In episodes 7 and 8 of A Virtuous Business, we dive deeper into the lives of our ensemble cast as they grapple with adversity, personal struggles, and unexpected twists. Jung-sook faces the aftermath of a traumatic experience, while Young-bok’s family situation becomes increasingly complicated. Through powerful character development and plot turns, these episodes continue to balance heavy moments with humor and camaraderie.

Jung-sook’s Fight for Dignity and Justice

Picking up where episode 6 left off, Jung-sook is reeling from an attempted assault. Though she remains physically unharmed, the emotional impact weighs heavily on her, and she decides to keep it secret, even from her closest friends. Do-hyun, the empathetic detective, assures her he’ll keep her identity confidential, but a detective slips up, and soon the whole town is abuzz. Instead of letting the rumors paralyze her, Jung-sook finds resolve after overhearing Min-ho and Dong-woo discussing bravery in the face of bullies. With support from her friends, the four women undergo a fierce makeover, steeling themselves to confront the police and dispel any notion of shame.

In a surprising turn, the local ajummas rally to her defense at the station, attesting to Jung-sook’s good character despite their past gossip. With newfound courage, Jung-sook confronts her attacker, shocking the onlookers as she fiercely smacks him, releasing pent-up anger. Do-hyun and the police, touched by her resilience, conveniently “overlook” the incident, allowing her to reclaim some sense of justice.

Jung-sook’s bravery and perseverance pay off as she’s promoted to branch manager for Fantasy Lingerie, marking a turning point in her life. But as she gains stability, her friend Young-bok faces her own crisis.

Young-bok’s Dilemma and Jong-sun’s Past

Young-bok discovers she’s pregnant with her fifth child, a revelation that only adds to her family’s financial burden. Initially considering abortion, Young-bok is torn, knowing her family’s situation is already precarious. We learn that her husband, Jong-sun, harbors a surprising backstory: he was once a skilled heist driver. Unable to secure stable work due to his criminal record, Jong-sun feels helpless watching Young-bok shoulder the family’s struggles.

Faced with temptation, Jong-sun considers a lucrative heist proposed by an old associate, though his promise to stay straight lingers in his mind. In a heartbreaking scene, he tearfully apologizes to Young-bok as he watches over their sleeping children. The complexity of his character shines as he grapples with the weight of his past and the love he has for his family.

Geum-hee’s Support and Ju-ri’s Budding Romance

Meanwhile, Geum-hee senses Young-bok’s struggle and reaches out, bringing small gifts for her children and sharing words of encouragement. Despite Geum-hee’s outwardly perfect life, flashbacks reveal her regrets about sacrificing personal dreams in favor of societal expectations, hinting at her own discontent and inner conflict. Their bond grows, adding layers to both women’s journeys.

Ju-ri, on the other hand, finds herself drawn to Dae-geun, who she previously only noticed in passing. After witnessing his mother’s dismissive treatment, Ju-ri empathizes with him, and the two end up sharing drinks. Dae-geun’s vulnerability and earnestness endear him to Ju-ri, leading to a surprising, tender kiss. For Dae-geun, who has never been kissed before, this moment is transformative, igniting a whirlwind of emotion that leaves him equally thrilled and nervous.

The Search for Do-hyun’s Birth Parents

Back on the investigative front, Jung-sook offers to help Do-hyun search for his birth parents, a task she takes to heart. Through casual questioning of neighborhood women, she gathers bits of information, hoping to unlock the mystery of Do-hyun’s past. They visit a hanbok shop owned by a family linked to a previous arson case, where Jung-sook pretends to be his fiancée. The moment is both humorous and emotional as Jung-sook’s tears prompt the shop owner to remark on their “relationship,” leaving Do-hyun visibly flustered.

Jung-sook’s genuine dedication to the investigation touches Do-hyun, but her presence stirs up conflicting feelings, prompting him to distance himself. When Jung-sook confronts him about his strange behavior, Do-hyun finally admits his attraction, embracing her in a vulnerable moment.

Jong-sun’s Tragic Choice

As Jung-sook and Do-hyun share a poignant embrace, elsewhere, Jong-sun makes a desperate phone call from a phone booth, breathlessly telling the operator, “Someone is dead.” The implication is chilling: in his attempt to support his family, he may have become entangled in something much darker than he anticipated.

Final Thoughts and Tease for Next Episode

These episodes artfully weave humor, drama, and tension, with every character’s struggle adding to the emotional weight of the series. Jung-sook’s resilience is inspiring, while Jong-sun’s tragic decision casts a somber tone that hints at darker times ahead. With the consequences of Jong-sun’s actions looming, A Virtuous Business keeps viewers eagerly anticipating the fallout and the next twist in our characters’ intertwined lives.