Start-Up (2020)

A Drama who Embraced Both the Good and the Bad.

I'd be lying if I said this drama was satisfying. However, I'd also be lying if I claimed it was downright unsalvagable or disappointing. I think the ending was okay. Could it have been better? Certainly. But honestly, it could've also been way worst.

THE PLOT
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If you're hoping to see a drama about business, this is not it. If you're intolerant of love triangles, this may not be your cup of tea, as once we cross into the second half, it's all about the love triangle.

Having said that, the plot focuses on Dal Mi trying to follow her father's footsteps and show her sister that she made the right call in choosing to stay with her dad over leaving with her mom. While the show makes it look like that would be the heart of it, as we move towards the second half, the plot shifts to being romance-centric.

Basically, this is a story about a girl deciding if her heart belongs to her first or second love.

THE PORTRAYAL OF ROMANCE: Questionable and Borderline Toxic
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Perhaps the most problematic aspect here is the love triangle and the message it conveys. The love between the main couple starts with a lie that is never dealt with properly. The FL feels wishy-washy while the ML is left to struggle with an identity crisis that is never resolved. The fact that the couple stuck together despite the unresolved issues, felt like the romance embraced a problematic message of "pretend to achieve your goal" rather than "show/embrace your true self".

WRITING: A mixed bag
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While the construction of the romance was problematic, the absence of consequences and the minimization of mistakes are marks of bad writing. Why have characters face problems if the writer will keep them safe from the consequences via cop-outs, plot armor, and/or having those consequences happen off-screen? Characters are supposed to face problems and make mistakes so they can learn, adapt, and grow.

Out of all the characters, Do San faced the most problems but had the least growth. The very fact that his identity crisis was never fully addressed and dealt with is perhaps the biggest disservice his character got.

I think the best thing this drama did was to showcase some beautiful family moments. It also gave us some beautifully written characters we got to enjoy whenever they stepped on-screen (HJP, Grandma, and, to a lesser extent because she had little screentime, In Jae). I also absolutely enjoyed comparing and contrasting Do San with Ji Pyeong --not to see who was better, but to see how similar they were despite their differences. I hoped they would've established some sort of friendship after the halfway mark, but Do San never matured enough to make it happen.

CHARACTERS
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This is perhaps the best thing about the show and where the good, and bad aspects of writing comes into play.

Seo Dal Mi: A character who's introduced as someone who's decisive, ambitious and hardworking. Although she's shown to be happy, charismatic and a go-getter, her character is quickly overtaken by the love triangle until we hardly see her outside of scenes involving one of the guys. Her independence got replaced by her choice of a partner; shoving out of the focus her journey to success. Before the halfway mark, Dal Mi was the star of the show. But after she found out about the letters, her character lost her identity, becoming little more than a "love interest".

Nam Do San: A guy who's introduced as sort of a loser; a boy who has yet to grown into a man. He's constantly shown as uncertain about who he is, what he wants, and where he wants to go. So in an effort to find his own way, he relies on following other people's instructions. While Do San has family and close friends, he tends to disregard his own feelings and makes decisions based on others. Mainly, on trying not to disappoint his peers. However, in so doing, he ends up frustrated with himself because he's not being honest. So everything he's doing also feels fake to him and he ends up hurting himself most of all.

Han Ji Pyeong: A man who's introduced as a hotshot with a successful career. He's nonetheless shown to be a sacrificial character with no family and no friends. He doesn't want to think of others, let alone struggle with trying not to disappoint them. However, he's just as lonely and as dishonest with his feelings as Nam Do San. The difference is that he prefers not to bother with others so as not to give them an opportunity to hurt him. So in trying not to get hurt, he pushes people away, and, in turn, he ends up hurting himself most of all.

Grandma (SDM's Family and HJP's benefactor): She is one of the very best things about this show. Her bond with Han Ji Pyeong is marvelous to watch. The scenes between them are worth muscling through some of the flaws. She also gets a few but powerful scenes with Won/Seo In Jae (Dal Mi's estrangled sister).

