Start-Up (2020)

if you are a NHJ/SUZY fanatic and don't care if plot makes sense, then you will love it

My expectations were set too high. Firstly, I've never watched the writers previous work but I knew she was well known and respected. I knew of Suzy and Joohyuk but again I was not that familiar with any of their previous projects. Actually, I saw Joohyuk in Cheese in the Trap, but he had a minor role. With that being said, I was aware of both of their popularity so thought 3 A-listers attached to this project, series will be top-notch. The first 6/7 episodes were just that but second half of the series things went downhill fast.

What I liked: Seeing them working together trying to get into sandbox and the different test they were given once in. Watching them work together in different projects plus sandbox environment as a whole was enjoyable. Dosan/jipyeong interactions in the beginning were really great and funny. The backstory was the highlight of the series- it's probably what left most people disappointed when they realized it meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. jipyeong/grandma relationship was really beautiful and heartfelt. The samsan tech boys loyalty to each other was admirable. Dosan parents (especially dad) had a big bark but were very supportive of him. I loved Dalmi go getter attitude, even when she felt defeated and embarrassed, she didn't wallow but got through it.

What I didn't like: They failed the ML big time. Dosan started off being an awkward, funny, shy type who was unsure of himself but still endearing. Towards the end he became an unappreciative opportunist, woe-is-me type who made it seem like he had an awful life when in reality he was the most fortunate out of everyone. The dragging of a love triangle when they could have focus on other subplot was probably the biggest mistake. They made the beloved SL suffer so much, you couldn't feel empathy for anyone else even if you wanted to. Dalmi of earlier episodes was nonexistent in the last few. Everything they showcase as selective, important/valuable or precious, became futile once it's at hand (case in point- samsan tech got a mentor who they became very disrespectful too, letters who dalmi cherished for 15 yrs which was the foundation/essence of the story became irrelevant when all was revealed).

There's so much more I could say, but alas I will end with- overall, the series was not what you expect from this writer. As it continued, it became sloppy and all creativity went out the window. The saving grace was HJP, he kept me watching when so many times I wanted to give up. I wouldn't say it's a complete failure bc the 1st half was really good and if you're a super fan of the suzy/njh where you don't care if plot lost it's way or it turned into typical cliché fluff, you will enjoy it.

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A forced, useless love triangle that dominated the true value of the title

So, another disappointing drama by Netflix. I was totally enjoying this from the beginning but as each episode passed i realised that the writer got confused and had no idea what was happening with the story. In my humble opinion i felt like the writer focused to much on the "love" story and 'love triangle" than the actual START UP of the companies. Too much unnecessary love lines that could have been omitted in order to make way for the failure and growth of the different companies.

what I've observed is that the writer did try to redeem the image and title of the drama but the episodes were to advanced to make a realistic bounce back hence those draggy romance scenes.

MY OBSERVATIONS

1. way too much emphasis placed on unnecessary photographic shots of the leads. Yes, i get and we know they are beautiful but i did not start this drama to be captivated by their beauty if i did i would go re watch Gangnam beauty, i came for the story and they barely sold it to me. Those +20s shots could have gone into the leads realisation of a needed character development.

2. There was no character development by the leads. As a title as eye catching and a story that's appealing to us young adults, I felt like character development was very much lacking from the leads. The title is START UP, the main genre is BUSINESS and it's targeted audience are youths & young adults who are very much interested in getting into that career or find it interesting overall. Instead they focused on some wimpy kindergarten love triangle that had no essence or substance.
To The FL & ML friends. One cannot simply succeed in BUSINESS with pettiness especially if that business is a startup with limited funding, FL was very petty. Signing a contract without FULLY understanding its content is rather foolish and does not depict the characteristics of a businessman/woman. the 2nd ML was the only one who had a nice solid growth; from rags to riches while remaining HUMBLE and passing down knowledge.

3. Pity, pity and more pity. That's the word that comes to mind when i think of the ML. When ever he faced a difficult situation all he does is hold his head and cry, wallow in pity like the world is ending for only him. His descriptive character states that he is a FOUNDER of a company and a math genius which clearly means that he is very well academically versed. Even though i observed he lacks social skills that should not make him also lack COMMON SENSE. For goodness sakes how can he keep making the same mistakes without reflecting and trying to make himself a better person and BUSINESS MAN. HE THINKS HE knows it all but don't know shit because someone always has to pick him up every time he makes his foolish decisions. He was not humble so he could not see his weakness, acknowledge and allow himself to grow as a man and businessman.


