Poster for Start-Up

Start-Up (2020) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea's high-tech industry.

TV-14 • 2020 • 1 season

8.2
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Start-Up is a South Korean romantic drama about aspiring entrepreneurs, and its TV-14 rating stems primarily from mature themes and some alcohol use. The central plot involves a significant, long-term deception that causes emotional distress for the main characters, which could be a topic of discussion for families. Parents should also be aware of frequent social drinking, with some scenes of drunkenness played for comedic or dramatic… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Suzy
Suzy
Nam Joo-hyuk
Nam Joo-hyuk
Kim Seon-ho
Kim Seon-ho
Kang Han-na
Kang Han-na
Kim Hae-sook
Kim Hae-sook
Kim Do-wan
Kim Do-wan
Kim Won-hae
Kim Won-hae
Song Seon-mi
Song Seon-mi
Yoo Su-bin
Yoo Su-bin
Seo Yi-sook
Seo Yi-sook
Kim Hee-jung
Kim Hee-jung
Stephanie Lee
Stephanie Lee
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Is Start-Up appropriate for kids?

Start-Up is a South Korean romantic drama about aspiring entrepreneurs, and its TV-14 rating stems primarily from mature themes and some alcohol use. The central plot involves a significant, long-term deception that causes emotional distress for the main characters, which could… Read more — free account

Content severity in Start-Up Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Moderate 4/10
Language Mild 2/10
Sex/Nudity Mild 2/10
Violence/Gore Mild 2/10
Mature Themes Intense 10/10

Sex and nudity in Start-Up

Sexual content is limited to chaste kisses between romantic partners, holding hands, and implied romantic tension. There are no explicit sexual scenes, nudity, or overly suggestive dialogue. Flirting and unrequited feelings are depicted.

Violence and gore in Start-Up

Violence is minimal and non-graphic. There are no physical fights, weapons, or direct depictions of harm. An instance of a ransomware attack is depicted, causing non-physical disruption and anxiety rather than physical violence.

Language in Start-Up

Mild language is used infrequently, primarily consisting of exclamations and some instances of 'damn' or 'hell' in frustration. There is no strong profanity or consistently crude dialogue.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Start-Up

Characters occasionally consume alcohol in social settings, such as at celebratory dinners or during periods of stress, sometimes leading to visible intoxication. No illegal drug use is depicted, nor is there any glorification of heavy drinking or addiction.

Mature themes in Start-Up

The series extensively explores themes of ambition, professional rivalry, family loyalty, and the pressure of meeting expectations. Characters grapple with difficult financial situations, the ethical dilemmas of business, imposter syndrome, and the emotional toll of unrequited love and past deceptions. A key theme involves a long-held secret about the identity of a correspondent, leading to emotional stress and confrontation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Start-Up appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Start-Up is best for ages 13+. It's rated TV-14. Start-Up is a South Korean romantic drama about aspiring entrepreneurs, and its TV-14 rating stems primarily from mature themes and some alcohol use. The central plot involves a significant, long-term deception that…

What age rating does Start-Up have?

Start-Up is rated TV-14. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Start-Up about?

Start-Up is a South Korean romantic drama about aspiring entrepreneurs, and its TV-14 rating stems primarily from mature themes and some alcohol use. The central plot involves a significant, long-term deception that causes emotional distress for the main characters, which could be a topic of discussion for families…

How many seasons does Start-Up have?

Start-Up has 1 season covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Start-Up?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Start-Up.

How violent is Start-Up?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Start-Up per our reviewers.

Is the language in Start-Up appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Start-Up.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Start-Up?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Start-Up.

What mature themes appear in Start-Up?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Start-Up.

Where can I read the full Start-Up parent guide?

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