Start-Up

Start-Up (2019), also known as Ignition, is a gritty and heartfelt Korean coming-of-age drama that captures the raw struggles of youth. Directed by Choi Jung Yeol, the film stars Ma Dong Seok as Geo Suk, a charismatic and tough “big brother” figure, and Park Jung Min as Go Taek Il, a rebellious teenager with no clear direction in life. Set against the backdrop of South Korea’s urban chaos, the story follows a young man’s journey from street fights to personal growth. Go Taek Il, constantly clashing with his strict mother, decides to run away from home and escape his mundane existence. He ends up in a small city where he meets Geo Suk, a no-nonsense Chinese restaurant owner with a mysterious past. Working as a delivery boy, Taek Il starts to learn the value of responsibility and the meaning of hard-earned money. Through this unconventional mentorship, he begins to see the world from a new angle. Meanwhile, his best friend Woo Sang Pil—played by Jung Hae In—gets entangled in the dangerous world of private loans and shady business dealings, seeking a quick way to success. As both boys struggle to define what adulthood means, their paths diverge into survival, self-discovery, and consequences. The dual narrative explores how different environments and choices shape young minds in unpredictable ways. With a stellar cast including Choi Sung Eun, Yeom Jung Ah, and Kim Jong Soo, Start-Up dives deep into themes like youth rebellion, street survival, found family, and the harsh realities of growing up in modern Korea. Combining humor, action, and emotional depth, this film is a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas and youth-focused stories. It’s not just about chasing dreams—it's about finding purpose when everything seems lost.