Won/Seo in Jae: A character who the writer forgot existed halfway through the drama's run. She had one of the most interesting arcs, but ended up being pushed aside. She was someone who seemed to have made it in life, only for her adoptive father to double-crossed her, taking with one hand everything he'd given with the other. In Jae had the most painful thing happened to her. She fell from high above and yet, she landed on her feet --with her pride bruised but not broken. And somehow, she managed to build something great in the wake of that loss. However, it's rare for a K-Drama to showcase a female character pursuing success --less so as decisively as In Jae did, so this aspect of her character was minimized and ignored. Instead, all her success and growth happened off-screen and we're left to lament the potential for the portrayal of an strong, flawed, independent and kick-ass successful female character.

THE LOVE TRIANGLE: Drawn out, Questionable & Ultimately unpopular
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A thing we can definitely make as one of the biggest flaws is the drawn-out love triangle. This is why I don't think someone who barely tolerates an undecisive Female Lead will enjoy this show. I think this show would've benefitted from putting the triangle to rest sooner. Allowing all the characters involved to step out of the romantic plot and into a role more "self-involved".

But since that didn't happen, allow me to briefly cover the big aspect that got people riled up with Dal Mi's ultimate choice of man.

Nan Do San: is portrayed as outwardly a selfless guy but inwardly a selfish guy. While he's always trying to accommodate other people and fill in the role others need him to be, when it comes to Dal-Mi he turned out to be quite selfish. In a nutshell, NDS wants Dal Mi. But let's just clarify that loving and wanting are two different things. Wanting is about what you get. It's about possessing more than wishing someone well. So Nan Do San always considered his feelings first.

Han Ji Pyeong: may be portrayed as outwardly selfish, but he's inwardly a selfless guy. While he may push and disregard people left and right when it comes to Dal-Mi he really just wants her to be happy, even if that happiness doesn't include him. In that regard, he's selfless and loving. Because Love is about giving, even if you get nothing in return. So HJP always considered Dal Mi's feelings first.

Seo Dal Mi: I think the writer failed to transmit this character's love for her chosen partner the most. She never gave proper reasons as to why she had fallen in love with Nan Do San. So ultimately, her choice felt forced, wishy-washy, and more out of convenience than actual passion.

I still believe that putting the triangle to rest and having the guys make amends with each other and moving into a friendship (in typical K-drama fashion where we have to suspend our disbelief) could've elevated the show.


MESSAGE: Mixed & Problematic
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I think it's important to emphasize again the problematic message this drama embraces. One of which has to do with the character that has the community most divided: Nam Do San.

I think his character was the one that had the most potential for not only becoming an interesting and different type of ML but also for showcasing the important message that, before you can find love, you need to love yourself first. Unfortunately, the writing failed his character by making him embrace his flaws, pretend his problems away, and have him solely focus on his love for Dal Mi (which was portrayed more like an unhealthy obsession).

Honestly, I didn't like how the romance was constructed at all and I wished more thought had been given to the message they ended up putting out there. "Fake it till you make it" only makes sense when we talked about work, not when it comes to one's own sense of self. You can only wear a mask for so long before you start to hate yourself.

In that regard, I think Do San got a band-aid treatment for the gaping wound that was his inner, self-esteem problems.

The drama also lost out in tapping into the potential for an epic sismance. It's bad enough that we get so many dramas where there's either not even a second female lead (instead we get an FL surrounded by guys) or an antagonistic till the end type of second female Lead (my least favorite). So this show could've stood out by emphasizing the sister's love and reforging their bond, rather than focusing on so many lovey-dovey moments between the main couple; most of which felt unearned.

OVERALL
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Suffice to say, when it comes to directing, this will be a drama I will refer to as the "exception to the rule" when it comes to visual mastery. A drama that shows even the director can lie to an audience for the sake of building false hope or cheap uncertainty so that, regardless of the ending, we "won't see it coming".

However, despite the problematic romance, I think Han Ji Pyeong's character encompasses and embraces the healthiest message I've seen in a K-Drama... love is selfless and kind. Love doesn't need other's acknowledgment, it just gives and expects nothing in return. And for that alone, this drama is worth a watch.

