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13.11 - Podcast Review of Episode 11 of Start-Up

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


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K Drama Chat is a weekly podcast where we take one Korean (K) Drama each season and and recap and analyze each episode. K Drama Chat is available on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyAmazon Music, and Pandora.

Comments

  1. Ok, the debate on Plan B this week is milder for sure, and since I set off the debate last week, I'd like to go with a take different from both Joanna AND Sung hee's! I think HJP's offer was meant to protect the future of the visual aid app, since he knew they all support it and take pride in the good work it does.
    He's a smart guy, and knows that he can raise other support for this app if needed. The grandma's dependency on this reinforces his interest.
    On reckoning with the cost of the harshness of his criticism, I think you guys are right on the money. In my screenwriting workshop, sometimes we had to get sharper when the critique wasn't sinking in, but I'm a believer in saying what WOULD work better, á la Shark Tank. Instead of telling the guy that he was a fraud for not implementing a rechargeable battery despite being aware of the market trend, he could have said until you have rechargeable, you don't have an investable product. Same thing, but less personal.

    Like Sung hee, I'm more impressed by what someone does vs nice words, so HJP is ok in my book.
    WMW, Made In Korea has enough to keep me watching, same with Pro Bono, but both need a second season! On my friend Brian's recommendation, I've started a long C Drama on Viki called Parallel World, pretty good so far! And for new to Netflix Kdramas, I recommend Suspicious Partner with the always great Ji Chan-wook, aka Wookie!

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