A K-drama adapted from a popular webtoon, Business Proposal is a tried-and-tested, yet refreshing mish-mash of the arranged marriage and office romance tropes. The storyline is unafraid to lean into overused tropes, yet it offers more than just any other rom-com.
Shin Ha-ri is your typical office employee working as a researcher at GO Food’s Food Development Team 1. When her best friend, Jin Young-seo, begs her to attend a blind date in her stead in exchange for monetary compensation, Ha-ri readily agrees as she’s in urgent need of funds.
But little did she know that her date is her company’s hot-shot CEO, Kang Tae-moo, and he wants to secure a marriage with her. The plot unravels when Ha-ri has to deal with her double identity, and feelings start blooming between the characters.
Image adapted from: Netflix
The company gathers in the company’s auditorium, eager to meet the prodigal CEO who has returned from abroad.
Image adapted from: Netflix
However, the one delivering the speech is his Chief Secretary, Cha Sung-hoon.
Image adapted from: Netflix
In Kang Tae-moo’s stead, Cha Sung-hoon relays his displeasure as he thinks the speech is a waste of time.
Image adapted from: Netflix
The scene cuts to company executives engaging in acts of corruption.
Video adapted from: Netflix
While they cavort, a golf ball flies across the field and lands perfectly in the hole they were aiming for.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Backlit by lights, the stoic Tae-moo enters. He berates Mr. Park for receiving bribes and committing nepotism, and asserts that he will ensure nothing of the sort will happen under his watch.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Even though the blind date is her boss, Ha-ri is determined to help Young-seo chase away her prospective husband.
There are four steps to Ha-ri’s plan.
Video adapted from: Netflix
First, throw him off by revealing skin. Despite the restaurant being air-conditioned, Ha-ri brazenly shrugs off her jacket, exposing her bare shoulders.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Next, she dramatically coos at her branded heels and bag, calling them her “babies” to make herself seem materialistic.
Image adapted from: Netflix
To up the stakes, Ha-ri introduces Samantha and Rachel, her supposed breast implants.
Image adapted from: Netflix
It finally prompts a reaction from Tae-moo, who spits out his drink in shock.
Image adapted from: Netflix
However, Tae-moo manages to keep his composure and tells Ha-ri that he appreciates her honesty.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Desperate, Ha-ri’s last resort is to suggest that they get a hotel room for the night.
Spoiler alert: he books the hotel room.
While buying a drink at a convenience store, a child bumps into Young-seo and stains her skirt with a marker.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Young-seo eases the tension by doodling on her own skirt and gently chides the kid, telling him to be more careful.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Sung-hoon, who witnessed the interaction, is intrigued by Young-seo’s kindness and looks at her with a gentle smile on his face.
Image adapted from: Netflix
After Young-seo leaves the convenience store, she realises she left her belongings behind. As she turns to return, she knocks into Sung-hoon, who picks up her drink for her.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Stunned by Sung-hoon’s good looks, she stares at him while flowers bloom around them.
Image adapted from: Netflix
Young-seo gazes wilfully at his back while Sung-hoon, and she bemoans not being able to ask for his number.
The first episode checked off all the boxes of a promising rom-com: an arranged marriage, meet-cutes, a chic boss, an unlucky female lead, and a fake identity.
Even with a cliched plot, the drama manages to capture the audience’s attention with hilarious scenes and chemistry between the characters.
Business Proposal offers heart-fluttering visuals and a talented cast. Viewers can look forward to chasing away Monday blues with Business Proposal, and to laughing, squealing, and crying with the characters.
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