Pretendente Surpresa (2022)

Romcom of the year!

I was sad when this drama kept getting pushed back on its premiere and now I am sad that it's over. While airing, this drama has managed to put a smile on my face every week. This is a perfect combination of comedy, romance and old -school kdrama tropes. It was fun to remember the elements that me love kdramas and to have them replayed on a more lowkey level for me a more 'aware' audience (e.g. now I hate plots where the heroine is shamed for her poor status or that of evil Mother-in-laws - which this drama parodies on so many levels).

PLOT:
It's a typical CEO falls for poor girl plot only that no one is sitting around crying about their problems. Kang Tae Moo and Shin Ha Ri were very refreshing together and the process of them falling for each other was a lot of fun as well. I like that there are no major conflicts in the plot and for the most part everything was set up and wrapped up neatly. However the secret scene stealers here are the secondary couple. I loved their chemistry and how they fell for each other in the most cringey way only to confess to each other almost at the same time. I swear they could have had their own drama and I would have still watched it.

CHARACTERS:
The characters in this drama are delightful for most part. I think I enjoyed everyone's role except Min Woo and the chaebol girl who spoke English all the time (never seen a more pointless character before). The relationships between Tae Moo and his grandfather and Ha Ri and her family were precious. They always argue but I could see everyone being genuinely concerned for each other. I also loved the friendship between Ha Ri and her best friend and Tae Moo and his secretary/cousin(?). It was super wholesome and loved the parallels between the main characters! For most part there were not many annoying people in this drama.

ACTING:
I've been a fan of Ahn Hyo Seob and while he isn't the best actor, I think he did fine here and did make me laugh a lot. His acting was eerily reminiscent of Park Seo Joon's from Secretary Kim. I'll admit I thoroughly disliked Sejung as an actress in her past drama but she was more than tolerable here. In fact she matched her character and was pretty cute overall. I liked most of the cast and didn't have any issues with the mediocre acting because I watched this to have a good time and not to critique them.

OST:
I cannot recall more than 1-2 tracks from the OST but they were more than fine. This was not the drama's strongest department.

OVERALL:
This a light, fluffy romcom that did a lot of things right by keeping it a short and enjoyable ride. The laughs were plenty and this drama was a fun escape from reality while it aired. I think the ending was still a bit weak but it was much better than loads of nonsense endings I've seen in kdramas in the past. I highly recommend this drama.

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Sweet, funny beginning for 2022

Business Proposal shines brighter when taken as what it is: a light, funny, heart-warming romcom, not meant to be realistic or too over-the-top. It has just the right amount of silliness mixed with heartfelt characters and stories like ones you've probably heard in countless other kdramas - yet, it is the comfortable acting and ambience in each episode that makes you want to watch more. Last two episodes were a bit of a mess though, I have to admit.

Sejeong was definitely the highlight, her way of acting makes you want to pay attention solely to her; there's an earnest, beautiful energy whenever she's on the screen. Inah didn't fall short in her performance, I especially loved the more serious moments. Personally, I think the cast was very well picked. I had my doubts regarding Hyoseop but, surprisingly, his slightly awkward yet determined charm did a number on me. It's a great deal, because now I look forward to all of their individual future projects ^-^

It had some funny CGI here and there, the soundtrack in my opinion could've had more variety (but since SBS gave us a Sejeong OST, I won't be too angry). If you want something funny to watch, or just to have a really good time, go ahead! You surely won't be too disappointed

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Better read the webtoon

The webtoon is so different than this. The story, character's, development. I'm so disappointed. They have an opportunity to do a unexpectedly development like the manhwa but they didn't. I'm so angry too because they ruined the grandfather character.

So please read the manhwa and you can understand what I'm saying and maybe you should think like me.

sorry for my English haha
Así que bueno leerse el manhwa pq esta burrqda de dorama me decepcionó. Por eso siempre las adaptaciones a live action son tan difíciles de aceptar. Uno de los doramas que lo hizo bien fue Whats wrong with Miss. Secretary Kim? pero bueno, cosas que pasan.

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It was good for a second

I liked this drama in the beginning. There was creative filming, pretty and relaxing atmosphere, fun characters.

But as you get further into it the characters never develop any depth, and the cliches wear you down to the point that you know exactly what is going to happen next and none of it is compelling whatsoever. This drama is like a kiddy pool. Maybe some people can have fun in the shallow waters, but I ended up bored and sunburnt.

The cast was good for what they were working with, although I wasn't impressed by ML's acting. He was good in Still 17 though. I enjoyed watching behind the scenes way more than the actual show. They seemed to have a great time filming, which is why it's such a shame that I disliked it so much.

The only reason I finished the whole thing was because the vocabulary was simple so it was fantastic for intermediate Korean learning.

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Lighthearted TYPICAL KDRAMA but still feels refreshing

●FIRST IMPRESSION
As the title says BUSINESS PROPOSAL, I thought of possible Kdrama cliché I.e. contract relationship, accidental kiss, childhood trauma, boss-employee relationship, the secondary couple are leads friends and all my expectations of cliché Kdrama rom-com are fulfilled. Despite that BUSINESS PROPOSAL is heartwarming as hell.

