Pretendente Surpresa (2022)

A healing romance with some epic comedy

With such glowing reviews and high ratings I was worried that I would be disappointed. But fortunately this drama lived up to its hype for me. It’s not one of those deep, heavy, meaningful dramas. It’s more of a light funny sweet romcom that is so well executed that you don’t mind the clichés. After watching hundreds of Asian dramas I’ve come to the conclusion that cliches are inevitable. And it’s not the cliché storylines that make a drama bad but how they are carried out. Great acting and likable characters can make a cliché story feel fun and interesting. On the other hand, poor acting and bland characters can make a cliché story feel dull and monotonous. This drama was chock full of likable, relatable characters that made you feel like they were a part of your family. Pair that with some top notch acting and you have a great drama like this one.

The acting in this drama is above average. I was invested in every single characters storyline. The second male lead was a bit stiff in the beginning but got much better as the drama progressed. I was surprised by that because I’ve seen him in lots of other dramas and he’s a great actor. But overall the actors did a great job of getting me invested in the drama. And it didn’t hurt that the whole cast was gorgeous and very easy on the eyes.

The romance was done just right. It wasn’t insta love for the main leads but it wasn’t a slow burn either. I liked the pacing and chemistry of their romance too. The second leads had a cute romance that was a fun watch and added to the likability of the drama. Be prepared for lots of kisses, piggyback rides, hugs, and some sexy scenes. Both the main male lead and the second male lead go shirtless which is always a plus for me. And just let me say, the second male lead must live in a gym because he is one of the most muscular actors I’ve ever seen in an Asian drama. But as far as romance goes it was really very romantic with lots of sweet moments. And I liked that this was a healing romance. Both leads help heal each other’s emotional wounds. Watching their journey as they help heal one another and become better versions of themselves was a joy.

The female lead is a very likable character that’s talented, respected at work, confident, outgoing, and charming. She has a great family you’ll love, a touching sismance with her best friend and is a pretty balanced person. There’s only one area she’s lacking in and that’s in the romance department. Even though she’s very pretty, she’s had an unrequited crush on the same guy for 7 years. And it’s taken a toll on her confidence and self esteem.

The male lead is a practical no nonsense guy that is hyper focused on his job. He’s not mean or a bully at work he’s just a workaholic. Due to a trauma in his past he shuns intimate relationships with people other than his grandfather and his best friend (the second male lead). His interactions with the second male lead are so cute and endearing. I really enjoyed their bromance.

It was also quite refreshing to see the main leads have a healthy relationship where they communicate well and trust one another. I’m liking this trend lately where the main leads don’t have lots of silly misunderstandings but instead respect and have faith in one another. The lack of breakups, misunderstandings and noble idiocy made this drama so much better. And there weren’t any evil meddling second leads obsessed with the main leads either. I’m so done with that trend. So even though there are several clichés in this drama the lack of annoying second leads and unnecessary breakups more than makes up for it.

Now let’s talk about what I didn’t like. There’s not a lot to dislike about this drama. But there were a couple of things that kept it from getting a perfect rating from me. There was a lengthy separation at the end which was quite unnecessary (they didn’t breakup but were separated because one of them had to go overseas). I hate the old cliché ‘I have to go overseas for an extended period of time but I still love you’ trope. I never liked it and never will understand the overuse of this scenario in dramas. So I took off a full point for this. The other thing I didn’t like was the last episode of this drama. It wasn’t as bad as many have claimed in the comment section. The main characters are all addressed and have satisfying endings. I was happy with how everything turned out for everyone. But my main complaint (and everyone else’s) is that a lot of time is spent on some unnecessary angst that’s thrown in at the last minute for no apparent reason. It’s the last episode so you want some sweet moments, to see how everything turns out for everyone, even the minor characters. You want all of the loose ends tied up in a pretty little bow. You want to have some meaningful touching moments, not unnecessary angst just to hype things up. The angst would have been okay if there had been another episode or two. The fact that it happened in the last episode taking time away from those last sweet touching moments between your favorite characters is what I have a problem with. It wasn’t super bad just annoying , so I took a half point off for this.

In conclusion I’d say this is a very good drama that I’d highly recommend. It’s not for those who are looking for a deep drama that sends a message or teaches a lesson. But if you like super romantic romcoms that are full of gorgeous actors that make you laugh your butt off then this dramas for you. It’s short, sweet, sexy and funny. Seriously just go watch it!

