VOL.97/2026.08

Image of K-Book

 

Coincidence for the Characters,
Inevitable Adaptation for Web Novels

 

 

2026.08

 

 

 

 

The question for this issue was, "What is your most memorable K-Story?" Among book-based K-Stories, the top choice selected by 36 out of 72 respondents (50%) was Business Proposal. Introduced for the first time in this year's 〈Image of K-Book〉, A Business Proposal is a web novel following Shin Ha-ri, a female protagonist who attends a blind date in place of her friend, only to discover that her date is the CEO of the company where she works.

 

Everything that unfolds between Shin Ha-ri (who must get rejected at all costs for her own safety) and CEO Kang Tae-moo (who is ready to marry anyone just to avoid distractions at work) shows how a series of coincidences turns into inevitability, and eventually, true love.

 

First serialized on KakaoPage in 2017, A Business Proposal was published as a physical novel (currently out of print), adapted into a webtoon and physical print, and produced as a drama series. Having evolved across multiple media, it has established itself as a hit IP that continues to drive repeat engagement for readers across various formats and platforms.

 

In particular, with its drama adaptation staying on Netflix's Top 10 list for 10 consecutive weeks starting in May 2022, A Business Proposal showcased the enduring potential of K-Stories beloved across multiple platforms. K-Books are leading Korean storytelling and driving the Hallyu wave through diverse media. Likewise, A Business Proposal continues to demonstrate the power of K-Stories as it transforms across various platforms.

 

Of course, just as the title varies slightly across formats, there are subtle differences in storytelling depending on the media. However, the core storyline maintains its powerful presence on every platform. We invite you to dive into the raw power of this K-story, starting with the foundation of it all: the web novel A Business Proposal.

 

 

 

 

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Editor. Jeong Haneul (The Contents Factory Co., Ltd. Researcher)

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