Start-Up

스타트업 ‧ Drama ‧ 2020
Completed
Lotusdash
3 people found this review helpful
Dec 18, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

Enjoyed it but could have been better

I enjoyed watching Start-Up overall but I do have some issues with it.
First of, great cast and acting. The show had a strong start and it had me hooked from the first episode. However, they had amazing characters but never really used them or pushed them in the background.

*SPOILERS*

My main issue:
The main storyline is Dal-mi and her first love, being Han Ji Pyeong, It frustrates me that she never really talked to him about the letters. There was a very short scene but after she had already chosen Nam Do San. They should have done much more with Han Ji Pyeong's character, instead of pushing him into the background.

Han Ji Pyeong would have made more sense for Dal Mi but they hardly interacted at all, besides their mentor-trainee relationship. Almost all the romance-screen time went to Nam Do San, even though Dal Mi could never state what she liked about him. Big hands aside...

In Jae is another character that should have received much more screen time. Now she just served as a reason for Dal Mi to find her lettter-pal, and afterwards In Jae is a 'savior' by hiring her younger sister.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Tania Monika
2 people found this review helpful
Dec 8, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Dodal cute

This drama is really interesting. It's about start up business that we can learn much about it. It's so inspiring & motivating people to start business. Love the romantic moment of DoDal too. They really make my heart beats when they have a romantic scene together. Love the family story too,it's so touching & teary when the father died,the gram went blind,but finally the reunite together as a lovely family. The osts are so aww,love the Gaho Running,Davichi My Love & ofc Suzy ost My Dear Love. You must watch this drama.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
hotterthanjuly
3 people found this review helpful
Dec 14, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 6.0

The Biggest Disappoinment

I have been watching Kdrama for almost 16 years, so when I randomly choose to watch episode one, this drama literally give me chills. I had to call my friends and urge her to watch it so we can have a gossip session after every episode. It has so much potential in the beginning but it felt short.

I will only add one thing that bothers me the most from this drama which make this drama turn into 100 to 0 really quick.

It was the scene when the FL and ML sign the contract without even reading it, being a lawyer myself, I can't even understand what is the reason behind the writer to write such scene? Was it to fool the audience? Why? and it give me a headache because FL and ML fans keep saying that it's okay, it's not a huge mistake bla bla bla.
See? It give all the wrong message to the audience.
In real life, you can not tolerate this kind of stupidity.

As for the score, I still gave this 7 out of 10 because of the beautiful cinematography, Good Boy x Halmeoni story, and woman empowerment from Injae.

Last, as I have been watching KSH since his debut, I'm glad he give so much live to HJP and I believe it will become a steeping stone for his future works.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
HuiHui
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 4.0
This review may contain spoilers

Episode 1 - 10 review

So when I watched the trailer I was thrilled and excited.
Even watching episode 1.. the acting and the story developed and was great. Seeing the characters emotions but as you get to episode 10.. I kind of thought that Han ji-peong should be with seo dal-mi. He helped her a long the way and tried comforting her with explanation. After that scene... I looked at seo dal-mi and nam do-san.. I didn't see the bond anymore.
Now I could see why people stan Han Ji-peong and Seo Dal-mi together 'cause I can see the emotional bond in their eyes, but when I see Seo Dal-mi and Nam Do-san.. All I see is crying, crying, teamwork and then romance. I don't see their bond no matter how much the producer and director wants us to see.
If I was Seo Dal-mi, yes I would cry in disbelief but I would see why Han Ji-peong did it, but instead in the drama she goes to Nam Do-san for comfort...
I could see Nam Do-san and Seo Dal-mi's bond slowly dissipating...
I'll write an update once I complete the drama
(please message/DM or reply to me if you have any disagreements and agreements thank you)
As well please know this is my opinion :>

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
madimosele
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 29, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.5
This review may contain spoilers

frustrating

This drama is very exciting at the beginning, it is so interesting and captivating to see all the Start Up’s potential, business, mind and all the hope that it can load! And for sure the friendships and all the characters are great!

But of course, the romance always catch us harder! Talking about this, Do San and Ji Pyeong are great characters, but both of them are extremely annoying at some point, they’re literally the opposite of each other, Do san is TO positive, sometimes to much silly our simply imature, and Ji Pyeong is TO negative (or realistic haha) he’s definitely always trying to put people away, and i think that after everything that he has passed, he just started to see life that way so he could not get disappointed and hurt again. But, all the sad history cannot justify all the miss of courage he have, and THIS is the most disappointing thing in the hole story, all the potential of this man!!!!!!!!! the drama dont give this man his true value!

Since the first episodes i always knew the decision that Dal Mi would make, but i had hope that the history could change… dont judge me wrong, i love Do San, he always supported her more than everyone, was always by her side, and for sure was a great guy, but i felt that it was missing something… i just saw how Ji Pyeong was more mature in so many ways, and he really deserved to live this love, as do Dal Mi. It was very sad to see Mr.Han throwing a huge chance in the trash, but as he said to her “has taken 15 years after the letters to see you, and Do San got to see you a day after he read them” and that resume everything. He lose to his fear.

