If you're looking into the actors who brought the runaway hit series Business Proposal to life, you're looking at one of the most celebrated ensemble casts in modern Korean television. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the show captured global audiences on Netflix through its fast pacing, witty subversion of classic romantic tropes, and undeniable chemistry between the leads.
Knowing who plays who gives you a deeper appreciation for how these actors translated webtoon illustrations into memorable, live-action characters. Let's break down the main cast, the supporting office workers, family members, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that made the show a phenomenon.
The Main Cast and Their Characters
The core of Business Proposal rests on a classic setup: a chaotic blind date mix-up that forces a corporate CEO and an ordinary food researcher into a fake relationship.
- Ahn Hyo-seop as Kang Tae-mu: Tae-mu is the brilliant, ultra-pragmatic, and intensely work-driven CEO of Go Food. Ahn portrays Tae-mu with a sharp blend of cold corporate exterior and sudden, clumsy vulnerability once he falls for Ha-ri. His deadpan reactions to his grandfather's matchmaking schemes form a core comedic pillar of the show.
- Kim Se-jeong as Shin Ha-ri: Ha-ri is a senior food researcher at Go Food who goes on a blind date disguised as her wealthy best friend just to scare the suitor away. Kim brings immense charm and physical comedy to the role, seamlessly switching between her stressed corporate persona, her chaotic alter-ego "Geum-hui," and her genuine self.
- Kim Min-kyu as Cha Sung-hoon: Sung-hoon is Tae-mu's loyal chief secretary and right-hand man. He acts as both a professional buffer and a brotherly confidant to the CEO. Kim's performance earned massive praise for his grounded demeanor and his parallel romance with Young-seo.
- Seol In-ah as Jin Young-seo: Young-seo is Ha-ri's wealthy best friend and a corporate heiress who kicks off the entire plot by begging Ha-ri to ruin her blind date. Seol plays her with vibrant energy, independence, and a refreshing rejection of traditional chaebol clichés.
The Supporting Office and Family Cast
The world of Business Proposal expands far beyond the four main leads, anchored by a lively workplace and chaotic home environments.
- Lee 덕-hwa as Chairman Kang Da-goo: Playing Tae-mu's grandfather and the founder of Go Food, Lee brings a grandfatherly warmth mixed with an obsessive love for classic K-dramas—which he uses to meddle directly in Tae-mu's love life.
- Kim Hyun-sook as Yeo Eui-ju: Eui-ju is the fierce, no-nonsense manager of Ha-ri's research team. She's fiercely protective of her staff and brings steady comedic relief during stressful R&D crunches.
- Lim Ki-hong as Gye-bin: As the deputy manager on the team, Lim portrays an overly ambitious, gossip-loving colleague whose schemes almost always backfire in hilarious ways.
- Kim Kwang-kyu and Jung Young-joo as Ha-ri's Parents: Playing Shin Joong-hae and Han Mi-mo, this duo runs a local chicken restaurant. Their grounded, chaotic family dynamic grounds Ha-ri's character in everyday reality.
- Song Won-seok as Lee Min-woo: Min-woo is a chef, Ha-ri's long-time unrequited crush, and a lingering source of tension early in the series before Ha-ri moves past her feelings.
Character Adaptations: Webtoon vs. Live-Action
Adapting a 2D webtoon into a 16-episode live-action television series requires distinct casting choices. The production team intentionally selected actors who could match the exaggerated, expressive style of manhwa without losing emotional grounding.
For instance, Kim Se-jeong's background as a real-world musical artist and performer allowed her to lean into the physical comedy of Ha-ri's double life with total confidence. Similarly, the physical styling of the secondary couple—Sung-hoon and Young-seo—was closely mapped to the source material, which helped satisfy existing webtoon fans while drawing in new viewers via platforms like Netflix.
The actors didn't just look the part; they leaned into the self-aware humor of the script. The series frequently lampshades its own clichés—such as dramatic rainstorms, wealthy corporate heirs, and secret identities—allowing the cast to play straight faces against absurd situations.
Behind the Scenes and Chemistry
Much of the show's enduring popularity stems from the genuine camaraderie visible in behind-the-scenes featurettes released by SBS. The improvisational energy between Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jeong helped sell their rapid transition from fake daters to genuine partners.
Furthermore, Kim Min-kyu and Seol In-ah gained massive independent followings due to their instant chemistry, which often rivaled the main couple's screen time. Their memorable romance subplot became a masterclass in how strong supporting casting can elevate an entire television project.
The production team also utilized distinct musical cues and character themes to underscore each actor's entrance. You can explore more background details on the production and cast listings on IMDb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who plays the main lead in Business Proposal?
Ahn Hyo-seop plays the male lead, CEO Kang Tae-mu, and Kim Se-jeong plays the female lead, researcher Shin Ha-ri.
Is Business Proposal based on a book or comic?
Yes, the series is an adaptation of a popular Korean webtoon (digital comic) written by HaeHwa and illustrated by NARAK.
Who plays the second lead couple?
Kim Min-kyu plays secretary Cha Sung-hoon, and Seol In-ah plays heiress Jin Young-seo. Their romance runs parallel to the main storyline.
How many episodes are in the Business Proposal series?
The drama spans 12 episodes, originally broadcast on SBS in South Korea and simultaneously released worldwide on streaming platforms.
