Since there was a question asking which actor would have been suitable for dosan other than Njh somedays ago,…
I have to hard agree on Jo Jung Suk, he would fit this role really well. HJP is a bit similar to his character in Dare to Dream. I think he would be excellent here.
Eh, to be honest, considering SDM character, any young actress would have done it justice. Heck, even Kang Hanna would have nailed it.
I kind of wish the role of SDM was filled by a less traditionally pretty actress, then we would believe that NDS isn't falling for her just for her looks.
SDM doesn't deserve to be the Steve Jobs of Korea. That statement alone is an insult to the greatness of Steve Jobs.
So far in the show her task have been the following:
1. Outside Sales 2. Official Coffee Getter Girl 3. Making Sure You Don't Get Wet Umbrella Girl 4. Secretary 5. Social Media manager 6. Driver 7. Blackmailer
There is thin line between fan and toxic fan. so don't cross that line just appreciate your favorite actor or…
Should NDS be free from criticisms?
With this same mindset, you should never criticize other people's actions, food served to you, lifestyle choices, fashion choice and etc...
Because to criticize is to be toxic?
Keep in mind, these so called "Toxic Fans" are necessary evils for artist to grow.
A world where SST only gets empty praises, is a world where SDM and Saha gets kicked out, never forget that.
So let's just accept the world is perfect as it is. But then who defines perfection, the fans or the toxic fans?
My definition of toxic fans, are commenters who attack other commenters personally, try to guilt shame other commenters, project toxicity onto other commenters, or send death threats to actors/writers.
Keep in mind, every second your out there with other people, the words you write, the words you say, someone somewhere is criticizing/judging you. If you feel they are toxic, then the whole world is toxic.
Just my rant about the show, but from a different angle. Sorry long post again...
You know what, with the amount of focus I have been placing on the forced love triangle, and the toxicity of SDM and NDS relationship, I have become blind to something that is even more toxic in the show Start Up. The familial aspect.
I am Asian, and I am a big believer in close family relationships. Coming from a close knit clan myself, and being a hopeless romantic, I enjoy watching Kdrama's the have both aspects. When I first watched start-up, I really loved that even though Grandma and young HJP were not family by blood, they really represented the closeness of family that I endear to. Another familial relationship I enjoyed was young SDM and her father.
So, now that I have had time to dissect the show for it's familial aspect, I have come away very disappointed at the message being normalized in the show. Let me explain further.
From the beginning, although it is never really said out loud, we do get a sense of disconnect from Grandma with her son. Let us state what we know about the son and Grandma:
1. Son only seems to visit his mother when he has problems. He is divorced, SDM is lonely, he needs money, and etc...
2. Son didn't listen to his mom, and married SDM's mom regardless if she was against it.
3. I think at one point, Grandma lives with SDM and her family, but constant fights between her and SDM's mom, made her move out, for the betterment of her son.
4. Grandma is very selfless, giving his son all her life savings for his business, even though it seems the son is no longer close to Grandma. I think this shows that Grandma's love for her child is far greater than her son's love for her.
From what I can tell, the relationship of Grandma and her son was not the best, and in some ways, she has lost the essence of her child. Initially, I thought it was weird for Grandma to be so nice to young HJP, a total stranger. But then I start to realize, the reason Grandma was like this to HJP, was after losing her connection to her son (SDM's Dad), her soul was yearning to reconnect with another.
Initially, we see so many motherly scenes between young HJP and Grandma, and it appears that their newfound connection will sustain both of their souls. But unfortunately, as fate would have it, they are fated to be separated. And I find it ironic now, Grandma's last few words to young HJP parallels the way she saw her SDM's father. SDM's father only comes to Grandma when he is divorced, having no money, basically rock bottom. Grandma says the same thing to HJP, "only come back to me, when you are going through a rough patch, and have nowhere else to go". This shows to us that her love for HJP has symbolically reached a similar love she has for her own son.
Grandma is a very selfless person. From giving her son all her money, to selling her beloved shop for SDM to go to college, and to housing young HJP, she is the single most selfless person in the show. If being selfless was hereditary, then HJP is her spiritual successor. Both of her grandchildren didn't inherit the selfless gene, as they are both shown to be selfish at times.