●PLOT VIEW
My concept of love is that there is never love at first sight, it is just attraction of the outer beauty. For love to be true, it always progresses slowly, They embrace each other flaws and appreciate the charms. when the two people are destined together with each encounter loves turns into slow burn passion. Shin Ha-Ri and Kim Tae-Mu had a chance encounter but as they come to know each other they romantically fall for each other.
As the title says BUSINESS PROPOSAL, the contract relationship seemed basic for the plot development. SHR has a secret and KTM is a workaholic signing them into a contact relationship making them meet and greet and also giving out cheesy office romance. For a few episodes, KTM is seen as tsundere but ends up being warm and soft to contrast SHR's lively personality. KTM fulfilling his filial duties by getting married as his grandfather wished, he didn’t want to lose the person he likes is the most charming shows his guts and persistence as a man.

Cha Sung-Hoon and Jin Young-Seo made a pretty good secondary couple without overlapping or creating confusion in the leads' love story. They were great supporting friends.
The series is fast-paced to unveil its story in 12 episodes. despite its compact episodes, it had few unnecessary plot fillers of office people and others. The drama is lighthearted without losing its theme, and gives unexpected twists and turns in the love story of the leads.

●ACTING/CAST
Let me talk about my favorite first,
Ahn Hyo Seop as KTM, his young and slender body with sleek hairstyle was a typical Kdrama CEO character. AHS outshined his annoying expression with cold eyes. He had a playful and unpredictable personality. This is the 2nd drama of AHY I completed, in the initial episodes I didn’t recognize him, he looked super different and that makes him an amazing actor, playing a character that gives a different visual.
Kim Se Jeong as Shin Ha Ri watched her for the first time. She was a strong-willed, amazing friend. Her portrayal of Shin Geum-Hi was amusing.
The grandfather of KTM is like a big teddy bear I wanna hug. being a typical Kdrama lover he made a lasting impression.

●MUSIC
The theme music for KTM is my favorite. His gleaming eyes and fossil bird flying to the music are so apt.
Though I enjoyed the OSTs they aren't memorable as they are not played much. Unlike the other Kdrama where an OST is repeatedly played until one gets bored.

●REWATCH
I would rewatch the drama as the story is also lighthearted and the lead pair did an amazing job.

●APPRECIATION
No love triangle.
No annoying Ex.

●FAV SCENE
The lead's first blind date. (Ep 1)

●RECOMMENDATION
If you like cheesy romance, typical Kdrama with rich ML, and poor FL troup, you should watch this drama.

●AFTERTHOUGHT
Love comes in unexpected ways!!! all we need to do is persist but never pressure. If the person is meant for you they will see the love and loyalty in your persistence. If not they will feel persistence as pressure hindering their daily lifestyle.

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why i rated this drama a 8.5? spoilers in this review

the beginning of the drama was strong. very funny, laidback and one of my favorite dramas of 2022. i loved the storyline, characters, and music. the production was amazing as well. im a sucker for employee x ceo dramas.

but the ending was VERY disappointing. one of the most disappointing endings i have ever watched in a drama. it was weak, rushed and left you hanging and wanting more. we only got shin hari getting proposed but no wedding, future, babies, etc. i really wanted to see the future they would have together and i was disappointed we didnt get that in the drama.

i wouldnt rewatch the whole drama but maybe a few episodes. the ending got me happy that is was a good ending but mad because it was rushed and dry.

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A lighthearted rom-com that plays well into their cliches

This drama started off STRONG. Even though we have seen this premise in countless of other dramas, the performance from the cast left me craving for more.

I was scared that this drama would fall into the trap of other dramas by dragging out a lot of their tropes, but to my own surprise, none of them get dragged out. The story moves very fast-paced from one conflict to another or from one trope to another, which can be a good or bad thing (some parts did feel brushed aside just for the sake of moving things along).

For such a lighthearted drama, it never failed to make me feel happy and have an overall good time. I swear I would smile for 60 minutes straight every time I watched this drama. There are so many funny moments and jokes that you won't find in most other k-dramas. In many ways, I feel as if this is a modernization of cliche poor-rich rom-coms with the fast-paced nature and a more playful story (sacrificing character development and tear-jerking moments for more playful and comical moments).

While I do say this drama started off strong, it didn't end as strong as I had hoped. The ending felt simple which I do understand with the drama only having 12 episodes, but I felt yearning for more at the end.

Overall, a great drama that plays well into their cliches without dragging any tropes for longer than it needs be. A fun and light-hearted rom-com drama for anyone looking for a drama to relax to!

