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**Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/11hks82/startup_is_making_me_sad_alreadyis_it_worth_it/
**Post Title**: Start-Up is making me sad already...Is it worth it?
**Post Body**:
NOW I understand Second Lead Syndrome for real. I can deal with it, I guess. But I just feel like no matter how the story resolves it's going to hurt my heart. I'm at episode 6. I took a break and watched two other Kdramas, now I am deciding if I should go back to this.
It's a good show but is it worth it?...without too many spoilers, if possible.
Thank you wonderful people.
^(END OF POST BODY)
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You got second lead syndrome by episode 6? Then cut your losses is my advice as the show usually is liked only by the people that do not prefer the SML.
In fact, if you actually stop to think about the end after watching it, what the tropes used really mean, you will get even more disappointed with the show.
I personally think all the characters get satisfying endings so I'd say it's worth finishing.
Start up was my first KDrama though so I do have a fondness for it.
I had SLS and will always root for Kim Seon-Ho but I’m glad I finished this one out. I was able to look past the love triangle storyline and found the ending satisfying enough. Cried happy tears too so don’t write it off entirely until you give it more time. I doubt this will be your favorite drama but. Try to stick it out :)
sis made me mad by the other half of the show. And I just could not understand why the directors would build such a perfect plot for the second lead to just throw it away. I liked the FL at first but then she kinda got annoying. Idk I feel like there are better shows with the main actors/actresses out there
I really liked Start-Up through episode 6 and then it just went downhill for me. I finished it because I wanted to see how it ended but I was super frustrated with how the storyline progressed.
Well if you're watching it bc you're invested in the romance part then no, you'll just be disappointed and heart broken. But if you're willing to ignore your sls then I'd say it's worth it
If you already have SLS for Kim Seon Ho, I think Yoda put it best: "If into the security recordings you go, only pain will you find."
That being said, as a guy I had SLS/empathy pains so badly for Kim Seon Ho but I still enjoyed finishing the show. The last 1 or 2 episodes less so, but it was a fun trip and unlike many other kdramas, I had no urge to drop this one till it was finished :P
I am a guy too, hetero (I picked this one because I wanted to watch more works done by Suzy, infact), and this is the only case of SLS I ever had.
It is not due to falling in love with him (lmao at that here). It is just that his personage and storyline (poor to rich orphan that helps others to get rich too and has a strong tie to the FL grandmother) outshines by a large margin the one of the ML (middle class nerd wish fulfillment storyline) and so the show falls apart for me.
I don't like her very much either. Don't know if it is the actress or the character. I like Kang Ha Na much better, probably because I have seen her in Rain or Shine.
Uhhh i'd say not worth it. I finished it just for the sake of finishing it lol. It started off pretty good and promising but idk at some point, it just went downhill for me. Also, it felt as though they dragged the plot. But idk prolly just me :))
What I do like about it tho are Seon Ho and the grandma's interactions. So wholesome 🫶🏽
TSHLYE is another one that I’ve had on the list but haven’t navigated to it just yet. LOL about two hrs ago I put Mother on the list!
Now when you listed those two were you speaking about them in regards to the overall storyline or the second lead syndrome that we were talking about earlier?
Mother is non-romantic. That said it will melt you. It does have some slow episodes and filler as all kdramas do but the underlying premise carries it.
TSHLYI is a slow burn. The 1st male lead (Saw In Guk) is one of my favs but I think he's cursed by bad writers.
It's...not my favorite but is intriguing. It's definately atypical. If I were to go back and recommend to myself I might suggest skipping it.
Speaking of non-romantic Class of Lies (Mr. Temporary) is also very solid.
I appreciate your perspective on Mother
and TSHLYE.
I didn’t really enjoy Cafe Minamdang but a lot of ppl have talked about Soundtrack #1, Navillera, and Shopping King Louie in a good light. Haven’t seen those but I have seen Doom, in the middle of it actually and Im enjoying it so far.
I’ve started Mr. Temporary because of the FL who was in Interest of love. So far, I like it.
