As far as K-dramas go, with their surge in global popularity, you’ll find everything from historical adventures, all the way to horror comedies. Regardless of the genre, it’s clear that these writers have cracked the code, producing visual and narrative masterpieces like the 2022 Netflix K-drama Business Proposal. It may not lean into the most original of tropes, but its beauty lies in the execution of the storyline. Based on an eponymous webtoon written by HaeHwa and illustrated by Narak, the show’s plot is basically borne of fan fiction. Overall, it borrows elements from heavy hitters like What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim and The Secret Life of My Secretary.
The narrative itself is about mistaken identity and love in a corporate setting, but with that unique twist that sets K-Dramas apart. While it does carry the general air of your typical rom-com, it’s silly light and is packed with great actors like Ahn Hyo-seop, and Kim Se-jeong. Business Proposal proves, on so many levels. that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make engaging TV.
There’s a Nostalgic Nod to Classic Rom-coms in ‘Business Proposal’
Perhaps one of the best things about Business Proposal is how it taps into the nostalgia of classic romcoms. Those tropes that have had people on the edge of their seats through the ages were used here to drive the plot and weave an intricate narrative. Some of the familiar tropes viewers got to enjoy include love at first sight and those over the top, cute misunderstandings that make people smile and cringe all at once. Making it even better, is how the two main couples on the show interact. There’s everything from playful banter to the silly situations that first endeared people to K-dramas.
Upping the ante is how the show features a fun drama-within-a-drama — Be Strong, Shin Geum Hee — which playfully pokes at some of TV’s most beloved cliches. There’s equally the soundtrack that features a range of catchy tracks from artists like MeloMance. No doubt, these tunes, reminiscent of the 2000s, went a long way to keep the energy high throughout each episode. With this blend of familiar elements, the show delivers humor and the warmth that classic romcoms delivered in their days.
‘Business Proposal’ Features Lovable Characters That Steal the Show
[metaslider id=”2558″]
One vital element that makes the K-drama, Business Proposal work so well are the relatable, yet, exaggerated characters. Let’s start with the main character, Shin Ha-ri who’s played by Kim Se-jeong. While her situation is bizarre, it’s clear that she’s intelligent, hardworking and above all, resourceful. When one thing leads to another and she finds herself on a date with her company’s CEO, she navigates the situation with the same awkwardness and, dare we say clumsiness, that anyone off the street would display. With this in mind, it’s hard not to root for her throughout the series. Then there’s her co-star and leading man Ahn Hyo-seop (Kang Tae-moo), who plays the “too busy to have a life” CEO. The thing is that he’s not just cool and composed here, there’s a softer more playful side that rears its head when he’s with Shin Ha-ri. Needless to say, it’s every girl’s dream to have this effect on someone. Even better is the palpable chemistry the pair share, it’s a testament to their talent as actors as well as the wholesome characters they play.
Cha Sung-hoon, played by Kim Min-kyu, is Kang Tae-moo’s dedicated secretary. He brings humor and helps Tae-moo discover the truth about Shin Ha-ri’s disguise. Jin Young-seo, played by Seol In-ah, is Shin Ha-ri’s rich friend who makes Ha-ri go on a blind date on her behalf, making Ha-ri meet Tae-moo. Her glamorous lifestyle inserts extra humor and drama.
Cha Sung-hoon and Jin Young-seo’s Relationship Offers a Refreshing Parallel
Too much of anything can be borderline tedious. So, while Business Proposal‘s main couple constantly dish up that “will-they-won’t-they” vibe, there’s a palate cleanser. Sung-hoon and Young-seo’s relationship skips the drawn-out drama and throttles full speed ahead. One of the many standouts in their relationship is Young-seo’s straightforwardness. Her boldness contrasts Shin Ha-ri’s without necessarily showing her up, it’s just refreshing.
Overall, this couple brings a more grounded, mature vibe to the show’s romantic plots, offering a refreshing and more accessible love story. It’s not had to see why these two became fan-favorites. One hand there’s Tae-moo and Ha-ri, who are stuck navigating corporate complications, then there’s Sung-hoon and Young-seo with their relatable love story that brings the whole narrative back to Earth.
For a business deal you’ll want in on, Business Proposal is currently streaming on Netflix.
