The Art of Negotiation: A Dramatic Return to Sanin Group
Premiering on March 8 and 9, 2025, on JTBC, The Art of Negotiation features an ensemble cast, including Lee Je-hoon, Kim Dae-myung, and Sung Dong-il. This gripping series revolves around Yoon Joo-no, a merger and acquisition expert who mysteriously reappears after a three-year absence to help save the Sanin Group from impending bankruptcy.
Forming a Strategic Team
Upon his return, Yoon Joo-no gathers a skilled team to combat the financial crisis threatening Sanin Group, which is laden with a staggering debt of 11 trillion KRW. His team comprises:
- Oh Soon-young (portrayed by Kim Dae-myung) – the dedicated lawyer
- Kwak Jin-myeong (Ahn Hyun-ho) – a strategic finance manager
- Choi Jin-soo (Cha Kang-yoon) – a risk analyst eager to learn
The opening episode showcases Yoon’s adeptness at navigating office politics and overcoming obstacles as he tackles the company’s debt crisis. A pivotal moment occurs during a conference room meeting set up by Lim Hyung-sub (Lee Kyu-sung) and Choi Jin-soo, where they discuss the implications of Yoon Joo-no’s reputation for ruthlessly buying and selling subsidiaries during financial downturns.
Concerns About Yoon Joo-no’s Leadership
The sentiment among executives, especially CFO Ha Tae-soo (Jang Hyun-sung), is one of skepticism towards Yoon’s authority as he returns from Hawaii. Despite resistance, it is revealed that Chairman Song Jae-sik (portrayed by Song Dong-il) himself summoned Yoon back to head the M&A team responsible for alleviating the company’s debt crisis.
Formerly an underling of Ha Tae-soo, Yoon’s controversial past at Sanin Group raises eyebrows. Ha’s faction is already plotting to position him as the next CEO, fueling tensions that could impact the company’s future.
Episode 1-2 Highlights: Bold Moves and Unexpected Proposals
In a strategic meeting, Ha Tae-soo presents the revenue and operating profits analysis of Sanin Group’s subsidiaries, asserting that Sanin Construction is the only profitable entity. He suggests a complete divestment of the other subsidiaries to restore financial health. Just as he concludes his argument, Yoon Joo-no joins the meeting with Chairman Song Jae-sik’s endorsement to assemble his team.
Yoon swiftly recruits former M&A colleagues Kwak Min-jeong and Oh Soon-young, while a curious Choi Jin-soo volunteers to join, intrigued by the opportunity to learn from Yoon. Meanwhile, Executive Director Lee Dong-joon, who facilitates Yoon’s return, assures the chairman of his loyalty but remains wary of Yoon’s track record.
To everyone’s astonishment, by the end of episode 1, Yoon proposes selling Sanin Construction for 7 billion KRW, directly contradicting Ha Tae-soo’s strategy. This bold move leaves the boardroom in shock, prompting Chairman Song to question Yoon’s confidence and capabilities.
Negotiations Heat Up in Episode 2
As episode 2 unfolds, Yoon Joo-no meets the CEO of Sanin Construction, who is focused on safeguarding his position amidst the acquisition. Yoon uncovers significant challenges associated with a building redevelopment project, primarily due to a local resident’s refusal to consent, which could stall progress.
Additionally, competition arises as two firms—Chomok and Bium D&I—express interest in acquiring Sanin Construction. Yoon, seeking a favorable deal, learns that an elderly resident opposes the redevelopment due to personal attachments tied to a gravesite located on the property. This presents Yoon with both a challenge and an opportunity to negotiate a resolution.
As negotiations progress, Bium D&I pledges to purchase Sanin Construction for 7 trillion and 999.9 billion KRW but later seeks a 530 billion KRW reduction based on perceived risks. In a strategic move, Yoon manages to convince the elderly resident to relocate the gravesite, allowing the project to move forward. As a result, Bium D&I’s CEO, Ji Yeon-woo, is left stunned when all risks are resolved before the contract signing.
Upon finalizing the contract, Bium D&I gains favorable media attention for their socially conscious handling of the grave relocation. At the closing meeting, Ha Tae-soo seizes the credit for the successful deal, while Yoon updates Chairman Song of their plans to acquire additional companies for debt repayment.
Meanwhile, Ha Tae-soo is depicted in a furtive phone call discussing private funds that could link him to Yoon Joo-no’s ambitions. Concurrently, Yoon navigates another complex case involving Jumbo Pharmaceutics, hinting at underlying tensions and unresolved issues.
New episodes of The Art of Negotiation air every Saturday and Sunday on JTBC, promising to deliver more twists and corporate intrigue.