While I was watching Start-Up, I quite enjoyed seeing SDM's and Grandma's relationship. It was endearing and sweet. They have such a close relationship, even going to church together, and poking jokes at each other.
Which is why, I will never understand what happened. The closer to NDS she got, the further away from Grandma she became. Almost as if, she was merely using Grandma as a crutch for her loneliness, and now that she has someone else to love, she is able to set Grandma aside. This is a fear I believe a lot of parent/grand parents feel, that once their kids/grandchildren find other "play mates" the family comes second, third, fourth, and even last. After finding out Grandma is blind, she has no problem about planning on how to live in Silicon Valley, no second thought on who would take care of Grandma. The writer's gave her character an out by placing her mother there to take care of Grandma, but still this is a bad look for SDM, who was in the past so close to her Grandma. In fact, in the recent episodes, it's being shown SDM's mom has taken her place, and SDM is free to "sail without a map" with NDS if she wants. I just want to point out, we should not see family as a chore, responsibility or an anchor. Instead we should see family as a big part of who we are, and a necessary cog in our personal success.
Which takes me to another problem with SDM's view on familial relationship. Her weird dislike for her sister. Why is she angrier at her sister, who undoubtedly was in the same boat as her during the divorce, and not at the mother, who is the actual cause of the divorce? This part just never made sense to me. SDM knows the sister loves the father, even defending the father to the mom, how can SDM suddenly forget all of that. So the sister says some spiteful words, and suddenly it's a 15 year grudge? It's such a disconnect to show a strong sisterhood that even had a bit of idol worship from SDM turn into a 15 year one sided rivalry.
Speaking of rivalry, I'm surprised how in the past three years of the time skip, the sisters, who worked side by side daily, showed no familial growth. After competing with her sister for throughout most of the show, she finally becomes humble and decides to work for her sister. But throughout this time, the fact that neither her or her mother ever told WIJ about Halmoni's sickness boggles me. I've come to conclude that SDM's family is not a close family at all. They are the family that only meet up during holidays like Christmas, and etc.. That probably never call each other. This is not my idea of what a family should be like, and i'm surprised to see a drama set in Korea normalize this.
BUT, that is not even the worst family relationship in the show. That award would go to NDS and his parents.
I think finding the balance between being strict and carefree is very hard for parents. This is especially true for Asian parents, where most of them tend to be on the stricter side. Asian parents are already quite strict in pushing their children to study hard and get the best grades. Finding out your son is a genius? most Asian parents would actually double down, and push their children harder. This has to do with the part of Asian culture that dislikes wasting things like talent.
So the way NDS parents were pushing him, I can totally relate and understand it. The lying to the parents for 15 years, I don't understand that. And when I look at NDS parent's individually, they appear to be nice people. The dad respects the mom, the mom respects the dad, they really have the heart and soul of good parents. So to see NDS act out like this, and to vilify his dad, is heartbreaking form a 3rd party observer. I try my best to understand NDS point of view, but I just can't, because the parents are not crossing any lines. In fact, it is NDS who crosses the line and says and does hurtful things to his parents on a constant basis. Also comparing SDM's family, where happy times revolved around food. In NDS family, we rarely see the family just sit down and have a proper family dinner. Most of the time, NDS just prefers to spend time with his friends, and only coming home when needed.
Another thing that really bothers me. In Ep. 11, after NDS father does his rant on WIJ's company, and SDM says, "Your father is so inspiring". Just one little nod, or saying "yes he is", FFS something to show that NDS finally appreciated his father, but nothing. Like, NDS could have told us the audience or SST, that he was proud of his father at that time, but nothing.
Let us remember here, because NDS is not really close to his parents, he probably did not tell him that he built Noongil for Grandma. Because think about it, put yourself in NDS parent's shoes, how hurt would you be if you found out that your son dedicated and spent time to work on a project to benefit another person's parents, but at the same time that son also built something to make his father's job obsolete? This is akin to a son choosing to help another family than his own. It's heartbreaking, and i'm a little glad NDS parent's don't know the truth.