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Humor and Romance Rolled into One

This romantic comedy contained many hilarious moments (stiches- in- your-sides humor). If you really want a combination of humor and romance, then this is definitely the TV series you want to watch.

There is a strong bond between the ML and FL. The ML does not waver in his feelings and devotion to the FL and not even pressure from his grandfather causes the ML ot waver.

The program is ligh-hearted and fun-filled. if you want to watch a series to help you unwind and relax then this is it. It's a clean romance so the whole family can view it together. Happy viewing!

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Was that the end?

My first time finishing an enjoyable drama with this question as the closing credits continued on instead of the “next episode” button. Partially due to my expectation of Kdramas containing at least 16 episodes but mainly because I felt these were so many loose threads hanging in the air.

Why did the grandfather suddenly consent in the end? No follow through on how the rumours of them dating played out - did running away to the US solve everything? Second FL’s relationship with the father just ends like that? Engaged for a year and no sign of marriage?

Such a pity to end the drama this way.

Other than the last episode, I generally enjoyed this cute romcom as the story telling was a fresh take on the classic rich-guy poor-girl romance. I liked how both couples acknowledged their feelings and got together relatively early without too much misunderstandings or annoying drawn-out love triangles. Kisses were not too stingy and the couples even slept together so this drama should satisfy those looking for a fair bit of romance in their drama.

There’s talk about some additional episodes so hopefully I’ll get my questions answered then but as it stands, my low rating reflects my personal dislike of dramas with rushed endings or unanswered questions.

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Must Watch, Best This Year

Great drama, great story, Great acting and directing. One of my favorite this year. No annoying old girlfriend who think that the ML belongs to her. Parents who tried to interfered in the relationship but these characters are adults and handle it very well. Both female leads were great. they were strong and independent, with their own careers and knew what they wanted. The second couple was my favorite they seem their relationship was very realistic of 2 people. The chemistry was great with both couples. I would have love a stronger ending but I am hoping for a second season. All the actors performance was great. Must Watched !!!!!!

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An Easy Watch No Depth

LIKES:
I really liked the production, cinematography, beautiful location/scenery shots. I also found the music to be pleasant and appropriate, although nothing truly stood out. Filming was well done, no shaky camera video and zoom ins were done correctly. I didn't notice any special FX to speak of. I did like that they showed the Team 1 workers doing their job, especially with Ha Ri working on recipes. Often office romances don't show the FL or ML actually focusing on their tasks. The comedic parts were okay and thankfully not too frequent, so they didn't become annoying. I liked Young Seo as Ha Ri's friend, the actress Seol In Ah was great. It was an okay ending, just barely acceptable.

DISLIKES:
They rushed the ending, but that I expected because it was only 12 episodes long. As usual there were the typical and over used cliches that South Korean dramas are known to follow. The product placements/endorsements were almost funny with how they were done, not smooth at all. I found the ML and FL didn't have much chemistry, however I did like the FL's character. Min Gue's character Sung Hoon needed more development, but as a 2ML he was okay. I don't know the webtoon that this was made from, so my review is solely based on the show. However I find a lot of people are over-rating it. A lot of this story felt like they ripped off parts from Boys Over Flowers (you'll know which parts if you watch it). There didn't seem to be any character growth from the ML, FL, 2ML, but there was a little bit for 2FL (Young Seo). The supporting characters and their romances were not needed and they could've used the time for the main role characters. It's a very PG kind of romance drama.

OVERALL:
It's a fun watch, easy to follow and not anxiety inducing because of the trials and tribulations of the characters. I would recommend watching it if you like the typical S.Korean drama formula. I wont bother watching it again.

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It’s just a comment

I'm not judging anything just wanted to share my thoughts. The drama is over praised. It’s all the result of good marketing. Every time I read an article about this series on website it was like they were marketing for their product. And they are successful in there way. I have read the webtoon and was waiting for watching. But when I started watching it felt like the webtoon was more inhumane then the series. I am a huge fan of office romance as they are matured and fun. In this drama there is no office but only romance. There is no particular obeject exactly. In other office romance they have a strong vision of life and carrier. It is absent here. So who are waiting for office and real life romance it’s not for them. This drama is just a fluffy and hollow. If you like some sitcom it’s for you. And last of all, all the articles on websites praised the acting. I think acting was okey. The actors have done their job but it’s not excellent level. They have good interaction but as the story was not strong enough there was some lacking in the depth of the characters.