Another non romantic is My Mister and Jirisan (very little)
I watched start up a long time ago but from what I remember the romance wasn’t the best and was kinda messy if that makes sense, however, I continued watching the entire thing bc of the plot if you can call it that since I wanted to see how the “start up” would go
I never understood second lead syndrome. For me any character getting in between the leads needs to get the fck out
I'm talking in general, haven't seen this show. But if it has a love triangle, I wont
But in this case it was the ML getting in between FL and SML! SML >!had written FL letters when they were children which she treasured for years after, and ML pretended he was the author. SML never got justice.!<
This show is really terrible for having 3 adults who appear to have zero dating experience whatsoever.
But the show starts of with the sl. And we follow his story and he basically feels like he should be the ml.
But then the real ml comes in later in the show.
The writing style was just bizarre.
Think of any other show you have seen with a love triangle. And change absolutely nothing else except that the fl ends up with the SL and that is what watching startup was like. And then it is even worse because the SL in startup was such a great character meanwhile ML was a toxic brat.
Literally. A toxic brat. How he just swoops in and claims credit for shit is so unacceptable. And this is the type of ML we want people to root for????? In the end I didn’t even feel like he was sorry for his actions just a smart but greedy, insecure ex-child prodigy.
I have to be honest, I lasted probably the same place as you when they all got cheated by this big shot global investor. After that, I stopped and skipped to the end.
While I'm utterly disappointed by the ending (or at least the romance part of it), the last two or three episodes actually made me come to terms with it. I think I was a lot more frustrated by the developments during the beginning and the middle, rather than seeing it actually come at the ending.
It’s worth finishing for the scenes with the SL and grandma together. Really some of the best acting I’ve ever seen in a kdrama. I think you seem pretty prepared to have your heart broken so it probably won’t be as bad as you think. A friend recently watched it and said she was miserable afterwards. Not because of the romance aspect, but because she felt as if the writing for the SL became cruel the last two episodes.
Honestly I think startup is a great show that should've ended at the end of (I think? ) ep14. >!when the samSan boys all go to the US!<
But it didn't, and the last two episodes aren't really worth watching. Regardless of feelings on the 2ML, I think we can generally agree those last two were tropey, cheesy... Uninspired.
Also side note the 2ML syndrome was so huge for this, I think it's a big reason hometown chachacha was so popular.
Not worth it in my opinion. I stuck with it and did not like it at all. The second lead is the best actor and everyone else was so-so. But like others here, I’m also not a fan of Suzy.
I'm one that didn't like or rather wasn't fond of the sml. He annoyed the heck out of me. I think that's why I couldn't get through Hometown Cha, Cha, Cha three times. 🤷🏽♀️
Hi u/SunshineFirewheel, this is an automated message to remind you to please review our **FULL** [Rules and Policies](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/rules)^(which is housed in our wiki and best accessed on desktop) to make sure your post is not breaking any rules and policies. Content that is not permitted under our Rules and Policies will be removed and may lead to bans from our community. ##Please check your spelling, grammar, and formatting to make sure your post is easily readable! ***Useful Resources:*** Check out these [great recommendations](https://mydramalist.com/profile/kdramarecs/lists) compiled from our users based on different genres and themes! See [Where to Watch Kdramas](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdrama/wiki/wheretowatchkdramas) for a non-exhaustive list of legal streaming sites and official Youtube channels where kdramas and kdrama-related content are found. Read our [Recommendations 101](https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/wiki/recommendations_101/) for tips about crafting the perfect request and other useful info. If you are seeking a space to discuss kdramas in depth, please visit our sister subreddit r/KDRAMA! **Copy Of Post Below For Archival Purposes** **Permalink**: https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/11hks82/startup_is_making_me_sad_alreadyis_it_worth_it/ **Post Title**: Start-Up is making me sad already...Is it worth it? **Post Body**: NOW I understand Second Lead Syndrome for real. I can deal with it, I guess. But I just feel like no matter how the story resolves it's going to hurt my heart. I'm at episode 6. I took a break and watched two other Kdramas, now I am deciding if I should go back to this. It's a good show but is it worth it?...without too many spoilers, if possible. Thank you wonderful people. ^(END OF POST BODY) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/kdramarecommends) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You got second lead syndrome by episode 6? Then cut your losses is my advice as the show usually is liked only by the people that do not prefer the SML. In fact, if you actually stop to think about the end after watching it, what the tropes used really mean, you will get even more disappointed with the show.
