Summary
Start-Up episode 15 brings more drama on the self-drive systems and nears a resolution on the unspoken love triangle. As we move towards the finale, nothing is certain in terms of an ending, but the penultimate chapter hints at a more natural closure for the characters.
This recap of Netflix K-drama series Start-Up episode 15 contains significant spoilers.
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The opening
Episode 15 begins with Dal-mi and Do-san testing out the self-drive system Tarzan. Chairman Won attends to watch the project and shows off about the advancements in their system. Yong-san and Chul-san explain they have had to redo the entire algorithm. They all watch on patiently, and the car stops when it sees a dummy cross the road; the car then recognises traffic lights and also other cars in front of it and swerves and avoids. The system is also good enough to prevent roadkill, putting on the brakes for a cat. Morning AI suddenly realises that Tarzan is better than their system. Episode 15 sees another competition, but this time the stakes are way higher.
Time for bidding
Celebrations follow; the characters are happy together again. This is a major objective in the company. Afterwards, In-jae believes they have a shot of winning a bid with their technology which surprises Dal-mi, as they’ve just passed a temporary permit. Their competitor Morning AI are also bidding their technology. Dal-mi doesn’t believe they can win a bidding war on technology alone, and she doesn’t want to lose her team again. Dal-mi is trying to learn from her past mistakes as a CEO.
Chul-san shoots her shot
Jung Sa-ha tells Chul-san to stop vlogging. She’s jealous of all the attention he’s getting. She tells Chul-san that they are going to date and she kisses him while he’s against the photocopier. Overwhelmed, Chul-san agrees to stop vlogging. Later on, Chul-san gets jealous of seeing Yong-san and Jung Sa-ha working together closely. You can tell that Jung Sa-ha is enjoying the jealousy.
The love triangle continues
Dal-mi goes to Han Ji-pyeong for advice; she wants to know if they should bid, but he tells her that they will lose and it will be a waste of time and resources. The pair seem warmer with each other than usual. There’s still a lot of tension between Dal-mi, Han Ji-pyeong and Do-san. That situation is made worse when all three characters end up stuck in a broken-down elevator.
An elevator pitch
In the elevator, Do-san tells Dal-mi that they should bid for the self-driving system even if they don’t expect to get it so that it will be easier “next time”. Han Ji-pyeong is dismayed at the “learning experience” idea and calls it reckless. Dal-mi remembers a time when talking to Do-san about “sailing without a map”. A moment that felt romantic between them. When the elevator opens, Do-san apologises to Dal-mi for putting her in a difficult position; he tells her that even if they fail, it won’t hurt the team.
Trade deal
Start-Up episode 15 finally sees Han Ji-pyeong discussing the elephant in the room that is still not resolved at this stage.
Han Ji-pyeong tells Do-san that he wants the letter back from the Samsan Tech office. Do-san says in return he wants the money tree back that Dal-mi gave him. It’s an intense altercation. Both men seemingly frustrated over Dal-mi. They both agree to trade. Han Ji-pyeong heads to Do-san’s parent’s house unexpectedly to give back the tree. He immediately wants the letter back, but they are extra passive-aggressive with each other, and Do-san’s parents are unaware of the situation. They all end up drinking.
Envious of each other
When drunk, Do-san asks Han Ji-pyeong about the letter and how he used his name when younger because he looked smart. Han Ji-pyeong admits he picked Do-san’s name out of envy because he saw him winning a medal as a kid — ironically, both characters have been envious of each other. Do-san tells Han Ji-pyeong the time he asked Dal-mi why she liked him, and how all the reasons involved Han Ji-pyeong until she mentioned Do-san’s big hands — Do-san didn’t feel like it was enough, but he admits he’ll love her forever.
The next day, Do-san tries to pack Han Ji-pyeong some hangover soup, but he doesn’t want any, and he’s angry — he states he’s taking the money tree and letter. Han Ji-pyeong tells Do-san to stop feeling inferior to him and work on his self-esteem, and then they’ll truly know who Dal-mi likes. Episode 15 sees Han Ji-pyeong concede; he knows that Do-san will not give up and he can clearly see how Dal-mi feels — this is clearly a blow for the character as we move towards the finale.
Why do you like me?
At Sand Box, Do-san asks Dal-mi why she likes him and notes that he isn’t her first love and that he lied to her about the letters. She doesn’t answer, so he asks again. Dal-mi notes that she doesn’t know why she likes him and that she doesn’t need one — “You’re the reason”. Happy with the answer, Do-san goes in for a kiss. Finally, this has been resolved between the pair.
Revenge
Chairman Won is angry at In-jae’s adoption dissolution order. He wants to get revenge and show them their place — he wants to threaten In-jae and co. He tells Sang-su to meet a reporter. He tells the reporter about Cheongmyeong company and how they suffered from a ransomware attack.
Avoiding
At work, Han Ji-pyeong tries to avoid Dal-mi, but she finds him. She knows he’s avoiding her and apologises to him. It’s an emotional time as they both know the elephant in the room — she’s picked Do-san. Dal-mi then tells Han Ji-pyeong that they are going to bid on the project. He tells her it’s a great idea before walking off. It will be interesting how this will all work out in the finale — surely Han Ji-pyeong needs some firm ending.
The ending
The reporter that Sang-su spoke to visits the Cheongmyeong Company to discuss self-drive start-ups. He asks them of any specific incidents, referring to the ransomware attack — Sang-su has told the reporter that attacks like that are dangerous for self-driving systems. An article about an attack on a start-up could potentially destroy Cheongmyeong Company. As the episode ends, Han Ji-pyeong is running towards the offices to warn Dal-mi.
Start-Up episode 15 brings more drama on the self-drive systems and nears a resolution on the unspoken love triangle. As we move towards the finale, nothing is certain in terms of an ending, but the penultimate chapter hints at a more natural closure for the characters.
