Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Business Proposal, which has become one of the most beloved romantic comedies in the K-drama world. This charming series proves that sometimes the best love stories begin with the most ridiculous misunderstandings.
Business Proposal premiered on February 28, 2022, featuring 12 episodes with an average duration of 60 minutes each, originally airing on SBS TV and later made available on Netflix in selected regions. Directed by Park Seon-ho and written by Han Seol-hee and Hong Bo-hee, it stars Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong, Kim Min-kyu, and Seol In-ah. This delightful rom-com brings together workplace romance, identity confusion, and plenty of heart-fluttering moments that will keep you glued to your screen.
Considered one of the best romantic K-dramas of all time, Business Proposal is a charming and sweet tale about unexpected love. The series expertly balances comedy with genuine emotional depth, creating a viewing experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly entertaining. What starts as a simple favor between friends quickly spirals into a complex web of lies, corporate intrigue, and undeniable chemistry.
A Case of Mistaken Identity That Changes Everything
In disguise as her friend, Ha-ri shows up to a blind date to scare him away. But plans go awry when he turns out to be her CEO — and makes a proposal. The plot centers around this brilliant premise that immediately hooks viewers with its perfect blend of cringe comedy and romantic tension. What should have been a simple mission to sabotage a blind date becomes the catalyst for one of the most entertaining love stories in recent K-drama history.
The beauty of Business Proposal lies in how it takes this classic mistaken identity trope and adds layers of workplace dynamics, family expectations, and personal growth. Each episode builds upon the initial lie, creating increasingly complicated situations that somehow feel both absurd and completely believable. The writers masterfully escalate the stakes while maintaining the light-hearted tone that makes this drama so addictive.
Shin Ha-ri: From Employee to Fake Girlfriend Extraordinaire
Kim Se-jeong stars as Shin Ha-ri, an employee at Go Food’s who transforms from a dutiful friend into an accidental master of deception. Her character arc is beautifully crafted, showing a woman who discovers her own worth while navigating an impossible situation. Kim Se-jeong brings incredible energy and authenticity to Ha-ri, making every moment of her character’s journey feel genuine and relatable.
Ha-ri’s evolution throughout the series is remarkable to watch. She begins as someone willing to sacrifice her own comfort for others, but gradually learns to stand up for herself and pursue what she truly wants. The way she handles her dual identity creates both hilarious and touching moments, especially as she starts developing real feelings for the man she’s supposed to be deceiving.
Kang Tae-mu: The CEO with a Heart of Gold
Ahn plays the role of Kang Tae-mu, a chaebol heir and Harvard graduate who unknowingly starts to fall for Ha-ri. Ahn Hyo-seop embodies the character of coconut personality, CEO Kang Tae-moo, perfectly balancing the cold exterior with the warm heart underneath. His portrayal of Tae-mu breaks the typical chaebol stereotype by adding vulnerability and genuine kindness to what could have been a one-dimensional character.
The chemistry between Tae-mu and Ha-ri drives the entire series forward. Ahn Hyo-seop excels at showing Tae-mu’s gradual transformation from a work-focused CEO to a man completely smitten with someone he believes is lying to him. The internal conflict this creates provides some of the series’ most compelling dramatic moments, especially as he tries to reconcile his growing feelings with his business instincts.
The Moment Everything Falls Apart (And Comes Together)
The climax arrives when all the carefully constructed lies begin to crumble, and Ha-ri’s true identity threatens to destroy everything she’s built with Tae-mu. This pivotal moment showcases the series at its dramatic peak, where comedy gives way to genuine emotional stakes. The revelation scene is handled with perfect timing, allowing both characters to confront their feelings and fears in a way that feels earned and satisfying.
What makes this climax particularly effective is how it doesn’t rely on misunderstandings dragging on unnecessarily. Instead, it focuses on the characters’ emotional growth and their willingness to fight for their relationship despite the complicated beginning. The resolution feels both realistic and romantically satisfying, proving that sometimes the best relationships are built on honesty that comes after deception.
Supporting Characters Who Steal Every Scene
Kim Min-kyu, and Seol In-ah round out the main cast with their own subplot that perfectly mirrors and contrasts the main romance. Their relationship provides additional depth to the series while offering viewers a different perspective on love and commitment. The supporting characters aren’t just there to fill time; they actively contribute to the main story while developing their own compelling arcs.
The workplace dynamics at Go Food create a rich backdrop for all the romantic shenanigans. From Ha-ri’s concerned colleagues to Tae-mu’s loyal secretary, every supporting character feels purposeful and adds to the overall charm of the series. These relationships help ground the more outlandish romantic elements in believable workplace reality.
Success on Netflix: A Global Rom-Com Phenomenon
Business Proposal premiered in February 2022 with 12 episodes and was made available on Netflix. The series quickly gained international recognition for its perfect blend of workplace comedy and romantic tension. The story of disguised identity is described as “a masterpiece in its twists, and reminds me of a classical theatre comedy, rather than a TV script.” Netflix viewers around the world embraced Business Proposal for its accessible humor, gorgeous cinematography, and leads who delivered chemistry that practically jumped off the screen.
Why Business Proposal Deserves Your Weekend Binge
If you love romantic comedies with heart, workplace dynamics, and characters who actually grow throughout their journey, Business Proposal is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This drama proves that sometimes the best relationships start with the worst first impressions, and that true love can survive even the most elaborate deceptions.
Why You Should Watch: A Perfect Rom-Com Escape
Business Proposal delivers everything you want from a romantic comedy: laugh-out-loud moments, swoon-worthy chemistry, and characters you’ll genuinely care about. It’s the kind of series that reminds you why you fell in love with K-dramas in the first place, offering the perfect escape into a world where love conquers all, even the most ridiculous circumstances.
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