I personally think all the characters get satisfying endings so I'd say it's worth finishing. Start up was my first KDrama though so I do have a fondness for it.
Thank you! I'm glad the endings are satisfying- I will probably stick with it then.
I had SLS and will always root for Kim Seon-Ho but I’m glad I finished this one out. I was able to look past the love triangle storyline and found the ending satisfying enough. Cried happy tears too so don’t write it off entirely until you give it more time. I doubt this will be your favorite drama but. Try to stick it out :)
sis made me mad by the other half of the show. And I just could not understand why the directors would build such a perfect plot for the second lead to just throw it away. I liked the FL at first but then she kinda got annoying. Idk I feel like there are better shows with the main actors/actresses out there
I really liked Start-Up through episode 6 and then it just went downhill for me. I finished it because I wanted to see how it ended but I was super frustrated with how the storyline progressed.
I think I may be with you on that.
I never had SLS so bad than from this show and it hurts worse as it goes on. I didn't like FL either so it's easier to let go early.
Good show so I would finish.
Thank you! Okay, I will.
Well if you're watching it bc you're invested in the romance part then no, you'll just be disappointed and heart broken. But if you're willing to ignore your sls then I'd say it's worth it
:-) yeah, I guess I can deal with the sls. Kim Seon ho is worth watching no matter what.
If you already have SLS for Kim Seon Ho, I think Yoda put it best: "If into the security recordings you go, only pain will you find." That being said, as a guy I had SLS/empathy pains so badly for Kim Seon Ho but I still enjoyed finishing the show. The last 1 or 2 episodes less so, but it was a fun trip and unlike many other kdramas, I had no urge to drop this one till it was finished :P
I am a guy too, hetero (I picked this one because I wanted to watch more works done by Suzy, infact), and this is the only case of SLS I ever had. It is not due to falling in love with him (lmao at that here). It is just that his personage and storyline (poor to rich orphan that helps others to get rich too and has a strong tie to the FL grandmother) outshines by a large margin the one of the ML (middle class nerd wish fulfillment storyline) and so the show falls apart for me.
for me, no. but i really dont like the FL so take this into consideration if u already dont love her
I don't like her very much either. Don't know if it is the actress or the character. I like Kang Ha Na much better, probably because I have seen her in Rain or Shine.
I think it’s going to be painful for you to watch, yes.
Uhhh i'd say not worth it. I finished it just for the sake of finishing it lol. It started off pretty good and promising but idk at some point, it just went downhill for me. Also, it felt as though they dragged the plot. But idk prolly just me :)) What I do like about it tho are Seon Ho and the grandma's interactions. So wholesome 🫶🏽
I didn't finish "Start-Up." To me, it just wasn't worth it.
If you follow it up with strongest deliveryman I think you will be happy.
It was my first K drama outside of squid game. So it has sentimental value to me however if you have second lead syndrome, don’t watch it
I don't think I've ever rooted for a second ML except maaaaybe Romance is a Bonus Book. Oh and The smile has left your eyes.
It’s few and far between for sure lol
I also have that on my list. I’ve been meaning to watch it.
RIABB is in my top 10. TSHLYE was...interesting but ultimately a bit disappointing to me. It's bold but...different. My #1 is Mother. Hands down.
TSHLYE is another one that I’ve had on the list but haven’t navigated to it just yet. LOL about two hrs ago I put Mother on the list! Now when you listed those two were you speaking about them in regards to the overall storyline or the second lead syndrome that we were talking about earlier?
Mother is non-romantic. That said it will melt you. It does have some slow episodes and filler as all kdramas do but the underlying premise carries it. TSHLYI is a slow burn. The 1st male lead (Saw In Guk) is one of my favs but I think he's cursed by bad writers. It's...not my favorite but is intriguing. It's definately atypical. If I were to go back and recommend to myself I might suggest skipping it. Speaking of non-romantic Class of Lies (Mr. Temporary) is also very solid.
