Kdrama viewers often mistake novelty for creativity when there’s more creativity entailed in flipping a cliché into something new and fresh again. I like “A Business Proposal” just for that reason. I’m familiar with the tropes used in this drama, just like I’m familiar with the wrinkles on my face. But the writer’s unique take on these tropes entertains me so much that I don’t mind if a new laugh line pops up on the corner of my eye.

The writer (and director) recreated the usual tropes into something original, and fun to watch.

Last episode was about Taemoo’s change of heart. Initially, he still felt charitable. In spite of anger, he wanted to give Hari a chance to fess up. When she didn’t, he turned punitive. In his mind, she must suffer the consequences of lying to him. Then, he became jealous when he saw her with Minwoo. He wasn’t any longer just satisfied with punishing her; he wanted to expose her lies to the public and shame her. Finally, when she drunkenly admitted her lies and apologized, he wanted to forgive and forget her. He was trying to forget her when he didn’t pick up her call. But he answered his grandpa’s summons to meet him for dinner at the restaurant, not knowing that Geumhui would be there.

Yeonseo’s crisis with the pervert shifted his priority.

When he learned from Secretary Cha that Hari’s friend was illegally filmed by pervert, he cast away all his anger and resentment about Hari’s deception. All he wanted to do then was to help Hari out.

This is where Episode 6 begins. If the previous episode was about HIS change of heart, then Episode 6 focuses on his attempts to change Hari’s heart.

Yeonseo’s crisis prompts him to go after the pervert who installed the hidden camera. Although Hari herself was only marginally affected by the hidden camera, it’s enough to enrage Taemoo. He bought out the company where the pervert was employed, and he ordered the pervert fired. He also contacted the other victims so they could file a lawsuit against the man.

When the predator asks him why he’s doing this when it had nothing to do with him, Taemoo simply answers, “You messed with someone you should’ve never messed with. You piece of trash.”

Even Secretary Cha (SH) notices that Taemoo is unusually upset about the whole thing.

TaeMoo: You seem pretty angry too, Mr. Cha.
SH: What? I think you’re a lot more upset, sir.
Taemoo: What?! Well, who wouldn’t be upset in a situation like this?

As I told @Anna Tan during our impromptu rewatch, this scene with the scumbag showed us how formidable Taemoo can be when he’s seeking justice. His punishment for Hari’s deception pales in comparison to his punishment for the social deviant. With Hari, he was being petty. With the criminal, he meant business.

But of course, Hari is unfamiliar with this side of Taemoo. All she knows is that her lie has been discovered, and she fears Taemoo’s retribution.

The following morning, she flees before Taemoo can spot her at the elevator. But her coworker lets slip that Hari was with her just a few seconds ago. He senses that Hari’s hiding from him, so he goes around to search for her. He glimpses her head behind the table and decides to give her space.

He texts her instead.

Taemoo: Don’t we have things to talk about? Let’s meet after work.

To me, this is the first step he takes to try winning Hari’s heart. Unlike in Episode 1, when he assumed that they were getting married —

this time, he intends to properly propose to her. He doesn’t want to talk to her until he has everything planned out.

1. The Proposal

He plans it like a business take-over.

First, he buys a new suit for the occasion.
Next, he selects the necklace to give her.
Then, he orders the cake and bouquet of flower.
Finally, he rehearses the proposal with the restaurant crew. He wants them to bring the cake and flowers at his signal.

Secretary Cha tries to tell him at the haberdashery that his proposal is premature.

SH: What? What about Ms. Shin?
Taemoo: Didn’t you hear me? I’ve developed feelings for Ms. Shin.
SH: No wonder. How did this happen? Not very long ago, you were very angry and wanted to get back at her. What’s happened?
Taemoo: I think I’ve been attracted to her ever since I first met her. Seeing how I decided to marry her.
SH: The woman you wanted to marry was Shin Geumhui.
Taemoo: How are they different?
SH: Huh?
Taemoo: Other than the fake backstory and the lame disguise, she was the real Shin Hari. I also like that she’s a dedicated researcher.

Since he likes the two individuals for different reasons, so it was easy to integrate both personality traits he likes into one person. I’m reminded of Heinz’s mayochup. I like ketchup and I like mayonnaise. So when Heinz made mayochup, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread.

SH: So what are you going to do now?
Taemoo: What do you mean? I’ll tell her.

Actually, Taemoo said, “What do you mean? I must confess.”

In his opinion, it’s a no-brainer. But to Secretary Cha, it’s a sure disaster. He continues to dissuade Taemoo of his planned proposal while they’re at the jewelry shop.

