Comment on this episode by going to KDramaChat.com

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