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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 13 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:

Next week, we recap and analyze Episode 14 of Start-Up and begin narrowing down our choice for Season 14. Send us your recommendations!

References

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 12 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: Love Letter by BOL4, In the Same Way or Another by Park Sejun, and Without Your Letter by Lee Nyeom.
• The fallout of the 2STO deal and how Samsan Tech’s lack of legal, financial, and strategic guidance led to a contract that technically worked, but failed them completely.
• Han Ji-pyeong’s crisis of conscience and how his absence at Demo Day changed everything for Dal-mi and Samsan Tech.
• Why Seo Dal-mi didn’t bring the contract to Ji-pyeong for review, and how excitement, pride, and emotional distance all played a role.
• The brutal moment when Dal-mi and Jung Sa-ha are let go, revealing who 2STO actually wanted and how “acquiring a company” doesn’t mean protecting its people.
• The heartbreaking confrontation between Nam Do-san and Han Ji-pyeong, culminating in a physical fight and the devastating reveal about Dal-mi’s grandmother losing her vision.
• Ji-pyeong’s visit to the grandmother at her corn dog stand, the meaning of the word “순딩이” (gentle soul), and why this hug becomes his emotional breaking point.
• The quiet late-night phone call between Dal-mi and Do-san, the recorded confession, and the realization that love alone cannot be a shared dream
• Why Dal-mi breaks up with Do-san on his birthday, and how humiliation, pride, and unequal trajectories force her to let him go.
• Dal-mi’s decision to apply for a Strategic Planning Manager role at In-jae Company, swallowing her pride and reframing what leadership and vision look like after failure.
• The episode’s closing questions: the uncertain future of NoonGil, Do-san’s reluctant departure for Silicon Valley, and whether Ji-pyeong is finally ready to step into the role he’s been avoiding.
• The two unforgettable dads of Start-Up: Kim Won-hae, who plays Nam Do-san’s father,  and Kim Joo-hun, who portrays Seo Dal-mi’s father.
• What we’re watching now, including Pro Bono and Can This Love Be Translated.
• The exciting interview with a real-life venture capitalist next week!

References

• Medication, shape, size, and color – what does it mean?
• Korean housing
• Pill identifier from Drugs.com
• South Korea’s housing crisis explained
• Nanta (theatrical show) - Wikipedia
• Kim Won-hae - Wikipedia
• Kim Joo-hun - Wikipedia

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 11 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: Two Words by Wendy (of Red Velvet), Swing and Sand by Kim Dong-hyeok, and What Girls Do by Park Se-jun & Song Je-gyom.
• The emotional fallout for Han Ji-pyeong as he confronts the human cost of his words, especially in light of Kim Dong-su’s death.
• The complicated idea of “Plan B” — why Ji-pyeong offers it, why Dal-mi, Do-san, and Yong-san reject it, and how pride, guilt, and independence all collide here.
• Samsan Tech’s Demo Day win and why their decision not to inflate accuracy numbers becomes a defining moment for Do-san’s integrity and leadership.
• The ethical debate sparked by Do-san’s father during In-jae’s presentation: innovation vs. jobs, and how this 2020 storyline feels even more relevant in today’s AI-driven world.
• How Dal-mi reframes technology as something meant to serve people, especially the visually impaired, rather than replace them.
• The uneasy excitement around 2STO’s acquisition offer, including why the lack of legal guidance is alarming and how inexperienced founders can be vulnerable in high-stakes deals.
• Ji-pyeong’s fear that the acquisition is really a high-priced recruiting strategy — and his frantic attempt to stop the contract once it’s already in motion.
• The shifting dynamic between the sisters, as Won In-jae quietly reaches out to Dal-mi with small gestures that suggest reconciliation, even while Dal-mi stays firmly competitive.
• Dal-mi’s unresolved anger toward her mother, the grandmother’s perspective on forgiveness, and the idea that letting go of grudges can be an act of survival.
• Our deep dive into Korean skincare, from the 10-step routine and “glass skin” ideals to realistic approaches, favorite products, and why sunscreen reigns supreme.
• What we’re watching now, including Can This Love Be Translated? and Encounter, and Netflix’s growing catalog of older K dramas.

