A Virtuous Business is a stereotype-breaking K-drama that follows the lives of the Bangpan Sisters, four bold women who started selling adult products door-to-door in a rural village in 1992, during a time when sex was a taboo topic in society. The series is written by Choi Bo-rim, and directed by Jo Woong. The series is set to have 12 episodes with a runtime of an hour each.
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A Virtuous Business Episode 1 Release Date
12 October 2024
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Native Title
정숙한 세일즈
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A Virtuous Business Cast
Kim So-yeon, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Sung-ryung, Kim Sun-young, Lee Se-hee
– Contains Spoilers –
A Virtuous Business Episode 1 Recap
Episode 1 of A Virtuous Business introduces us to Han Jeong-sook, a hardworking woman living in the rural village of Geumje in 1992. Struggling to make ends meet, Jeong-sook is burdened by financial troubles as she tries to support her son Min-ho and her unreliable husband, who has just lost his job after an outburst at work. Despite her efforts to keep the family afloat, their situation continues to worsen, and Jeong-sook is desperate for a solution.
At school, Jeong-sook reconnects with Seo Young-bok, who is as outspoken as ever. Their candid conversation touches on the frustrations of married life, highlighting the challenges they face as women in a conservative society. Meanwhile, Ju-ri, a confident and carefree woman working at the local salon, makes her presence known by standing up to a man who blames her attire for an accident. This unapologetic stance adds to the growing contrast between the women in this small town and the traditional expectations imposed on them.
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As Jeong-sook searches for ways to earn money, she stumbles upon a job ad for a lingerie sales position, which eventually leads her to selling adult products. Despite her initial hesitation, she decides to pursue this unconventional path after her husband wastes their last bit of rent money on alcohol. Coincidentally, Young-bok also shows up for the job, and the two friends soon find themselves in a new venture, tasked with selling these items door-to-door.
Their first stop is at Oh Geum-hui’s house, where Jeong-sook works as a maid. Geum-hui, who is stuck in an unhappy marriage, initially rejects the idea of hosting these sales, but after her husband dismisses her attempt to plan a romantic date, she reconsiders. Inspired by the idea of taking control of her own happiness, Geum-hui decides to join Jeong-sook and Young-bok in their new business, even going as far as getting a fresh haircut to signal her transformation.
As the trio begins their sales pitch, things quickly spiral out of control. At a gathering hosted by Geum-hui, Jeong-sook fumbles through her presentation of the products, but Geum-hui steps in to save the day. Just as they start making sales, the police arrive, responding to a report that the house is being used as a brothel. Fortunately, the new town officer, Kim Do-hyun, helps them avoid trouble, though his presence adds a layer of tension, especially after a previous encounter where Jeong-sook’s bag of adult products spilled in front of him.
The episode takes a darker turn when Jeong-sook returns home to find her husband has left after discovering her business venture. He accuses her of tarnishing his reputation and storms out, leaving her devastated. In a cruel twist of fate, Jeong-sook later finds him with another woman, shattering her world. Despite these hardships, the episode closes with Jeong-sook’s determination to forge ahead with her new business, setting the stage for the challenges and triumphs to come.
A Virtuous Business Episode 1 Review
The premiere of A Virtuous Business sets the stage for an engaging and emotionally charged story about the struggles and empowerment of women in 1990s Korea. The first episode masterfully balances humor, social commentary, and drama as it introduces Han Jeong-sook, a character who is caught between the societal pressures of being a dutiful wife and mother, and the harsh reality of financial strain. Her decision to start selling adult products marks a bold step towards independence, and the show cleverly uses this unconventional venture to explore themes of female empowerment, sexual repression, and the breaking of taboos.
The dynamic between Jeong-sook, her friends Seo Young-bok and Ju-ri, and the lonely but intriguing Oh Geum-hui offers a fascinating look at different types of women navigating a patriarchal society. The episode shines with its balance of lighthearted moments and deeper, emotional struggles. The comedic relief provided by the trio’s mishaps in their new business—particularly the chaotic sales pitch and the arrival of the police—offers a fun contrast to the heavier moments, such as Jeong-sook’s discovery of her husband’s infidelity.
The series promises a fresh take on women’s roles and friendships in a time when discussions of sex were still largely taboo. With a strong cast, witty dialogue, and an intriguing plotline, the first episode leaves viewers eager to see how these women will grow, both as individuals and as a team, in the episodes to come.
Watch A Virtuous Business on Netflix.
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Yeas i has some funny moments, like the main girl forgett she had a 5 kilos bag with her, *slow clap*
Now i like sexy underwear and stuff,
But why does she sell that stuff too ELDERLY 40-45+ OLD LADY’S.
the tought of old people running around in that small lingeri stuff,
Well my year is officially ruined thank you,
Beside this embarrassing stuff, old people try to looks younger or kinda fotmodels,
Its kinda okies, i wil avoid some scenes so i don’t get too much nightmares,
The main girl does she have a ton off make-up in her face?? Or do they use computer ccig effects??
She looks not naturally just TOO PERFECT, its hard too look at her…
My score: 1.5 of 5, just those funny small bits…