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cringe value is above the roof

it's a good drama, I guess, and the storyline is ok at best. because it's only 12 EPs long their relationship isn't really gone into much detail nor explored much more than 2 episodes, and there is so much cringe it made sitting through each episode painfully long. I loved the actors but yeah... better ones out there :))
I don't think I would rewatch either and I've defo binged thru it because it's not really gone into depth with the second leads relationship either, they pretty much just skim through everything and you can feel it jump to random scenes without detail HAHAHAA sorry guys :((

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My credit card and My love for you has no limits (to the reader ;) )

“There are some things that get results with a short amount of time, and other things where you risk the losses and stay in it for the long run. It’s difficult to decide how good or bad something is just by how long it takes.” - CEO Kang Taemoo.

If you're in dire need of a very simple, romcom office romance ceo-employee trope and love food, Business Proposal is right for you. With the charismatic Ahn HyoSeop and the charming Kim Sejong, followed by the dashing Kim Mingue and gorgeous Seol Inah, team up to lead this 12 episode chronicle.

As an unintentional catfish takes our female lead to the doom she brought upon herself, when the date was her own ceo. Meanwhile our photogenic second leads who's also the leads respective friends/ acquaintances fell in love at first sight, tangle up into the marriage situations, equally experience a new maturity in terms of relationships and strategic bondings and overcome boundaries set up by the traditions of elders.

The words of wisdom in this drama are worth the time, and views. I love how the dialogues were equally beautiful and sarcastic. Reviving the "Whats Wrong With Secretary Kim" vibes, this drama portrays love passion comedy and delicious food all in one!

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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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At last a good rom/com that just want us to enjoy...

Great show for me.
I will not write a long review, because this is a light and joyful drama without complexity.

STORY – it is good, simple, without unnecessary plots or scenes. We have 2 couples, family, friends and work. There are good funny moments.

ACTING – amazing acting, especially crazy Shin Ha Ri alter ego.

MUSIC – I don’t recall it and, for me, that means that it wasn’t mind blowing, but did the job.

REWATCH – why not, particularly some scenes, romantic or funny. The whole show? Guess not, but it is not a waste of time.

OVERALL – I love it and the time spent was well worth it. The only thing that I don’t like is the ending. I just don’t understand this trend of not closing the stories. Some shows are plain, simple and good, but deliver open endings or unclose endings that does not make sense. In some show they guide us, unnecessarily for me, through flashbacks like we were too ignorant to not understand what is happening. But then, they want us to deliver a n independent, philosophical open or unclose ending. WTF? Why? Is it such a bad thing for a rom/com to have marriage scenes, scenes of after the gathering?
Rom/com’s are made for our dreams and desires. Not for complex plots…

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The Two Main Female Characters Make This Series Soar!

There is much to like in “A Business Proposal.” The story may seem a bit cliched, but it’s the execution of that story that makes it stand out from so many others. It’s smooth and the writers are careful not to change the character for the sake of the plot, which is too common of a mistake that I’ve seen. What really makes this series stand out is the strength of the two main female characters in Ha Ri Shin and Jin Young Seo.

Too often, we see young women in K-Dramas act indecisively and like wallflowers whenever they face obstacles. They tend to be too easily influenced by their parents or peers, unable to make decisions for themselves. And when faced with hardship, they tend to wilt faster than a flower in the scorching sun. Not these two! Ha Ri Shin and Jin Young Seo are strong women who are decisive, mature, and can think for themselves. They are also not afraid to stand up for themselves, which is something very refreshing about this series!

My favorite series involving “young love” is still “Our Beloved Summer” but this one comes awfully close! My favorite shows of the older and more mature persuasion are too tough to call. With fantastic shows in “Mr. Sunshine,” “Crash Landing On You,” and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” it’s tough to decide. ‘

The pacing of this show is perfect! Everything moves along smoothly without extraneous scenes or ridiculous new storylines to keep the story going. Therefore, I was grateful that the series ended after 12 episodes. Everything was covered, and there was no reason to attempt to stretch things out.

It’s really hard for me to decide which character—and even actress—I like more between Kim Se Jeong (Ha Ri Shin) and Seol In Ah (Jin Young Seo). Both are marvelous as two young women who initially set out to scheme their way through a blind date that neither of them wants to figuring out how to be with the men that they love. Both bring a refreshing strength and even feistiness to their roles. As I said, these two women are not wallflowers. They can take care and look out for themselves. I’ve seen Kim Se Jeong before in “Uncanny Counter”—and imagine my thrill to learn that there is another series of that one coming!—but this is my first exposure to the equally beautiful and captivating Seol In Ah.