Conclusion: its a great drama! really enjoyed watching it! Great Casting and musics, the friendships and seeing them maturing, growing up and been succed was awesome. But i just felt frustrated with what was made with Ji Pyeong. And that end…… omg… Do San and Dal Mi married and him laughing in side of them.. just hard to watch. and i missed the other characters.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Parawo
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 9, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 5.0

For lifetime selflessness

I enjoyed start up with an outstanding opening which is like a fairy tale. Week by week I fell for it specially for Han Ji Pyong. Suzy and Kim seon ho chemistry is amazing and Nam Joo Hyuk is portraying a difficult character. The story is predictable from the beginning but the actors acting skills are so pleasing. There are plot holes and hurtful points, but finale last few minutes I was all okay with the charisma of the characters. Recently I never experienced this kind of drama and I invite all to watch it. Remember if you fall for the good boy, never regret. Because the journey is beautiful. I wish all write reviews here would spread positivity. Thank you

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
zensx_MDL
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 10, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Start-Up (2020)

Start-Up came flying out the gate. Vibrant, modern, and visually appealing. You can see the solid starting foundation for which the story will be built upon and it even showcases the delicacy needed to tug at the proverbial heartstrings. The characters were endearing, lighthearted yet at times raw and emotional.

So where did it all go wrong?

- The writers produced a secondary male lead that seemingly overpowered the primary one and had to find their ways around it
- Lack of/insufficient character growth despite how far the core group of characters had actually canonically come
- Casually brushing off and/or not fully fleshing out certain storylines
- Leaning, more than it needed to, into the romance aspects and that messy love triangle
- Using a time-skip plot device that nobody asked for, that satisfied even less

Don't get me wrong. The show was still an absolute joy to watch. But there was so much potential left on the table. You were asked to invest your time and emotion into the story. Asked to believe in and support the characters. But then they pulled the rug up under you.

That's not very becoming of a start-up.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
chinn
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 25, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10

BEST BUSINESS MOVIE THERE IS !

i really loved this drama !! loved everything, its plot, the cast, the humour and the romance. It was more of the the Ups and Downs of a start up business and achievements than the romance in my opinion and there wasnt any loose ends. I wont ever get tried of watching this drama again and again !! You would probably get a Second Lead Syndrome from this drama and it might even hurt :( but the interaction were really good with all the character !I really love where the ML are really smart and witty and the FL are really enthusiastic and confident ! Suzy bae and Nam jun hyuk really pulled off their characters very well ! Iwould like to recommend this drama of ur into motivational drama or love a bit of office romance.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
leafless7
2 people found this review helpful
Nov 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Story:Refreshing; Acting/cast: Best; Ost:Favourite; Rewatch value:Obviously; Overall:Mind-blowing

Best drama I have watched this year. I use mind-blowing word only for thrillers, first time I am using it for rom-com. I can't believe it has so low rating. This should be rated 8.8-8.9 mdl.

Don't tell me it's because of sml syndrome. Which was executed amazingly in this drama. Me who is always team main leads and easily get annoyed with sml, and sml fans who get heartbroken unnecessary even knowing ml and fl are endgame. That's so annoying.
But here Han Ji pyeong is my most favourite character who deserves fans getting heartbroken over him.

Suzy's one of bestest drama. Her every project is my favourite (even her ex boyfriend Lee Minho). Anna, while you were sleeping, vagabond, uncontrollably fond, dream High, architecture 101. I have not watched her only one drama 'Gu family Book'.

Nam Joohyuk has become my favourite actor of the year with this drama. Me who is Kim seon ho's fan since hometown cha cha cha. But here Nam Joohyuk shined more than Kim Seonho in this drama. And I watched his 5 titles this year without realising.

Here every character story is so beautiful. One of rarest drama where I will remember every supporting characters.

Don't pass on this drama. The drama start is so heartbreaking that you will be hooked from 1st episode. If you like to get sml syndrome. I have never experienced such amazing sml syndrome ever. And if you are coder or interested in it. I was not that interested in it. But this drama has made me interested in machine learning. And if you don't want to watch unnecessary fillers in drama. Every second of this is drama count.

Last but not least. I can't believe I was never interested in this drama. I had watched reels, read people discussion in comments section. But I was never interested in this. I don't know why?

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
VeronicaCrossa
2 people found this review helpful
Dec 7, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

An inspiring story of young entrepreneurs.

This is the first time I have written a review but I saw such unfair comments that I felt I had to raise my voice.
It is a story about young people who bet on the future and follow their dreams.
There is a love triangle but due to the good acting and the adorableness of the characters you don't know who to stay with. Or who do you want Dalmi to stay with?
Dalmi is an optimistic and risky girl who fights to fulfill her dreams with courage and creativity
Dosan is super smart and a bit clumsy which makes him adorable and genuine.
Ji Pyeong is a character whose apparent toughness actually hides a being in need of affection.
It is impossible not to want both.
All three have their shortcomings for which they need the support of others.

The trio of friends from SanSam Tech made me get more than a laugh.
I cried several times with the suffering of Dosan and Jipyeong and wanted to hug them many times.