Another tragic scene is when NDS straight up tells his father, "I don't want to be your pride, and I don't want you to be my pride". I was like, WTF?, how can he say this to his father. After already blaming his father for the way he turned out, now he doesn't want to be proud of his father anymore. He simply could have said, he doesn't want his father to pin his hopes and dreams on NDS, but to further add that he doesn't want to be proud of his father's actions really hurt. Basically NDS tells his father he wants a platonic relationship with his parents. I just don't get a sense of closeness when I see NDS with his parents, it feels very awkward. And what is even more tragic is the mom, even though the son doesn't treat her well, still shows undying support for her son, but this is expected because NDS mom is pretty awesome, and honestly, so is the dad.
Which brings me to my last point. How do you not call your parents for three years, and use them as an excuse to visit Korea, when your real reason is to continue stanning SDM? For me this was the last straw, and I can't believe the parents are ok with this, even happy? Is this how familial relationships are in Korea? I've seen many Kdrama's that say otherwise.
Surprisingly, the strongest family connection in the show, is the two man household of Grandma and HJP, and they are not even connected by blood. The scene in EP. 14 of Chuseok celebration warms my heart. This scene had so much emotions, the friendly banter between the family members, and the gentle consideration SDM's mom and Grandma had for HJP's packed lunch, I couldn't help but smile with HJP, this is the family warmth that has been missing for most of his life. In fact, this scene proves to me, that those letters HJP wrote to SDM all those years ago was a big part of himself, the dreams he had about playing go-stop with his family, was his dream.
Which is why I feel, that given how NDS treats his own family, I find it hard to believe he will treat Grandma, WIJ, and SDM's Mom any better than he treats his own flesh and blood. While we have already seen how HJP just fits so so seamlessly into the Seo family.
I think, in Ep. 15, HJP will have given up, and concede. He will bring the fortune plant, and all the letters that SDM wrote to him, and will give them to NDS. He tells NDS to take care of SDM, and to never hurt her. He will also give NDS a vote of confidence, and to pursue SDM.
NDS will read the letters, and little by little, letter by letter, he will start to realize how much SDM actually loved the fake Dosan, thus HJP for 15 years. NDS will start to realize now how pure SDM's love was for HJP is.
NDS wants to check with SDM to make sure of why she wants to be with him. So he meets up with her and ask her one final time "what do you like about me". While SDM's answers, NDS starts to realize, those things are not him anymore. SDM's soul has always been connected with HJP, even though it was him, NDS, she was spending time with. With this new thought in mind, NDS finally is ready to move on.
NDS will realize that he wanted to stay in Korea not because he found SF boring, but because once again he made SDM his dream, and he vows to start creating a dream that is for himself, rather than for others, and so he returns to SF.
In Ep. 14, Yong San says "But nothing can change a person's mind more easily then when you tell the truth despite everything". I believe this line foreshadows that in Ep. 16, HJP will be pushing SDM towards NDS, telling her that he, HJP, is petty, selfish, and a bad person. He will say things like how he only was interested in SDM, because he wanted to compete with NDS. He will encourage SDM to chase after NDS to the airport. And just like Yong San said, this is the point that SDM for the first time will see HJP with those eyes, he will see how selfless HJP is. That despite everything, all his feelings, he is still pushing her towards NDS. This final act of selflessness is what finally opens SDM eyes.
We will then see a parallel of HJP in EP. 12, where he is trying his hardest to push SDM away, saying he is a bad person. But SDM will stop him, and he will realize that for the first time, she finally sees him, that aside from Grandma, another person finally sees him. After a tearful encounter, HJP will take out the ring/necklace/bracelet he has in his pocket and give it to SDM.
This would be consistent with the Cyrano play, where Christian actually realizes that Roxanne has always been in love with the idea/personality of Cyrano, rather than the physical presence of Christian. And it is actually Christian who encourages Cyrano to tell Roxanne the truth.
Interesting. I didn't see it bounce back, only seen it drop to 8.4 then 8.3 and now at 8.2. Personlly, however…
I rarely drop shows, regardless of how bad they are.
Not sure about ROY, but yes TKEM was just hiring the best and most expensive and hoping for the best.