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FOLLOW YOUR DREAM :")

Please those of you who watch STAR UP ??? how can you forget the drama that gives great potential to this dream waw is so good. I just want to describe my feelings after watching this drama. I am really in awe of this drama if you know I think it really gives huge potential to those who watched it. still can't forget this drama T_T

Seo Dalmi's grandmother was the main point I saw in this drama because Dosan and Ji-Pyeong both wanted to make Seo Dalmi's grandmother happy. I am very touched when I think back to the days of Jipyeong and grandma. It makes me cry

Since a lot of people were making fuss about the NDS or HJP team, I didn't really care about Ship ~~~ because the main role in the drama was clear when the drama was announced. If you look at Ji-pyeong, there are many reasons to like him. It has been agreed by the author so Seo-dalmi likes Dosan because he is Dosan, HAPPY END :)

For me, STAR UP is a drama that has a good story like the previous dramas that I watched, ITAEWON CLASS dramas like this give us motivation to continue to pursue what we dream of. Besides having the same theme, this drama also has a good OST, I really agree if Gaho fills ost for a drama like this:)

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It’s been a while since I watched something like this

First of all I wanna say I liked the idea of the drama, it felt fresh to me and it was very inspiring and motivating, and it’s type of drama which will make laugh at one second and cry at the other.
For the story it was so fun and never boring it was unexpected at some points but this made it much more interesting, the writer really broke out of that typical kdrama storyline which you can guess what’ll happen next based on what you saw before of dramas, and if you know what I mean as I am watching I just trusted that it’ll be good no matter where it will go because it had this potential.

The acting was excellent for me especially Suzy and joo hyuk every crying scene they did felt just so real, joo hyuk stunned me again with his acting, when I watched weight lifting fairy it was if he almost didn’t act because I feel like that character was closer to his real personality but now he proved how much of a great actor he is, he pulled off this innocent smart awkward personality so well, and I love how his character was supposed to cherish dal mi and he showed this so well, and as for Suzy it’s almost no surprise for me how well she pull off any kind of character she also showed an amazing emotions and made me feel every scene she was in, and both of them had so much chemistry and of course their visuals were such an eye candy, the rest of the cast also did so well Kim sean ho played his role so well that I was surprised with his real life personality kang han na always pulls off this type of chic characters and samsan tech boys were also amazing chul san’s character added so much to the drama and the three of them together were just a joy.

The music was like the story fun and had this happy vibe it made me love the drama even more gaho’s ost in this is so amazing and red velvet’s also gives this type of joy and I loved suzy’s ost so much her voice is so sweet and the scene it was played in was so beautiful

I made the rewatch value 9.5 just because of ji pyeong’s mean personality honestly he was so involved with the main leads and he used every mean word to describe the situations I found it somehow toxic to the point where I couldn’t pity him at all he was self centered and asked people to be so was mean and called it being honest , and he was never honest with his feelings

Overall as I said it’s still difficult to find a drama like this one it’s definitely a ten for me!!

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good drama.

Completed watching "Start-Up 2020" by tvN and Netflix..
My score will stay at 10.5/10(I started with 9, even reached at 11). Coz i have positive perspective already before watching it since it started airing.
For me it's still one of the good dramas of 2020 that's definitely good to watch. I'm after with the business and family genre that's why it has many lessons to learn on it. (For those who haven't watch it, don't hesitate. Just finished it and make your own opinions and just don't listen or follow those negative news about this series. See for yourself first before saying it's bad or good, coz their option is not the same as yours.)
And I don't really care about the romance coz it's not what I'm after since the beginning, I just wanted to see Dal Mi succeeded in her dream and give grandma a good life. And for me who ever guys Dal Mi falls into it's ok(eventhough I'm Team Do San). Both guys are great. No need to criticize each of them. They have great personality in their own ways as guys. Ji Pyung is the master of Business Management and Do San is master of Software engineering. Each of the them has his own specialty..
No need for very very elaborative plots, I'm satisfied with it already. Great screenplay, Great special effects specially on some settings. Great OSTs also(I have downloaded all 17 already).
I'm also satisfied with the ending..
Still Still a motivating series.. ???

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Idle hope served in unfair doses

Start-Up started with the promise of something different, with the chance to become more than just a bundle of side arcs and predictable endings with faded, empty emotions. It didn't live up fully to that promise, but rather bloomed in a different way.

