The Art of Negotiation: A Closer Look at the Hit K-Drama
The captivating Korean drama The Art of Negotiation merges elements of business and thrilling narratives, showcasing an impressive lineup that includes talents such as Lee Je-hoon, Sung Dong-il, Jang Hyun-sung, Kim Dae-myung, and more. Directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Lee Seung-young, this drama has quickly captured the audience’s attention.
Synopsis and Themes
As detailed by AsianWiki, the series follows a legendary M&A expert portrayed by Lee Je-hoon, who leads a team comprising Lawyer Oh Soon-young (played by Kim Dae-myung) and Choi Jin-soo (acted by Cha Kang-yoon). Together, they navigate the intricate world of mergers and acquisitions, tackling high-stakes corporate deals.
“A story following an M&A expert, who is known as a legendary negotiator, and his team, including Lawyer Oh Soon-young and Choi Jin-soo. The M&A expert specializes in large corporate deals.”

Similar K-Dramas to Enjoy
As viewers delve into The Art of Negotiation, they’ll likely appreciate other series that share thematic elements. Here are five recommendations:
1) Numbers

Available on: Apple TV, Rakuten Viki, Kocowa
Starring: L, Choi Jin-hyuk, Choi Min-soo, Yeon-woo, Kim Yoo-ri, and Lee Sung-yeol
Plot: Numbers presents the life of Jang Ho-woo, a brilliant accountant defying the odds as the only employee without a college degree at a prestigious firm. He navigates corporate challenges while seeking justice, paralleling the themes of ambition and intellect found in The Art of Negotiation.
2) Tracer

Available on: Wavve, Rakuten Viki, Kocowa
Starring: Yim Si-wan, Son Hyun-woo, Go Ah-sung, and Park Yong-woo
Plot: Tracer follows Chief Hwang Dong-joo, who is on a relentless quest to uncover tax evasion. The series intertwines elements of strategy and psychological drama, akin to the intense negotiations depicted in The Art of Negotiation.
3) The Auditors
Available on: Apple TV, TVING, Rakuten Viki, Netflix
Starring: Shin Ha-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Jin-goo
Plot: The Auditors follows the story of Shin Cha-II, who heads an audit team combating corruption. With themes of distrust and moral conflict, the series resonates with the high-stakes environment found in The Art of Negotiation.
4) Life
Available on: Rakuten Viki, Netflix
Starring: Lee Dong-wook, Cho Seung-woo, and Won Jin-a
Plot: Life explores the conflicts between medical staff and hospital management, emphasizing the struggle to prioritize patient care amidst corporate interests. This struggle mirrors the corporate ethics displayed in The Art of Negotiation.
5) Misaeng: Incomplete Life
Available on: Disney+ Hotstar, Netflix, WeTV, Rakuten Viki, iQIYI, Tubi
Starring: Yim Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, and Kang So-ra
Plot: Misaeng: Incomplete Life narrates the journey of Jang Geu-rae, an intern navigating the complexities of corporate life after his dreams of becoming a professional Go player fall through. The series resonates with the themes of ambition and defeat echoed in The Art of Negotiation.
Current Status
The Art of Negotiation consists of twelve episodes, with nine episodes currently available for streaming on platforms like TVING, Rakuten Viki, and Kocowa. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect intricate plot twists and deep character development, encapsulating the essence of high-stakes negotiation in both business and life.