References

• An Expert Guide to Your 10-Step Korean Skincare Routine
• 34 Korean Beauty Products
• Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream
• COSRX Snail Mucin

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 10 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: Lonesome Diary by Sandeul, We Want To Be Like You by Park Sejun, and Without Your Letter by Lee Nyeom.
• The many confessions in this episode, especially by Han Ji Pyeong and Nam Do San, and how they each deal with rejection.
• The depth of Seo Dal Mi’s devastation as she discovers the truth behind the letters and struggles with shattered confidence before Demo Day.
• The beautiful and layered bus station scene between Nam Do San and Seo Dal Mi, including her heartbreaking question, “Was it fun?”
• Han Ji Pyeong’s emotional confession over lunch and the debate between us about whether it was character assassination or honesty.
• The emotional and philosophical discussion between Nam Do San and his father about shedding expectations and just being themselves.
• Chul San’s confession to Jung Sa Ha and how she unexpectedly seems touched by his sincerity.
• The symbolism of the suit and the decision by Nam Do San to present his authentic self, not a version dressed up for someone else.
• How the theme of “white lies” echoes across multiple storylines—grandmother, Nam Do San, Han Ji Pyeong, and Won In Jae—and the consequences of those lies.
• The offer by Alex Kwon of a job at 2STO and the golden handcuffs of stock options; Joanna explains the financial implications in USD.
• The haunting storyline about Yong San’s brother and his desire for revenge against Han Ji Pyeong, whom he blames for his brother’s death.
• The significance of “Plan B,” and how both Joanna and Sung Hee interpret its double meaning in different ways.
• Filming locations from Start-Up, including Oil Tank Culture Park (Sandbox exterior), Yeouido Hangang Park (corndog stand), Uijeongu Cathedral (church), and the Conrad Hotel in Seoul (HJP's apartment).

References

• Filming Locations for Start-Up
• Caught in the Act: Practical and Legal Considerations When Executives’ Office Love Affair Exposed
• Lee Nyeom on Spotify

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 9 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: “Bluebird” by Ailee, “Love Designer” by Park Se-jun, and “Cupcake” by Park Se-jun and Kim Min Ji.
• The heartbreaking story behind Nam Do-san’s Math Olympiad win and how it defined his identity and self-worth.
• Seo Dal-mi’s slow realization that something is off. Why do Han Ji Pyeong and Nam Do San have the same birthday and handwriting?
• The powerful metaphor of the wind: how it brings both luck and storms into Nam Do-san’s life.
• Han Ji-pyeong's explosive confrontation with Choi Won-deok, his declaration of love for Dal-mi, and the emotional fallout.
• The idea that risk is measurable, while danger is unpredictable, as articulated by Chairwoman Yoon in her evaluation of Won In-jae.
• Nam Do-san’s confession to his parents that he cheated in the Math Olympiad, and their crushing disappointment.
• The beautiful and emotional beach trip where Nam Do San gifts a moment of beauty to Seo Dal Mi’s grandmother.
• The escalating love triangle, with both Nam Do San and Han Ji Pyeong vying for Seo Dal Mi’s heart.
• The AI-related layoffs and protests surrounding In-jae Company and the broader implications for the workforce.
• A tense and cinematic ending where Dal-mi uncovers the truth, leaving both Nam Do San and Han Ji Pyeong speechless and in emotional disarray.
• The incredible performance of Seo Yi Sook, who plays Chairwoman Yoon, and her long and fascinating journey to stardom.
• What we’re watching now, including Dynamite Kiss, Made in Korea, Can This Love Be Translated, Pro Bono, and more.

