Start-Up (2020)
A Korean romantic drama about ambitious young entrepreneurs chasing dreams, building companies, and falling in love in Seoul's high-tech startup world.
Start-Up - Series Information
- Original Title: 스타트업
- First Air Year: 2020
- Last Air Year: 2020
- Created by: Park Hye-ryun
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (72 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: English, Korean
- First Air Date: October 17, 2020 (United States - TV-14), October 17, 2020 (United Kingdom - PG), October 17, 2020 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: Start-Up: 我的初创时代 (CN), สตาร์ทอัพ (TH), Start-Up KR (US), START-UP：我的新創時代 (HK), شركة ناشئة (SA), 샌드박스 (KR)
- Production Companies: Studio Dragon, HighZium Studio
- Production Countries: South Korea
Start-Up - Plot
Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea's high-tech industry.
Start-Up - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the ambition, romance, and rivalry come to life:
The place where our story ignites.
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Start-Up - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Park Hye-ryun
Main Cast
- Suzy
- Nam Joo-hyuk
- Kim Seon-ho
- Kang Hanna
- Kim Hae-sook
- Kim Do-wan
- Kim Won-hae
- Song Sun-mi
- Yoo Su-bin
- Seo Yi-sook
Writers
- Park Hye-ryun
Start-Up - FAQs
Who wins the love triangle in Start-Up?
Seo Dal-mi ultimately ends up with Nam Do-san, played by Nam Joo-hyuk. Despite Han Ji-pyeong's (Kim Seon-ho) deep and quietly devoted feelings for her, Dal-mi follows her heart toward Do-san after years of misunderstanding, emotional growth, and a second chance that brings them back together.
Why did viewers rally behind Han Ji-pyeong so strongly?
Kim Seon-ho's portrayal of Han Ji-pyeong — a self-made, emotionally guarded man who loved quietly from afar — struck a deep chord with audiences worldwide. His backstory, vulnerability beneath a sharp exterior, and genuine care for Dal-mi made him one of K-drama's most beloved second leads in recent memory.
Where can you stream Start-Up online?
Start-Up is available on Netflix with a standard subscription and also on Netflix Standard with Ads for those who prefer a lower-cost plan. Both options give full access to all 16 episodes of the series.
Is Start-Up based on a true story?
Start-Up is not based on a true story. It's an original work by screenwriter Park Hye-ryun, though it draws inspiration from the real-world culture of South Korea's tech startup ecosystem, particularly the innovation hub scene in Seoul, to ground its fictional characters and storylines in a believable setting.
How many episodes does Start-Up have?
Start-Up consists of 16 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 72 minutes, giving the series a rich, almost cinematic pacing that allows the romance, rivalry, and entrepreneurial drama to unfold at a satisfying depth.
Who are the main cast members of Start-Up?
The series stars Suzy as Seo Dal-mi, Nam Joo-hyuk as Nam Do-san, and Kim Seon-ho as Han Ji-pyeong in the central love triangle. Supporting roles include Kang Hanna, Kim Hae-sook, Kim Do-wan, Kim Won-hae, Song Sun-mi, Yoo Su-bin, and Seo Yi-sook.
Is Start-Up worth watching for non-K-drama fans?
Absolutely. Even viewers new to Korean dramas find Start-Up easy to get into, thanks to its relatable themes of ambition, failure, and second chances. The tech startup backdrop feels fresh, the romance is genuinely engaging, and Kim Seon-ho's breakout performance alone makes it memorable viewing.
What is Start-Up the series about?
Start-Up follows young dreamers navigating South Korea's fiercely competitive tech industry as they build companies from scratch while tangled in love and rivalry. At its heart, it's a story about reinvention — who you become when chasing something bigger than yourself, and the people who shape that journey.
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