I really loved the storyline but the romance over shadowed it. I wanted more startup competitions, more appearance of other business ideas, the rise and fall of other businesses, character development. It's not really a bad drama but my expectation of it was too high so it is a disappointment for me. I would recommend to people who wish to see what a lack of commonsense and humbleness can do to you if you refuse advise from the wise heads who are well established in a career field you are now getting into. The ending was so-so, so i guess its fairly okay.


sidenote: i'm just getting into suzy bae but what ive observed is that she lacks facial expression. i could not truly gauge her expression without a smile or tears, facial expressions can sell a scene to it's audience. A little more work is needed there.

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The best kdrama of 2020!

First off, after finishing the last episode really gave me a mix of emotions. It was so good & bittersweet that it has ended. I watched every episode without skips & I just love everything about it except for those toxic shippers which ruined it. I believe those who didn't like this drama are just after the love triangle which caused fanwars and are not satisfied that their fave char. didn't get the girl which is ridiculous. This drama has a lot to offer other than the love line, the business: how startups work which I was really ignorant to, friendship: boy I love the Samsantech squad, I'd love to have those kind of friends who are always there beside me, also aboout family which always tears me up. I'm just glad, Dalmi's family is now completely reunited & Dosan's parents has accepted & proud of who he is. of course the love line, I just love Dosan & Dalmi's relationship. They have the same views, principles & goals which is why they're the best partners. I would also want someone who is always beside me through ups and downs & would dream with me & achieve the same goals together! The character development of the characters are really satisfying: Dalmi & Dosan were the chars. who needed char. dev't the least & what they only lacked were about their careers & knowledge about business, life decisions & confidence. I love Dalmi's resiliency & energy which Suzy really brought to life like I want to be someone like Dalmi. Let me praise Suzy here, she deserves Best actress pls. Everytime she cries I just cry. She really has become a natural actress. Dosan! Wow, a very rare male first lead which really grew in me & I fell in love too maybe bc I related to him the most. He's also the kindest, purest & most sincere! I just don't get why people would hate him?? I would want someone like Dosan in my life! Nam Joohyuk really did portray Dosan very well. I could never imagine any other actor who can bring Dosan to life like he did. Pls give him best actor too! He deserves it. Jipyeong was a character you're gonna hate & love. It's very understandable why he was the 2nd lead but his fans are just so biased. I think he needed the char. dev't the most out of the main leads but it's satisfying how he changed in the last episodes. Someone who always shouts is now gentle & was someone who only thinks of money first has now become selfless & I'm glad he now found genuine happiness. Kim Seonho really did well, he deserves the praise he gets here. I think this kind of roles really fit him that's why it become his breakout role. Injae also, I'm just a bit disappointed that she lacked screen time as a 2nd lead. But what I love is that whenever she appears her lines are really strong & she really portrays women empowerment. Kang Hanna deserves more as she really portrayed a woman who is strong & independent. I just love the cast. The best cast for me! I love halmonie & Jipyeong's relationship too, I love their scenes. Samsan squad, I would really miss them they really were a big part of the show. Overall this drama will make you smile, laugh, cry & also make your heart flutter. Dosan & Dalmi, the best couple, I'm gonna miss their heart fluttering moments too. I'm really gonna miss this drama. No more anticipations on weekends which is sad. To those planning to watch, just watch it! Avoid being biased like those toxic fans & nevermind those shipping wars which ruins the essence of the show. You will learn a lot of lessons in this drama. If only those fans didn't focus too much on their fave char. then they would be able to understand and enjoy the drama as well. I gave 9 for the story bc I think the love triangle should have ended earlier bc I really love Dosan & Jipyeong's bromance in the first eps. which I anticipated to happen again in the last episodes but it was only until the last 2 episodes. But still I think the love triangle added a bit of thrill to the drama. 10 overall! The best cast! & they delivered the best acting, the best OST as weeell, & I'd definitely watch this again!