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a testament to the power of "committing" and not taking anything too seriously

Business Proposal was cheesy, trope-y, and absolutely amazing. this is an example of how powerful it is when creators know exactly what they are going for, acknowledge that it is campy, and fully lean into that cheesiness aspect.

in addition to the perfect 12 episode story arc (seriously, I haven't seen such a well-paced rom-com before! no forced break-ups!), I am genuinely so blown away by how well done all of the K-Drama cliches were in this series. it was like a little homage to everything that makes K-Dramas what they are, from the silly tropes to the more serious drama (although I am glad we skipped the childhood connection trope, hah!). I loved the way they acknowledged this through the incorporation of the ongoing drama all the characters were watching. the creators of Business Proposal knew what they were making wasn't unique, or particularly fresh, but they let this guide the way to creating an absolute delight of a series that I think any K-Drama fan, old or new, will get something out of.

the characters were charming, and the cast genuinely had me smiling along with them. it was nice to watch something so fun. I knew things would work out, I knew people would fall in love surprisingly fast, but it wasn't boring or overdone, it genuinely somehow had me on the edge of my seat for each new episode. the 12 episode storyline also kept things from being too drawn out; I am truly impressed by how well-paced the story was.

I haven't enjoyed a rom-com like this in years. it is honestly a genre I tend to stay away from now because it has always felt a bit repetitive to me, and I find myself dropping dramas quickly because of it. I think my appreciation for Business Proposal comes from the fact they acknowledge many of their viewers will feel this way, and the show feels almost like an inside joke, in the most delightful way.

if you need a little happy distraction, this is the perfect drama for it.

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(Edited!) Worth time that you have. Hilarious, fun, and well done

I know that I’m only four episodes in, but it has been so long since I actually found drama that I not only deeply enjoy, but also like so much that I’m willing to watch it as it comes out that I just had to write a review. It is that entertaining. All of the cast is cast perfectly. They all really fit their characters and do an incredible job of breathing life into them. They are humorous, and sometimes the humor is over the top, but even when it’s over the top it’s still somehow feels like exactly the right amount. I find myself engaging in belly laughs, hands on my knees level laughs, gasping laughs, the kind of laughing that will wake up the people around me. It’s just frankly delightful. I’m avoiding any and all spoilers, so I’m so sorry if this review is generic seeming, but honestly all you really know need to know is that I really strongly encourage you to try this drama. The only thing that this drama has against it, is that the theme song is too catchy. In like I can’t stop thinking about it but I would like to stop thinking about it. Beyond that, if you like comedy, you’ll love this drama.

Okay so edited and without spoilers: but by the end, the drama stops being as self aware of tropes and stops poking fun at them, so it just /becomes/ trope-y. There were so many things they could have don’t to keep the pacing and humor up and it’s a little disappointing that they didn’t. But it was still a good drama that I’ll think of fondly. I’ll definitely still rewatch this for the laughs at the beginning.
once you give it the shot it deserves and love the beginning, you’ll find that you need to finish it and you won’t feel like you wasted your time when finishing it. But you just possibly won’t be as satisfied with it as you thought you were going to be.

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it supposed to be fun, but the third act is no longer funn

what can I say? what a great cast. Especially for the main cast. If not because of them emoting all the right notes that tickles romantic and emotion in me , I don't think I will be drawn to the character at all.

the writing seems more organic in the first half. The romcom genre suit the first half of drama. but it's clear they want to bring the conflict and the second half should be more on serious tone. but they want to keep going about being funny, and the funny but unnecesary scene keep getting insert that at the end they resolved the conflict with half bake resolution. So the amount of episode feels short, despite it's not. what a shame. with talent cast like this, they should aim higher to get better writing. more over, it seems some character switch personality half way. like Kang Tae Moo character.

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I rom com "innovativi" che ci piacciono

Per quanto la storia sappia di visto e rivisto, questo è il tipo di drama che ogni tanto mi merito di guardare. Il tipo di drama che mi serve quando cerco una storia leggera e divertente, in grado di alleviare lo stress giornaliero. Ho apprezzato che i coreani con questa opera si siano spinti un po' più in là rispetto alle solite storie caste e che sia quindi un po' più spicy. Per il resto la storia non è nulla di innovativo, ma devo essere sincera mi è piaciuto tutto. Di solito io sono quella del pelo nell'uovo ma a sto giro mi è andata abbastanza bene. Dico abbastanza perchè c'è una cosina: 12 episodi invece dei canoni 16. Sinceramente ho apprezzato che non si perdesse in roba inutile ma l'avrei preferito un po' più lungo. Consigliato se vi piaccono drama office/rom-com sulla scia di What's Wrong with Secretary Kim ( sì, io l'ho amato, va bene? XD)

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I Think Manhwa is Better.

I just hate it. The actors didn't fit the characters, I personally think that the Female Lead could have been played by a much prettier actress. I also didn't like that people compared the series to What's wrong with secretary Kim. The comedy was worthless, it was forced, or so it seemed to me. Bromance? Blahh 🤮, nothing much. The only thing I liked there was the OST.

I just didn't like the actress in that, I didn't like her appearance, I found her annoying and in the Manhwa the Female Lead was drawn pretty, I liked her there and it seemed to me that she also had a different personality than in the drama. I'm not saying she's a bad actress, I just didn't like her in this and it bothered me. In fact, I didn't even like the Main Lead in it, as in other dramas, I don't mind him at all, he's good. Only in this one he come off as awful and spoiled the character in the Manhwa for me. Just my opinion.

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