Start-Up (2020)

A really well-written show... though there might be some hiccups :o

I really hate how most people are treating this to be a war of ships because it’s so much more than that. It has really beautiful character-writing! And the most under-appreciated character is Nam Do San!!, I love how he is not Like the typical kdrama leads- they are only “worthy” of love because of some traumatic sad past, because he’s some millionaire chaebol, because he had no one who understand him and only the FL can....(you know how Kdramas always make the male lead super emo and like pitiful in order to make the romance shine???) I really really like how they wrote NDS’ character and SO many people is saying that they hate him?.? I don’t get it...
he is so pure and dorky but stilll introspective and intelligent! I like how he is just an ordinary man, with ordinary daily life struggles. Why can’t people treat him like that? Why is everyone saying he shouldn’t be the male lead JUST because he didn’t have that much of a sad past as Ji Pyeong?! And yes, I get why people hate him for riding in JiPyeong’s identity to get the girl... but think about it. He was only following orders bruh, and he was the first one who wanted to tell her the truth.

I love all the other characters too. Haelmoni, Dal Mi, Ji Pyeong, In Jae, Samson Tech... all amazing. It’s a character-centric show and It should be savoured that way! Don’t make it about the romance!,!,!

But I would still minus some points bcs the writing wasn’t exactly neat. There are still some logical fallacies, and some inconsistencies. And just scenes that were obviously just trying to please fans instead of having a point to progress the plot. (Like the plant thing lol, the drunk scenes, a few other scenes la. It just didn’t make sense and you just know that it will NEVER happen in real life)

Also the OST IS BOMBBBB *CHEF’S KISS*

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Its okay for men to show emotions

As for how typical Korean drama characters are, usually, the male main characters will depict men that are "rough on the outside and soft on the inside". Usually, men characters hardly show emotions. They rarely cry, they rarely talk about their feelings casually, they rarely open up to people, and rarely have such close intimate male friends group. However, this drama is very refreshing to that.
I am very aware that art imitates life. I have been studying film for almost 4 years-- currently taking a degree on that--, and I am also aware that audiovisual products are also the depiction of the current social situation in that particular region. Thus, I am not surprised how a Korean show still romanticizes toxic traits-- I can say this observation as an Asian myself. How people react to the shows also proves further that some toxic traits still linger and normalized.
Do San as a character makes me feel hopeful. He is not afraid to show emotions, he is not afraid to say what upsets him with healthy communication. How Do San communicates shows people how to manage their own emotions. (Plus, he's also cute, but that's beside the point). Ji Pyeong on the other hand is the exact opposite. Ji Pyeong is the epitome of a typical K-drama character. His words are rough, but he shows his care from his actions.
Oftentimes, men are belittled when they express their feelings and emotions as "girly". "not masculine enough", "not man enough", "too soft", etc. This, of course, contributes to the high number of suicide among men because they are afraid to get help and talk about their problems. This problem roots from toxic masculinity that stems from patriarchy.
But since this kind of character is "new", people's reaction to this character isn't as good as I thought it would. I didn't think too much of this before as this is how I think all people should be. People still think Do San isn't "man enough" and Ji Pyeong is "such a manly man". Of course, this kind of comment cant is helped since it's a new idea. I also understand that this is fiction and not real life, and people would say "so what? this isn't harmful". But the truth is, audiovisual products aren't that innocent. They do impacts people's life. They do generate people's opinions. I would as far as to say they form the societal system that we live today. I won't say much more about the impact, but believe me everything that you see will shape society, historically speaking.
However, I'm still hopeful since the filmmakers are "brave enough" to bring up this kind of traits as the lead. I hope this character will show people how men don't have to be "so manly" and still be attractive. Together let's be a better society, be less harmful to others, and actively talks about things that are should and should be to further send the message.

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Not Start-Up, it is more like "Seo Dal-Mi's love life" saved by Kim Seon-Ho a.k.a Han Ji-Pyeong

This is one of those dramas that start off so strong with strong plot line. strong characters and strong themes. The beautiful cinematography and soundtrack just add more to the drama starting off strongly. However, the writing then becomes so sloppy, there is no character development and the main plot seems to get completely side-lined because the writers decided to focus more on the not-so-important aspect just to earn TRP.

