There’s an exciting and unique business K-drama airing right now, and if you haven’t started watching “The Art of Negotiation” yet, here’s why you should add it to your watchlist!
“The Art of Negotiation”
Casts: Lee Je Hoon, Kim Dae Myung, Sung Dong Il, Jang Hyun Sung, Oh Man Seok
Synopsis: Yoon Joo No, a key figure in SANIN GROUP’s former M&A Team, suddenly disappeared one day, leaving for Hawaii for undisclosed reasons. Rumors spread that he had been demoted, but the truth remains unknown to anyone. Three years later, when SANIN GROUP is facing bankruptcy with 11 billion dollars in debt, he is called back to Korea as their last hope.
His mission is clear: to save SANIN GROUP. However, his solution is far from straightforward. Gaining the support of CEO Song Jae Sik, he forms a new M&A Team and gathers the best negotiators to dive into the perilous world of high-stakes deals. With his team, Joo No takes one last gamble. Can he secure the 11 billion dollars needed to save the company, or will even the so-called “god of negotiation” be brought down?
Genre: Business, Thriller
4 Reasons to Add “The Art of Negotiation” to Your Watchlist
1. A Business K-Drama Like No Other-Centered on Mergers & Acquisitions
As K-drama fans, we know that business-themed series are far less common than medical or legal dramas. But what makes “The Art of Negotiation” even more unique is that it dives deep into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
The drama follows Yoon Joo No (played by Lee Je Hoon), a legendary M&A negotiator, and his team as they navigate high-stakes corporate battles. This K-drama is perfect for business professionals or students, but even if you’re not from a business background, there’s no need to worry! The drama explains complex terms in a way that’s easy to understand, making it both educational and entertaining.
Set in Sanin Group, one of the most powerful conglomerates in South Korea, the series offers a gripping look into corporate politics and power struggles. Veteran actor Sung Dong Il plays the chairman of Sanin Group—a man who built a business empire from scratch and changed the history of South Korean industries!
2. A Compelling and Dynamic Team
At the heart of the drama is Yoon Joo No, a brilliant M&A negotiator who assembles a strong team to take on Sanin Group’s crisis. His right-hand man is Oh Soon-Young (Kim Dae Myung), a sharp and strategic lawyer who ensures the team stays legally protected while handling high-stakes negotiations. Kwak Min Jeong (Ahn Hyun Ho) is in charge of finance, using her analytical skills to break down complex deals. Rounding out the team is Choi Jin Su (Cha Kang Yoon), the intern and youngest member, who may be inexperienced but brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the group!
Each of them has a past connection with Yoon Joo No, and in the first episode, we see why he personally chose them for this mission. Their goal? To save Sanin Group by securing a massive 11 trillion won deal. Their chemistry, intelligent discussions, and fast-paced negotiations make every scene engaging and thought-provoking.
3. THE Lee Je Hoon
Lee Je Hoon alone is one of the biggest reasons to check out this drama. He has a reputation for choosing high-quality scripts, and his filmography speaks for itself. Who doesn’t know his iconic K-dramas like the action-packed “Taxi Driver,” the crime mystery “Signal,” or the heartfelt romance “Where Stars Land?” He’s also a Daesang (Grand Prize) winner at the SBS Drama Awards, the highest honor an actor can receive in a drama award show!
In “The Art of Negotiation,” he plays the legendary yet mysterious Yoon Joo No, who returns to Korea from abroad after being called to save Sanin Group from collapse. Not much is known about him, but one thing is clear—he is always calm, calculative, and steps ahead of everyone. There are even rumors that he’s married, but details about his personal life remain a mystery, making his character even more intriguing!
4. Positive Reviews from Korean and International Fans
With Lee Je Hoon as the lead, this drama was already one of the most anticipated of the year. The first two episodes received favorable reviews, quickly landing on the ‘Most Buzzworthy Drama’ list by Fundex, with Lee Je Hoon ranking on the ‘Most Buzzworthy Actor list.’ It also debuted with impressive nationwide ratings, achieving 6% on cable network JTBC, which is a strong start for a weekend drama!
Adding to the excitement, the drama is directed by Ahn Pan Suk, a trusted production director behind hits like “Something in the Rain” and “Heard It Through the Grapevine“. His expertise in creating emotionally engaging and well-crafted dramas makes this series even more exciting.
What to Look Forward to in the Next Episodes?
Now that legendary negotiator Yoon Joo No has been tasked with saving Sanin Group, it will be exciting to see how the corporate politics unfold. The company urgently needs 13 trillion won to survive, but can he pull off a deal of this scale? And what is the real story behind Yoon Joo No’s mysterious past? There’s still so much to uncover!
Where to Watch?
No need to search far—”The Art of Negotiation” is streaming on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitle options. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind business K-drama about mergers and acquisitions!
