The struggles of Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) and his family, who go bankrupt due to the IMF crisis, mirror the harsh reality that many Korean households faced during that time.
• Pagers & Payphones: Before smartphones, pagers and public payphones were essential for communication in Korea. The drama authentically depicts how people stayed connected in the ‘90s.
• Comic Book Cafés: Scenes featuring Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and her friends hanging out in comic book cafés showcase one of the most popular pastimes for Korean teenagers at the time.
• Internet Chatrooms: As computers and the internet became more accessible in the late ‘90s, PC-based online chatrooms surged in popularity. The drama includes scenes of characters chatting anonymously, adding a nostalgic touch.
• Retro Fashion & Music: The series features iconic ‘90s fashion trends and hit songs from the era, enhancing its nostalgic charm.

With these elements, Twenty-Five Twenty-One delivers a nostalgic yet refreshing experience—offering younger generations a glimpse into a past they never lived while evoking deep memories for those who did.

Writer Kwon Do-eun – A Protégé of Kim Eun-sook with Exceptional Storytelling Skills

The screenplay for Twenty-Five Twenty-One was penned by Kwon Do-eun, a rising talent in the Korean drama industry. She first gained recognition as a former assistant to Kim Eun-sook, one of Korea’s most celebrated screenwriters, known for megahits such as Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, and The Glory.

Kwon Do-eun made her industry debut in 2010 as an assistant writer for Kim Eun-sook’s Secret Garden and later launched her solo screenwriting career with Search: WWW (2019).

Kwon Do-eun’s First Solo Project – Search: WWW

• Synopsis: Search: WWW follows the lives of three ambitious women (Bae Ta-mi, Cha Hyeon, and Song Ga-gyeong) working at Korea’s top portal companies as they navigate fierce industry competition while forming friendships and navigating personal relationships.
• Female-Centered Narrative: Unlike traditional K-dramas, this series prioritizes career growth, ambition, and self-discovery over romance, offering a fresh and empowering take on female protagonists.
• Main Characters:
  • Bae Ta-mi (Im Soo-jung) – A visionary strategist at Barro, a leading portal company
  • Cha Hyeon (Lee Da-hee) – A passionate developer and sports enthusiast
  • Song Ga-gyeong (Jeon Hye-jin) – A composed, strong-willed CEO of Unicon, a rival company
  • Park Mo-geon (Jang Ki-yong) – A music producer who develops a romantic relationship with Bae Ta-mi
• Notable Features: Kwon Do-eun’s sharp, witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of Korea’s IT industry set Search: WWW apart, making it a standout drama that explores workplace struggles, professional ambition, and personal growth rather than focusing solely on romance.

With this series, Kwon Do-eun established herself as a gifted storyteller, crafting emotionally resonant and contemporary narratives. She later refined her craft even further in her second project, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, delivering an even more polished and compelling story.

Kim Tae-ri’s Captivating Performance & Global Release via Netflix

Twenty-Five Twenty-One showcased lead actress Kim Tae-ri delivering a nuanced and heartfelt performance, capturing the essence of youth with remarkable depth. Kim first gained recognition with her striking debut in Park Chan-wook’s film The Handmaiden (2016), which put her on the map as one of Korea’s most promising actresses. She further solidified her reputation through diverse roles, including her standout performance in Mr. Sunshine.

In Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Kim Tae-ri brilliantly portrays the passionate young fencer Na Hee-do, navigating her journey of growth and resilience. Opposite her, Nam Joo-hyuk plays Baek Yi-jin, the eldest son of a family devastated by the IMF crisis. The exceptional chemistry between the two leads added depth to the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of the series. Kim Tae-ri’s performance earned her the Best Actress award in the TV category at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards, further cementing her status as a top-tier actress.

The drama also achieved global success through Netflix, ranking in the Non-English TV Global TOP 10 for 10 consecutive weeks, proving its widespread international appeal.

Conclusion: The Perfect Introduction for New K-Drama Fans

Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a captivating youth drama that blends nostalgic elements of the 1990s with a modern storytelling approach. With Kim Tae-ri’s outstanding performance, a well-crafted script, and meticulous direction that beautifully captures the era’s sentiment, the series has been widely praised for its high production quality.

For international viewers who haven’t seen this drama yet, Twenty-Five Twenty-One is easily accessible on Netflix—a must-watch for those looking to experience a heartfelt and immersive K-drama.

Additionally, for those interested in catching a glimpse of 1990s Korean society, this drama is an excellent choice. Through its emotional and beautifully woven narrative, viewers can appreciate the unique charm and depth of Korean storytelling.

👩🏻 Ajumma K’s Comment:

"Since writer Kwon Do-eun was once an assistant to Kim Eun-sook—the star writer behind The Glory and Goblin—it’s no surprise that her works share a similar essence. In particular, this drama does an excellent job of capturing what life was like for Korean teens and young adults in the 1990s!"