ADVERTISEMENT

The Telegraph’s Korean drama pick of the week: Business Proposal

The sassy, fun office drama plays all the tropes we associate with an average K-drama yet spins it in a way that doesn’t leave you cringing to the max

Hannah Nicole D’souza Published 14.05.22, 12:57 AM

With hard-hitting dramas striking us one after the other, Business Proposal came as a breezy watch, a drama that allowed you to rest your brain cells completely and have a good time. Quirky and familiar, the drama plays all the tropes we associate with an average K-drama yet spins it in a way that doesn’t leave you cringing to the max. This week, The Telegraph breaks down Business Proposal as its K-drama for the week, and we understand why it hasn’t left Netflix’s top 10 TV shows list in India and several other Asian countries.

Plot Pot

When plot-heavy content does weigh on you, there’s often a need for some light-hearted no-brainer respite. Business Proposal brings just that with its 12 episodes (a severe drop down from the usual 16 or 20

ADVERTISEMENT

K-drama episodes). With a lesser time commitment, the series promises only a fun ride. With arcs involving tropes that made mainstream K-dramas what they are, Business Proposal does so with a much less cringe factor, making it enjoyable and something you’d want to dabble into if you’re looking for the classic exaggerated comedy.

Follow the story of food researcher Shin Ha-ri, who while covering for her chaebol friend Jin Young-seo by attending blind-date set-ups instead of the latter, ends up on a disguised date with her boss, Kang Tae-moo. Awkward and surprised, things spiral further when Tae-moo zeroes down and confirms his interest in marrying her in order to get his grandfather off his back. Ha-ri struggles to keep her disguise up both at work and outside as she’s forced to continue seeing Tae-moo, an action that brings hilarious hurdles of its own. On the sidelines, Young-seo further complicates things by pursuing Tae-moo’s secretary and childhood friend, Cha Sung-hoon. In the simplest of words: an entanglement ensues.

Business Proposal becomes a promising watch, though a bit stretched, for those who love mainstream K-content or those looking to venture into the same with little commitment. You’re bound to enjoy the comical montages, developing relationships, and the sassy script even more if you’re already acquainted with general romance manhwa plots and how they play out. Especially when the cinematography pays homage to the webtoon with its illustrations. It surely does make for an amusing watch.

Mellow Melodies

Love, Maybe by MeloMance

From Ha-ri and Tae-moo to Young-seo and Sung-hoon, this song became the anthem for the show. With its mellow yet playful melody, this song is a lovely musical confession (read: proposal).

Melting by BAMBAM:

A fun, groovy tune matching the vibe of the drama. BamBam’s vocals lend a cool touch to the song. We can’t help but swoon over this one.

Genre:Office drama and rom-com

Where to Watch: Netflix

You Will Love It If You Love:

• Office romances

• Fake dating

• Classic K-drama tropes

• A mindless watch

• Short K-dramas

The Telegraph Rating: 3/5

CHARACTERS WE TREASURED...

Kim Min-kyu as Cha Sung-hoon:

A character that had our eyes glued to the screen. A true comfort character. Despite his shy, reserved vibes, he proved to be the most wholesome character in the ensemble. A great secretary and an even greater friend!

You’ll also love him in: Snowdrop, Backstreet Rookie

Seol In-ah as Jin Young-seo:

The loyal best friend we all need. Bold and beautiful, she speaks her mind. We loved her more in the show than in the webtoon.

You’ll also love her in: Mr Queen, Record of Youth, School 2017

Ahn Hyo-seop as Kang Tae-moo:

The classic cold CEO trope replayed over and over yet again finds life in Tae-moo. His exaggerated moves truly reminds us of the original K-drama character sketches. We, however, still appreciate them.

You’ll also love him in: Lovers of the Red Sky, Dr Romantic, Abyss

Kim Se-jeong as Shin Ha-ri:

If #mood were a person, then Ha-ri would bag the award for it. Her fun, foodie and bubbly personality lights a smile on your face. The way she navigates life is borderline unrealistic but mirrors the fantasies made up in our heads.

You’ll also love her in: The Uncanny Encounter, School 2017, Busted

SIMILAR WATCHES

What's wrong with Secretary Kim

What's wrong with Secretary Kim

True Beauty

True Beauty

Follow us on:
ADVERTISEMENT