Why "Twenty Five, Twenty One" and not "Twenty Three, Nineteen"? As the public meets the drama's second half, romance fills the air like wildfire.

Unfortunately, Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk's "Twenty Five, Twenty One" receives criticisms for its portrayal of an "inappropriate" romantic relationship between a minor and an adult.

'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Receives Flak For Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk's Characters' Age Difference

In episode 10 of "Twenty Five, Twenty One," Na Hee Do (Kim Tae Ri) and Baek Yi Jin (Nam Joo Hyuk) finally confessed their feelings for each other.

While the two take one step closer to another, concerns regarding their relationships arise.

At the beginning of the video, Hee Do wished to transfer schools that she resorts to going to a nightclub in order to get kicked out of school.

However, Yi Jin rescued her from his then friends, and strongly pointed out how minors shouldn't go to such places.

In the drama, Na Hee Do is a 19-year-old gold medalist fencer while Baek Yi Jin is a 23-year-old news reporter, making them a minor and an adult with the age gap of four years.

READ MORE: 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Episode 10: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, WJSN Bona, More Go on a Beach Getaway

Ever since their meeting, a series of events took place including their parting ways, reunions and meeting at the Asian Games. The two established a strong friendship, promising to stay by each other's side, that nurtures their undiscovered romantic feelings.

However, their relationship began to change when Hee Do showed immense jealousy of Yi Jin's ex-girlfriend. Beyond the cider-like youthful friendship, heart-fluttering feelings begin to see grace.

Opinions from drama experts as well as avid "Twenty Five, Twenty One" viewers are divided, arguing that a love between a full-grown adult and a minor who's in high school is problematic, inappropriate, unnecessary and immature, both physically and mentally.

'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Compared to Im Soo Jung, Lee Do Hyun's 'Melancholia'

A similar hiccup arose in another tvN drama, Im Soo Jung and Lee Do Hyun's "Melancholia" that aired in 2021.

Before its release, concerns have been raised about the romance between Yoon Soo (Im Soo Jung), a Mathematics teacher and Seung Yoo (Lee Do Hyun), a former Mathematics genius, who both take interest in one another.

ALSO READ: 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Reveals 3 Stages of Nam Joo Hyuk, Kim Tae Ri's Relationship

Because of the setting of the drama, "Melancholia" became a hot topic in the Hallyu world during its broadcast.

However, like the previous drama, "Twenty Five, Twenty One" is graced with the chance to further tell its story without bias.

Attention is focused on what kind of future development happens between Na Hee Do and Baek Yi Jin that can convince the public and solve the problematic subject of love between an adult and a minor.

'Twenty Five, Twenty One' Continues to Enjoy High Ratings

Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk's "Twenty Five, Twenty One" episode 10 rises from the slight viewership rating dip.

On March 13, the drama returned to an all-time high with an average nationwide rating of 10.9%, matching its highest rating from its eighth episode broadcast.

Previously, the drama dropped 0.2%, scoring an average rating of 10.7%.

KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.