The debut of A Virtuous Business offers a refreshing blend of humor, drama, and empowering moments, set in the rural village of Geumje in 1992. The series kicks off with its central plot revolving around four women from different walks of life who are about to shake up their conservative community by venturing into the world of lingerie and sex toys. The first two episodes provide a strong foundation for character development, humor, and surprisingly heartfelt moments as the women face both personal and societal challenges in their quest for autonomy.

Episode 1: The Spark of an Unlikely Partnership

The episode introduces us to Han Jung-sook (Kim So-yeon), a seemingly perfect wife and mother whose life is far from ideal. Her husband, Kwon Sung-soo (Choi Jae-rim), is unreliable, constantly getting fired and causing financial strain on the family. As Jung-sook scrambles to pay the bills, she stumbles upon an ad for Fantasy Lingerie, a business that offers high pay for selling revealing lingerie and sex toys. Despite initial hesitation, she decides to sign up for the business, and soon ropes in Seo Young-bok (Kim Sun-young), a brash but loveable mother of four, who’s more than willing to get involved for the sake of making extra money.

The two women’s desperation and determination set the tone for their partnership. Their first major hurdle is convincing the conservative women in Geumje to attend their lingerie party. The cultural shock is palpable, as the women try to explain vibrators and other sex toys to a group of shocked and confused neighbors. The scene is hilarious, as the guests misunderstand the items’ purpose — one even tries to wear a bedazzled thong as a necklace — and the night gets even more chaotic when a neighbor calls the police, leading to a mild raid.

Episode 2: Confidence Grows, Scandals Unfold

As the first episode ends, we see Jung-sook and Oh Geum-hee (Kim Sung-ryung), the wealthy but lonely housewife, getting deeper into the business, with Geum-hee surprisingly agreeing to host a party at her house. Geum-hee’s involvement is particularly intriguing, as she initially reacts with scandal, only to be swayed by her growing frustration with her boring life and controlling husband. By the end of episode two, Geum-hee has transformed from a passive housewife into an assertive businesswoman, even standing up to her husband, who is livid about her newfound independence.

Meanwhile, Lee Ju-ri (Lee Se-hee), the confident single mom who runs a hair salon, adds a refreshing and much-needed edge to the group. Her bold attitude, especially when confronted by a rude man criticizing her appearance, solidifies her as a key player in this ragtag team of saleswomen. Ju-ri’s inclusion gives the group an added layer of confidence, and it’s clear she’ll be a pivotal part of their success.

Despite the chaos of the first lingerie party, the women are not deterred. They learn from their mistakes and perfect their sales pitch for their second event. This time, the results are much more promising, with the women embracing their sensuality and autonomy. The success of the second party, where they confidently model the products and offer a more refined atmosphere, marks a turning point for all of them. Jung-sook, Geum-hee, and Young-bok begin to see the fruits of their labor, gaining both financial independence and a sense of empowerment.

Key Character Development

The heart of the show lies in the character arcs of these women. Jung-sook, who starts as the quintessential long-suffering wife, grows increasingly bold, especially after her husband’s blatant infidelity. She hasn’t yet considered divorce, but this betrayal will surely change her course. Geum-hee, too, evolves from a lonely, oppressed housewife to a strong, self-assertive woman who finds joy and purpose in her new venture. Young-bok, on the other hand, remains the heart of the group — loud, loving, and unafraid to speak her mind. And Ju-ri, the youngest, brings an unapologetic attitude to the group, providing a contrast to the more reserved and traditional characters.

Subplots and Foreshadowing

Aside from the main storyline, there’s an intriguing subplot developing around Kim Do-hyun (Yeon Woo-jin), the mysterious new police detective in town. His repeated, seemingly coincidental encounters with Jung-sook raise questions about his true intentions in Geumje. His basement mystery-solving room and cryptic phone call hint at deeper secrets and an impending larger mystery that could affect the main story. While this subplot hasn’t yet fully developed, it’s clear that Do-hyun’s role will grow as the series progresses, possibly adding intrigue and tension to the otherwise lighthearted narrative.

Themes and Symbolism

At its core, A Virtuous Business is about women taking control of their lives and breaking free from the societal constraints imposed on them. The lingerie parties symbolize the women’s empowerment and reclaiming of their sexuality, challenging the conservative norms of their village. There’s also a recurring theme of autonomy — both in the personal and financial sense — as the women begin to carve out lives on their own terms, free from the expectations of their husbands and the judgment of their neighbors.

With its strong, relatable characters and a unique blend of humor and drama, A Virtuous Business has set the stage for an engaging story of friendship, empowerment, and transformation. The first two episodes promise an exciting journey for these women as they face societal pushback, personal struggles, and, most likely, even more outrageous moments. Whether it’s their scandalous business or their emotional journeys, it’s clear that this group of women will be an unforgettable force to be reckoned with.

Teaser for Next Episode:

Will Jung-sook finally confront her cheating husband? And will the group’s success continue as they face even more opposition from their village? The next episode promises even more surprises as their controversial business gains momentum, and Do-hyun’s mysterious investigation deepens. Stay tuned!