If you need a new K-Drama to watch that is fun, romantic, hilarious and has a lot of heart, I highly recommend Business Proposal from SBS TV. With twelve episodes that are an hour each, it is easy to binge, which I had to stop myself from doing. It almost feels like a twelve-hour-long rom-com. It is so hard to stop with lovable characters that are easy to root for. Here are just five reasons to check out Business Proposal.
1. Business Proposal Features a Great Cast of Characters
Everyone in Business Proposal works so well off of each other. From Shin Ha-ri’s (Kim Se-jeong) teammates at Go Food, her family and friends, to Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop) and his grandfather and secretary/brother, Cha Sung-hoon (Kim Min-kyu). The supporting cast complements our leads perfectly, and some hilarious situations arise with the quirky characters as well as drama. Some of the drama feels forced and dated, but because of the writing, it still feels believable.
2. The Plot
Business Proposal starts with Ha-ri going on a blind date at her best friend, Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah), place after Young-seo’s father sets one up without her consent. Little does Ha-ri know, until exchanging business cards, that the date is with her CEO at Go Foods, Kang Tae-moo. Tae-moo’s grandfather has been pushing for him to date and get married. Tae-moo goes on the blind date only to appease him. Then he concocts the idea to start faking a relationship with Ha-ri, unaware that she works for him, let alone that she is not who she says she is.
The situation is complicated and evolves in surprising ways as Ha-ri navigates the situation with her CEO while trying to keep her identity a secret in fear of retaliation. It sounds convoluted, but when you are watching, it makes sense and is addictive.
3. Complicated Family Relationships
Ha-ri and Tae-moo fall for each other, but their backgrounds make things a little complicated and navigating their families is not easy. Ha-ri’s family owns a fried chicken restaurant, while Tae-moo’s grandfather is chairman of Go Foods. Because of Ha-ri’s deception and position at Go Foods as a food researcher, he is not as supportive as Tae-moo hoped. Our other couple, Jin Young-seo is from a rich family. Her father has been trying to set her up with what he deems to be the right kind of man for her, but she chooses Cha Sung-hoon, Tae-moo’s assistant, which leads to more turmoil.
4. Funny and Full of Heart
Business Proposal is funny and knows when to make fun of itself. I laughed out loud multiple times. The comedy comes from a wholesome place, like friends who would do anything for each other, including going on a blind date in your place and pretending to be incredibly weird to scare off the unwanted suitor. The situations Ha-ri and Young-seo find themselves in because of their friendship can be utterly ridiculous but so fun. The show balances plot and comedy well, which makes it fast-paced and binge-worthy.
5. Beautiful Love Stories
Business Proposal is unapologetically romantic, with two main couples that are easy to love. The four of them each have a past, grounding the characters and making it that much sweeter when they get together. Ha-ri and Tae-moo had a rough start with mistaken identities and Ha-ri being hung up on her old crush. Tae-moo has no desire to find love, but it happens regardless. He is not afraid to fight for the woman he loves. Ha-ri is observant and helps Tae-moo with his anxieties, which cements their bond and sets the foundation for a lasting relationship. The same goes for Young-seo and Sung-hoon. They could be love at first sight, but then they start on the wrong foot as more is revealed. Becoming neighbors changes that in both funny and serious ways.
If you have seen Crash Landing on You and need another beautiful, complicated love story without so much angst, this is the show for you. Business Proposal is now streaming on Netflix.
First Featured Image Credit: ©SBS TV