The drama was about the journey of young entrepreneurs and their start-up, but the drama looses the plot completely as it heavily starts to focus on the love triangle. The drama starts off as a sister rivalry but ends up being a typical KDrama Rom-Com where no matter how problematic and immature the ML is, he will get everything he wants and never faces the negative consequences of his questionable and immature choices and actions. We are given a FL who starts off as a headstrong, determined person who wants to and will achieve her dreams no matter what but as the drama progresses we get a FL whose character development is going downhill and she is becoming more and more clichéd with questionable choices and losing her strong personality and spirit. The main leads are so sloppily written, there is absolutely no depth to their character arcs. The ML is an Android Robot with only three emotions, that are, sadness, anger and happiness, there is no in between these emotions. He has no strong base for his own character, so if the FL and SML don't exist then the ML's character has no base. The ML's ALL actions and emotions revolve only around the FL and it is pathetic to see this kind of a problematic ML in 2020. No he is NOT an underdog, he literally gets EVERYTHING on a silver platter whereas the SML works hard throughout and is super selfless throughout the drama only to become the punching bag for everyone.

The only few beautifully written character arcs were those of the SML, SFL and the Grandma. Even the AI device had a better development than the main leads. The SML saved the day, I give his character 100/10, he was the only one binding this show, his character growth, development, depth was beautiful to see yet it was sad how writers made him the punching bag of this drama. He was made to suffer so much and he received so much growth but all that went down the drain only because the writer wanted the main leads to be together. The SFL had so much potential, her character could've been written so much better but unfortunately she gets growth only when 5 episodes were remaining. Despite these two characters being the secondary characters, they literally carried the entire drama, these two were the only characters that gave life to the main 'business' aspect of the drama, the main leads were busy romancing and playing the victim card while the secondary characters stole the show.

The drama had a lot of potential but the writer tried to incorporate so many themes and plots that she ended up making a cocktail out of all these sub plots that didn't contribute to the main plot in any way. The writer also disregarded some important plots as if they were nothing after dragging them on for so long and then later used them as plot devices.

Let's go to the acting part. Suzy still is terrible at delivering emotions perfectly. Though there was some improvement in her acting, she still really needs to work on it as I could anyways not connect with her sloppy character but her acting made it more difficult to connect with it. As much as I disliked Nam Joo-Hyuk's character I must say he did a really good job in delivering his role, he made it possible with his acting for people to dislike his character so much. Kudos to Kim Seon-Ho for delivering Han Ji-Pyeong so well. He did a fabulous job. He stole the show, every emotion and every scene was nailed by him, you could so easily connect to his character which was already so beautifully written and brought to life. With the little bit of screen time Kang Han-Na too sole the show. Her character got the development too later in the series but she still stole the show and was fabulous.

All in all, if you have too much time to waste then sure go ahead and watch this mess of a drama, otherwise please save yourself from this big mess of a drama and save your emotions and precious time. There are way too many better dramas for you to watch and you really don't want to get second lead syndrome.

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For all the dreamers, this drama is perfect to you!

My first K drama review this 2021!

I was very excited from the very first start with the article that there will be a new Korean series which Bae Suzy noona is the female lead {because she is my ultimate crush and I admire her for her acting skills since Uncontrollably Fond in 2016 up to Vagabond in 2019}. Since the article started with a "bang" because of the award winning and influential PD and writer, so am much more interested onto this drama and when they announced that Nam Joo Hyuk hyung will be the male lead {I basically wrap up this drama as the "best K drama this 2020". Kim Seon Ho hyung is one of my favorite actor in the industry and I know him very well because he is truly a versatile actor since his first K drama appearance on Chief Kim up to Laughter in Waikiki season 2 and Catch the Ghost in both 2019. Kang Ha Na noona is a new face and name for me but although these main casts are well-casted, I never turned down my expectations to this drama.

Let's start with the plot.
"Business World, "Childhood Memories", "Love for family, friends and the ones who trusted and supported you from the beginning", "Slice of Life", "Romance", "Misunderstanding that turns into reality" and many more depicts the plot.

At the first glimpse of the first episode, I was already amazed by the cinematography and technique for which it was clearly started because the advanced and progressing technology we have even in the Philippines and it basically warms my eyes to see such beautiful scenarios. The first episode was the best pilot episode for me: happiness, guilt, friendship, turns to sadness and also envy. Those emotions were mixed up and it was great to start the drama well.

The OST is very emotional-detailed, every OST is heartwarming, motivates you, sad ones, lovely ones, happy ones. One of the best Korean Drama with the best OST'S {ALL 17 OST'S ARE SO GREAT}.