SH: Sir, aren’t you taking things too fast? To confess your feelings without the proper buildup…
Taemoo: Who would possibly reject me if I said I liked them?
SH: I like how confident you are but —
Taemoo: (deciding on the necklace) I’ll take this one.

At the restaurant, he expected his proposal to proceed without hitches. The staff will bring down the flower and cake to a bewildered Hari. He’ll seize the moment to kneel in front of her and pop the question. The necklace is the token of his sincerity.

Taemoo: Ms. Shin, do you want to start seeing each other with marriage in mind? I told you, I’m a good at a lot of things.

Lol. I find his signature line, “I’m good at a lot of things” quite ironic. He may be good at a lot of things, but not with marriage proposals.

He then instructs the wait staff to wait for his sign.

Taemoo: I’ll signal by putting my fingers up to my forehead like this. Thank you.

I must say that this planned proposal is an improvement on his proposal in Episode 1. Remember this?

Taemoo: … Let’s just get married.
Hari: Look here, do you think marriage is some kind of joke? How could you ask just anyone to marry you?
Taemoo: Who says I’m going to marry just anyone? The person I want to marry…is you.
Hari: No way. I’m not going to marry someone I barely know.
Taemoo: Then, let’s go on just ten dates.
Hari: What?
Taemoo: I’ll give you a chance to get to know me. Once you do, you’ll learn I have a lot of strengths. And I’m quite good…(leaning in to whisper) at many things.

In Episode 1, his proposal clearly lacked preparation. It was an impromptu proposal because Hari was about to walk away from him. He chased after her. Although he offered her a concession (i.e., go on ten days)

a guarantee (i.e., “I have lots of strengths”),

and a seductive offer (i.e., “I’m good at many things.”)

she still refused him.

In this episode however, he’s come prepared with the standard list of requirements for a proposal.

Attire/good grooming: ✅
Necklace as a token of sincerity: ✅
Romantic venue: ✅
Bouquet: ✅
Cake: ✅
Speech: uhhh….

My comment on his proposal? It needs polishing.

For one, he ruins his proposal with this air of superiority. He reminds me of Mr. Darcy in “Pride and Prejudice” whose supercilious proposal to Elizabeth Bennet was rejected. Like Darcy, Taemoo thinks that he’s doing Hari an honor by proposing to her. It should be the other way around. HE should be the one to feel honored if and when she accepts his proposal.

For another, instead of telling her how good he’ll be for her, he should tell her how good SHE will be for him…or how good THEY will be for each other. When he talks about his merits, he sounds like he’s selling himself. But this isn’t a business negotiation, but a marriage contract.

Bottom line: He’s better prepared but it’s still not enough. He should show his affections for her because Hari will not marry him for anything but love.

You know what they say about “the best laid schemes of mice and men.” They often go askew.

He’s on his best behavior when she arrives. He pulls out her chair. And she eyes his suspiciously. (lol. She probably thinks he’s going to pull a prank on her.) He smiles at her as if this act of courtesy is customary for him.

Their contrasting facial expressions are funny. He looks like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, but she looks like he’s about to pull the chair from under her.

Once she looks away though there’s a telltale sign that he’s nervous. He exhales and he reaches for his head – his nervous tic, remember? – but brings his hand down.

Taemoo: Let’s eat first.
Hari: No, I don’t want to eat.

She too is nervous like him. She gulps water and calms herself down for her rehearsed apology.

Hari: I am sincerely sorry for lying to you this whole time. From the very beginning, I didn’t approach you deliberately. If I had known that you’d be my blind date, I never would have gone. And after that, I got tangled up in that contract
Taemoo: It’s fine. I didn’t call you here to hear you say that. Now, what I was going to say is…

He again moves to touch his head, but Hari interrupts him.

Hari: No! Hear me out first.

Then she hands her resignation letter. He’s flummoxed. Lol.

Her resignation letter trumps his necklace.

Between her resignation letter and his necklace, she delivers the surprise of the night.

Taemoo: A resignation letter? Are you handing in your resignation?
Hari: All the thing you did to me since you found out that I’m Shin GeumHui was to fire me, right? Fine. I understand that you’re mad. But even though I wronged you personally…

Taemoo looks pained. He doesn’t want her to bring this topic up.

Hari: (continuing) I did nothing wrong as an employee. So please give me one more chance.
Taemoo: A chance?
Hari: Please listen to my presentation. After that, you can decide if you want to accept my resignation or not.
Taemoo: A presentation?

Notice how he’s parroting her words —

Chance?

Presentation?

It’s as if he can’t assimilate everything that she’s saying all at once, so he’s only picking up the key words. He can’t believe what he’s hearing from her.

