Continued Improvement in a Charming Korean Rom-Com

In the first volume, we were introduced to the adorable characters and the absurd premise of Hari pretending to be Taemu’s girlfriend. The comedic elements were on point, but the second volume takes it a step further, delivering multiple uproarious moments and awkward interactions that showcase the creative and playful wit of the creators.

Despite the increased focus on humor, the romance between Taemu and Hari remains a central theme. Their courtship is filled with sweet moments, and we see Taemu’s cold exterior slowly melting away as he realizes his true feelings for Hari. Similarly, Hari starts to recognize how much the relationship has influenced her own personality and perceptions of other men. Letting go of an old fling becomes an important step in her growth.

Additionally, the budding romance between Mr. Cha and Jin adds another layer of charm to the story. While their relationship was only teased in the first volume, the second volume gives them more spotlight and showcases some of their memorable moments.

Visually, the second volume improves upon the first. The art style retains its absurdity but leans more into silliness and expressiveness to enhance the humor. While there are still some areas that could be improved, such as backgrounds, the overall tone and comedic beats of the book are so well-executed that any shortcomings are easily overlooked.

‘A Business Proposal’ exemplifies the success of K-dramas in both TV and comics. The competent storytelling and approachable quirkiness that South Korean creators bring to the table are evident in this manhwa. It is an endearing and entertaining rom-com that is a joy to read and collect.

If you enjoyed ‘A Business Proposal,’ I highly recommend checking out ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim’ from the same publisher, Ize Press.