The cast did their part really-well, I mean at least their very best and the drama was a success. Han Ji Pyeong role which Kim Seon Ho hyung portrayed was the best. The best of the best. Seo In Jae noona which portrayed by Kang Ha Na noona is exceptioanally the best of the best also. Seo Dal Mi noona which portrayed by Bae Suzy noona and Nam Do San which portrayed by Nam Joo Hyuk roles were really extraordinary and their chemistry is on fire. Plus SamSan Tech Chulsan hyung, Yong San hyung and Sa Ha noona.

TEAM START-UP/ SANDBOX IS THE BEST, NEVER DISSAPOINT ME.

THE END WAS BASICALLY EXPECTED BUT IT GIVES ME BOTH GOOSEBUMPS AND WITH FLYING MIND {I NEED A SECOND SEASON FOR MORE MIND-BLOWING WATCHING EXPERIENCE}.

KUDOS TO TEAM START-UP. ONE OF THE BEST KDRAMA IN 2020.

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It's fun and interesting

Give it a try! I personally don't have anything to complain about it. This drama made me smile that much and even cry of happiness. So refreshing. You know the story is good when you celebrate the characters' achievements. Start Up, was fun and that's what the world need right now. Give it a go. All the acting is good. Story is interesting. I don't know why all the angsty remarks. Don't take them too seriously. People like to complain, I guess.
There are many aspects to praise: it deals with a side of business I'd say is unknown to many the writing is well crafted. The acting and the cast could not have been better. Cinematography and some clever plot points made watching enjoyable. It also had some good messages every now and then..

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what a journey

Great up to episode 7.. and then fell drastically. The writers started to throw out good scenes and picked up scenes that don't really make sense. There were so many pointless bits in the plot, so much of the romance story felt forced and the business aspect was so unrealistic. A lot of the things in this drama are things we should not take for life.
If it weren't for Han Ji Pyeong, this drama would not have a backbone and it would not have been a drama. Yet, the writers had to make this character suffer up to the last episode and even the ending was near terrible. How could one be that selfless for that long? I thought the character was supposed to be smart. It didn't make sense.
The writer should have given Nam Joo Hyuk the character of Han Ji Pyeong...that would have made more sense. How could the writers make the second lead character seem so much like the main lead, only to force viewers to believe the main couple is meant to be (probably from the actors' popularity)?

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An inspirational watch that reminds you to dream big

The first episode set up the plot beautifully. The stunning cinematography and the poetic lines from Dal Mi's letters were very much heartfelt and gave you a good reason to root for her. What was even sweeter were the scenes between our good boy Ji-pyeong and the grandma. It was after their meeting when a simple favor turned into an eternal debt that brought all the characters together. I think what I learned in the pilot was that everyone needs somebody to lean on, even the strongest and surest of people. You have no idea what you can mean to a person, and that is what makes human connection special.

The first few episodes were pretty engaging, and you'll find yourself wanting everyone to find their path of success. I'm not a fan of the tired "withhold the truth from the protagonist to protect them" cliche, and I feel like this show stretched it out way too far. The minute Dal Mi figured out Ji-pyeong and Do San had the same handwriting, the truth should have been revealed. Also I'm not the biggest fan of Ji-pyeong but I do think he's the best actor out of the entire cast. My heart is owned by Nam Joo Hyuk's character. He really waltzed into the show like a dream and I'll always remember him that way. I love the way he's written. He's so cute and awkward and unsure but I find it realistic and endearing. He IS the smart guy everyone thinks he is, he just lacks confidence and doesn't trust himself to follow through. I think he relied on Ji-pyeong a little too much, and his character has flaws, of course, but he is a good character, at least to me. I'm rooting for Dal-Mi and Do San. Idk why but I just can't picture the FL with a good boy. The side characters are cute and add the lightheartedness the show needs at times.

Overall good show. There's nothing mind-blowing about this drama but it's a good watch if you're looking for something light-hearted and engaging enough to keep your interests. 9/10

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Awful.

Some of the most insufferable characters I have ever seen. There never seemed to be an consistency besides the stupidity that was the writing.

We are introduced to Seo Dalmi (Bae Suzy) as a headstrong and assertive character who has had many uphill battles to get to where she is right now. The audience is immediately drawn to her, not only because the story centers around her, but for her strength and determination. However, that demeanor quickly disappears as she meets the rest of the characters. Nam Dosan (Nam Joohyuk) is clueless yet [somewhat] driven. Though, again, vastly diminished as the story goes on.

The drama's only saving grace was Han Jipyeong (Kim Seonho) and even then, I couldn't stomach the rest of the show for him. There needed to be more nuance and depth, but alas...