She starts presenting her case on why he should retain her in his employment. Wearily, he facepalms.

Taemoo: This isn’t why I called you here.

As soon as he accidentally touches his head, the bright lights in the restaurant switch on to mood lights. Too late he realizes that he’s given the signal for the restaurant crew to come out with the cake and flower.

Desperately, he motions them to get out.

The angry duck sound effects had me laughing. He’s an archaeopteryx, a prehistoric ancestor of the duck.

Hari: … Will you really cast me aside because you want to get back at me?

Hari’s closing statement underscores that Taemoo has his work cut out for him. He faces a difficult task getting Hari to change her heart for him anytime soon. She sees him as a vindictive employer.

He’s about to rub his temples again because of stress, but stops himself in the nick of time.

There’s no point in calling the restaurant staff out again.

Expectations ≠ Reality

He’s so frustrated with his failed proposal that he had to play tennis. Remember what I told you about this? He likes to take out his anger on inanimate objects. This time, it’s the tennis ball.

Secretary Cha keeps a straight face when Taemoo tells him about Hari’s presentation.

SH: What? A presentation?
Taemoo: Stop it.
SH: So what did you tell her?
Taemoo: What do you think? I said that I would think about it. But how can she not see me in a romantic light? I’m handsome, tall, and rich. What do I not have?
SH: There’s one thing. (pounding Taemoo’s chest) That heart-pounding charm. Ms. Shin’s heart is currently beating for another man.
Taemoo: She said that one-sided crush was over.
SH: But it takes time to open up your heart to somebody else. Besides, the setup of the relationship between you and Ms. Shin is basically the worst.
Taemoo: What? How?
SH: Because to Ms Shin you’re simply a terrifying boss who tried to fire her.
Taemoo: I don’t think it was that bad. I mean, we did have some romantic moments.

Of course, he remembers the handkerchief moment at the concert, and the Cinderella shoe moment and the fireworks at their fake anniversary date.

SH: That was when you were on fake dates during a fake relationship. From now on, you need to make real situations.
Taemoo: (repeating after Sec Cha) Real situations.

So he thinks up of real situations.

2. Real situation #1: The movie date

The first thing he does is tear up Hari’s resignation letter. He calls her to his office and pretends to be busy wrapping up business. Remember when he didn’t answer her call right away in Episode 4? Well, he’s doing it again. He pretends he’s preoccupied with more important matters, and makes her wait, when actually he’s excited to talk to her. I guess it’s his way to impose self-restraint or self-control.

Taemoo: Did you not sleep well?
Hari: What? … Yes. I guess not.

This is transference. He likes to think that she spent a sleepless night because he had a sleepless night himself. Lol.

Taemoo: You were so confident before, but I guess you were worried you’d get fired.
Hari: (giving the standard reply) I’ll be fine with whatever decision you’ve made, sir.
Taemoo: That’s a good stance. (then rips the letter) Like you said, it would be my loss to fire a useful employee like you because of a personal reason.

Who is he kidding? He’s figured out that to create the “real situations” that Secretary Cha had advised him about, he’ll use their working relationship to go on dates with her. In a sense, the “real situations” were actually contrived.

Also, the title “Business Proposal” gains a new interpretation. From now on, to ask her out on dates is a “business proposal.” That is, he gives her a work-related excuse to go out with her.

Hari: Thank you. Thank you so much. I will work as hard as I can. Thank you!
Taemoo: See you after work. I’ve been working on a project for a new product in secret.
Hari: After work?
Taemoo: Is that a problem? What happened to that employee who just told me she would work as hard as she can?
Hari: No. She’s right here. Then, I’ll see you later. Thank you, sir.

When she walks out the door, he sits back and relaxes. When he exhales, he gives himself away. In contrast to his cool exterior, he wasn’t sure that Hari would agree to his proposal.

When they meet after office hours, she immediately activates her business mode.

Hari: What kind of new product is it that you wanted to see me at a movie theater?
Taemoo: I don’t have a detailed plan yet so I asked to see you here to clear my head.

Here, Taemoo is caught off-guard. He isn’t prepared to answer her question.

Hari: Then shouldn’t we talk about the product first?
Taemoo: (sounding frustrated) Do you think I asked to see you at theater just to clear my head? The main character in this movie is a researcher at a food company. I’m preparing to localize our products in the US so won’t it be helpful to see what researchers do in the United States?
Hari: I see. So you’re saying that, since I can’t go abroad in person, it would be helpful to indirectly experience it through a movie, right?
Taemoo: That’s right.
Hari: Sure. I think it’ll be helpful.

Inside the cinema, she’s surprised that he rented the whole place.