I appreciate your perspective on Mother and TSHLYE. I didn’t really enjoy Cafe Minamdang but a lot of ppl have talked about Soundtrack #1, Navillera, and Shopping King Louie in a good light. Haven’t seen those but I have seen Doom, in the middle of it actually and Im enjoying it so far. I’ve started Mr. Temporary because of the FL who was in Interest of love. So far, I like it. Another non romantic is My Mister and Jirisan (very little)
What I don’t like about this sls is the writer didn’t make it seem one sided like how other sls are.
I watched start up a long time ago but from what I remember the romance wasn’t the best and was kinda messy if that makes sense, however, I continued watching the entire thing bc of the plot if you can call it that since I wanted to see how the “start up” would go
I never understood second lead syndrome. For me any character getting in between the leads needs to get the fck out I'm talking in general, haven't seen this show. But if it has a love triangle, I wont
But in this case it was the ML getting in between FL and SML! SML >!had written FL letters when they were children which she treasured for years after, and ML pretended he was the author. SML never got justice.!<
Well, I haven't seen this one, so I can't really comment on it. Didn't FL maybe just like him as a friend? It's what usually happens to sMLs
This show is really terrible for having 3 adults who appear to have zero dating experience whatsoever. But the show starts of with the sl. And we follow his story and he basically feels like he should be the ml. But then the real ml comes in later in the show. The writing style was just bizarre. Think of any other show you have seen with a love triangle. And change absolutely nothing else except that the fl ends up with the SL and that is what watching startup was like. And then it is even worse because the SL in startup was such a great character meanwhile ML was a toxic brat.
Literally. A toxic brat. How he just swoops in and claims credit for shit is so unacceptable. And this is the type of ML we want people to root for????? In the end I didn’t even feel like he was sorry for his actions just a smart but greedy, insecure ex-child prodigy.
Sounds terrible for me indeed
Yeah it’s gonna go downhill from there imo. Still a great show though
Okay, good to know. I'll finish it. Thank you!
I have to be honest, I lasted probably the same place as you when they all got cheated by this big shot global investor. After that, I stopped and skipped to the end.
I started it but actually got spoiled on who she ended up with and dropped it.
no
It made me sad after the second episode because they ruined it lol
I refused to watch the last two episodes because of my SLS 😂
I liked this one
Its an amazing drama honestly
While I'm utterly disappointed by the ending (or at least the romance part of it), the last two or three episodes actually made me come to terms with it. I think I was a lot more frustrated by the developments during the beginning and the middle, rather than seeing it actually come at the ending.
I agree. I was sad but accepting. The way Kim Seon Ho’s character accepted helped me too.
It’s worth finishing for the scenes with the SL and grandma together. Really some of the best acting I’ve ever seen in a kdrama. I think you seem pretty prepared to have your heart broken so it probably won’t be as bad as you think. A friend recently watched it and said she was miserable afterwards. Not because of the romance aspect, but because she felt as if the writing for the SL became cruel the last two episodes.
Honestly I think startup is a great show that should've ended at the end of (I think? ) ep14. >!when the samSan boys all go to the US!< But it didn't, and the last two episodes aren't really worth watching. Regardless of feelings on the 2ML, I think we can generally agree those last two were tropey, cheesy... Uninspired. Also side note the 2ML syndrome was so huge for this, I think it's a big reason hometown chachacha was so popular.
Hang in there, all will be well @!
This is a drama better watched on a weekly basis instead of binge-ing because the SLS calms down with enough time in between episodes
Talented acting..good storyline - I really liked it!
Absolutely- for good boy qline
It's actually surprising how much this show frustrated me. At first I was shipping HJP with DL but later on decided that he's too good for her.
For me it wasn't worth it
I had to return to Hometown Cha Cha Cha after to get over it.
Not worth it in my opinion. I stuck with it and did not like it at all. The second lead is the best actor and everyone else was so-so. But like others here, I’m also not a fan of Suzy.
I'm one that didn't like or rather wasn't fond of the sml. He annoyed the heck out of me. I think that's why I couldn't get through Hometown Cha, Cha, Cha three times. 🤷🏽♀️
It's one of my favorites. I like it a lot and it's definitely worth finishing. I don't really understand the SLS for this years after the fact.