Nam Do-san’s Journey to Creating NoonGil in ‘Startup’

In Startup, Nam Do-san, a brilliant coder, encounters a profound personal connection that sets him on a path of innovative empathy. When he meets Seo Dal-mi’s grandmother, Choi Won-deok, who is gradually losing her sight, he is deeply moved by her struggles. Inspired by her resilience and determination, he decides to use his technological expertise to create a solution that could improve her quality of life.

This decision marks a turning point for Nam Do-san. He realizes that technology, often seen as a cold, impersonal tool, can be a powerful force for good. With this realization, he embarks on the creation of NoonGil, a groundbreaking app designed to assist visually impaired individuals. NoonGil utilizes image recognition and audio cues to help users identify objects in their surroundings, providing a sense of independence and autonomy.

Startup serves as a poignant reminder that innovation is not merely about technological advancements but about addressing real-world challenges with empathy and creativity. Nam Do-san’s story showcases the transformative power of human connection and the potential for technology to empower individuals and communities.

Beyond the development of NoonGil, Nam Do-san’s journey has had a far-reaching impact. His work inspires Dal-mi and their colleagues to envision a future where technology can further enhance the lives of the visually impaired. This collective effort leads to the ambitious project of designing a self-driving car, a testament to the ripple effect of Nam Do-san’s initial act of compassion.

The legacy of Nam Do-san’s work extends beyond the show’s confines. By raising awareness about the challenges faced by the visually impaired community and demonstrating the potential of technology to address these challenges, he inspires others in the tech industry to consider the social implications of their innovations. His story is a powerful reminder that innovation can be a force for good, driving positive change and creating a more inclusive world.

Inspired by Nam Do-san’s NoonGil app featured in the K-drama ‘Startup’, many youngsters built an app that can make object detection. Check it out and give it a try!