Just a side note: Last year, during COVID, to rent a whole theater here in Washington DC is about $175 to $250. Dinner isn’t included. But let’s just say he’s willing to pay $500 for the date. Not bad since he can write it off as a business expense. Lol.

At the restaurant the previous night, he stood up to pull out a chair for her, like a gentleman. She was suspicious of his move. This time, he stands up to help her recline her chair when she struggles with it. The chair plops back and they’re in each other’s faces. Her heart begins to thud, and in embarrassment, she excuses herself to go to the restroom.

She can’t believe that her heart skips a beat at the smallest things, and attributes it to her long absence from the dating scene. Of course, she doesn’t think it’s because of Taemoo’s “heart-pounding charm.” Like Secretary Cha, she’s discounted Taemoo’s charisma.

On her way back to the theater, she spots her two coworkers who have come to watch a movie as well. She rushes to Taemoo to tell him to be careful when they leave. But before she can finish her warning, her colleagues have followed her inside.

She hides Taemoo while shooing him away with her hand.

Lol. @agdr03 found an interesting behind-the-scene clip on instagram. Here’s the Youtube version.

Here’s the gif.

Poor guy.

Anyway, to continue…

Hari colleagues are impressed with her “flex” and invite themselves to join her. Using hand signals, Taemoo protests their company because he wants to watch the movie with her. But Hari is adamant that he leaves before he’s discovered. He has no choice but to creep out of the theater on all fours, leaving Hari to watch with her coworkers while he waits outside.

He’s happy to see her come out of the theater…

but was dismayed to see her coworkers still tagging along.

BTW, thank you, @agdr03, for bringing to our attention that the movie Taemoo chose is about developing feelings. Hari’s colleague described it as they left the theater, “They said that it will awaken the desire to be in a relationship. What a lie!”

Taemoo picked this show because the main character is a researcher at a food company like Hari, and he thought the movie would send a subliminal message that would alter her attitude toward him. He wanted to “awaken her desire to be in a relationship” just like the lead character.

But I guess he didn’t know the sad fate of the main researcher. That would have been a spoiler. Had he known though, he would’ve picked another film to watch.

He calls her up because he’s impatient to get rid of her coworkers.

Taemoo: Is the movie over?
Hari: Yes. But Mr. Gye wanted to have a drink so I’m on my way there. Did you go back home?
Taemoo: Of course. Did you think that I’d be waiting for you? Here? With nothing to do?
Coworker: What are you doing, Ms. Shin? Let’s go.
Hari: Coming. (then talking to Taemoo) I’ll let you know about the report once I’ve submitted it. Bye.

From his birdcage chair, Taemoo watches her leave. He massages his forehead out of stress and frustration.

Taemoo: A report?

This is funny, too, considering earlier he told her that he wanted to go to the cinema to clear his head. Instead, he got a headache…and a report that he didn’t need from her.

When he gets home that night, he wonders why it’s hard to go on one date with her. Now, he has to think of another excuse to call her.

The dolls have become his therapy dolls.

Like his proposal event, his movie date is a failure. But with every failure, he adapts and learns something new. Let’s take a look at the beach outing and see how he put his new knowledge to good use.

3. Real situation #2: The beach outing and food truck

a. He learns to tailor their “business meeting” around her interests.

This way, she won’t question him about the purpose of their get-together, just like she did with the movie date. She’ll agree to do it because the activity is well-suited to her tastes and hobbies. That’s why he stalks her social media. He’s looking for something that she likes.

He has official duty in the city of Sokcho, in the Gangwondo province. He’s opening a hotel with his grandpa. (Note: I think this is the same hotel that Hari ended up at.) Once his duty is done, he waits for her at the bus terminal.

Hari: Why did you ask me to come to Sokcho. Did you get an idea for that new product?
Taemoo: Sokcho has a lot of good dishes, so I thought that I might get an idea as I’m eating.

See that? Unlike before, he anticipates Hari’s question and has a ready answer regarding the purpose of their meeting.

Hari: (opening her phone) I actually did a lot of research on the famous restaurants in Sokcho.
Taemoo: (closing her phone) Let’s go to the one that I found first.

Although Hari also comes prepared for the trip (just like she was prepared with her resignation letter at the proposal event), he neatly staves off her diversion from his plan. She has no choice but to yield.

Hari: Sure.
Taemoo: Give me your bag and wait in the car.

Before she can finish protesting, he’s already stowed her overnight bag in the trunk. This move reminds of the time he pulled out her chair in the restaurant. She doesn’t like the fuss because she considers him as her employer, but he insists on treating her like a lady whom he’s dating, instead of an employee who happens to accompany him.