References

• The top 15 K dramas ever made
• The best 30 K dramas of all time, ranked
• Oxford English Dictionary Adds Eight Korean Words.”
• StartUp Complete List of Filming Locations
• You're just staring at yourself': Job seekers lament AI interview process
• Endoscopist deskilling risk after exposure to artificial intelligence in colonoscopy: a multicentre, observational study - The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology
• Seo Yi Sook on Wikipedia
• ​​Where To Buy The Dooly And Gildong Shirts From ‘Start-Up’
• Dooly the Little Dinosaur - Wikipedia

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 8 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 also discuss Yoo Su Bin, the actor who plays Lee Chul San, and Kim Do Wan, the actor who plays Kim Yong San. We discuss:

• The songs featured during the recap: “Even for a Moment” by CHEEZE, “My Past” by Park Sejun and Kim Min Ji, and “Heart Signal” by Kim Dong Hyeok, plus a fun mention of IU’s “Good Day.”
• The theme of backups—literal and metaphorical—including cloud, device, and hard drive backups and what they signify about risk management and emotional safety.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): what it is, its key components, and how Samsan Tech uses CSR to fund their app for the visually impaired.
• The evolving nature of NoonGil and how Seo Dal-mi and Nam Do-san combine image recognition and AI voice tech to empower visually impaired users.
• Han Ji Pyeong’s initial rejection of the idea, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in business, as Seo Dal-mi’s pitch emotionally resonates with Han Ji Pyeong despite his pragmatic stance.
• The concept of Daily Active Users (DAUs), viral marketing, and how NoonGil’s downloads explode after a social post from baseball star Park Chan Ho.
• The powerful reveal of Choi Won Deok’s feedback notebook, and how this leads to Seo Dal-mi finally learning about her grandmother’s deteriorating eyesight.
• The emotional gravity of the grandmother using NoonGil to hear a Bible passage, and the symbolism of her regaining a sense of independence.
• The rivalry between Han Ji Pyeong and Nam Do-san intensifies, with two alternate endings showing different dynamics around the scrunchie.
• Important language and etiquette notes: how Seo Dal-mi calls HJP “Han Jang-nim” and how he respectfully calls her “Seo Daepyonim.”
• The storyline of Seo Dal-mi’s mother and her complicated motivations around reuniting with Won In Jae.
• A deep dive into Silicon Valley’s Pay It Forward culture and the “five-minute favor.”
• We spotlight Yoo Su Bin and Kim Do Wan—the quirky best friends in Samsan Tech—and discuss their careers, recent works, and breakout roles.

References

• No Other Choice on IMDB
• Good Day by IU
• Jat-guksu - Wikipedia
• Gapyeong County - Wikipedia
• Pay It Forward is Silicon Valley’s Open Secret to Success
• The Power of the Five Minute Favor by Adam Grant

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 7 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: My Love by Davichi, Maybe You Know It by Park Se-jun, and Alchemist by Park Se-jun.
• The startup terms "burn rate," "nut," and "valuation" and how they relate to Samsan Tech’s financial situation.
• How Dal-mi bombards Ji-pyeong with 400 questions, revealing her inexperience and eagerness, and how Ji-pyeong answers them all.
• The intensifying love triangle and growing tension between Ji-pyeong and Do-san, especially as Ji-pyeong begins to realize his feelings for Dal-mi.
• The hilarious but symbolic scene where Ji-pyeong tries to throw out the money plant and gets scolded by the building manager.
• The heartbreaking moment when Choi Won-deok begs Do-san not to reveal her deteriorating eyesight to Dal-mi.
• Do-san's touching realization that all the "miracles" began with the grandmother’s kindness, deepening his respect and resolve.
• How Do-san’s concern for the grandmother inspires the idea for Samsan Tech’s new business model: an app for the visually impaired.
• The pitch meeting with Morning Group, where Dal-mi and Do-san realize they are being offered an exploitative contract.
• Dal-mi’s kiss, sparked by Do-san defending her and standing up for their dignity, despite their financial precarity.
• How the sisters, Dal-mi and In-jae, each struggle to be recognized on their own merits: one without credentials, one despite connections.
• Stephanie Lee, who plays Jung Sa-ha, her Korean-American background, her shift from dramas to movies, and her award-winning fashion.

