Recap "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" Episode 3 with Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk

Min-chae wakes up to her mother screaming at her to get ready for manual therapy classes. She’s left a bit shocked when she gets up seeing the younger Hee-do instead of her mother and surmises that she’s too into the entire thing. Mother and daughter have a day out eating burgers and fries when Min-chae asks her why she didn’t quit fencing even though she wasn’t that good. Hee-do tells her that she liked fencing and how it made her feel, that’s why she never quit.

The story then shifts to Hee-do’s past and it’s so simple yet effective. The transitions are excellent in the series and you’ll know exactly which year you’re in but it will still give you a rush! Anyway, back in 1998, Yi-jin gives Hee-do the password to the bathroom door which seemingly makes her heart flutter.

Still From Twenty Five Twenty One Episode 3

At school though, it’s going to be a tough day for Hee-do since they have to keep up their attendance for the upcoming examinations. Plus, none on the team have enough ranking to make it to the competition. In class, Yu-rim gets punishment for not bringing her textbook and Ji-woong follows her out, giving Hee-do his book. It’s cute to watch the two; it’s cuter to watch Yi-jin protecting his little brother from bullies – I love it.

One day during practice, Hee-do and her entire fencing team get the news that Full House Volume 12 is releasing that day. If you see the two running down the road to get that copy, you’d be shocked and you’ll laugh your head off. Hee-do reaches Yi-jin’s book rental but he tells her that all the copies have already been rented.

The real damper, however, isn’t this. It’s the one where Hee-do sees a copy that Yi-jin has kept hidden and also when she realizes that it’s for Yu-rim. Everyone’s awkwardness at realizing that they all know each other is just hilarious. Yi-jin’s face is priceless. Later that evening, Yu-rim asks Yi-jin to not get too close to Hee-do since she rubs her the wrong way. Either way, good news awaits Hee-do when she gets to know that she has been selected to play in the national team (she still has to qualify, but it’s something). Her teammates are surprised and excited, except Yu-rim, but that’s understandable.

That night, Hee-do goes to meet Yi-jin and sees a “creditor” at his place. She runs to warn him at the bookstore but unfortunately for both of them, it’s his father. When Yi-jin gets to know the fact thanks to his note at the gate, he is left heartbroken. Hee-do, too, realizes what she has done and chases after the running Yi-jin. The latter gets to the bus stop and almost misses his father but due to some quick running thanks to the long legs, they get to have a conversation with each other.

Still From Twenty Five Twenty One Episode 3

While all of this is happening, poor Hee-do has been running around town trying to find Yi-jin’s father. He finds her later running around dazed and admonishes her for being so reckless since she’s been selected for the national team. Poor Hee-do keeps on apologizing but after Yi-jin tells her that he met his father already, she breaks down thankful. They have a heartwarming conversation about it later on and a strange policy to get home.

Soon, though, hard training starts for Hee-do and she’s instructed to do some crazy things. Much to her credit, she never questions the coach and does as she is instructed. Yu-rim, however, doesn’t like the coach’s special treatment and goes to ask her why she’s training her. The coach gives her a piece of her mind and leaves Yu-rim seething. The hate boils over that night when she and Hee-do are training and a senior starts to hit Yu-rim for it. When Hee-do tries to stop her, Yu-rim attacks her instead. A brief argument later, Hee-do tells her that she will loathe her from now on and leaves her alone to give in to the senior’s abuse.

Still From Twenty Five Twenty One Episode 3

Thinking about her adoration for Yu-rim before this, Hee-do goes to return Full House Volume 12 to Yi-jin. He picks up on her mood and gives her her torn slippers from the other night. When that doesn’t work, he asks Hee-do what’s going on. She tells him to tell her something without question, in that case. He agrees, but when she tells her to repeat, “Yu-rim was wrong”, he doesn’t say so which upsets her even more. He follows her and repeats what she said. However, what’s done is done and Hee-do leaves saying that she has expected too much from Yu-rim and from him.

At home, Hee-do chats with her online buddy who gives her more comfort than anyone else. And, it turns out that it’s Yu-rim.

Final Thoughts: Twenty Five Twenty One Episode 3

Still From Twenty Five Twenty One Episode 3

Ok, hold up. Wasn’t Hee-do’s internet buddy Yi-jin? At least that’s what they showed in one of the previous episodes. Or am I mistaken? I am so confused. Or is Yu-rim talking to someone else completely? I almost thought that Hee-do was talking to Yi-jin and that’s how their romance will bloom or something. But apparently, that’s not the case?

Either way, Twenty Five Twenty One episode 3 is filled with some interesting and heart-warming moments of love and fun. I love everyone’s complex characters which make you like and hate them together. Hee-do’s character is so immature yet headstrong. I love how she tackles her problems – nothing is too hard for her and she’s willing to work for what she wants. Meanwhile, the others trying to get over their demons and being, simply put, humans is just great. The series has been a really bittersweet watch for me. It’s just so heartbreaking yet has such funny moments that are super entertaining. I am truly looking forward to where it will go from here!