If you have scrolled through Netflix in the last two years, you have seen the thumbnail: a smirking CEO in a sharp suit, a woman with a lunchbox, and a lot of red flags that somehow look like green ones. The keyword "My Business Proposal Kdrama" has become one of the most searched phrases in the Hallyu wave, generating millions of TikToks, reaction videos, and OST playlists.
But why does this show resonate so deeply? On paper, A Business Proposal (사내 맞선) sounds like a checklist of overused tropes. It has the chaebol heir, the poor but plucky employee, the fake dating contract, and the grandfamily disapproval. Yet, when the final episode aired, fans weren’t rolling their eyes; they were begging for a second season.
Here is the definitive deep dive into why A Business Proposal is not just a hit, but a masterclass in romantic comedy execution.
A fake engagement meant to dodge blind dates spirals into a high-stakes startup romance where love, food, and a viral app force two opposites to choose between image and authenticity.
Would you like a full episode outline, character backstories, or a pitch deck format for this concept?
The K-drama Business Proposal (사내맞선) is a 12-episode romantic comedy that aired in 2022. Based on a popular web novel and webtoon, it has become a staple "feel-good" drama known for its humorous take on classic romance tropes. Core Premise & Storyline The story follows Shin Ha-ri
(played by Kim Se-jeong), a researcher at a food company who agrees to go on a blind date in place of her wealthy best friend, Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah). Ha-ri’s mission is to act so "unhinged" that the date will never want to see her again. However, the plan backfires when the date turns out to be Kang Tae-moo
(Ahn Hyo-seop), the workaholic CEO of the very company where Ha-ri works. To avoid further blind dates from his persistent grandfather, Tae-moo decides to marry his date immediately—unaware that she is actually one of his employees.
Business Proposal (Korean: 사내맞선) is a popular 2022 romantic comedy K-drama that revitalized classic television tropes with high-energy humor and exceptional cast chemistry. Based on a popular web novel and manhwa of the same name, the series is widely praised for being a lighthearted, "bingeable" show that avoids heavy melodrama. Essential Show Information 12 episodes. Where to Watch: Available for streaming on It holds an 8.1/10 on and roughly 8.7/10 on MyDramaList Romantic Comedy, Office Romance. Plot Overview
To save her family’s traditional tea house from a corporate takeover, a struggling blend-master agrees to "audit" the cold-hearted CEO’s life as his fake fiancé, only to find the "business proposal" becoming a real heart-breaker. The Characters Lee Ha-Na:
A sensory genius who can identify any ingredient in a tea blend. She’s spirited but broke, working three jobs to pay off her father’s debt to Gorum Corp Kang Jin-Wook: The "Iceberg CEO" of Gorum Corp
. He’s brilliant but has a "scandal problem"—his board of directors won't let him become Chairman unless he settles down and proves he has a "human side." Secretary Park:
The deadpan, hyper-competent assistant who actually runs the CEO's life and (secretly) Ha-Na’s biggest fan. The Plot Points The Mistaken Audit:
Ha-Na sneaks into a high-end gala to confront Jin-Wook about her tea house. Due to a chaotic mix-up involving a spilled drink and a stolen lanyard, Jin-Wook’s grandfather mistakes her for the "highly vetted" fiancé Jin-Wook was supposed to debut that night. The Proposal:
Jin-Wook, seeing his grandfather finally happy, offers Ha-Na a "Merger Clause": If she plays his fiancé for three months, he will wipe her family’s debt and return the tea house deed. The Double Life:
Ha-Na must transform from a tea-stained dreamer into a "Global Luxury Brand Consultant" by day, while still working her night shift at the tea house—which, it turns out, is the only place the stressed-out Jin-Wook goes to find peace (without knowing she owns it). The Secret Steep:
Jin-Wook starts falling for the mysterious tea-brewer who listens to his problems at night, while simultaneously being annoyed—and then charmed—by the clumsy "fiancé" he spends his days with. The Big Reveal:
