The romantic comedy Business Proposal became a worldwide streaming sensation by leaning into classic tropes with sharp comedic timing and stellar lead chemistry. Adapted from the popular webtoon by HaeHwa, the series follows an ordinary food researcher who accidentally goes on a blind date disguised as her wealthy friend—only to discover her date is the CEO of her company.
Understanding who brings these beloved webtoon characters to life helps explain why the series resonated so deeply across global platforms like Netflix. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the main actors, their characters, supporting fan favorites, and the behind-the-scenes dynamics that drove the show's success.
Main Cast and Characters
The beating heart of the series rests on two distinct couples navigating corporate pressure, secret identities, and undeniable chemistry.
Ahn Hyo-seop as Kang Tae-moo
Ahn Hyo-seop plays Kang Tae-moo, the brilliant, workaholic CEO of GO Food. Tae-moo is a perfectionist who values efficiency above all else, which often makes him seem cold to his employees. However, beneath his icy exterior lies a humorous vulnerability and deep sincerity, especially after he becomes entangled with Shin Ha-ri. Ahn balances rigidity with comedic awkwardness, making Tae-moo's evolution from a stern boss to a devoted partner feel earned.
Kim Sejeong as Shin Ha-ri
Kim Sejeong stars as Shin Ha-ri, a senior researcher at GO Food who agrees to go on a blind date in place of her chaebol heiress best friend to scare the suitor away. Instead, she finds herself trapped in a hilarious double life. Kim infuses Ha-ri with immense charm, relatability, and quick wit. Whether she's panicking in a restroom or fiercely defending her professional integrity, her expressive comedic acting anchors the entire narrative.
Kim Min-kyu as Cha Sung-hoon
Kim Min-kyu portrays Cha Sung-hoon, the loyal chief secretary to Kang Tae-moo and Tae-moo's closest confidant. Sung-hoon is disciplined, kind-hearted, and professional. His character forms one half of the show's equally popular secondary romance, winning over viewers with his steady demeanor and emotional maturity.
Seol In-ah as Jin Young-seo
Seol In-ah plays Jin Young-seo, Ha-ri's wealthy best friend and a marketing team leader at a rival company. Young-seo is spirited, fiercely loyal, and determined to find true love rather than enter an arranged marriage of convenience. Her immediate, sparks-flying attraction to Cha Sung-hoon provides some of the series' most memorable comedic and romantic beats.
Supporting Cast and Corporate Dynamics
While the main romances drive the plot, the office environment and family pressures keep the stakes grounded.
- Lee Deok-hwa as Chairman Kang Da-goo: Tae-moo's grandfather and founder of GO Food. He loves watching soap operas and is obsessed with setting his grandson up on blind dates, providing plenty of family comedic interference.
- Kim Hyun-sook as Yeo Eui-ju: Ha-ri's direct supervisor at the food development team, known for her no-nonsense attitude and love for a good drink after a stressful workday.
- Lim Ki-hyung as Gye Bin: A senior colleague at GO Food who knows office gossip inside and out, often serving as an unwitting catalyst for Ha-ri's workplace anxiety.
- Song Won-seok as Lee Min-woo: Ha-ri's longtime university friend and unrequited crush, whose sudden appearance adds dramatic tension as Tae-moo works through his feelings.
Why the Chemistry and Adaptation Worked
Adapting a beloved webtoon into a 12-episode live-action series comes with distinct challenges. Director Park Sun-ho leaned into self-aware humor, occasionally dressing characters in animated webtoon overlays to remind viewers of the source material's origins.
Furthermore, the actors invested heavily in building rapport before filming began. Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Sejeong noted in interviews that establishing trust allowed them to improvise physical comedy safely, particularly during the chaotic restaurant and office encounters where Ha-ri desperately tries to hide her identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Business Proposal based on a webtoon or a book?
Yes, the series is based on a webtoon of the same name written by HaeHwa, which was originally published as a web novel and later adapted into a webtoon illustrated by NARAK.
How many episodes are in Business Proposal?
The series consists of 12 episodes, originally broadcast on SBS in South Korea and simultaneously released globally on Netflix in 2022.
Will there be a season 2 of Business Proposal?
No official second season has been commissioned. The 12-episode run neatly wraps up the major storylines and character arcs, leaving little narrative room for a direct continuation.
Where was Business Proposal filmed?
Principal photography took place primarily in South Korea, utilizing various modern corporate offices, restaurants, and scenic parks around Seoul and its surrounding metropolitan areas.
