The Art of Negotiation: Recap and Insights into the Season Finale
The Art of Negotiation is a compelling drama featuring Yoon Joo-no, a skilled merger and acquisition specialist returning to Sanin Group to tackle an overwhelming debt of 11 trillion KRW.
Final Episode Highlights
In the climactic conclusion, Yoon Joo-no successfully uncovers the corrupt practices of CFO Ha Tae-soo, portrayed by Jang Hyun-sung, revealing his involvement in stock manipulation that culminated in Ha’s dismissal.
The dramatic finale saw Ha Tae-soo making a shocking return to Sanin Group in a different capacity, leaving executives, including chairman and Yoon Joo-no, astounded. This unexpected twist has amplified speculation about a potential second season; however, JTBC has yet to confirm such developments.
Plot Twists and Revelations
Self-Incrimination and Suspicion
In episode 11, Yoon Joo-no faced scrutiny when the audit team at Sanin Group launched an investigation into his stock trades linked to insider information, resulting in his suspension.
He was accused of acquiring stocks worth 10 billion KRW. Interestingly, an anonymous complaint accompanied by an invitation to a Jumbo Pharma board meeting, which Yoon Joo-no had inadvertently sent against himself, further complicated his situation.
The Alibi of Ha Tae-soo
Years earlier, while he was the M&A director, Ha Tae-soo suggested an investment in Jumbo Pharma. After Yoon Joo-no’s suspension, Ha concocted a story, claiming the CEO of Jumbo Pharma approached him for funds and attempted bribery. However, the reality was quite the opposite; the Jumbo Pharma CEO had offered 10 billion KRW in stocks to Ha, who eagerly accepted the deal.
Yoon Joo-no initially endorsed the investment based on preliminary documents, revealing his confidence. However, upon further investigation, he discovered that the company was involved in deceitful practices and filed a second report. Despite this, Ha Tae-soo had already profited from the stock sale, claiming to have averted a potential disaster for Sanin Group.
The Dark Turn: Yoon Jae-seok’s Tragic Arc
Yoon Jae-seok, another pivotal character, buys stocks worth 100 million KRW using inside information from his brother, Yoon Joo-no. Unbeknownst to him, the CEO of Jumbo Pharma once attempted to present him with cash for investment assistance, which he declined.
Confusions arose when Yoon Jae-seok misinterpreted his brother’s involvement and decided to invest heavily, utilizing funds allocated for business loans. Yoon Joo-no intervened, advising him to divest immediately. Sadly, Jae-seok faced a tragic fate after the stock price plummeted, leading him to take his own life, which deeply affected Yoon Joo-no.
Accountability and Confrontation
In a pivotal disciplinary meeting, Yoon Joo-no took responsibility for leaking information to his brother and firmly denied allegations regarding the stock purchase. He turned the tables by accusing Ha Tae-soo of stock manipulation, aided by the revelation from a senior who discovered evidence on the CEO’s laptop.
Future Prospects for The Art of Negotiation
During the series finale, a gripping moment arose when Ha Tae-soo inquired whether Yoon Joo-no blamed him for his brother’s demise, to which Yoon responded negatively. However, guilt lingered in Yoon’s mind, leading him to believe he was somehow culpable.
Post-meeting, Yoon Joo-no began strategizing for an upcoming executives’ meeting, where he would outline plans for the firm to manage its debts. The presence of PPF CEO David in attendance raised the stakes, as he revealed that a new director would join Sanin Group—none other than Ha Tae-soo, cementing his role as a debtor in the organization.
This holds the potential for a cliffhanger that could lead to a second season, offering audiences an enticing glimpse into the unresolved drama. Currently, news regarding the renewal of The Art of Negotiation remains unconfirmed by JTBC or its production team.
For those interested in binge-watching the show, The Art of Negotiation can be streamed on Prime Video in certain regions and on Viki.