There's many aspects to praise: it deals with a side of business I'd say is unknown to many (me included, and I'm studying management!), its writing (not the plot, mind you) is smartly crafted and delicious to hear, to feel. The acting and the cast could not have been better, alongside the ost that was like no other. Cinematography and some clever plot points here and there (tvn was very sly with the parallel scenes) also made watching much more enjoyable. It also had some good messages every now and then, although their execution wasn't... the best. Still, it wanted, and surely did plant a somewhat feeling of...idle hope.

No matter how pleasant it was, it has to be mentioned that Start-Up lost its message, its way and purpose between love quarrels and far too few business aspects. It fell victim of the 'time-jump-to-excuse-character-development syndrome, to the no-existent-character-development sense and, yes, the side arch or sample-character (cough villain-ish dad and jerk-ish half-brother cough) that no one asked and is tired of meeting.

Because it dealt with actual complex, layered and unusual people living in unpleasant, uncomfortable scenarios that required meaningful actions, Start-Up most likely will give any viewer a headache: one has to deal with problems that could've easily been solved with communication, with more sensibility and less... yeah, less drama.... As neutral as I try to be, the writers can't fully shake the sensation of unfairness with the way things turned out. It was a happy ending, but not a satisfactory one. At least, not for me.

When I think about Start-up, a lot of missed opportunities come to mind, but if they were all to be fulfilled, I'm afraid it would probably make the drama 40 episodes long instead of 16. So, for what it is, it wasn't bad. A lot of food for the mind, but if you like to get worked up then go ahead and watch it.

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Amazing drama. Ignore the haters that only cared about a ship and watch it

One of the best this year. I’m pretty sure those who didn’t like it are just frustrated and thought this drama was all about the letters and the shipp that only existed 15 years ago.
It’s a beautiful story about growing up, taking risks and literally following your dream.
Iloved every second of it. Just wished Injae had a little more screen time but I loved seeing her and Dal-mi getting along at the end.
I loved Ji-pyeong even though I thought he was extremely rude at the beginning and his relationship with grandma was sooo beautiful. I’m really glad I got to know Kim Seonho because of this drama.
I’m so glad Dodal is endgame. It was beautiful seeing them growing up together and getting successful. I’m tired of the unrealistic childhood plot in kdramas and I’m happy they changed that in Start Up. Once again: the letters were never the main plot of the show.
I’m sad some people will review this show as bad/horrible just because jidal was never real.
Hoping to see Suzy and Nam Joohyuk again in a new drama or movie.

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A lot may disagree but what the heck this is my honest opinion

Start up is another perfect example of having a really really great foundation but somehow started gradually declining towards the end. The first few episodes of this drama were really something. It was about family and proving your self worth by believing in your ideologies no matter how absurd it may sound at that time.

I started watching because I thought it was another drama that would inspire me in "business wise". However, somewhere in the middle, it went from being a drama about business to another drama about love. Somehow for me, it didn't stay true to the title. It got to the point that people were no longer talking about the things that they are doing, their "Start up" but rather people were just talking about whom to root for for the FL's love interest.

Secondly, I was really looking forward to more bad ass scenes of Injae. I knew that dalmi will succeed in the end but of course Injae had an advantage since she grew up in the corporate world, she knew better when they started. Little did I know that the most I would be seeing her as as lady boss was in the hackathon. They didn't even dwell that much on the sibling rivalry of IJ and DM.

Also, I know people will hate me for saying this but for some reason I really think Nam Joo Hyuk's character here is really weak as a lead. The only time he was really acting like a lead character was on the 16th episode. In that being said, made me really root for Jipyeong. Can't really fathom how Dalmi and the real Dosan fell in love. Too many lies between them.

In conclusion, I think start up had a great start but it didn't stay true to it's original theme and chose to focus on the leads' love line instead and that was the start of its downfall.

PS suzy's acting is really improving

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Not a bad drama like other reviews said!!

