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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 5 of Start-Up, the hit K Drama on Netflix starring Bae Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do-san, Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong, Kang Han Na as Won In Jae, and Kim Hae Sook as Choi Won Deok. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: "Running" by Gaho and "Shake Shake."
• The intense and emotional hackathon that tests our characters’ ambition, determination, and self-worth.
• Seo Dal-mi’s rising ambition and her impressive performance as the new CEO of Samsan Tech.
• Nam Do-san’s growing confidence, his romantic development, and his beautiful metaphor involving Tarzan.
• The theme of imposter syndrome and how both Dal-mi and Do-san feel they’re not worthy — but believe in each other.
• The critical role APIs, GPUs, data sets, and artificial neural networks play in tech — and how they’re introduced in the show.
• Han Ji Pyeong’s internal turmoil, guilt, and shift from dismissive investor to personal mentor and backer of Samsan Tech.
• The heartbreaking reveal that Dal-mi didn’t go to college because she wanted to buy a corn dog truck for her grandmother.
• Dal-mi’s smart and humble recruitment of Jeong Sa Ha, a designer with top-tier credentials, by literally going down on her knees.
• The competitive and cold dynamic between the sisters, especially in the brutal bathroom scene.
• The sly arrival of stylish twins to In Jae Company and the challenge they pose to Samsan Tech.
• Alex Kwon’s savvy evaluation of Samsan Tech’s potential, not just performance — and his pivotal vote that secures their place in Sandbox.
• The ethics and motivations behind Han Ji Pyeong’s involvement in the letters, and Seo Dal-mi’s growing suspicions.
• Our reflections on the character of Han Ji Pyeong and whether redemption is possible.
• The amazing career of Kang Han Na, the actress who plays Won In Jae, including her roles in Moon Lovers, Bon Appetit, and her stint as a top DJ for KBS.

References

• Kang Han Na on Wikipedia
• GUI Steakhouse in New York City
• Data.gov, the home of the US Government’s Open Data
• Running by Gaho