Hello, folks! How’s everything? Today I’m excited to dive into the review of the drama Business Proposal, a standout romantic comedy in the K-drama realm. This delightful series illustrates that the most memorable love stories often emerge from the most absurd misunderstandings.
Debuting on February 28, 2022, Business Proposal consists of 12 episodes, each averaging 60 minutes, initially broadcast on SBS TV and later available on Netflix in select areas. Directed by Park Seon-ho and penned by Han Seol-hee and Hong Bo-hee, the series stars Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, and Seol In-ah. This engaging rom-com mixes workplace romance with identity confusion, ensuring plenty of heart-stirring moments to keep you captivated.
Hailed as one of the greatest romantic K-dramas ever, Business Proposal is a heartwarming and delightful story about unforeseen love. The series skillfully blends comedy with sincere emotional depth, offering a viewing experience that is both familiar and refreshingly engaging. What begins as a simple favor between friends quickly evolves into a convoluted web of deception, corporate intrigue, and undeniable chemistry.
Mistaken Identity That Alters Everything
Disguised as her friend, Ha-ri attends a blind date to scare him off. However, her plan goes astray when the date turns out to be her boss, who unexpectedly makes her an offer. The narrative builds on this captivating premise, drawing viewers in with its perfect mix of awkward humor and romantic tension. What starts as a simple attempt to ruin a blind date becomes the spark for one of the most entertaining love stories in recent K-drama memory.
The magic of Business Proposal lies in its ability to take the classic mistaken identity trope and infuse it with layers of workplace dynamics, familial expectations, and personal development. Each episode builds on the initial deceit, creating increasingly intricate scenarios that somehow feel both absurd and entirely believable. The writers skillfully raise the stakes while preserving the light-hearted tone that makes this drama so addictive.
Shin Ha-ri: From Employee to Deceptive Girlfriend
Kim Se-jeong takes on the role of Shin Ha-ri, a Go Food’s employee who evolves from a loyal friend into an unintentional deception expert. Her character’s journey is beautifully portrayed, showcasing a woman who discovers her own worth while navigating an unfeasible situation. Kim Se-jeong infuses Ha-ri with remarkable energy and authenticity, making every aspect of her character’s evolution feel genuine and relatable.
Watching Ha-ri’s transformation throughout the series is captivating. Initially someone who sacrifices her own comfort for others, she gradually learns to assert herself and chase what she truly desires. Her handling of the dual identity results in both comedic and touching moments, especially as she starts developing genuine feelings for the man she’s meant to deceive.
Kang Tae-mu: The Benevolent CEO
Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kang Tae-mu, a chaebol heir and Harvard alumnus who unwittingly begins to fall for Ha-ri. Ahn Hyo-seop perfectly captures the essence of CEO Kang Tae-moo, balancing a cold facade with a warm heart underneath. His portrayal adds depth to the typical chaebol character by introducing vulnerability and genuine kindness.
The chemistry between Tae-mu and Ha-ri propels the entire series forward. Ahn Hyo-seop excels in illustrating Tae-mu’s gradual shift from a work-centric CEO to a man completely enamored with someone he believes to be deceiving him. This internal conflict creates some of the series’ most gripping dramatic moments, especially as he attempts to reconcile his growing feelings with his business instincts.
The Turning Point: When All Falls Apart
The climax occurs as all meticulously crafted lies start to unravel, and Ha-ri’s real identity threatens to demolish everything she’s created with Tae-mu. This critical moment showcases the series at its emotional height, where comedy gives way to authentic emotional stakes. The revelation scene is timed perfectly, allowing both characters to confront their emotions and fears in a way that feels justified and fulfilling.
The effectiveness of this climax lies in its avoidance of dragging misunderstandings. Instead, it focuses on the characters’ emotional growth and their determination to fight for their relationship despite the complicated start. The resolution feels both realistic and romantically rewarding, demonstrating that the best relationships are often founded on honesty that emerges after deception.
Scene-Stealing Supporting Characters
Kim Min-kyu and Seol In-ah complement the main cast with their subplot that mirrors and contrasts the main romance. Their relationship adds depth to the series while offering viewers an alternative perspective on love and commitment. The supporting characters contribute actively to the main story while developing their own captivating arcs.
The workplace dynamics at Go Food provide a rich backdrop for all the romantic antics. From Ha-ri’s concerned colleagues to Tae-mu’s devoted secretary, every supporting character feels integral and enhances the overall charm of the series. These relationships ground the more extravagant romantic elements in a believable workplace reality.
Global Success on Netflix
Business Proposal premiered in February 2022 with 12 episodes and was made available on Netflix. The series quickly gained international acclaim for its perfect blend of workplace comedy and romantic tension. The tale of disguised identity is lauded as “a masterpiece in its twists, akin to classical theatre comedy rather than a TV script.” Netflix audiences worldwide embraced Business Proposal for its accessible humor, stunning cinematography, and leads whose chemistry virtually leapt off the screen.
Why Business Proposal is a Must-Watch
If you enjoy romantic comedies filled with heart, workplace dynamics, and characters who truly evolve, Business Proposal is the ideal series to binge on Netflix. This drama demonstrates that the best relationships often begin with the worst first impressions, and true love can endure even the most elaborate deceptions.
An Ideal Romantic Comedy Getaway
Business Proposal offers everything you desire from a romantic comedy: laugh-out-loud scenes, captivating chemistry, and characters you’ll genuinely invest in. It’s the kind of series that reminds you why you fell for K-dramas initially, providing the perfect escape into a world where love triumphs over all, even the most ludicrous situations.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 12
Platform: Netflix
Release/End Year: 2022
IMDb Rating: 8.1
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Status: Completed
Main Characters: Kim Se-jeong (Shin Ha-ri), Ahn Hyo-seop (Kang Tae-mu)
Antagonist: Various workplace and family obstacles rather than a single antagonist