The Finale of “Business Proposal” Melts Viewers’ Hearts

Poster+for+the+show+Business+Proposal.

Poster for the show “Business Proposal.”

By Katelin Chong, Arts and Entertainment Editor

With the rise in popularity of Korean media, many viewers have taken interest in K-dramas — shows like “Squid Game” and “Crash Landing on You” are two popular examples, both being two of the highest-ranked dramas. Recently, however, the romantic comedy “Business Proposal” has made its way up to the top ten trending list on Netflix following its finale, captivating its audience with two lovable, enticing couples.

Although I have not read the original Webtoon for the show, I have heard a great number of positive thoughts comparing the two. There are definitely little moments that are obviously directly taken from the webcomic I appreciate — it serves as a nice tribute to where the show originated from and its creators.

The overall plot is very entertaining and is guaranteed to make viewers laugh. As one of the main leads, Kim Se-jeong’s performance as Shin Ha-ri is spot on, and I think they made a great decision in casting her. After watching the first episode, her skills can be even more appreciated — Se-jeong’s character is an actress of sorts as well, meaning there were times when she was essentially an actress acting as an actress. Ha-ri’s acting skills can first be seen when her best friend, Jin Young-seo — played by Seol In-ah — asks her to take her spot on a blind date in order to scare the guy away. The scene where Ha-ri goes on the date is actually what made me want to get into the show — I thought it was hilarious watching her purposefully act out of the ordinary and strange, only for the man to continue pursuing her.

Kang Tae-moo is the man who arrives at the blind date, played by Ahn Hyo-seop, and he ends up being the president of Ha-ri’s company. This obviously further complicates the situation, but not in a simple, cliche way many would assume it would. Both Ha-ri and Tae-moo have obstacles to overcome in their lives, and I think seeing them work through them together really added to their chemistry.

The second romance that sprouts between Young-seo and Tae-moo’s secretary, Cha Sung-hoon, is not to be overlooked — personally, I believe they are just as charming as Ha-ri and Tae-moo. Kim Min-kyu’s performance as Sung-hoon is definitely one of the highlights of the show, and he did a fantastic job at playing a character who frequently switches between being a quiet secretary and a teasing brother figure to Tae-moo.

I am not typically one to enjoy romantic films or shows, but “Business Proposal” has proven to be an exception. The main characters are all charismatic and have a relatable feel to them, allowing viewers to connect with their experiences more easily. To anyone who decides to give this K-drama a shot, I recommend putting aside time to watch it — with the last episode of the first season out, it is definitely hard to stop watching.