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the only thing that i didn't like about this drama is that it stretched the love triangle until the end when it was pretty obvious that seo dalmi had no romantic feelings towards han jipyeong whatsoever. The letters played a huge role in bringing all of them together, but what seo dalmi needed was someone who could be there for her, listen to her and support her and that was ALWAYS nam do san. They were my endgame since the beginning and i couldn't be happier about the ending. I have seen so many people trash this show just because they didn't get their endgame, but for me it was pretty obvious that it was strictly a one sided love between jipyeong and dalmi and nothing would ever happen between them. Dalsan/dodal are in the same level of their career, they have a better understanding of eachother and are willing to grow together into a better self which makes them my endgame. I have seen alot of people hate on dosan, i mean sure he is flawed, but thats what makes him so real for me. I'm tired of male leads that are afraid to show emotions and are too perfect, we need characters like dosan that feels more human and teaches us alot of things from his actions and decisions. Many people expect every character to be perfect (mostly the samsan tech people) but what people fail to realize is that they are supposed to be youths who are unexperienced, hoping to reach a goal and in that process they will make a lot of mistakes and hurt people. This is a realistic drama but many people only want dramas with unrealistic standards and situations which says alot about them. Comparing dosan and jipyeong when they are in two completely different stages of life is so weird and doesn't actually help your stance. Most of the jipyeong stans i have seen are extremely toxic and have shaded the actual actors that worked months for this and its honestly so disrespectful. Hate on the characters all you want but remember to differentiate actors and the roles they play. Anyways its been a few days since it ended and i miss nothing more.

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Heartwarming and full of kindness

Well, I might be giving different perspective about this drama. After watching it all, in my opinion, 16 episodes are too short to tell more about the main roles stories and also the complexity of them.
I think the episode 1-12 catch the greater attention of all episodes. The potential of every characters show up. But the last 4 episodes are kinda giving less excitement. Many people become upset about it, yeah me too. But I think I understand the writer. It maybe because the writer wants to make 'everything falls right into place' thing. But still, it upsets me. Episode 16 is kinda confusing because most of the part tell about the bidding but the ending seems like too much jumping.
It's an introduction drama to start up world. So rather than showing the story behind, it highlights more on what step they're into. So it makes sense if in 3 years they are like jumping to a whole different situations.
I guess not everyone would like to see it. But I understand that every characters portray the real thing in real life.
Like Nam Dosan who has like everything (great parents, friends, smart, good looking) is lost inside. Many said he was a cheater, but he has a pure heart and never think to harm, he still learns to be more mature.
They are in their 30s, but it's possible for them to act childish. The unnecessary emotions are just unnecessary. But yeah, sometimes it happens in real life.
And what I learn from this drama is that, everything that start with kindness is always find the way.

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love story of Dosan and Dalmi--suka banget!

most drama review comes with gradient score. just like ombre colour.
There's 9, 9.5, 8, 8.5. One or two extreme 4, 5 is still consider normal.
After all we're human with different thought and liking and background.

For start up, you will not see this gradient. Its either North or South.
There's gang of 1-5 score and 8,5-10. a few 6 and 7 right here and there.

although I use mydramalist as my main reference for wathing dramas,
I conclude based on the reviews that I read.
Its very easy to know, once a person's liking is coffee, there's no way you can
make him like tea.
Same things with yoga. either hate it or love it. maybe.

I honestly think that, giving score below 5 for dramas that. you've finished its kind a odd.
Because, hey, you got through 16 episodes is by choice right! no once is forcing you.

I dropped many dramas too, but I think my time is too precious to spend couple minutes
for hatred message. let alone for allocating 16 episodes for something that "meh" me.

Let me tell you several facts about Start Up:
1. Binge watch. I watch all episodes in 3 days. That is averagely 5 episodes in a day.
I watch it while running on treadmill, and yess it help me to get thru 30 minutes of running and 30 minutes of walking, and im not even an avid runner. I'm overweight and struggle for exercise.
so, itsss exciting!

2. I then continue watching the episodes on my 82" television. Boy, it surely is thread to the eyes.
the picture is so very thoughtful think of.

3. I loveee romance. I'm cancer born June. And it delivers..
All the moments of Dosan and Seo Dal mi ... as Indonesia we will say, "kereeen banget", or "bikin baper"
I'm all feelings for them.

4. If you like the romance, you will be presented with many beautiful things here. Relation between the other cast. The sister, mom, grandma, the brotherhood.

5. Love triangle.... hmmmm.. im not sure. Isnt that love triangle means that at least the girl like a bit of the other guy?
let say...... Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, where bong soon had a heavy crush on gook doo... thats love triangle..
or Arsenal Military Academy, where the female lead like shen junshan throughout one/third of the story?
or Go Back couple... that even send me to second lead syndrome..

but here,
Dalmi never had a real crush on HJP
All the affection, emotions is toward Dosan only.