Everyone, including the writers of the show, glossed over the lying. Choi Wondeok (Kim Haesook) is the heart and catalyst of Start Up, and while she had good intentions, she was wrong to do that to Dalmi. She had over 15 years to tell her the truth. As the story progressed [and the lie worsened], Dosan looked less and less like a good person. A beautiful girl dropped onto his lap, one of which thinks the world of him, and he saw nothing wrong with the situation. While Jipyeong's reasons for not wanting to tell Dalmi's the truth were sincere, Dosan's reasoning was astonishingly selfish.

"(to Jipyeong) You have everything and I just have this one thing. You can't let me have this one thing?" This one thing being that he has Dalmi wrapped around his finger simply because she thinks he's the one from the letters. Once she does find the truth (mind you, she finds out by herself because no one had the courage to tell her), the situation is almost immediately settled. Instead, we have Dalmi reasonably upset for less than half of an episode and seemingly forgives Dosan. What kind of message does that send to their audience? That it's okay if the person you like has been lying to you about who they are? It's okay that they don't respect your boundary and follow you around the city without being noticed?

Oh, but it's okay because he felt bad! He had a sad upbringing because he couldn't live up to his parent's expectation! It's okay that he lied because he also cheated on his Math Olympian exam where he won first place and he has felt guilty about it ever since! It's totally okay! Shut up, shut up, shut up. None of his backstory or his excuses or reasoning were redeemable. It did not paint him as a good character, if anything, it just made him worse — he's always been like this. And sure, there are far worse people out there, but it still doesn't make it okay.

It seemed that Dosan's friends/company only existed to assist Dosan as the main lead. Neither Lee Chulsan (Yoo Soobin) nor Kim Yongsan (Kim Dowan) managed to grasp the attention of anyone on their own. They were equally as selfish as Dosan was, especially when it came down to Dalmi and Jipyeong. Jipyeong, who was their own mentor, couldn't get a proper word in because of their bias.

While my favorite character was Jipyeong, I did not want him to end up with Dalmi. In fact, I kind of just wanted everyone to go their own separate ways, each of them brought out the worst in each other even if the drama didn't necessarily highlight that.

I wonder if the writer [of the show] is an only child though because what exactly is this sibling dynamic? Won Injae (Kang Hanna) abruptly ends their bond simply because she wants to live with her rich stepdad? Am I understanding that correctly? Their sibling storyline didn't necessarily make sense, and the show seemed to have forgotten how to develop it more properly once it stopped focusing on the [unnecessary] love triangle.

All in all, I have never been more pissed off watching a show. I understand that certain things have to happen in order for a kdrama (and this applies to any set of media) to move a story, but I hated it and just wished they didn't send a wrong message to their audience.

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Downhill

Initially this kdrama was so touching and the production was absolutely stunning, along with the OSTs. However, after the first few episodes it went downhill very very very quickly. Although it was fun to see others comment and discuss the complicated character of dosan, it was overall frustrating to watch and not satisfying whatsoever. If you want to feel angry every now and then, come to this drama. If you want something light-hearted or something that makes sense, please do skip this immediately. The main characters become very weak and dreamers who base their decisions too heavily on emotion. They make the realistic and self-made person (HJP) a villain by accusing him of murder and allsorts of terrible things. It truly makes the normal, regular, truthful person appear to be someone that people should despise. I honestly don't know what this kdrama was trying to teach us, but I'm glad many people realised that dosan is manipulative, has anger issues and needs therapy asap. Peace out

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DISAPPOINTING - You will hate yourself for watching this because of SML ending

-Honestly I have no clue what I just watched. Watching these episodes felt like a chore because they were trying to push DoDal down our throats. There was no chemistry between the characters!!!! Literally none at all! The relationship was built on lies and Nam Do San never stopped lying!! He just kept building up on them!

-Han Jipyeong was the only reason why I finished this show! His character made me feel so much and Kim SeonHo did an amazing job playing him. I felt all of his emotions and cried a lot because of him. His scenes were the only thing that was enjoyable in this drama! All we wanted was a happy ending for him but the writer did us dirty!! I MEAN WHAT EVEN WAS THAT AWKWARD HUG WITH HIM AND DO SAN?!

-Jipyeong and Dalmi had sooooo much chemistry!! It was crazy like a single scene made me fangirl more than any scene with Do San!

-The cast is so amazing and honestly I’m so sad that they did this with this show! The concept was good but they did all the characters I liked dirty so I hate it and will NEVER WATCH IT AGAIN!!

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