K Drama Chat

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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