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Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea's high-tech industry.
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Checked Jul 22, 2026
Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea's high-tech industry.
Cast, crew and production details
SuzySeo Dal-mi
Nam Joo-hyukNam Do-san
Kim Seon-hoHan Ji-pyeong
Kang Han-naWon In-jae
Kim Hae-sookChoi Won-deok
Kim Do-wanKim Yong-san
Kim Won-haeNam Seong-hwan
Song Seon-miCha Ah-hyun
tvNSouth Korea
Studio DragonSouth Korea
HighZium StudioSouth KoreaWatch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 1
The spring Seo Dal-mi lost everything, Nam Do-san's letters kept her company. Fifteen years later, she needs him by her side to prove Won In-jae wrong.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Ji Seong-geun, Ahn Su-bin, Park Choong-seon, Park Young-soo, Yu Mi-ran, Kim Jong-ho, Lee Re, Nam Da-reum
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 2
To preserve Dal-mi's past and to support her future, Choi Won-deok asks Han Ji-pyeong to pull off an impossible task.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Choi Yun-seol, Bae Bo-ram, Jung Ji-hyeon, Kim Ji-in, Nam Da-reum, Yoon Seo-hyun, Jo Ah-ra
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 3
Ji-pyeong scrambles to transform Do-san into the man of Dal-mi's dreams. A rude awakening prompts In-jae to close one door and open another.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Kim Ji-in, Yoo Seung-il, Hong Boo-hyang, Kwon Ki-ju, Heo Jung-eun, Yoon Seo-hyun, Jo Ah-ra
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 4
Despite differing pasts, Dal-mi and In-jae fight for their dreams at the same starting line. Ji-pyeong sets out to protect Dal-mi and help Do-san.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Kwon Ban-seok, Ita, Lee Chang-sub, Ko Han-min, Heo Jung-eun, Kim Ju-hun
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 5
Dal-mi and In-jae present their teams' ideas on the hackathon stage. A story about Dal-mi's upbringing moves Ji-pyeong to fight for her success.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Kim Chae-hyun, Bae Yu-ri, Jang Young-hyeon, Kim Seong-yong, Kim Kang-hoon, Oh Young-mee
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 6
In-jae uses lessons from her father and stepfather to her advantage. A clash over company shares tests Dal-mi, who turns to Ji-pyeong for advice.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Seol Chang-hee, Park Seong-chan
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 7
Grappling with his feelings for Dal-mi, Ji-pyeong avoids her. Do-san's knowledge of Won-deok's condition inspires a business idea for Samsan Tech.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Moon Se-yoon
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 8
Devastating news gives Dal-mi another reason to make the app a success. Won Du-jeong's plan to teach Do-san and Dal-mi a lesson backfires.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Im Seong-mi, Gu Bon-jin, Bae Hae-seon, Park Chan-ho
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 9
Do-san and Ji-pyeong struggle to bear the weight of their untold truths. Doubts and a mix-up lead Dal-mi to the place where it all started.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Kim Kang-hoon, Oh Young-mee, Lee Dong-hee, Yang Dae-hyeok
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 10
Ji-pyeong gives Dal-mi long-awaited answers and a confession. Seeking success on his own terms, Do-san considers a golden opportunity.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Oh Kyu-taek, An Young-mi, Lee Bo-young, Lee Da-hae, Lee Dong-hee, Yang Dae-hyeok
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 11
Kim Yong-san forces Ji-pyeong to reflect on his past remarks. In-jae and Dal-mi's companies showcase rivaling programs using the same technology.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Bret Allan Lindquist, Jung Wook-jin, Lee Da-hae, Jeon Jun-woo, Jeong Joon-hwan
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 12
Alex Kwon shows his true colors, proving Ji-pyeong right and fulfilling Samsan Tech's worst fears. Do-san tells Ji-pyeong about Won-deok's health.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Bret Allan Lindquist, Kim Ji-su, Kim Kang-hoon, Jeon Jun-woo, Jeong Joon-hwan, Park Chan-ho
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 13
Dal-mi and In-jae's self-driving car is hit by a ransomware attack. Samsan Tech founders return after a successful three-year stint in San Francisco.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Jang Hae-song, Jo Ah-ra
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 14
Tasked with recruiting top developers into her company, Dal-mi pitches her idea at Samsan Tech. Do-san gets away to clear his head.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Shin Dong-hoon, Lim Seung-beom, Jeon Yeo-jin, Park Sang-hyeon, Kim Sung-yeol
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 15
Jung Sa-ha and Lee Chul-san begin dating in secret. A boozy, heartfelt conversation with Do-san helps Ji-pyeong make a decision about Dal-mi.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryun
Where to watch Start-Up
Episode 16
Do-san and Dal-mi envision new goals for their future. Ji-pyeong finds a way to pay forward his gratitude for Won-deok. In-jae returns to her roots.
Directed by Oh Choong-hwanWritten by Park Hye-ryunGuest stars Hong Seong-gwan, Lee Re, Heo Jung-eun, Kim Ju-hun, Jo Ah-ra
Where to watch Start-UpEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
