Native Title	협상의 기술
Also Know as	Hyeopsangui Gisul, Negotiation Skills, Skills of Negotiation, Techniques of Negotiation
Director	An Pan-Seok
Writer	Lee Seung-Young
Distributor	JTBC
Air Time	Saturday, Sunday 22:30
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	12 episodes
Genre	Business, Office, Picaresque, Politics, Revenge, Workplace Thriller
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2025-03-08
End Date	2025-04-13

The high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions comes alive in "The Art of Negotiation," a gripping 2025 South Korean drama that transforms boardrooms into battlegrounds of wit, strategy, and unyielding ambition. Starring Lee Je-hoon as the enigmatic Yoon Joo-no, this workplace thriller dives into the cutthroat realm of corporate maneuvering, where every deal can make or break empires. As the legendary negotiator returns to save a crumbling conglomerate, viewers are drawn into a tale of redemption, rivalry, and the razor-thin line between victory and ruin.

Overview

"The Art of Negotiation" is a 12-episode series that aired on JTBC from March 8 to April 13, 2025, every Saturday and Sunday at 20:30 KST. Each episode runs approximately 70 minutes, delivering taut, dialogue-driven tension that mirrors the precision of its central theme. Directed by Ahn Pan-seok, known for his nuanced storytelling, the drama explores the high-pressure universe of M&A deals at the fictional Sanin Group, blending sharp business acumen with personal vendettas. Produced by SLL, B.A Entertainment, and Drama House Studio, it marks a bold pivot for its creative team into the realm of corporate espionage and ethical tightropes.

Plot Synopsis

At the heart of "The Art of Negotiation" is Yoon Joo-no, a masterful M&A specialist whose reputation as a "legendary negotiator" precedes him. Tasked with rescuing the debt-ridden Sanin Group from collapse, Yoon Joo-no assembles a crack team to navigate treacherous deals, internal betrayals, and market manipulations. As alliances fracture and secrets unravel, the series unfolds across high-octane negotiations, from hostile takeovers to whispered alliances in shadowy boardrooms. Spanning 12 episodes, the narrative builds to a crescendo of corporate warfare, where one wrong word could topple an empire, forcing characters to confront the human cost of ambition.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Lee Je-hoon anchors the series as Yoon Joo-no, the silver-haired strategist whose calm demeanor belies a storm of calculated risks and unresolved grudges.
Kim Dae-myung brings intensity as Oh Sun-young, the sharp-tongued lawyer whose legal maneuvers keep the team one step ahead of disaster.
Sung Dong-il portrays a pivotal ally in the Sanin hierarchy, adding layers of paternal wisdom amid the chaos.
Jang Hyun-sung embodies Ha Tae-soo, the cunning CFO whose iron-fisted control clashes with Yoon Joo-no's fluid approach, sparking the drama's core conflicts.

Supporting Cast

Supporting players, including Cha Kang-yoon and others, flesh out the ensemble, creating a web of loyalties that tests the boundaries of trust in the pressure cooker of big business.

Reception

Ratings Triumph

"The Art of Negotiation" roared to life with solid premiere ratings and steadily climbed, culminating in a finale that hit 10.3 percent nationwide viewership – its highest peak and a testament to its escalating grip on audiences.

Critical and Viewer Praise

Praised for its intelligent scripting and Lee Je-hoon's transformative performance, the series earned high ratings, with viewers lauding its fresh take on office intrigue devoid of clichés.

Fan and Commentary Buzz

Fans and commentators alike hailed it as a "banger" for its realistic portrayal of corporate machinations, amassing widespread acclaim for balancing tense deals with emotional depth, even as it eschewed romance for raw ambition.

Global Streaming Impact

Globally, it trended on streaming platforms, solidifying its status as one of 2025's standout thrillers.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Ahn Pan-seok's Directorial Evolution

Ahn Pan-seok’s direction infuses the series with unflinching realism and pulse-quickening intensity, marking a daring departure from his signature romantic narratives into the brutal arena of corporate psychological combat.

The Battleground of Business

The drama masterfully captures high-stakes business intrigue, painting the corporate landscape as an unrelenting warzone where “M&A is war,” and every merger pulses with the threat of total annihilation.

Clashing Leadership Styles

Team dynamics electrify the screen, with Yoon Joo-no’s intuitive, empathetic leadership standing in stark opposition to Ha Tae-soo’s authoritarian grip, illuminating the profound human stakes woven through the relentless corporate fray.

Final Thoughts

"The Art of Negotiation" stands as a masterclass in tension, proving that the sharpest weapons in boardroom battles are not contracts, but the unyielding human spirit beneath them. Lee Je-hoon's commanding presence, coupled with Ahn Pan-seok's visionary helm, elevates this tale of deals and dilemmas into essential viewing for anyone fascinated by power's precarious edge.