“…there are also dramas in which its first episode is so powerful in terms of plot and presentation of the characters, that one ends up filled with emotions, open-mouthed and wanting to see more. That’s what happened to me here”.
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First things first
This review has no spoilers.
Last night I finished this drama and I loved it from beginning to end! You have no idea how much I enjoyed it!
We’ve had amazing dramas this year, from different genres, and that makes me very happy because K-dramas are my beloved entertainment.
Start-Up is a South Korean series of 16 episodes, released on October 17th 2020 by Netflix, and its genre is business, romance, comedy and drama.
Synopsis
Start-Up is set in a South Korean’s fictional Silicon Valley called Sandbox, and tells the story of different people in the world of startup companies.
Seo Dal-mi dreams to become the Korean Steve Jobs. She has an adventurous soul and doesn’t have much, but has great plans for her life. She has plenty experience from many part-time jobs, and has a lot of energy.
Nam Do-san is the founder of Samsan Tech. He was once the pride of his parents for being a Mathematic genius, but for the past two years he hasn’t gone anywhere with the lack of investments in his company.
Turns out Seo Dal-mi remembers Nam Do-san as her first love, and he decides to start his Startup, hoping that the misunderstanding will become reality.
In general terms
This drama takes us to the world of Startups and all that involves creating a company. I found this topic very dynamic and lecturing.
Based on that environment, we meet many characters and their lives, their family ties and insecurities; aspects that influence their professional goals and personal development.
I cried almost the entire first and last episode, you have no idea… I also cried throughout the series sometimes. Not absolute tragedy tears (well, maybe once or twice), but emotional tears that make your heart shrink. Don’t think that is a tragic drama that you won’t be able to endure, it is motivating and emotional. You will love it. The thing is: I am a crybaby haha
The power of the first episode
Many times, the first episode of a Korean series is crucial. I have stopped watching many dramas after the first episode because I really didn’t like the plot or I didn’t feel anything for the characters.
But there are also dramas in which its first episode is so powerful in terms of plot and presentation of the characters, that one ends up filled with emotions, open-mouthed and wanting to see more. That’s what happened to me here.
Why do I recommend Start-Up?
The Sandbox concept
I found very exciting the subject about supporting Startups. Whether you want it or not, you end up learning a thing or two and feel the adrenaline of those who are there, have a dream, and do whatever it takes to get it.
You also understand that, having a knowledge about something is not enough to create a company. You need to have a good team that supports you and contributes with their knowledge. It is very motivating and lecturing.
The characters
I am fascinated with all the characters in this series, because besides their virtues, I really liked that they showed their defaults and failures; the drama is about their personal and professional learning process.
The main male character, Nam Do-san, is very different from what we are used to watch, and I liked that very much.
Do-san is a genius and has a golden heart, but has too many insecurities, which stop him from doing many things. He has no self-confidence and neither accepts his potential. He is a simple guy who knits when he is stressed, for example, which I find adorable and different. Obviously, sometimes I’d get a bit upset about his lack of confidence, but that made the character more real, more human.
On the other hand, Dal-mi is a woman who had to work very hard and sacrifice many things, including her college education, in order to subsist with her Grandma. She is one of those women who fight tirelessly for what she wants and she is also serf-taught. She is an example that the lack of a college degree should not be a limiting to accomplish your goals. I really liked Dal-mi, she has a lot to learn, but she is always open to it.
My favorite character is Han Ji-pyeong. He grew up as an orphan, and the government threw him out to the real world, with some money, as soon as he became a legal adult. His main goal was to make that money grow in an intelligent way. On his first day alone, he meets an old woman (Dal-mi’s Grandma); she gives him shelter and helps him in every way she can, without even knowing him. That friendship changed Ji-pyeong’s life. Without a doubt their relationship is my favorite from the entire drama.
The strength of the secondary character
It is not common to find a secondary character that you end up loving in such way, that it becomes your favorite character from the entire series. That’s what happened to me with Han Ji-pyeong. This character is so well written, that you can’t help loving him, admire him, cry for him and with him. I love his personality, he is cold, reserved, does not open to anyone and refuses to do so; yes, might sound bad, but he is a great guy. Besides, he is very smart and professional, and he’s accomplished many things by his own means. Despite all that, Ji-pyeong also has much to learn.
All characters are great and all family and friend relationships leave strong life lessons to each one of them. I must point out the friendship between Do-san and his two friends, together they own Samsan Tech. They have a strong bond and unconditional friendship; besides, I laughed a lot with these nerd trio, they are awesome.
The locations
I really enjoyed the cinematography. Locations were beautiful, Sandbox’s design was great inside and out (its location is CGI). The sights of the city, Ji-pyeong’s apartment, the street with the birdhouse… The cars, wow! I loved everything. The offices are awesome, I really want the desk that elevates by pressing a button so you can work standing when you are tired of the same position!
The clothing
My favorite was Ji-pyeong’s and later on in the series, Do-san’s clothing; loved their style. From the girls, my favorite was Jeong Sa-ha’s clothing.
The music
I love the OST! My favorite song is Future, by Red Velvet and you can listen to it on this YouTube link. And the other one I love is Day & Night, by Jung Seung Hwan and you can listen to it on this YouTube link.
A little ending note
Do not hesitate in watching this drama because it’s really good. It has comedy, drama, motivation, romance; it has everything. Each episode is filled with emotions; so, I hope you’ll watch it, and let me know your thoughts!
Xoxo,
MJ
*All pics taken from Pinterest.
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Mi terapia es escribir. Me desahogo escribiendo sobre la vida, mis aficiones, aprendizajes, bienestar, historias, libros y recetas. También me hace feliz conectarme contigo.