K-Drama Recommendation of the Week – ‘Business Proposal’: A Feel-Good Romance With Just the Right Chaos

“There are some things that get results with a short amount of time, and other things where you risk the losses and stay in it for the long run. It’s difficult to decide how good or bad something is just by how long it takes.” – Kang Tae-moo

‘Business Proposal’ is the perfect cozy, light-hearted drama that’s guaranteed to give you butterflies. Based on the webtoon of the same name by writer Hae Hwa, the 2022 SBS series is a charming romantic comedy that follows Shin Ha-ri, played by Kim Sejeong – an office employee who agrees to attend a blind date on posing as her best friend. What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face with her company’s CEO as her date, setting off a string of lies, romance, and hilarious misunderstandings that soon evolve into a heart-melting love story. 

Series : Business Proposal

Where to watch : Netflix

Cast : Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-gue, Seol In-a, Lee Duk-hwa

Written by : Han Sul-hee, Hong Bo-hul

Directed by : Park Seon-ho

Number of Episodes : 12

The Plot 

Shin Ha-ri, an ordinary office worker whose job is being a food researcher, agrees to go on a blind date in place of her best friend, Jin Young-seo, played by Seol In-ah, to help her scare off the date. But the situation takes a chaotic turn when the man she meets turns out to be the CEO of the company she works at, Kang Tae-moo, played by Ahn Hyo-seop. Unaware of the truth, Kang Tae-moo decides to marry her to put an end to the forced blind dates arranged by his grandfather, played by Lee Duk-hwa, landing Shin Ha-ri to be trapped in her own game. 

Fate steps in when the strict, cold Kang Tae-moo begins falling for Shin Ha-ri’s true personality, even though she’s been pretending to be Jin Young-seo on their dates and doing everything she can to avoid running into him at the office. As the truth slowly begins to unfold, what follows is a series of confrontations, confessions, corporate complications, and a love story that will leave viewers in awe. 

In parallel with Kang Tae-moo and Shin Ha-ri’s story, another couple that will keep the audience on edge is Shin Ha-ri’s best friend Jin Young-seo and Kang Tae-moo’s loyal secretary Cha Sung-hoon, played by Kim Min-gue. Their chance meeting sparks a journey of intense love, with much more developing along the way. 

The Characters

Kang Tae-moo (Played by  Ahn Hyo-seop)

Kang Tae-moo is the CEO of GO Food, exuding a strong and cold aura. He is a perfectionist at work, but as the story progresses and he crosses paths with Shin Ha-ri on a blind date, viewers see his softer and more caring side as he begins to let his guard down for his love, while also dealing with his past. 

Shin Ha-ri (Played by Kim Sejeong)

Shin Ha-ri works as a food researcher at GO Food, a bright, cheerful, and hardworking employee determined to succeed. Ha-ri is practical yet playful, often balancing responsibility with a lively, humorous side. She’s deeply loyal to her friends, caring toward her family, and dedicated to her work. An optimistic human who lives life to the fullest. 

Cha Sung-hoon (Played by Kim Min-gue)

Chief secretary of Kang Tae-moo, professional at work, he carries himself with calm confidence and is loyal toward Kang Tae-moo. Living life with discipline, his balanced mix of seriousness and subtle charm makes him grounded and trustworthy. He showcases his warm side only to the people he admires and cares about.

Jin Young-seo (Played by Seol In-ah)

Jin Young-seo is an independent woman. Although she belongs to a wealthy family, she strives to live life in her own way and not follow anyone’s footsteps. Straightforward, bold, and outgoing are some of her character traits. She has a warm and supportive nature, especially toward her best friend Shin Ha-ri. 

What made the show popular?

• A Classic Rom-Com: ‘Business Proposal’ gained its popularity for its romance packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and the strong chemistry of both couples with a modern twist. 
• Cast Chemistry: The cast – Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-gue, and Seol In-ah — showcased such strong synergy and engaging dynamics that they made the show even more interesting to watch. Their performances added charm and personality, making each episode feel fresh and entertaining.
• Feel-good Watch: The series is a warm, light watch with little to no intense scenes, yet it instantly gives you a high dopamine rush. It’s the kind of show that lifts your mood without asking for much emotional effort.
• Virality: Due to its sweet romance and entertaining visuals, clips from the show went viral across social media, encouraging more and more people to watch the series and appreciate its charm. Its memorable moments continued to circulate online, keeping the buzz alive long after the episodes aired.

With its visually aesthetic shots, strong character development, and depth in every scene while still maintaining its heartwarming feel. With just twelve episodes, the drama delivers everything a romance fan could want, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for laughs, love, and uplifting moments. It’s a binge that will leave you satisfied yet wishing for just a little more. 

Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.