If you’re looking for a light, trope-filled rom-com that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Business Proposal might be exactly what you need. It’s charming, self-aware, and surprisingly addictive.
Business Proposal is an adaptation of a webtoon with the same title, A Business Proposal, or The Office Blind Date. I don’t have any big expectations going into this drama. As a rom-com, I only expected it to bring me laughter and heart-fluttering moments.
Thankfully, this drama delivers exactly that. It’s comfort food for rom-com lovers.
What It’s About
The whole story kicks off because of a meddling parent and grandparent who insist on controlling their children’s future by forcing them into blind dates they clearly do not want.
Kang Tae-moo, the hardworking and ever-efficient president of Go Food, begrudgingly goes on a blind date just to make his grandfather stop nagging him. His solution is to marry the very first woman he meets so he never has to attend another blind date again.
Meanwhile, Young-seo refuses to go on yet another blind date, so she sends her best friend instead. Shin Ha-ri, being the supportive friend she is (and also because she needs the ₩800,000), goes in her place intending to act wild and crazy to scare the suitor off.
Unfortunately for her, that suitor turns out to be the president of the company she works for. To make matters worse, her chaotic behavior doesn’t deter Kang Tae-moo at all. In fact, it amuses him so much that he proposes marriage to her.
This sparks a whirlwind of chaos as they enter a contractual relationship, all while Hari desperately tries to keep her real identity hidden from her boss.
What Works
The Clichés are Executed Well
The truth is, everything in this drama is cliché and predictable. It doesn’t bring anything new to the rom-com genre. And you know what? That’s okay.
This drama embraces its clichés wholeheartedly and somehow makes them feel fresh again. The scenes and lines are things I’ve seen and heard before, but they remain entertaining. I rarely felt bored throughout the show.
There’s no complicated plot or messy love triangle. Everything wraps up sweetly. Not perfect, but still cute and satisfying.
The Main Leads
Kim Se-jeong absolutely shines here. She is elegant as Shin Geum-hi yet relatable and simple as Shin Ha-ri. Weirdly, Shin Geum-hi gives me Baek In-ha vibes (from Cheese in the Trap) because of her styling, bold personality, and overall energy.
Honestly, the scenes where Ha-ri disguises herself as Shin Geum-hi are the most entertaining parts of the drama because the secret-identity thrill is fun, and Shin Geum-hi’s personality is entertaining.
Ha-ri works as a food researcher at Go Food, and with her family drowning in debt, her job means everything to her. Her determination is one of my favorite things about her. And she fights back when things feel unfair for her. A no-nonsense female lead. Love that.
Kang Tae-moo is serious, efficient, and hates wasting time… yet becomes hilariously petty when taking revenge on Ha-ri. And ironically, he doesn’t mind wasting time with her at all.
Ahn Hyo-seop plays him well. The chemistry between him and Kim Se-jeong is fantastic. They are cute, fluttery, and sweet. And the kiss scenes are swoon-worthy.
The Second Leads
Kim Min-gyu and Seol In-ah are fantastic as the second couple. Their chemistry is so strong that they occasionally steal the spotlight from the main leads.
Seol In-ah as Young-Seo is amazing in this. I’ve seen her as love rivals before in other dramas, but this role was made for her. Her chemistry with Min-gyu is top-notch. Her friendship scenes with Ha-ri (especially the drunk one!) are comedy gold.
What Doesn’t Work
If there’s one notable flaw, it’s that the drama avoids dealing with the consequences it sets up.
The conflict involving social status, company reputation, and the viral rumor doesn’t get resolved properly. The last two episodes feel rushed, tying up loose ends quickly without giving enough emotional weight to the issues. Conflicts pop up but fade quickly without satisfying payoff.
Who Should Watch
Perfect for:
Skip if:
Final Verdict
Business Proposal is a delightful rom-com that doesn’t try to be more than what it is and that’s exactly why it works. It’s charming, funny, trope-filled in the best way, and carried by a stellar cast with undeniable chemistry.
Not perfect, but absolutely enjoyable and deserving of a place on your rom-com favorites list.
Have you watched “Business Proposal”? What did you think? Let me know in the comments! 💜