I'm only really watching Start-Up to see how HJP's arc will end. If it wasn't for HJP, I don't think I could watch 1 hour 25 minutes of cringe between NDS and SDM. I like romance, but the romance scenes between the two, makes me cringe tbh. The only show with more cringe scenes was TKEM. But that's just me, I'm sure you find them romantic.
TKEM should be even lower, it's being propped up by the literally MILLIONS of lee min ho fans. For had bad TKEM was, it should be 7.5 or lower.
Interesting. I didn't see it bounce back, only seen it drop to 8.4 then 8.3 and now at 8.2. Personlly, however…
a lot of the newer 2020 dramas are actually rated lower, like the heavily overrated TKEM and ROY.
There are dramas that are better than Startup that are only rated 8.3/10. Produced in different years of course.
I view rating as "is this show better or worse than that other show I watch with this rating. So for me I have some shows I set as my ratings parameters, and Start Up is getting close to it's true rating, which I think is an 8 or 7.9
As romantic as it is for a guy to try his best for a girl, don't let that by your only reason for trying. Because, when the love wanes, and most relationships do, your effort will also suffer.
So instead of moving mountains, and doing the impossible for the girl, work on the small things instead. You will find the small things will be easier to maintain, and be more consistent.
It's not always about having the bigger hands, or the grand gestures. It's the little things consistently done which makes a love strong.
Just wanted to give some personal advice to some people. Unsolicited of course! hahaha!
But for all those people, who can relate to NDS, and sees themselves in NDS. That's great, NDS symbolizes that insecure part of ourselves, who just needs that one person who believes in us to reach our potential.
But, don't make the mistake of following his actions. The quote, "To sail without a map" is dangerous for people like NDS in real life. People like NDS are not very good adapters. I'm not saying that they are not smart, or quick witted, but rather change for them is very difficult. What actually gives someone like NDS confidence, is redoing, and improving existing foundations, and not to constantly tearing them down to rebuild.
Plus, keep in mind, many of NDS more egregious acts in the show, will be met with actual repercussions in real life. And a lot of the winds of fortune that blew his way, won't necessarily blow for you. And as fun as it is to act out with emotions, and to throw caution in the wind for the girl, please I implore you, don't do this in real life, because you will be hurt more than Ep. 12 NDS.
Instead, follow SDM instead, find a mentor, or someone who you look up to, to help you create a blueprint for your life. And trust me, sailing WITH a map, is not as bad as you think. You will be able to discover more things, than sailing without one.
Eh, to be honest, considering SDM character, any young actress would have done it justice. Heck, even Kang Hanna would have nailed it.
I kind of wish the role of SDM was filled by a less traditionally pretty actress, then we would believe that NDS isn't falling for her just for her looks.
So far in the show her task have been the following:
1. Outside Sales
2. Official Coffee Getter Girl
3. Making Sure You Don't Get Wet Umbrella Girl
4. Secretary
5. Social Media manager
6. Driver
7. Blackmailer
So yeah, not really CEO material.
"Hey Batman, heard you and Robin broke up, is that true?"
With this same mindset, you should never criticize other people's actions, food served to you, lifestyle choices, fashion choice and etc...
Because to criticize is to be toxic?
Keep in mind, these so called "Toxic Fans" are necessary evils for artist to grow.
A world where SST only gets empty praises, is a world where SDM and Saha gets kicked out, never forget that.
So let's just accept the world is perfect as it is. But then who defines perfection, the fans or the toxic fans?
My definition of toxic fans, are commenters who attack other commenters personally, try to guilt shame other commenters, project toxicity onto other commenters, or send death threats to actors/writers.
Keep in mind, every second your out there with other people, the words you write, the words you say, someone somewhere is criticizing/judging you. If you feel they are toxic, then the whole world is toxic.
New feature on Netflix, you can now change the playback speed. So you can sloooooowwww down HJP scenes, and just zoom past SDM and NDS scenes.
Your welcome!
You know what, with the amount of focus I have been placing on the forced love triangle, and the toxicity of SDM and NDS relationship, I have become blind to something that is even more toxic in the show Start Up. The familial aspect.