I gave it an 8. Honestly, maybe it doesn't deserve that high but I gave it because of Jipyeong and the theme.
In terms of character wise, single-handedly saved the drama. He is the male lead for me even though he didn't get the girl. His storyline was the most interesting and developed and his relationship with the grandma was heartwarming. I did love the Samsan tech group and their chemistry but not the main CP. The story actually didn't give Jipyeong a chance to pursue Dal Mi at all. Initially, he had to pretend so he kept the distance and not too long after his confession, the time jump happened, it seems like he still kept the distance.. they just didn't give him the chance to get close to her. Didn't like the fact that they tried to keep us guessing almost until the end.
Other than that romance part, I think it was still enjoyable. The theme about start-ups and incubators and investments were interesting. The friendship between the three guys was great!
I would suggest try watching a few episodes. If you like Jipyeong and don't mind shipping the wrong CP, you should be able to enjoy the drama!!

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Can a pretty (and good) boy make (your) korean dream come true?

The drama set in Sandbox, a swing-safeguard for budding start-ups begins with Seo Dal Mi, one of the several dreamy aspirants, breaker of many pretty boys' hearts (more on this later), attending a start-up relay lecture, meets Han Ji Pyung (AKA 'Good Boy') and Won In Jae (her icy poles apart sister, starring as Elsa in her company's promotional videos, brownie points for comedy).

The story goes back and forth from present to 15 years back, giving a nice backstory for our good boy, an orphan, winning a competition, left no one to congratulate him, strikes an unusual friendship with Dal Mi's grandma. Meanwhile growing up in a turbulent family, Seo Dal Mi, follows her broke but ahead-of-his-times dad whereas her sister follows her mother who marries a rich businessman. To assuage Dal Mi, her grandma and Good Boy team up to write love letters under the name of Nam Do San, the male lead and unfortunate victim of many fangirls' hatred. Nam Do San, an undeniable child prodigy, but lacking dream, social skills, a dimwit but good knitter, runs a pitiful Image Recognition start-up with his friends. Everything goes fine, until Seo Dal Mi meets Nam Do San or until Seo Dal Mi meets Won In Jae at the lecture! (Giving an urge to prove herself)

Now, the main characters, Heartbreaker, and Elsa, with their motives being to achieve the (korean) dream of succeeding in life whereas the Good Boy, and Dim wit, want to win their first love, Heartbreaker's heart. Pretty simple story, right? No! Nothing is simple. For more than half of drama, heartbreaker remains in dark about who is her first love (also the reason why she keeps breaking many boys' hearts) and everyone else, especially good boy and dim wit protect her heart from breaking with lies and trickery (obivously!). This goes on and on till the spectacular risky explosion at episode 10 coupled with predictable twists in mainstory ( which is about start-ups finding investors, reminding you in case, you got lost in love triangle) gives a typical kdrama of unreasonable break-ups, unreasonable heartbreaks, and a time jump, (nice trick to avoid showing gradual character growth, they would have probably messed it up too anyway) which brings us to impending question: Will the Tarzan (their new project) reach the smart city? ( No points for guessing, it's a kdrama.)

What was Good? (and Bad?)
Comedy was superb in the initial episodes, especially the videos, the goofiness of the Samsan gang, the food hoarding etc. Romance was not over the top but you can't deny that it didn't get hot. I had to fan myself for the rooftop scene. The aesthetics and set production of this drama was exceptionally good with no compromises.
The pretty and good boy, a lifesaver, a metaphorical sandbox for the dimwits & co, the enlightened shepherd for the brainless sheep gets a pretty decent closure without getting completely tainted as an evil person. The Dimwit, too has some decent backstory, but often gets shadowed by the sunshine of good boy. (Gone are the days of rich, successful, and sharp-tongued guys getting the lady, time is for geeks!) This character did haphazardly attempt at breaking the conventional mold of kdrama male leads. Heartbreaker: she was street-smart, sassy, bright, lively, the go-gether of the entire drama, she does however unluckily falls victim to the kdrama tropes- "Oh I care about you, so let's break-up!"
Other characters- Elsa and her mother, turn a new leaf without inflicting any malice; her grandma, steals the show with her spot-on character judgements and corndogs; SamSan gang, although sometimes dumb, had solid friendship and goofiness; Dimwit's parents, lovely and comical couple, could have give more story. Many more characters- Sa ha, SH VC's Ceo, amicable guest appearance by Kim Joo Heon as father could have gone wrong but didn't.
The Technology, Image recognition, is shown very realistically and toned down for the audience, giving its applications. The workings of start-up and business is also given practical glimpse, with a dash of drama. Especially, the selection process of sandbox was innovative and interesting.