References

• Google Options Make Masseuse a Multimillionaire - The New York Times
• Stroke of luck for masseuse who found millions at Google | The Independent
• MIcrosoft and OpenAI reach a deal valuing OpenAI at $500B
• Actress Stephanie Lee is preparing for a new leap forward
• Moon Se-yoon - Wikipedia
• Faces of wealth, intellect and longevity, as revealed by veteran face reader
•  

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Today, we take a quick break from Start-Up, the K Drama we're recapping and analyzing in Season 13 of K Drama Chat, to reflect on the best K Dramas of 2025. We share our top 5 shows, actors, actresses, scenes, and songs of the year—and we hear from YOU, our amazing listeners! We discuss:

• The listener-favorite and TIME Magazine’s top K Drama of 2025: When Life Gives You Tangerines
• Songs we loved in 2025
• The top shows of our listeners. We hear from:
  • MrsDJQ
  • Irma
  • Christine
  • Malcolm
  • Shine
  • Sue
  • Ernabel
• Our personal top 5 shows and honorable mentions
• A special treat: audio clips from listeners sharing their top shows!
• The actresses who blew us away in 2025
• The standout male performances
• The most memorable scenes from K Dramas we watched
• K Dramas we’re looking forward to in 2026
• Korean films from 2025 we recommend watching
• A reminder to join us next week when we return to Start-Up and discuss Episode 7 and Stephanie Lee, the actress who plays Jeong Sa-ha

References

• 60+ K Dramas from the first half of 2025
• TIME Magazine’s Top 10 K Dramas from 2025
• New KOREAN Drama 2025
• KDramas of 2025 (complete, on-going, and upcoming) (156 shows) - MyDramaList
• Day and Night by Jung Seung Hwan
• I Find You by Do Young
• Woojooin by Seo Young Joo
• I’ll Be Your Idol from KPop Demon Hunters

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Today, we’ll be discussing Episode 6 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 we featured during the recap: Where Is Dream by 10CM, Maybe You Know It by Park Sejun, and Game Room by Park Sejun. We also shared insights into 10CM’s music career and unique vocal style.
• The concept of the “key man,” and how Nam Do-san, as the brilliant coder, is the true key person behind Samsan Tech’s success, not Seo Dal-mi.
• An in-depth conversation about equity and ownership, with Han Ji Pyeong insisting that a CEO must have majority equity to lead effectively — a controversial claim that causes major friction in the team.
• The fallout among the Samsan Tech founders when Chul San and Yong San feel betrayed by Nam Do-san’s proposed equity structure, prompting a near breakup.
• Seo Dal-mi’s growth as a CEO, including how she proposes a new equity split and confronts Jeong Sa Ha with strength and confidence, signaling her rising leadership.
• The tension between being a good person and being an effective CEO, and how Seo Dal-mi learns to make hard decisions without trying to please everyone.
• The emotional weight of keeping the truth about the letters hidden from Seo Dal-mi, especially now that Nam Do-san learns the grandmother is losing her eyesight.
• The deepening love triangle between Seo Dal-mi, Nam Do-san, and Han Ji Pyeong, as seen in the nuanced facial expressions, especially during their scene on the bleachers.
• A sobering look at Won In Jae’s fraught relationship with her stepfather and mother, and how her need to “win” is rooted in betrayal and guilt.
• The dark twist at the end of the episode, where a hooded figure leaves a message about revenge on the Sandbox wall — suggesting deeper intrigue ahead.
• A spotlight on the incredible Kim Hae Sook, who plays the grandmother, Choi Won Deok. We discuss her prolific career, her range as an actress, and her importance to Korean cinema and TV.

References

• Could Malcolm Gladwell's Theory of Cockpit Culture Apply to Asiana Crash?
• Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Aircraft Dispatchers
• Thinking Beyond Cultural Legacy: The Case of Korean Air
• Malcolm Gladwell Theory Debunked - Hacker News

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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