I am Asian, and I am a big believer in close family relationships. Coming from a close knit clan myself, and being a hopeless romantic, I enjoy watching Kdrama's the have both aspects. When I first watched start-up, I really loved that even though Grandma and young HJP were not family by blood, they really represented the closeness of family that I endear to. Another familial relationship I enjoyed was young SDM and her father.
So, now that I have had time to dissect the show for it's familial aspect, I have come away very disappointed at the message being normalized in the show. Let me explain further.
From the beginning, although it is never really said out loud, we do get a sense of disconnect from Grandma with her son. Let us state what we know about the son and Grandma:
1. Son only seems to visit his mother when he has problems. He is divorced, SDM is lonely, he needs money, and etc...
2. Son didn't listen to his mom, and married SDM's mom regardless if she was against it.
3. I think at one point, Grandma lives with SDM and her family, but constant fights between her and SDM's mom, made her move out, for the betterment of her son.
4. Grandma is very selfless, giving his son all her life savings for his business, even though it seems the son is no longer close to Grandma. I think this shows that Grandma's love for her child is far greater than her son's love for her.
From what I can tell, the relationship of Grandma and her son was not the best, and in some ways, she has lost the essence of her child. Initially, I thought it was weird for Grandma to be so nice to young HJP, a total stranger. But then I start to realize, the reason Grandma was like this to HJP, was after losing her connection to her son (SDM's Dad), her soul was yearning to reconnect with another.
Initially, we see so many motherly scenes between young HJP and Grandma, and it appears that their newfound connection will sustain both of their souls. But unfortunately, as fate would have it, they are fated to be separated. And I find it ironic now, Grandma's last few words to young HJP parallels the way she saw her SDM's father. SDM's father only comes to Grandma when he is divorced, having no money, basically rock bottom. Grandma says the same thing to HJP, "only come back to me, when you are going through a rough patch, and have nowhere else to go". This shows to us that her love for HJP has symbolically reached a similar love she has for her own son.
Grandma is a very selfless person. From giving her son all her money, to selling her beloved shop for SDM to go to college, and to housing young HJP, she is the single most selfless person in the show. If being selfless was hereditary, then HJP is her spiritual successor. Both of her grandchildren didn't inherit the selfless gene, as they are both shown to be selfish at times.
While I was watching Start-Up, I quite enjoyed seeing SDM's and Grandma's relationship. It was endearing and sweet. They have such a close relationship, even going to church together, and poking jokes at each other.
Which is why, I will never understand what happened. The closer to NDS she got, the further away from Grandma she became. Almost as if, she was merely using Grandma as a crutch for her loneliness, and now that she has someone else to love, she is able to set Grandma aside. This is a fear I believe a lot of parent/grand parents feel, that once their kids/grandchildren find other "play mates" the family comes second, third, fourth, and even last. After finding out Grandma is blind, she has no problem about planning on how to live in Silicon Valley, no second thought on who would take care of Grandma. The writer's gave her character an out by placing her mother there to take care of Grandma, but still this is a bad look for SDM, who was in the past so close to her Grandma. In fact, in the recent episodes, it's being shown SDM's mom has taken her place, and SDM is free to "sail without a map" with NDS if she wants. I just want to point out, we should not see family as a chore, responsibility or an anchor. Instead we should see family as a big part of who we are, and a necessary cog in our personal success.
Which takes me to another problem with SDM's view on familial relationship. Her weird dislike for her sister. Why is she angrier at her sister, who undoubtedly was in the same boat as her during the divorce, and not at the mother, who is the actual cause of the divorce? This part just never made sense to me. SDM knows the sister loves the father, even defending the father to the mom, how can SDM suddenly forget all of that. So the sister says some spiteful words, and suddenly it's a 15 year grudge? It's such a disconnect to show a strong sisterhood that even had a bit of idol worship from SDM turn into a 15 year one sided rivalry.
Speaking of rivalry, I'm surprised how in the past three years of the time skip, the sisters, who worked side by side daily, showed no familial growth. After competing with her sister for throughout most of the show, she finally becomes humble and decides to work for her sister. But throughout this time, the fact that neither her or her mother ever told WIJ about Halmoni's sickness boggles me. I've come to conclude that SDM's family is not a close family at all. They are the family that only meet up during holidays like Christmas, and etc.. That probably never call each other. This is not my idea of what a family should be like, and i'm surprised to see a drama set in Korea normalize this.
