Introduction

The Art of Negotiation (Korean: 협상의 기술) is a 2025 Korean drama that explores the high-stakes world of corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This business-centric drama follows a legendary negotiator and his elite team as they navigate intense boardroom conflicts, corporate betrayals, and ethical dilemmas.

The drama is directed by Ahn Pan-seok, known for his work on Something in the Rain (2018), and is written by Lee Seung-young. It premiered on March 8, 2025, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 KST on JTBC .

Plot Summary

At the center of the story is Yoon Joo-no (played by Lee Je-hoon), an M&A expert renowned as one of the best corporate negotiators in Korea. Companies hire him to secure high-value deals, resolve corporate disputes, and outmaneuver rival firms. With his sharp mind and calculated strategies, he has built a reputation as an unbeatable dealmaker.

However, in the competitive world of business, even the best have enemies. As Joo-no climbs higher, he faces ruthless competitors, power-hungry executives, and betrayals from those he once trusted. Alongside his team of financial experts, corporate lawyers, and risk analysts, he must outsmart his rivals and protect his clients’ interests.

The show blends elements of corporate thriller, psychological drama, and ethical dilemmas, making it a unique and engaging series

Main Cast & Characters

1. Lee Je-hoon as Yoon Joo-no

• A top-tier M&A negotiator with a sharp mind and unwavering confidence.

• He is respected in the corporate world but is also feared by his rivals.

• His negotiation skills are legendary, but his past haunts him, especially a deal that went terribly wrong years ago.

2. Kim Dae-myung as Oh Soon-young

• A brilliant corporate lawyer who ensures Joo-no’s deals remain legally sound.

• He is loyal but often questions the ethical implications of Joo-no’s ruthless tactics.

3. Sung Dong-il as Song Jae-sik

• A mentor figure to Joo-no, guiding him through the murky waters of corporate politics.

• He believes business is war and pushes Joo-no to win at all costs.

4. Jang Hyun-sung as Ha Tae-su

• A ruthless businessman and CEO of a rival M&A firm.

• He and Joo-no have a long-standing rivalry, competing for the most lucrative deals.

5. Oh Man-seok as Lee Dong-joon

• A former ally turned rival, now working with Ha Tae-su to take down Joo-no.

• His betrayal is one of the biggest emotional blows Joo-no experiences in the series.

6. Cha Kang-yoon as Choi Jin-soo

• A financial analyst who assesses the risks of negotiations.

• He is young and idealistic, often clashing with Joo-no’s cutthroat methods.

7. Ahn Hyun-ho as Gwak Min-jung

• A rising star in the M&A world, eager to prove herself.

• She admires Joo-no but begins to question his morality as the story unfolds.

Special Appearances

The drama features cameo appearances from Kwon Yuri, Kim Chang-wan, and Lee Sung-jae, who play influential business figures 

Episode Synopses

Episode 1: The First Negotiation

• Yoon Joo-no is called in to mediate a billion-dollar merger between two tech giants.

• However, an anonymous whistleblower reveals financial fraud, threatening to collapse the deal.

Episode 2: A Betrayal from Within

• A trusted team member leaks confidential information to a rival firm.

• Joo-no must identify the traitor while still pushing the deal forward.

Episode 3: Power and Corruption

• Ha Tae-su, Joo-no’s rival, offers him a partnership, promising wealth beyond imagination.

• Joo-no refuses, leading to an all-out corporate war.

Episode 4: The Price of Success

• A client refuses to sign a deal at the last minute, leading to financial chaos.

• Joo-no must find a way to recover billions in lost assets.

Episode 5: A Desperate Gamble

• Joo-no takes a high-risk negotiation that could either save his firm or destroy him.

• Meanwhile, his past resurfaces, revealing a mistake that still haunts him.

Episode 6: The Counterattack Begins

• After a series of devastating losses, Joo-no regroups and fights back.

• He develops a bold new strategy to outmaneuver Ha Tae-su.

Episodes 7–12:

• The stakes escalate, leading to shocking betrayals, unexpected alliances, and a final confrontation between Joo-no and Ha Tae-su.

• The season concludes with a twist ending, leaving viewers questioning whether Joo-no truly won or lost

Themes & Analysis

1. The Psychology of Negotiation

The show delves into the mind games behind high-stakes deals, showing how persuasion, strategy, and deception play a role in business negotiations.

2. The Ethics of Business

Is it possible to succeed in the corporate world without losing your morals? The drama questions whether power and integrity can coexist.

3. Betrayal & Loyalty

Many characters struggle with loyalty versus ambition, leading to unexpected betrayals and shifting alliances.

4. Corporate Politics & Rivalries

The power struggles in the drama mirror real-world corporate battles, making the show both engaging and thought-provoking 

Why You Should Watch

• Intelligent Storytelling – Unlike typical K-dramas, this show focuses on corporate negotiations and real-world business conflicts.

• Brilliant Cast – Led by Lee Je-hoon, the performances are intense and compelling.

• Suspenseful & Fast-Paced – With only 12 episodes, every moment is packed with drama, tension, and twists.

The Art of Negotiation is a gripping corporate thriller that mixes psychological tension with real-world business tactics. If you enjoy intense negotiations, power struggles, and complex characters, this is a must-watch K-drama.

Where to Watch

• JTBC (Korean TV Network)

• Streaming on VIU