At the corporate merger signing, the truth comes out. Ha-Na has to choose between saving her business or saving the man who finally learned how to smile. Classic K-Drama Elements to Include: The "Slow-Mo" Moment:
He catches her when she trips over a corporate banner during a "fiancé" photoshoot. The Food Connection:
He hates traditional tea, but she creates a special "Heart-Warming Blend" just for him that cures his insomnia. The Second Lead:
A charming rival tea-master who wants to win Ha-Na's heart and her secret recipes. of a specific character or outline the first episode's script
Business Proposal (사내맞선) is a popular South Korean romantic comedy series that aired in 2022. It is highly regarded for its lighthearted humor and modern take on classic rom-com tropes like fake dating and mistaken identity. Core Premise
The story follows Shin Ha-ri, a food researcher at GO Food who agrees to go on a blind date in place of her wealthy best friend, Jin Young-seo, with the goal of being rejected. However, the date turns out to be Kang Tae-moo, the perfectionist and workaholic CEO of the company where she works. To avoid further blind dates set up by his grandfather, Tae-moo decides he will marry the next woman he meets—unaware that she is actually his employee. Main Cast & Characters my business proposal kdrama
Ahn Hyo-seop as Kang Tae-moo: The handsome, arrogant, yet lonely CEO of GO Food.
Kim Se-jeong as Shin Ha-ri: A bright and passionate food researcher who leads a double life to hide her identity from her boss.
Kim Min-kyu as Cha Sung-hoon: Tae-moo’s loyal and stoic secretary who forms a fan-favorite "second lead" couple.
Seol In-ah as Jin Young-seo: Ha-ri’s best friend and a chaebol heiress who seeks true love rather than a business-arranged marriage. Production Details
Rating: 9.5/10
A Business Proposal does not reinvent the wheel—it polishes it until it shines. It respects the audience’s intelligence, trusts its actors’ comedic timing, and delivers exactly what the title promises: a business transaction that turns into the most heartfelt investment of all. In the crowded landscape of K-drama rom-coms, this proposal is one you should definitely accept.
Final Tagline: Efficiency never looked so romantic.
Title: "My Business Proposal"
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama
Logline: When a successful businesswoman is forced to pretend to be engaged to her company's CEO, she finds herself caught in a web of deception, romance, and corporate intrigue.
Synopsis:
Kang Tae-Moo (played by Ahn Hyo-Seop) is the CEO of Shinwon Group, a large and influential conglomerate in South Korea. Kim Se-Jeong (played by Kim Se-Jeong) is a talented and driven marketing director at Shinwon Group, who has been working hard to climb the corporate ladder.
When Tae-Moo's aunt, who is also the chairperson of Shinwon Group, threatens to dissolve the company unless Tae-Moo gets married and produces an heir, Tae-Moo is forced to find a suitable bride. Se-Jeong, who is in dire need of a promotion and a raise, proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement: she will pretend to be Tae-Moo's fiancée in exchange for a promotion to director and a significant salary increase.
As they navigate their fake engagement, Se-Jeong and Tae-Moo begin to develop real feelings for each other. However, their relationship is complicated by the demands of their corporate roles, as well as the secrets and lies that have built up over the years.
Themes:
Supporting characters:
Episode count: 16 episodes
Target audience: Women and men aged 20-40, who enjoy romantic comedies and dramas with strong business themes.
Visuals:
Tone:
Key messages:
" Business Proposal " (2022) is an absolute masterclass in how to execute a trope-heavy romantic comedy. It does not try to reinvent the wheel; instead, it polishes the classic K-drama clichés to absolute perfection. 🎬 Quick Verdict If you have scrolled through Netflix in the
If you need a pure shot of dopamine, this is your ultimate comfort drama. It is a breezy, hilarious 12-episode ride that leans so heavily into its own absurdity that you cannot help but smile. ⭐ The Good Stuff
The "Rachel and Samantha" Chaos: The legendary fake blind date in Episode 1 where Shin Ha-ri tries to scare off the CEO is top-tier comedic acting.
