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This review may contain spoilers
Major SML Syndrome
Putting the romance aside, this was an excellent business drama that provided a fascinating inside look into start-ups, their complexities, and their potential. I admired the perseverance and smart decisions of the characters in their journey to run successful companies with a vision.
As for the romance, to be honest, I felt like I got played.
We start the story from Ji Pyung's perspective and then later see his and Dal Mi's beginnings, how they got to know each other when they were younger and ended up where they are now. Ji Pyung lost his family and, by chance, found a new one in Dal Mi's grandmother. She took him in and encouraged him. Then, starting with a lie by using Do San's name to write a letter to Dal Mi, he formed a connection with her that ended up meaning a lot to both of them. They became a comfort and bright spot in each other's lives.
From that point, he is woven throughout the narrative and, at times, given fundamental importance. He has a strong bond with Dal Mi's grandmother, Dal Mi looks to him for encouragement, and he works behind the the scenes to push Dal Mi forward as well as advises her. They have a natural chemistry together, and without meaning to, Ji Pyung's feelings for her grow. But what happens when Dal Mi finally learns the truth that Do San was not the one who wrote her the letters, and it was actually Ji Pyung? She avoids both Do San and Ji Pyung, which makes sense. But does she sit down and talk to Ji Pyung about their past and what it all means? How much the letters meant to her? Her feelings? No. No, they barely talk about it at all. Even his confession is only touched on and isn't treated as monumental.
And for a character like Dal Mi, who is driven, independent, highly sentimental, and empathetic, I can't buy that she would disregard their history and not care to get to know Ji Pyung more deeply. I can't.
And it truly felt cruel that Start-Up introduced such a compelling ML with a tragic beginning, built him up, and almost encouraged him to put himself out there (as though he had a chance with Dal Mi), only to sideline and discard him in the end. He's always left holding the bat, afraid to swing. Or, when he does make his feelings known, he steps aside for others. Why? Because they have to make room for the real love interest? What makes Do San a more fitting love interest?
I didn't believe a word of Ji Pyung's small speech saying he was not the boy from the letters. It felt like the writers, yet again, cruelly twisting his fate, making him say things he doesn't mean because he can't get the girl; he's not meant to.
I'm left feeling heartbroken for a man who deserved more when I should have been on cloud nine.
As for the romance, to be honest, I felt like I got played.
We start the story from Ji Pyung's perspective and then later see his and Dal Mi's beginnings, how they got to know each other when they were younger and ended up where they are now. Ji Pyung lost his family and, by chance, found a new one in Dal Mi's grandmother. She took him in and encouraged him. Then, starting with a lie by using Do San's name to write a letter to Dal Mi, he formed a connection with her that ended up meaning a lot to both of them. They became a comfort and bright spot in each other's lives.
From that point, he is woven throughout the narrative and, at times, given fundamental importance. He has a strong bond with Dal Mi's grandmother, Dal Mi looks to him for encouragement, and he works behind the the scenes to push Dal Mi forward as well as advises her. They have a natural chemistry together, and without meaning to, Ji Pyung's feelings for her grow. But what happens when Dal Mi finally learns the truth that Do San was not the one who wrote her the letters, and it was actually Ji Pyung? She avoids both Do San and Ji Pyung, which makes sense. But does she sit down and talk to Ji Pyung about their past and what it all means? How much the letters meant to her? Her feelings? No. No, they barely talk about it at all. Even his confession is only touched on and isn't treated as monumental.
And for a character like Dal Mi, who is driven, independent, highly sentimental, and empathetic, I can't buy that she would disregard their history and not care to get to know Ji Pyung more deeply. I can't.
And it truly felt cruel that Start-Up introduced such a compelling ML with a tragic beginning, built him up, and almost encouraged him to put himself out there (as though he had a chance with Dal Mi), only to sideline and discard him in the end. He's always left holding the bat, afraid to swing. Or, when he does make his feelings known, he steps aside for others. Why? Because they have to make room for the real love interest? What makes Do San a more fitting love interest?
I didn't believe a word of Ji Pyung's small speech saying he was not the boy from the letters. It felt like the writers, yet again, cruelly twisting his fate, making him say things he doesn't mean because he can't get the girl; he's not meant to.
I'm left feeling heartbroken for a man who deserved more when I should have been on cloud nine.
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