Which shows are similar to the KDrama Start-Up?

---

Start-up is an addictive kdrama that focuses on young entrepreneurs who are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams of start-up success.

Additionally, there’s a great love triangle that will pull you in two directions. There’s so much to love about Start-up the ambition of the characters to the warmth of blossoming love. If you’ve enjoyed this kdrama and are wondering what to watch next, here are 4 suggestions!

Itaewon Class

Image by: NaMO Artist

Itaewon Class is much more serious compared to Start-up. From the plot to the setting to the OST, Itaewon Class is intense. However, there are some similarities between these dramas. Itaewon Class focuses on a young man who also lost his father. Just like the main character of Start-up, Sae Ro Yi dreams of walking in his father’s footsteps and achieving his dreams.

Sae Ro Yi starts a restaurant with hopes of it growing into a massive success, with one thing in mind–revenge for his father’s death. This motive creates a moving drama that will make you grab the tissues.

Itaewon Class also has a surprising love triangle. Unsure if Sae Ro Yi will ever see the girl who is right for him, it will leave you guessing until the end–just like Start-up!

Because This is My First Life

Image by: Raracoo_

Because This is My First Life is an easy-going drama with bright cinematography and a playful storyline. The plot centers around a forever-single IT employee, Nam Se-hee, who is a tad socially awkward, though very responsible. He owns his home but has a sizeable mortgage. Because of this, he is looking for a roommate.

Meanwhile, a woman who dreams of being a writer, Ji-ho, can’t find a place to live.

A friend sets her up to become Se-hee’s roommate, not knowing he is a man. Ji-ho signs the contract and moves in without actually interacting with him, thinking she is boarding with another woman. They work very well together, something surprising to the roommates, though their schedules keep them from crossing paths…until one day.

When the two realize it would be much easier to live with each other than find alternate plans, they agree to a paper marriage. Similar to Start-up, both main characters are willing to sacrifice to help make their dreams a reality.

This drama is positive and humorous, with a cheery setting and a silly storyline. There are plenty of warm moments and some intrigue–will the roommates fall in love and stay married or will they divorce? Watch to find out!

True Beauty

True Beauty is a heart-warming drama that focuses on a high school girl, Ju-kyung, who is bullied because of her appearance. She transfers schools for a fresh start, where she decides to wear makeup every day. Literally creating a new face for herself, she finally starts to enjoy what feels like a normal life.

Ju-kyung is a strong, but warm, female lead. She is willing to work hard to maintain her secret past and strive for a brighter future. Not only is this in common with the characters of Start-up, but Ju-kyung is also in the middle of a love triangle.

Though this love triangle isn’t as blurry as Start-up's, where you don’t have a true sense of who she will end up with, it still absolutely pulls at your heart. Both the leading men love Ju-kyung for who she is on the inside.

They’ve seen her bare face and still fall for her anyway. It’s compelling and heart-warming as you watch her melt hearts with her beautiful personality.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha

If you enjoyed Kim Seon-ho in Start-up, Hometown Cha Cha Cha is a great follow-up! If you’re looking for something fun, uplifting, and heart-warming, this is the next drama for you. Hometown Cha Cha Cha focuses on Hye-jin, a wealthy dentist who decides to get out of the city and start a clinic in a seaside village.

Whilst there, she encounters a jack-of-all-trades, Du-sik. He’s down-to-earth, charming, and beloved by all the townspeople.

At first, he and Hye-jin clash. She’s a bit high maintenance and isn’t used to the slower-paced life that she finds in the village. However, deep down, they both are incredibly hard workers.

Hometown Cha Cha Cha is a lovely story of how this uptight dentist softens and grows to love the village life, and the chief, too.

Start-up was a wonderful drama, but you don’t have to stop there! Try out one of the dramas mentioned above to keep the uplifting momentum rolling!