Flawless Chemistry: Both the main couple and the second lead couple have magnetic, off-the-charts chemistry.
Zero Boring Filler: At just 12 episodes, the plot moves at a breakneck, highly addictive pace.
The Friendship Dynamic: The fiercely supportive bond between the two female leads is a refreshing highlight. ⚠️ The Critiques Should I watch buisness proposal : r/kdramarecommends
Business Proposal is the ultimate "comfort food" of K-dramas—a high-energy, hilarious rom-com that takes every classic cliché and turns it into gold. Based on a popular Webtoon, it centers on Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong), a food researcher who goes on a blind date in place of her chaebol friend, only to discover her date is her boss, CEO Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop). What Makes It Shine
The "Rachel and Samantha" Humor: The show is self-aware and intentionally over-the-top. The early scene where Ha-ri tries to scare off Tae-moo with her "scandalous" persona is an instant classic.
Electric Chemistry: While the main couple is adorable, many viewers found the second lead couple (Seol In-ah and Kim Min-gue) equally, if not more, magnetic.
Perfect Pacing: At just 12 episodes, it’s a breezy watch that avoids the "mid-series drag" common in longer dramas.
Iconic OST: Tracks like "Love, Maybe" by MeloMance perfectly capture the show's sweet and fluffy vibe. Minor Drawbacks
Trope Overload: If you dislike "fake dating," accidental falls, or predictable plot points, this might feel too formulaic.
The Final Stretch: Some fans felt the last episode was slightly rushed or anticlimactic compared to the high-stakes fun of the earlier half.
Watch how the show subverts classic office tropes with hilarious comedic timing:
Finding Romance in the Workplace: A Deep Dive into "Business Proposal" Business Proposal
(2022) isn’t just another romantic comedy; it’s a global sensation that revitalized the "office romance" trope with its vibrant execution and irresistible charm. Based on a popular web novel and manhwa, the series captures the chaotic collision of corporate life and accidental love. The Accidental Date: Synopsis
The story centers on Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong), a dedicated food researcher at GoFood. When her wealthy best friend, Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah), begs her to stand in for a blind date to scare off the suitor, Ha-ri reluctantly agrees.
The plan goes hilariously awry when Ha-ri realizes her date is none other than Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop), the workaholic and stoic CEO of her own company. Determined to end the match-making pressure from his grandfather, Chairman Kang (Lee Deok-hwa), Tae-moo decides to marry the woman he met on the date, unaware she is one of his employees. What follows is a whirlwind of double lives, secret office dates, and genuine emotional growth. Why It Stole Our Hearts
Unveiling The Success: A Business Proposal Kdrama Breakdown - Ftp
A "Business Proposal" paper typically explores the intersection of classic romantic comedy tropes and the corporate world as depicted in the popular South Korean drama. Thematic Paper: Romancing the Corporate Ladder I. Introduction Business Proposal (2022), based on the webtoon The Office Blind Date
, revitalized the "contract relationship" trope. The drama follows Shin Ha-ri, a food researcher who goes on a blind date in place of her wealthy friend, only to discover her date is Kang Tae-moo, the CEO of her company. This paper analyzes how the series uses corporate hierarchy as a stage for romantic tension and character growth. II. The Corporate Landscape: Food as Innovation The Go Food Context : Unlike many dramas where the business is vague, Business Proposal
centers on food technology. Shin Ha-ri’s expertise as a researcher provides her with agency and professional respect, making her more than just a romantic interest. Leadership Styles
: Kang Tae-moo represents the "workaholic" archetype, whose rigid efficiency is challenged by Ha-ri's creative and chaotic energy. III. Key Tropes and Subversion The Contract Relationship A fake engagement meant to dodge blind dates
: A staple of the genre, the fake dating contract highlights the power dynamics between CEO and employee while allowing for vulnerability behind closed doors. Second Lead Synergy
: The relationship between Cha Sung-hoon (the secretary) and Jin Young-seo (the heiress) serves as a foil to the main couple, exploring themes of loyalty and breaking free from parental expectations. IV. Social Implications: The Chaebol Culture
The drama critiques the traditional "Chaebol" (family-owned conglomerate) structure by showing the isolation of the elite. Tae-moo’s grandfather represents the pressure of lineage, while the romance suggests that genuine connection can bridge the gap between social classes. V. Conclusion Business Proposal
succeeds because it embraces clichés with self-awareness and humor. It argues that while corporate structures are built on logic and hierarchy, human relationships thrive on the unpredictable "bugs" in the system—love, loyalty, and empathy.
