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Start-Up (2020) K-Drama posterSU

South Korea · Drama · 2020

Start-Up

스타트업 Also known as Sandbox

Netflix, tvN · 16 episodes · 1 min · Saturday, Sunday · 15+ - Teens 15 or older Completed

Business Comedy Drama Romance
17 Oct 2020
Premiere
6 Dec 2020
Finale
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Synopsis

Seo Dal-mi grew up believing she'd received a string of encouraging letters from a pen pal, the boy she counts as her first love, and has built part of her identity around becoming Korea's answer to Steve Jobs ever since. When she meets Nam Do-san, the awkward but brilliant founder of startup Samsan Tech, she assumes he's that pen pal and the two grow close. The letters were actually written by Han Ji-pyeong, a hardened venture capitalist who has quietly loved Dal-mi for years and never corrected the mistake.

All three end up orbiting Sandbox, a fictional Korean startup hub where Dal-mi, Do-san and Ji-pyeong's personal history collides with pitch competitions, investor politics, and Dal-mi's estranged, wealthier sister Won In-jae, who is building a rival company of her own. The drama uses the startup grind as the backdrop for a love triangle that keeps circling back to the question of who Dal-mi actually fell for first: the man behind the letters, or the man who showed up.

Start-Up stars Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-hyuk and Kim Seon-ho, and aired on tvN across 16 episodes from October 17 to December 6, 2020.

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Start-Up cast

Main cast
Supporting cast
Guest appearances
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Best scenes

  • Dal Mi and Do San’s First Meeting: The emotional moment when Seo Dal Mi (Bae Suzy) and Nam Do San (Nam Joo Hyuk) meet for the first time, blending suspense, humor, and romance.
  • Han Ji Pyung’s Letter Reveal: The heartfelt revelation that Han Ji Pyung (Kim Seon Ho) wrote letters to Dal Mi as her grandmother's request, sparking an emotional connection.
  • Hackathon Presentation: The high-stakes pitch where SamSan Tech fights to prove their worth, showcasing teamwork and innovation.
  • Grandmother’s Blindness Discovery: A touching scene where Dal Mi discovers her grandmother's condition, bringing tears and highlighting family bonds.
  • The Love Confession: Do San’s vulnerable confession to Dal Mi under the night sky, blending love and hope perfectly.

Filming locations

  • Paju Book City: A creative hub that inspired the fictional Sandbox office, representing innovation and ambition.
  • Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul: A picturesque spot where several emotional outdoor scenes were filmed.
  • Incheon Songdo International Business District: Used to depict the modern and tech-savvy setting of Sandbox.
  • Suwon Hwaseong Fortress: Featured in flashback scenes, adding cultural depth to the story.
  • Namiseom Island: A romantic filming location where Dal Mi and Do San share heartfelt moments.

Visual design and costumes

  • Minimalist Office Aesthetic: Sandbox’s sleek and futuristic design symbolizes innovation and ambition.
  • Dal Mi’s Vibrant Wardrobe: Reflecting her optimistic and energetic personality through bright colors.
  • Do San’s Casual Looks: His simple outfits emphasize his down-to-earth nature as a struggling developer.
  • Ji Pyung’s Sharp Suits: Highlighting his success and professionalism as a venture capitalist.
  • Sandbox Branding: The consistent use of bold and modern visuals creates a tech-centric atmosphere.

Themes and messages

  • Pursuit of Dreams: The show emphasizes the importance of perseverance and courage in achieving one’s goals.
  • Family and Sacrifice: Highlighting how familial love and sacrifices shape the characters’ lives and choices.
  • Innovation and Technology: A celebration of creativity and the impact of technology on society.
  • Love and Friendship: Exploring complex relationships and the balance between ambition and personal connections.
  • Overcoming Failures: A strong message about resilience and learning from mistakes.

Interesting facts

  • Real Start-Up Inspiration: Sandbox is based on Silicon Valley’s start-up culture and its emphasis on innovation.
  • Kim Seon Ho’s Breakout Role: His portrayal of Han Ji Pyung gained massive popularity, earning him the nickname "Good Boy."
  • Paju Book City’s Transformation: The real-life location was rebranded with Sandbox-themed decorations for authenticity.
  • Cameos by Industry Legends: Park Chan Ho, a famous baseball player, makes a special appearance, adding a fun twist.
  • Original Soundtrack Success: Songs like Future by Red Velvet became chart-topping hits, enhancing the show’s emotional appeal.

Real-life loves on set

There have been no confirmed reports of any real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of the Korean drama "Start-Up." While fans often speculate about on-screen chemistry translating to off-screen romance, especially between lead actors Bae Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk, no official information supports such claims.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 Episode 1 2020-10-17 Aired
2 Episode 2 2020-10-18 Aired
3 Episode 3 2020-10-24 Aired
4 Episode 4 2020-10-25 Aired
5 Episode 5 2020-10-31 Aired
6 Episode 6 2020-11-01 Aired
7 Episode 7 2020-11-07 Aired
8 Episode 8 2020-11-08 Aired
9 Episode 9 2020-11-14 Aired
10 Episode 10 2020-11-15 Aired
11 Episode 11 2020-11-21 Aired
12 Episode 12 2020-11-22 Aired
13 Episode 13 2020-11-28 Aired
14 Episode 14 2020-11-29 Aired
15 Episode 15 2020-12-05 Aired
16 Episode 16 2020-12-06 Aired

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