Acting, Music and Rewatch Value
All the leads have upped their game including Suzy. Nam Joo Hyuk aces the geeky role perfectly. Kim Seon Ho, god blessed his parents, steals our hearts with dimples and reality pills of dialogue. Red Velvet's Future is an earworm, Gaho's running is memorable and BOL4's Love letter is peppy. Of course ya, As for rewatch, All Good Boy scenes are must.

Final Note, Predictable and typical love triangle kdrama (which as always tries to do too many things) with refreshingly unconventional characters and interesting setting of start-ups, image recognition but got sidetracked with fanwars.

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The second lead syndrome is too strong and I'm not complaining...

Has the storyline been lackluster towards the second half of the drama? Yes. But has it been a worthwhile watch? Totally.

I know this might be an unpopular opinion, especially amidst the overflowing negative reviews, but someone has to open the Pandora Box so here we go. I was initially drawn to Start-Up for its slick business aesthetics which reminded me very much of Search: WWW and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. I was also undeniably enticed by the stellar Hallyu cast for the main leads, after all it's Bae Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk in the house.

However, what began as a rather shallow and superficial interest quickly transformed into deep infatuation as I got hooked on Han Ji Pyeong's backstory and his heartwarming relationship with Seol Dal Mi's grandmother. Nam Da Reum portrays the young Ji Pyeong perfectly, as expected of one of my favourite child actors, whom you may recall from Come and Hug Me, While You Were Sleeping and Pinocchio. As a teenager, Ji Pyeong was always skeptical and vigilant with the people around him until he met Dal Mi's grandmother and witnessed her unconditional kindness towards him, a complete stranger. On the other hand, Kim Seon Ho truly brings out the charms and duality of the adult Ji Pyeong. Unlike most, he tends to show care and support through harsh criticisms which have often made others mistake him as cold and callous. Overall, Han Ji Pyeong shows the multidimensional and in-depth portrayal that most of the other crucial characters simply lack.

I have to confess, one of the most disappointing things about this drama is the weak chemistry between the main leads, Seol Dal Mi and Nam Do San. I feel like too much of the on-screen chemistry is left to Suzy and Joo Hyuk's visual compatibility and the audience hype rather than actual character and plot development. While there are some favourable scenes to justify Do San's love for Dal Mi, his complete disregard for the second male lead and rather blinding jealousy can be exasperating at times. Frankly, I find the chemistry between Ji Pyeong and the robot Yeong Shil (voiced by Yeo Jin Goo) much stronger than that of the main leads.

Romance aside, I do like the female empowerment underlying theme in Start-Up. Suzy did a fairly good job in showcasing Dal Mi's professional side. Although, I wish the drama can invest a bit more into the relationship Dal Mi has with her sister, Won In Jae, and similarly with Ji Pyeong and Do San. Imagine all of the side bromance and sismance chemistry we could have had.

Ultimately, despite the promising cast and production team, the drama was not able to realise its full potential. However, unlike The Bride of Habaek, there are still things worthwhile to watch out for in this drama. If you ever in need of a second lead syndrome, Start-Up's Han Ji Pyeong would be the perfect candidate. I may not have noticed Kim Seon Ho before but I'm definitely looking forward to catching up on his other works now. Personally, I do not regret pursuing this drama, but this does not mean I'm not going to grief over the wasted potential here.

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An Unpredictable Roller Coaster

PLOT.
I only write reviews about dramas, movies, etc when either: I really enjoyed and feel inspired or when it's really bad or a total disaster. In this case Start-Up started off with an amazing plot full of promissing characters. It was literally a roller coaster of emotions and the writer could've done something wonderful, something interesting and memorable given those first episodes. BUT! One of the biggest problems was that damn love triangle and how she's chosen how to handle the business part. It simply doesn't make sense to me on why on earth she wanted to push it to this extent. It became both exhausting and unhealthy. The plot could've had a better quality in terms of character development and less holes. I'd love to see young people learning with their own mistakes on how to deal with a start-up. The romance part could've been beautifully written, it was so fun in the beginning! The writer sailed without a map, but it wasn't a wonderful ride.