A Business Proposal (사내맞선) is a 12-episode South Korean romantic comedy series that aired in early 2022 and quickly became a global hit on Netflix. It is widely celebrated for its "wholesome" take on classic romantic tropes, particularly the "fake dating" and "CEO-employee" cliches, often poking fun at them with self-aware humor. Plot Summary
The story follows Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong), a food researcher who agrees to go on a blind date in place of her wealthy best friend, Jin Young-seo, with the goal of being rejected. However, her date turns out to be Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop), the workaholic and perfectionist CEO of her own company. To avoid further matchmaking from his grandfather, Tae-moo decides to marry the next woman he meets—which happens to be Ha-ri in disguise—leading to a "love contract" and a series of hilarious attempts to keep her true identity secret. Key Highlights
If you're looking to share your love for Business Proposal (사내맞선),
The Ultimate Rom-Com Post: Why You Need to Watch "Business Proposal" 🥂💄
Headline: Looking for a drama that feels like a warm hug and a chaotic comedy show all at once?
The Hook: Business Proposal isn't just another CEO romance; it’s a masterclass in how to do "classic tropes" so perfectly that you won't want to stop smiling. Why it’s a Must-Watch:
Chaos Incarnate: It all starts with Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) going on a blind date disguised as her best friend to scare the guy away—only to realize the guy is her CEO, Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop).
The "Archaeopteryx" CEO: Tae-moo is a perfectionist workaholic who thinks he’s flawless, but his dynamic with Ha-ri is pure gold.
Secondary Couple Syndrome: Let's talk about the absolute chemistry between the best friend Young-seo and the secretary Sung-hoon. Their "line-crossing" scene? Iconic.
Short & Sweet: Only 12 episodes, making it the perfect binge-watch for a weekend.
Favorite Quote: "My only flaw is that there’s nothing I’m not good at." — Kang Tae-moo.
Closing: Have you seen it yet? Are you Team CEO or Team Secretary? Let me know in the comments! 👇 Did You Know? Fun Facts for True Fans 💡
When a cash-strapped employee takes her boss’s place in a blind date to scare off a chaotic suitor, she accidentally ends up engaged to her company’s ruthless new CEO — who now demands she plays fiancée for real.
To understand the hype, we must first answer the basic question: What happens in this drama?
The Official Synopsis: Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) is a kind-hearted food researcher who works for a giant corporation. To pay off her family’s debts, she agrees to go on a blind date in place of her wealthy heiress best friend, Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah). Her mission? Look so crazy and terrible that the man rejects her instantly.
The man? Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop), the arrogant, perfectionist CEO of GoFood (her company). He is tired of his grandfather’s nagging to get married. After a failed previous blind date, Tae-moo decides to marry the next woman he meets on a blind date to get his grandfather off his back.
When Ha-ri shows up acting drunk, aggressive, and loud (complete with a fake aegyo act), Tae-moo doesn’t run. He proposes. Right there. The result is a contractual dating scheme that turns into a chaotic office war, a secret identity crisis, and one of the most satisfying rom-com endings in recent memory.
Why the search "My Business Proposal Kdrama" works: The confusion between "A Business Proposal" and "My Business Proposal" is natural. The show feels intensely personal. Viewers feel like it is their business proposal because the fourth-wall-breaking humor and internal monologues of Ha-ri make the audience feel like co-conspirators in the lie.