The only characters I pretty much despised were Da Goo Kang, the grandfather, and Min Woo. Da Goo Kang, is a typical bully with nothing but selfish intentions. Meddlers always have that in common. Their attempts to control others under the guise of “love” is truly sickening. If it’s selfish, it cannot be love since love can never be selfish. I was thrilled to find Ha Ri Shin not giving into Da Goo Kang’s immaturity and selfishness. I was worried that she was going to cave into him. And Jin Young Seo was a true champion standing up to her own father, who was just as much of a bully as the grandfather. Bullies only get their power when someone gives it to them. At heart, they are gutless cowards.

Ha Ri proves her strength by not seeing herself as an inferior person just because she doesn't come from a wealthy family. And Jin Young Seo proves her strength by having the courage to break free of her father's iron grip.

Min Woo, a longtime friend and initial crush of Ha Ri, is a despicable young man who has a girlfriend, but behaves in a most insensitive manner when he demonstrates his feelings for Ha Ri right in front of her! I was initially surprised that Ha Ri would not call him out for this. I certainly would not want a “friend” who does something so vile and cruel to someone else. Fortunately, she finally does let him have it, even though it was a bit long time in coming.

The series is a step in the right direction if the aim is to project strong, female characters and demonstrate that they are people too as well as characters who will not yield to the cheap intimidation tactics that so many of their counterparts in the past have done. I was more than thrilled to see these characters did not take the road most others have traveled by, but instead, carved out their own road by showcasing empowered women.

As I stated before, I hope to see more series with strong women in the future!

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Cute Rom-Com, but Missing Something

I read the webtoon/manhwa before watching the drama which made my expectations high until I saw the casting where most of the characters do not give the same "vibe" and image of their webtoon counterparts (IMO), but I liked the cast so I watched it regardless.

The acting and chemistry between everyone were superb. It was a classic rom-com, somewhat cliché in a good way. There are some differences from the original work, but it did not divert away too much from the main plot, except towards the middle and end. The original manhwa could have easily been a 16+ episode drama and/or one that was at least longer than 1 hour an episode. Due to the short length of this drama, a lot of interesting scenes and development were either altered or taken out completely. Even without having read the original work, I would feel like something was missing towards the end.

Some things that I wish the drama did better:
1) I wanted more Young Seo and Sung Hoon scenes, but the drama underdelivered, but I still enjoyed their scenes in drama nonetheless.
2) While I am glad the time it took for Taemu and Ha Ri to officially become a couple has been cut significantly in the drama instead of being dragged on like it was in the webtoon, it was still slightly rushed in my opinion and instead of the two facing problems together, the time jump was used instead (I'm referring to the final episode in this case).
3) The main characters/couples have only met for a bit more than a month before getting together and they are already proposing, which worked out in the webtoon since most of it was Taemu wanting to marry Shin Kim (her alias in the webtoon which has been altered to Shin Geum Hi) and there was repeated emphasis on that, but it only mentioned a few times by Taemu and none of it was in front of Ha Ri. The webtoon and drama is called A Business Proposal for a reason, but the proposal aspect was toned down.
4) I also wished for more scenes that focused on Ha Ri's and Young Seo's friendship and Taemu's and Sung Hoon's bond. There were a lot of parts of the webtoon that were cut out to fit the 12 episode limit, unfortunately.

Things that I am thankful that this drama did:
1) While the characters did not exactly match the "vibe" that I would expect, the foundation/beginning of the drama was set similar to the beginning of the webtoon and that made it easier for certain things to pass and everyone's acting and chemistry was off the charts, so it worked out since the couples in drama looked together.
2) Kim Min Gue (aka Sung Hoon) thank you for working out <3 <3
3) Altering Young Seo's rival to be her cousin and showing them having a bond was cute and the Konglish was funny. Young Seo's and Sung Hoon's "love story" was refreshing and different from most couples in dramas.
4) Ha Ri was depicted as a capable and competent employee, which was not so much the case in the webtoon that was primarily focused on her and Taemu when they were at the company.
5) Taemu came to terms with his feelings for Ha Ri much faster and in a more realistic/sensible way than he did in the webtoon. Thank you for not being a fool when it came to romance and the same goes for Ha Ri.

While this drama was rushed and definitely deserved more episodes, it was a sweet and short rom-com that is different from the ones airing and reminds me of the old dramas that were focused on romance and if you want something lighthearted and fun without too much thinking, you should definitely watch it.

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