Seo Dal Mi:
What happened to Dalmi's character baffles me to the core. Why was she reduced to just a love interest and a clueless and reckless CEO? Dalmi used to be a dreamer but somehow she had her feet on the ground. It would've been interesting to see a better development. I feel like after finding out about the lies/letters she kinda lost her initial spark? I thought we'd see a better growth from the girl who wanted to climb to the 16th floor. Dalmi had sharp decisions, as she was always stating to never regret her choices, she was pretty smart. Something about her not getting to actual know Pyeong even after those 3 years it's a no no and I'm not even talking about love here. Oh, not to mention the letters that once gave her warmth and comfort during painful times. It's just really sad how those precious letters were thrown away as if it was nothing. That "I'm sorry" after what Pyeong told her didn't sit right with me. She never reacted to anything he said, not even a no. Unfortunately the writer didn't wrote scenes where both of them could talk more about the letters aside the brief rooftop one.

Han Ji Pyeong:
Althought I was Team Pyeong, at some point I just wanted him to be happy. He deserved to be, he was such a lonely soul. They invested so much into him yk. Since day one I knew deep down he wouldn't be endgame and would suffer a lot, but why make him suffer SO miserably endlessly? What was the reason?? It was suffocating to the point I felt the humiliation, he became pitiful. I love this character, so it was also really heartbreaking watching him get hurt over and over again without any rest for the same reasons. I wanted him to get over all this mess and free himself from all the pain asap. On a more positive (?) note, I'd say he at least did something greater helping orphans the way he did. I got emotional during his scenes with gradma. He was indeed a good boy by heart, but was used as a punching bag as many pointed out. At the end, Ji Pyeong did deserve way better than what he got. Why on earth did he have to work with them till the end? We didn't even get to see the gift he bought. However, I was both impressed and mesmerized by Seon Ho's acting! He's a gem of an actor and deserves every praise and recognition he's getting rn.

Nam Do San:
I really liked his character at first and I was actually rooting for him, so maybe that's why he turned out to be one of my biggest disappointments here. I don't hate Dosan tho, I just don't know why the writer wanted him to be like this. He has character flaws. Many times some of his choices were really questionable, like having those angry AND violent outbursts. His fight with Pyeong was bound to happen somehow but it was so wrong 'cause at the time Pyeong was still his mentor. The reasons were the most unlogical ones as well. I feel like if Dalmi wasn't a love interest of both him and Pyeong they could've been really close friends. A potential bromance wasted. Dosan was a character who needed to find who he was without feeling overwhelmed by Ji Pyeong. He had to let go of that inferiority complex of his and be honest at least to himself for once and for all.

Seo/Won In Jae:
She had one of the best developments imo along with Han Ji Pyeong and Yongsan. She was broken on the inside and covered a lot with that posture, she didn't want to give in. Injae wouldn't like to be reminded by her sister later on that she was the one who made the wrong choice first. What I can't understand is why during those 3 years she was completely unaware of her grandma's eye condition. How could Dalmi not tell her all this time? That's not realistic. Also, why even cast Kang Hana as part of the main cast in the first place if they barely gave her screentime? It was almost a cameo per episode at some point. She did a pretty nice job regardless.

Samsan Tech:
At first I used to laugh a lot watching both Cheolsan and Yongsan. I liked them until they start being unprofessional towards their own company and mentor. Besides, they looked down on Dalmi many times when she was their CEO. Yongsan was even more disrespectful towards Ji Pyeong than Cheolsan. In real life you'd probably get fired. His revenge plot was a waste of time. Both were really immature before the time skip. They didn't know how to handle their business properly, and even after the time skip I felt like something was still missing. However, I did like Yongsan's redemption with Ji Pyeong and the original SST reunited where they began. They had to close that important chapter after all. Last but not least: Jung Saha was a whole mood! I wish they could've shown us a little bit more of her.

OST:
Not a single one skip! I find it kinda funny how many parts of its ost seemed to be related to Han Ji Pyeong but Dodal was on the cover.

Cast:
They did a great job despite everything that happened during the episodes. Regardless all the fan ship wars and all, I did enjoy the behind the scenes and interviews. It was fun reading and creating theories as well. If you read until here, thank you! Just a reminder: please don't drag the actors or crew. Have a good one :)

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