HJP helps with his own way. But then start up is about Dalmi and Dosan. Its their story.
Other completes it in a perfect way.

Let's not let other opinion stop us from experiencing our future drama.

Dive in, no expectation and you will be hooked.
i'm giving them 10.

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WILL NEVER RECOMMEND TO ANYONE UNLESS I HATE THEM

The drama started out with a definitive story with characters having so much potential. The backstories were rich and emotional. The cinematography was quite good, too. However, the story just started to flop. There were limited character development and each time, it was proven to be inutile. The message the drama wanted to convey was blurry. The whole plot was messy and inconsistent. A lot of the small details were left open and hanging. The drama is ending in a very cliche manner and tbh, cringy. All in all, I'm just relieved that this drama ended because it is stressful.

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actually pretty good if you are being objective

One among the few, who actually liked the drama. Yes, my favorite character (probably all time favorite character in the whole k-drama history) is the second lead. Yes, I felt personally attacked whenever he, Han Ji Pyeong, was treated unfairly. Yes, I hated the drama to guts whenever he suffered. But, objectivly spoken, is the drama bad? No, it's actually quite good. I think it's one of the better work of the screenwriter. Honestly, I never even saw any chemistry between HJP and the female lead SDL, I just naturally wanted him to succeed because I wanted him at least once to not receive the shorter end. But he is actually fine xD As a viewer you are kind of tricked into perceiving him as this pitiful, lonely, good natured boy with a harsh past, but he is a charming, successful businessman, who does just fine. A little spoiler for those who have already seen the drama , if you stilI want to watch it skip that part

*SPOILER* - my take on ep 16 and HJPs stand

First of all as HJP pointed out to Dalmi, he not even once tried to contact her after the letter exchange. I do believe that he really liked her but after ep 16 I'm not even sure if he actually loved her xD maybe he just wanted to belong to her as in her family, be truly accepted as a member of the seo family and I think grandma's plead or rather her wakening call that he is already part of it, always has been and will be, was the actual 'success' he needed all along , and let's be real the greatest chemistry to be found in this drama was between HJP and halmoni, so no SDM needed xD also I liked the little extras in ep 16, how he gets to meet the incarnation of the comforting voice, the funny moments with his junior park dong chun and his awkward, cute reconciliation with Nam Do San and even the melodramatic exit scene which smoothly transitioned into the title banner.

*END OF SPOILER*

Well the drama isn't perfect for its dragging parts in the second half, the lack of character portrayal of some side characters (isn't it funny how Alex just vanished xD) and SDM lacking emotions, but overall I enjoyed the business theme, the relationship between the characters, the OST and the visuaaaals... So 8/10 for me...and in case I didn't make myself clear enough, you gonna fall in love with the second lead and turn into his avenger who pledges vengeance, be prepared.

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Strays from the plot of the start-up but is still extremely enjoyable and heartwarming!

It is actually a benefit to binge watch it all at once- that way you will never go to internet and get into the fuss of this love triangle and enjoy the show for what is- A heartwarming story of all the people involved in the evolution of a start-up and how their professional and personal life changes after meeting one another and how they eventually grow to become better versions of themselves.

The first few episodes are enough to convince you to watch this drama! The premise is quite interesting and the characters have realistic personalities with flaws. You will be engrossed since the first episode and the cinematography and color tone of this drama is bright and beautiful! The set that they built for sandbox is also done so well!

However, the issue here is that the show's central plotline is not the start-up, but an extremely dragged love triangle. I say dragged only because to me, it was always obvious who she should end up with and where her heart always was. I would have enjoyed had they focused on the start-up aspect more but the story is character-centric and thus I was invested in all the characters and their journey and that was enough for me to go on!

There is a lot of fuss on the internet about which character should our FL end up with? I was in love with how our ML Do San was written-The perfect root-able qualities we generally give to the 2nd Lead are in the Male Lead here and that is really exciting for me to watch.

The love for the Second ML, Han Ji Pyeong was always on the rise when the show was airing. My issue was that his character's storyline was reduced to his linkage with the love line. He could have been given a much more interesting storyline and the love triangle should have stopped sooner. Rather a storyline which gave rise to the friendship of Do san and Han Ji Pyeong would have benefited the show greatly.

Another wasted potential was the story of In Jae. She was an interesting character that deserved more screen time.

The most amazing to me was the storyline of the 3 boys in SamSan Tech. I really wanted to see them succeed and their friendship and loyalty was warming to see. The entire support cast of the show really added to its value as a whole and made it what it is.