BUT, that is not even the worst family relationship in the show. That award would go to NDS and his parents.
I think finding the balance between being strict and carefree is very hard for parents. This is especially true for Asian parents, where most of them tend to be on the stricter side. Asian parents are already quite strict in pushing their children to study hard and get the best grades. Finding out your son is a genius? most Asian parents would actually double down, and push their children harder. This has to do with the part of Asian culture that dislikes wasting things like talent.
So the way NDS parents were pushing him, I can totally relate and understand it. The lying to the parents for 15 years, I don't understand that. And when I look at NDS parent's individually, they appear to be nice people. The dad respects the mom, the mom respects the dad, they really have the heart and soul of good parents. So to see NDS act out like this, and to vilify his dad, is heartbreaking form a 3rd party observer. I try my best to understand NDS point of view, but I just can't, because the parents are not crossing any lines. In fact, it is NDS who crosses the line and says and does hurtful things to his parents on a constant basis. Also comparing SDM's family, where happy times revolved around food. In NDS family, we rarely see the family just sit down and have a proper family dinner. Most of the time, NDS just prefers to spend time with his friends, and only coming home when needed.
Another thing that really bothers me. In Ep. 11, after NDS father does his rant on WIJ's company, and SDM says, "Your father is so inspiring". Just one little nod, or saying "yes he is", FFS something to show that NDS finally appreciated his father, but nothing. Like, NDS could have told us the audience or SST, that he was proud of his father at that time, but nothing.
Let us remember here, because NDS is not really close to his parents, he probably did not tell him that he built Noongil for Grandma. Because think about it, put yourself in NDS parent's shoes, how hurt would you be if you found out that your son dedicated and spent time to work on a project to benefit another person's parents, but at the same time that son also built something to make his father's job obsolete? This is akin to a son choosing to help another family than his own. It's heartbreaking, and i'm a little glad NDS parent's don't know the truth.
Another tragic scene is when NDS straight up tells his father, "I don't want to be your pride, and I don't want you to be my pride". I was like, WTF?, how can he say this to his father. After already blaming his father for the way he turned out, now he doesn't want to be proud of his father anymore. He simply could have said, he doesn't want his father to pin his hopes and dreams on NDS, but to further add that he doesn't want to be proud of his father's actions really hurt. Basically NDS tells his father he wants a platonic relationship with his parents. I just don't get a sense of closeness when I see NDS with his parents, it feels very awkward. And what is even more tragic is the mom, even though the son doesn't treat her well, still shows undying support for her son, but this is expected because NDS mom is pretty awesome, and honestly, so is the dad.
Which brings me to my last point. How do you not call your parents for three years, and use them as an excuse to visit Korea, when your real reason is to continue stanning SDM? For me this was the last straw, and I can't believe the parents are ok with this, even happy? Is this how familial relationships are in Korea? I've seen many Kdrama's that say otherwise.
Surprisingly, the strongest family connection in the show, is the two man household of Grandma and HJP, and they are not even connected by blood. The scene in EP. 14 of Chuseok celebration warms my heart. This scene had so much emotions, the friendly banter between the family members, and the gentle consideration SDM's mom and Grandma had for HJP's packed lunch, I couldn't help but smile with HJP, this is the family warmth that has been missing for most of his life. In fact, this scene proves to me, that those letters HJP wrote to SDM all those years ago was a big part of himself, the dreams he had about playing go-stop with his family, was his dream.
Which is why I feel, that given how NDS treats his own family, I find it hard to believe he will treat Grandma, WIJ, and SDM's Mom any better than he treats his own flesh and blood. While we have already seen how HJP just fits so so seamlessly into the Seo family.
End of Rant
Does this mean, just like SDM before time skip, Yong San will just be another CEO without power?
Is CEO a normally useless position in South Korea?
I think, in Ep. 15, HJP will have given up, and concede. He will bring the fortune plant, and all the letters that SDM wrote to him, and will give them to NDS. He tells NDS to take care of SDM, and to never hurt her. He will also give NDS a vote of confidence, and to pursue SDM.