When he opens his car door, he’s startled to see her sitting in the driver’s seat.

Taemoo: What are you doing?
Hari: I can drive.
Taemoo: But I should drive.
Hari: No. I can’t let you drive, sir. I’m a great driver. Don’t worry.

b. Taemoo yields to her.

From their movie date, he’s learned that when Hari’s dead set on something, it’s easier to give in. That’s why he crawled out of the theater. And why he climbs into the passenger seat. She can be an unstoppable force.

Hari: Where shall I take you, Mr. Kang?
Taemoo: (punches “Sokcho Makguksu” on the GPS)
Hari: (getting excited) I really wanted to go there.
Taemoo: Is that so?
Hari: Yes.
Taemoo: Then why don’t we take our time and go on a drive along the sea?
Hari: Go on a drive? We don’t have the time for that, sir.

She orders him to put on his seatbelt and she zooms to their destination.

See that? He wanted to take her a leisurely drive along the coast,

but he ends up enduring motion sickness because of her fast driving.

He can’t tell her that there’s no need to rush since the restaurant isn’t their final destination. He’s made other plans.

This is his dilemma in a nutshell. He needs a business reason to go out with her, but the business reason eventually puts a damper on their outing. They can’t enjoy a simple date because business gets in the way.

c. Sometimes he can steer Hari to do his will.

During the movie date, he couldn’t tell Hari not to go out for drinks with her coworkers. He’d painted himself in a corner when he told her that he already went home. This time again, Hari is about to derail his plans. They were locked out of the famous makguksu restaurant and Hari’s planning their next restaurant.

Hari: Ugh. We should have come a bit faster.
Taemoo: Then let’s wait and come back for dinner.
Hari: No, that won’t do. Then our meal plans get all messed up.
Taemoo: Are we here to only eat food?
Hari: Yes. We’re here to eat food so we can come up with a new product.
Taemoo: That’s true.

Taemoo can’t argue because he did say that the objective of the Sokcho trip is to try dishes. To meet his objective, Hari intends to pack their afternoon with as many food tastings that they can manage. She doesn’t know that Taemoo only has one goal in mind: to feed her the burgers she craves.

While Hari looks up the next restaurant, Taemoo gets a call from the food truck. It has arrived at the designated location.

Taemoo: Hey –
Hari: The grilled fish restaurant is about 40 minutes from here. Is that okay?
Taemoo: It’s not okay. Let’s just eat something simple nearby.

Hari: Nearby? But there aren’t any good restaurants nearby.
Taemoo: Maybe there’s something near the beach.
Hari: Near the beach?

That’s how they ended up walking on the beach. Hari may be an unstoppable force but he can entice her to go along with his plan.

Hari: Sir, I think all of the restaurants are over there.
Taemoo: I wanted to see the ocean while I’m here. We couldn’t because our schedule was so busy.
Hari: I see.

As soon as she says that, she sees the truck.

Hari: Oh! I know that truck. That truck goes to Sokcho and Yangyang based on the owner’s whim. So people say it’s hard to eat there.
Taemoo: Is that so? We must be lucky to have come across it.

Awww…

No, it’s not really luck when he’s planned his own good luck.

d. He doesn’t need to “flex.”

Hari rushes to the food truck.

Hari: Hello!
Burger man: Hello! There you are.
Taemoo: (signals to the man to keep it a secret)
Hari: Why did you come to sell burgers here? This place is so remote.
Burger man: Well I had a feeling that a handsome couple like you would be right here, waiting for me. So here am I.
Hari: (immediately corrects him) We’re not a couple.
Taemoo: (diverts conversation) What’s the best one here?

Hari is so excited that she can’t make up her mind. Unlike the movie date, this beach outing makes her happy because it’s conceived especially for her. Moreover, he isn’t “flexing” – or flaunting his wealth.

Leaving Hari to take pictures of the beach, Taemoo and the burger man talk.

Burger man: I thought it was a prank call at first. You said if I sold you just two hamburgers, you’d pay me an entire day’s profit.
Taemoo: I wanted to do a special event. (gazing at Hari by the shore)

Burger man: She would be very touched if you told her that you called me here.
Taemoo: It would be tasteless if I bragged about it.

Three things:

One, it’s amazing that he made the arrangements himself. He didn’t order Secretary Cha to set it up for him.

Two, no flex was required in the staging of this event. Only sincerity (and money).

Three, but when you think about this, he also behaved discreetly when he confronted the pervert. He didn’t let her know what he did for them, too.

Hari comes running back to the food truck.

Burger man: Please have a wonderful and meaningful day.

4. Real Situation #3: Meaningful day 

To be continued.