Kim Seon Ho and Nam Joo Hyuk deserve a special shout-out as they nail their roles and act superbly. I am glad that Kim Seon Ho got so much recognition through this show and I hope we see him in many projects that are to come.
I am not a big Suzy fan in terms of acting (no offence to anyone who loves her I do like her personality as well), but here the role of Dal Mi really suits her and this maybe her best acting performance yet.

If all that I said appeals to you in some way, go for it! The show is never dull and engaging till the end!

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People need to stop relating bad review to KSH's fans alone

I'm a casual viewer and I'm not even fans of the cast but seriously, their fanwar is getting so annoying.

It's true that the plot went downhill halfway because there were many aspects that were not properly addressed, there was no proper closure, the letters that started it all weren't even discussed or talked about properly.

Some dodal fans need to stop thinking that just because they see people saying they weren't satisfied with the plot, it's because those people are bitter for not getting a Jidal endgame. I mean, c'mon??? Is the love triangle all you care for? Don't be like the writer who basically pushed this triangle that the title itself didn't make sense anymore.

It also doesn't make sense for KSH stans to want a drama KSH is in to get bad reviews. Perhaps if they did drop some plot reviews that didn't fit your taste, I'd give it to them for having unbiased opinions. Well, only if they talked abt the plot's loopholes (which are many, I must say).

Try to read between the lines. Try to absorb everything with unbiased opinions. Maybe then you will understand.

Aside from Jan Jipyeong, Injae as well wasn't given justice because the writer focused on the love triangle. She's the second FL but it was like she was just having a cameo appearance. Make it make sense.

LMH's fans didn't even get mad when his recent drama had bad reviews as well, so i dont understand why yall are so mad. Criticisms don't necessarily equate to hate, please know that.

Also, all of yall are toxic. Suzy and NJH stans talking shit about KSH, and KSH stans doing the same as well. But I don't see articles calling out the fans of the former, just the latter's.

These actors don't even have to prove anything because they've already done it countless of times. Stop fighting godammit.

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A drama containing all emotions...

In a year like 2020, 'Start-up' was a drama that gave me a reason to pass a week waiting for a new episode.
It had my favorite casts each with unique individual characters. It's true that the story didn't end with what many expected but I was both happy and satisfied with clean beautiful happy ending. It was the type of drama where I found all kinds of emotions. I laughed and cried, hated and fell in love, etc. along with the characters. I also realized how lucky I am to live my life with not much hardships as many others out there. I rode the swing of emotions throughout the last two months.
Seo Dal Mi was a character that I loved and admired from the beginning till end. She had to go through many ups and downs throughout her life and at many times I felt life was too unfair and cruel to her. But she was a strong, resilient person who overcame those hardships. Nam Do San and Han Ji Pyeong were two opposite polar characters who had their own share of moments, stories, experience, sufferings and grew up for the better throughout the story. Seo In-jae didn't have that much of spotlight but I loved the way she paved her way throughout the story.
Grandma Choi Won-Deok is someone we all need in our life. She was the epitome of kindness, forgiveness, joy and more.
Forgiveness is something that is strongly mirrored in this drama. 'Start-up' teaches that life is too short to hate someone, so forgive them and move on with your life happily.
I was happy to watch 'Start-Up' and I hope to find more youth promising and optimistic drama in the future.
Thank you.

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HONEST UNBIASED REVIEW

The main reason I started this show was because of nam Ju Hyuk and Suzy, eventhough I didnt have a lot of exoectatiins after finishing Flower of Evil. But the drama truly exceeded my expectations and even introduced me to an amxing character who plays the role of HJP, a lonely orphan, who writes letters to a girl who needs his company, under a false identity. The story revolves around HJP, dalmi (the receiver of the letters) and Do San (the name of the person whose identity is used). The story is about choosing between your first love or the person who is by your side in the present. All of that with thr main theme of the dramabeing about startinga business and going as far as you canto achieve you dreams. The acting is AMAZING, the music is perfect, the cinematograohy is FLAWLESS (as expected of the director of WYWS), but the story definitely had potential to do better. They focus too much on the love triangle and due to this many of HJP's fans want justice (hence the low reviews imho). You would definitely enjoy the show more as a binge watch. Again all the actors did a perfect job of portraying their characters the way the writers wrote them. I did love it and deffo recommend it . So please do not hesitate because of the low reviews.

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