Can a romantic misunderstanding fuel the rise of a South Korean tech empire?
In short: In the fictional Silicon Valley of Sandbox, a young woman dreams of becoming the next Steve Jobs. Her path crosses with a struggling math genius and a sharp-tongued venture capitalist, all bound by a decades-old secret. This series explores the high-stakes world of startups, family fractures, and unexpected ambition.
The 2020 television series Start-Up centers on Seo Dal-mi, an ambitious woman with a humble background who aspires to reach the heights of entrepreneurship. Her journey is complicated by a romantic entanglement involving two men: Nam Do-san, a math prodigy whose business has faltered, and Han Ji-pyeong, a successful venture capitalist known for his brutal honesty. The narrative hinges on a case of mistaken identity, as Dal-mi believes Do-san is the author of letters she received during her youth—letters actually penned by Ji-pyeong at the request of Dal-mi's grandmother.
Set within the competitive landscape of Sandbox, a fictional South Korean tech hub, the show examines the personal and professional pressures of building a company. Dal-mi’s drive is deeply rooted in her family history, particularly the separation from her mother and sister, Won In-jae. While In-jae initially appears to have every societal advantage, she eventually seeks to shed her status as a chaebol heiress to prove her own capabilities. The series weaves these character arcs together, highlighting the volatile nature of startup culture and the enduring, often complicated, ties of family.
Beyond the central romance, the show delves into the technical and emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Characters like Do-san, who struggles with his identity and business failure, must navigate the harsh expectations of the industry. The series was well-received, earning a spot on various lists of the best K-dramas of 2020, with critics noting its poignant exploration of familial bonds. Its cultural impact has been significant enough to inspire international adaptations, including versions produced in the Philippines and Thailand, reflecting the universal appeal of its themes regarding ambition, redemption, and the pursuit of dreams.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Start-Up (South Korean TV series)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-start-up-south-korean-tv-series.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in TV series · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
