“Start–Up” episode 4 is now streaming on Netflix, and this latest Korean drama has been so far entertaining albeit the cliche subplots.
The Impossible Dream
Bae Suzy is Seo Dal-mi, a part-timer who aspires to start her own company. Her father’s death and subsequent falling out with her mother and sister motivate her to succeed. But with her limited skills, money, and connection, it remains to be seen whether Seo Dal-mi will achieve her dream.
Meanwhile, Nam Joo-hyuk is Nam Do-san, the founder of a fledgling startup company called Samsan Tech. Although their facial recognition technology has received international recognition, the company has yet to receive an investment offer. Nam Do-san’s lack of business aptitude as a CEO has been holding their company from taking off.Â
In “Start-Up” episode 4, Nam Do-san chooses Seo Dal-mi as their new CEO. Next week we will finally see how the two underdogs and potential lovers work together.
The Real Nam Do-san
Seo Dal-mi and Nam Do-san wouldn’t have crossed paths without Han Ji-pyeong, played by Kim Seon-ho. While in high school, Han Ji-pyeong wrote letters to Seo Dal-mi upon the request of Dal-mi’s grandmother (Kim Hae-Sook) who wanted her granddaughter to have a new friend. Han Ji-pyeong disguised himself as the math genius Nam Do-san and exchanged letters with Seo Dal-mi.Â
Years later, Seo Dal-mi, who needed a fake boyfriend to show off to her mom (Song Seon-Mi) and sister (Kang Han-Na), looks for Nam Do-san. Han Ji-pyeong finds the real Nam Do-san and tells him all about Seo Dal-mi. Adamant at first, Do-san pretends to be a hotshot CEO with the help of Han Ji-pyeong. The charade goes on until “Start-Up” episode 4 when everything is revealed to Seo Dal-mi.
‘Start-Up’ Is an Entertaining Youth Drama
“Start-up” is the latest K-drama which tackles the dreams and aspirations of twenty-something characters and how they struggle to achieve them. The idea seems quite similar to that of “Record of Youth.” However, “Start-Up” has a more fictional plot, reminiscent of the somewhat silly yet still adorable romantic comedies of early 2000 K-dramas.
Despite the plot holes, “Start-Up” is a fun, delightful watch. The colorful art direction, humorous writing, and visually appealing characters make it an all around entertaining drama.