NDS will read the letters, and little by little, letter by letter, he will start to realize how much SDM actually loved the fake Dosan, thus HJP for 15 years. NDS will start to realize now how pure SDM's love was for HJP is.
NDS wants to check with SDM to make sure of why she wants to be with him. So he meets up with her and ask her one final time "what do you like about me". While SDM's answers, NDS starts to realize, those things are not him anymore. SDM's soul has always been connected with HJP, even though it was him, NDS, she was spending time with. With this new thought in mind, NDS finally is ready to move on.
NDS will realize that he wanted to stay in Korea not because he found SF boring, but because once again he made SDM his dream, and he vows to start creating a dream that is for himself, rather than for others, and so he returns to SF.
In Ep. 14, Yong San says "But nothing can change a person's mind more easily then when you tell the truth despite everything". I believe this line foreshadows that in Ep. 16, HJP will be pushing SDM towards NDS, telling her that he, HJP, is petty, selfish, and a bad person. He will say things like how he only was interested in SDM, because he wanted to compete with NDS. He will encourage SDM to chase after NDS to the airport. And just like Yong San said, this is the point that SDM for the first time will see HJP with those eyes, he will see how selfless HJP is. That despite everything, all his feelings, he is still pushing her towards NDS. This final act of selflessness is what finally opens SDM eyes.
We will then see a parallel of HJP in EP. 12, where he is trying his hardest to push SDM away, saying he is a bad person. But SDM will stop him, and he will realize that for the first time, she finally sees him, that aside from Grandma, another person finally sees him. After a tearful encounter, HJP will take out the ring/necklace/bracelet he has in his pocket and give it to SDM.
This would be consistent with the Cyrano play, where Christian actually realizes that Roxanne has always been in love with the idea/personality of Cyrano, rather than the physical presence of Christian. And it is actually Christian who encourages Cyrano to tell Roxanne the truth.
Not sure about ROY, but yes TKEM was just hiring the best and most expensive and hoping for the best.
I'm only really watching Start-Up to see how HJP's arc will end. If it wasn't for HJP, I don't think I could watch 1 hour 25 minutes of cringe between NDS and SDM. I like romance, but the romance scenes between the two, makes me cringe tbh. The only show with more cringe scenes was TKEM. But that's just me, I'm sure you find them romantic.
TKEM should be even lower, it's being propped up by the literally MILLIONS of lee min ho fans. For had bad TKEM was, it should be 7.5 or lower.
There are dramas that are better than Startup that are only rated 8.3/10. Produced in different years of course.
I view rating as "is this show better or worse than that other show I watch with this rating. So for me I have some shows I set as my ratings parameters, and Start Up is getting close to it's true rating, which I think is an 8 or 7.9
So instead of moving mountains, and doing the impossible for the girl, work on the small things instead. You will find the small things will be easier to maintain, and be more consistent.
It's not always about having the bigger hands, or the grand gestures. It's the little things consistently done which makes a love strong.
Not every gesture needs to be heroic.
But for all those people, who can relate to NDS, and sees themselves in NDS. That's great, NDS symbolizes that insecure part of ourselves, who just needs that one person who believes in us to reach our potential.
But, don't make the mistake of following his actions. The quote, "To sail without a map" is dangerous for people like NDS in real life. People like NDS are not very good adapters. I'm not saying that they are not smart, or quick witted, but rather change for them is very difficult. What actually gives someone like NDS confidence, is redoing, and improving existing foundations, and not to constantly tearing them down to rebuild.
Plus, keep in mind, many of NDS more egregious acts in the show, will be met with actual repercussions in real life. And a lot of the winds of fortune that blew his way, won't necessarily blow for you. And as fun as it is to act out with emotions, and to throw caution in the wind for the girl, please I implore you, don't do this in real life, because you will be hurt more than Ep. 12 NDS.
Instead, follow SDM instead, find a mentor, or someone who you look up to, to help you create a blueprint for your life. And trust me, sailing WITH a map, is not as bad as you think. You will be able to discover more things, than sailing without one.