K Drama Chat

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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:

The songs we featured during the recap: Dream by Jamie, Ransomware by Kim Dong Hyeok, Remind by Park Sejun

Joanna’s epic night at the TWICE concert at Capital One Arena — 21,000 fans, multi-generational crowds, and how “Takedown” from KPop Demon Hunters is bringing TWICE to new audiences in the U.S.

The meaning of the episode title “Comfort Zone” and how it perfectly captures Han Ji Pyeong’s three-year stalemate with Seo Dal Mi.

Ji Pyeong’s awkward confession while making skewers, why saying “I want to be the first person you think of” wasn’t quite enough, and whether jewelry is a bold romantic move or a panicked leap out of the friend zone.

Yeong Sil’s iconic baseball analogy — “Two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a full count” — and why it may be the motivational speech Ji Pyeong needed to finally swing the bat.

Nam Do San’s three years in Silicon Valley: success, stock options, Napa wine, yachts on the Bay… and whether coding became his emotional safe haven after heartbreak.

The ransomware attack on CheongMyeong Company — port 22, SSH vulnerabilities, decryption keys, and whether finding the key was even remotely realistic (thank you to our cybersecurity friends for weighing in!).

The thrill of problem-solving: why Do San says he hasn’t felt this alive in years — and whether returning to Korea means stepping out of his own comfort zone.

The complicated dynamic between the sisters as Dal Mi (now CEO of CheongMyeong) and In Jae (대표님) maintain strict professionalism at work while still struggling to reconnect personally — especially around Chuseok.

Han Ji Pyeong’s heartbreaking timing yet again — arriving just after Do San saves the company — and why Dal Mi hesitated to call him during the crisis.

The bromance vote over street skewers and tteokbokki outside Sandbox — and the emotional moment when the three friends decide to stay in Korea together.

Our favorite lines:

– “Two outs in the bottom of the ninth and a full count.”

– “Don’t throw a pebble into a calm lake.”

At the end of the episode, Ji Pyeong confronts Do San in the elevator, gift in pocket, promotion title acknowledged (상무님!), and the rivalry officially reignites.

Joanna’s interview with real-life venture capitalist Tim McLoughlin of Cofounders Capital — decision-making under uncertainty, making peace with imperfect data, and why looking backward can slow you down.

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

Chuseok - Wikipedia

Drinkers in Korea Dial for Designated Drivers - The New York Times

Songpyeon - Wikipedia

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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