“Start-Up” Review: Tech Dreams & Romance That Capture Hearts

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Step into the electric world of “Start-Up,” set in Korea’s buzzing fictional tech hub, Sandbox. This isn’t just any drama. It’s your ticket to a universe where the underdogs are gunning for the spotlight at tech fairs and old flames rekindle amidst the soft glow of computer screens.

Why should you watch “Start-Up”?

Imagine Suzy Bae as Seo Dal-mi, a go-getter ready to take the tech world by storm. She’s not riding on coattails or wielding a fancy degree. She’s armed with sheer determination and that killer smile.

Enter Nam Do-san (played by Nam Joo-hyuk), a coding prodigy whose past glories on the national stage are just echoes now, as he tries to spark success in his struggling startup.

Here comes the curveball:

A string of heartfelt letters, penned in his youth and meant to comfort her during her parents’ rough split, leads Dal-mi to mistakenly think Do-san is the knight in digital armor she fell for as a kid.

The magic of “Start-Up” isn’t just in its plot twists or the luminous cast. It’s the meticulously crafted characters who are layered with dreams, disappointments, and the drive to push through despite the odds.

The magic of “Start-Up” isn’t just in its plot twists or the luminous cast. It’s the meticulously crafted characters who are layered with dreams, disappointments, and the drive to push through despite the odds.

Then there’s Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho), the quick-witted venture capitalist who’s got his heart locked up tighter than his investment portfolio.

These characters really bring the K-drama to life, mixing up deep emotional dives with some lighter moments that’ll hit home for anyone chasing their dreams.

Watch “Start-Up” Trailer

But here’s a heads-up—don’t settle in expecting just fairy-tale startup vibes. “Start-Up” is a true-to-life rollercoaster ride of the entrepreneurial world, zipping through the thrilling highs of breakthroughs and the gut-wrenching drops of setbacks.

The story does get a bit starry-eyed, especially when romantic triangles start to outshine boardroom strategies in the later episodes of this drama. This might spark a little debate—are we here for the love fest or the business hustle?

Or, who knows, maybe a bit of both?

For non-Koreans diving into “Start-Up,” think of it like perfectly seasoned popcorn—it just makes everything better! No need to hit the books on Korean culture, but a little insight into Korea’s love for harmony and pecking order is like the secret spice mix.

This drama mixes traditional values with a modern tech twist, where respecting your elders and sticking with the group can sway more than just office dynamics—it tugs on heartstrings too. Plus, getting a handle on the intense grind of Korean academia and job scenes can really show you why these characters are so turbo-charged.

Here’s where “Start-Up” really nails it—it pulls you right into the action.

You’re not just a bystander. You’re all in.

Whether you’re cheering for Dal-mi as she unveils a game-changing idea or you’re on the edge of your seat watching Do-san wrestle with tech gremlins, you’re part of their world. And it’s this hook that keeps you glued to the screen, even when the storyline veers into the predictable lane.

Start-Up” captures hearts with its blend of inspiring underdog stories, complex character dynamics, and the intoxicating thrill of entrepreneurship.

“Start-Up” captures hearts with its blend of inspiring underdog stories, complex character dynamics, and the intoxicating thrill of entrepreneurship.

What really grabs you about “Start-Up” is how it showcases young dreamers turning tech daydreams into reality. It’s like watching the hopes of its audience play out on screen. Fans are all in, cheering for Seo Dal-mi and Nam Do-san as they dodge the potholes of start-up life and untangle their love lives.

This K-drama’s got emotional chops, packed with stories of personal growth and bouncing back from letdowns that hit right in the feels.

Toss in sharp, vivid cinematography and a soundtrack that pulls at your heartstrings, and you’ve got the secret sauce that keeps fans hooked.

So, should you watch “Start-Up”? If you’re already nodding along, then strap in for a show that’s all about heart, hustle, and hope.

It’s the kind of series that might just push you to whip up your own business plan or at least think bigger than you’ve ever dared. If nothing else, it offers a snug getaway to a world where everyone’s gunning for their piece of the pie—clumsy sometimes, smooth other times, but always pushing forward with guts and gumption.

Ready to jump into the world of “Start-Up”? I’d say, go for it!

Let’s keep this conversation going—after watching, share your thoughts or even this review. Maybe together, we can keep the startup spirit alive!

“Start-Up” premiered on October 17, 2020. You can watch this K-drama on Netflix, where it’s available for streaming globally.

“Start-Up” OST: Future (sung by Red Velvet)