A Business Proposal Vol. 5 continues to bring its signature charm, blending heartfelt romance with laugh-out-loud humor and layered character development. The story kicks off with CEO Taemu Kang introducing his girlfriend, Hari Shin, to his powerful and opinionated grandfather, Chairman Kang Da-goo. Hoping for acceptance, the couple instead faces an icy reception as the chairman flatly rejects Hari. This sets off a chain of comedic and emotional moments as Hari tries every trick in the book to win over the notoriously hard-to-please patriarch.
Hari’s attempts to bond with the chairman are both hilarious and endearing. Whether it’s enduring a grueling hiking trip, going fishing despite having no clue what she’s doing, or watching dramas with a man who seems to have zero patience for her presence, she remains determined. Her persistence is a reflection of how much she cares—not only for Taemu but also for the future they hope to build together. These sequences offer great moments of levity while also deepening Hari’s character. Her resilience, sincerity, and upbeat spirit shine in every encounter.
Meanwhile, the subplot featuring Yeongsuh and Sunghoon adds emotional weight to the volume. Yeongsuh’s father confronts Sunghoon, making it clear he doesn’t view him as an appropriate match for his daughter due to Sunghoon’s position as a secretary. It’s a pointed jab at class expectations, and Sunghoon, though composed during the exchange, returns shaken. His usual playful demeanor is replaced by something more distant and contemplative. This emotional shift makes readers pause and consider the pressures of societal roles and personal pride.
Taemu, for his part, is caught between two powerful forces—his grandfather’s approval and his love for Hari. He continues to support her unwaveringly, even as Chairman Kang pushes back. Taemu’s growth shines here; we see him transition from the classic workaholic CEO stereotype into someone more thoughtful, someone who’s willing to take a stand for love, even if it means clashing with his family. This volume does a great job of building tension without feeling melodramatic—it’s grounded in believable emotional stakes.
One of the strongest elements of Volume 5 is how it uses humor as both a storytelling device and a shield for vulnerability. The funny moments don’t just entertain—they soften emotionally intense scenes and help characters express feelings that might otherwise be too heavy. The banter between Hari and the chairman, while rooted in conflict, also showcases her quick wit and likability. It’s impossible not to root for her as she tries to win over one of the most intimidating figures in the story.
Artistically, the manhwa continues to impress with clean, expressive artwork that perfectly matches the tone of each scene. Characters’ facial expressions—from Hari’s exasperated sighs to Sunghoon’s quiet heartbreak—are beautifully rendered. The detail in settings, like Taemu’s sleek office or the lush hiking trails, adds richness to the visual storytelling and helps establish a vibrant, immersive world.
This volume also emphasizes how each character is growing. From Hari learning how to navigate high-stakes family politics, to Sunghoon questioning his place in Yeongsuh’s life, to Chairman Kang gradually revealing that his rigid stance stems from concern rather than cruelty—there’s a real sense of evolution across the board. These character arcs are what elevate the series beyond its romantic comedy roots and give it emotional staying power.
I absolutely loved this volume and can’t wait to see how the series continues. A Business Proposal Vol. 5 delivers more than romance; it offers an engaging story filled with humor, heart, and meaningful character development. The stakes are higher, the emotions are deeper, and yet the tone remains delightfully light. With every volume, I fall more in love with this story—and I’m beyond excited to see what comes next.
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