I found the story entertaining with a positive, inspiring and hopeful message, with a literal rainbow of colors ending.

It is a drama that I would recommend watching to everyone. Don't be fooled by haters.

It is to enjoy and have a good time.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Ann Chovy
2 people found this review helpful
Mar 20, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

An inexplicably controversial drama

Before I watched this drama, I knew nothing about it other than people’s comments on it. I read that it was badly written, that the ML was terrible, that this drama was a complete disappointment, and of course, that the second ML should have gotten the girl.

So imagine my surprise upon watching and finding a wonderful ML with flaws and virtues, and who felt like a real person. He was sensitive, insecure, kind, and he actually grew as the drama went along.

Imagine my surprise at finding a second ML who was also very real, with virtues and flaws, but certainly not the absolute saint that I’d been led to believe sacrificed everything for the sake of the FL. Perhaps I am immune to Kim Seon Ho’s charms because he likewise has a devoted fan base for his role in Hometown Cha Cha Cha for what I thought was a truly unlikable character. But I did like him here. He was funny, petty, harsh, selfish, and still a good person with a sense of right and wrong. He just wasn’t the angel that I believed based on all I read before I watched. He helped the FL, but often at the request of her grandma rather than because he was pining for the FL. And his actions weren’t some sort of great sacrifice.

As I was watching I read some of the comments for episodes when the show aired and I was just baffled. I felt like I was watching a different show altogether reading the absolute vitriol reserved for the ML. Nothing NDS did could ever be good enough, or viewed favorably. And really it all was due to the fact that he wasn’t HJP. That’s all it was. It’s comical to think that HJP exhibited so many qualities that are constantly criticized in other male leads, but they’re excused completely here. One has to laugh at the power of framing. HJP is essentially given the type of introduction you’ve seen a thousand times in dramas. So he manages to cement himself as the lead in many people’s minds. But he’s not. And it’s quite clear he’s not. I do not understand how anyone could ever be interested in him getting the girl when the girl never shows any interest in him whatsoever. Their interactions are devoid of any romance and there’s always this distance between them. It is very much the relationship between a mentor and student. He has many opportunities to declare his feelings, and he never takes them. Yes, it’s part of the characterization, and that’s part of the lesson. If you don’t make a move, you don’t get the girl. But I never believed he was in love with SDM. It made no sense that he should be all that shaken by her given their distant interactions. Did he like her? Sure. But love? Not by a long shot. And then perhaps after a time skip I can believe he was fully in love with her, but once again, HE DID NOTHING. He has three years and no rival, and he did nothing— nor did SDM’s feelings for him change. So I’m truly baffled at the rabid investment and anger over this pairing.

But that aside, this drama sadly did fumble. For the first 12 or so episodes I was completely invested in this drama. I thought both the romance and the main plot of them trying to succeed with their start-up were very entertaining. But by the end this drama started feeling like it was heavily padded. The episodes felt longer than they needed to be, and the number of episodes felt like too many. I found myself skipping through scenes of characters being sad that felt like they went on forever. The kdrama sin of multiple flashbacks kept being committed. And then, after all the angst, the resolution to the romance felt unfulfilling. I know a lot of people complain that the romance was unnecessary and they wanted more of the start-up storyline, but again, I feel like I was watching a different show. I grew tired of getting business and marketing lessons. I was frustrated watching the leads suffering due to stupid misunderstandings and not actually talking, and when they finally resolved things, it felt unsatisfying because so little time was devoted to it with the whole car plot.

Had this show not gotten dull towards the end, it would have easily been at least a 9, but the last few episodes really did dampen what started off so bright.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Lynerodluis
5 people found this review helpful
Dec 10, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

START UP IS FOR INTELLECTUALS PEOPLE ONLY

I really loved how the storyline is created. Each character is draft amazingly especially the lead male character NAm doSan, nam joohyuk as an actor gives life and executed well his character. The rollercoster life struggle of every young people which honestly is left unnotice in our society is well address by the writer.

The love story between dalmi and dosan adds more color of the plot. Its like a picture of genuine loved not force or just same cliche drama, poor girl and rich guy story. It shows how beautiful to be inlove and how painful it is which really happens in real life. They struggle together,learn from it and the growth in their character really shown in the drama.

The drama shows more about business entities, where I find it more interesting. As a aspiring business woman. Dalmi's character really inspire me. It shows that being in business world dwells many things to be considered and the importance of making a decission should be carefully casted.

The only plot keeps me bothering is mr han jipyeong character. Honestly I dont like his character even I want too. His being pathetic each episode and clearly has inferiority complex. Even his character is being successfull, his appearance keeps draining every positive side of the story. Its like his giving negativity in each episodes and his character I would wish not to meet in real life.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Start-Up poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 8.1 (scored by 71,623 users)
  • Ranked: #2078
  • Popularity: #59
  • Watchers: 134,390

Top Contributors

326 edits
147 edits
124 edits
43 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
All Time Favorite Dramas
828 titles 2055 loves 40
Favorite Dramas - Happy End
280 titles 193 loves 13
Most Loved TvN Stories
79 titles 120 loves 4

Recently Watched By