A Virtuous Business

In A Virtuous Business, set in the conservative Korean village of 1992, four women—Han Jeong Suk (played by Kim So Yeon), Kim Do Hyeon (Yeon Woo Jin), O Geum Hui (Kim Sung Ryung), and Seo Yeong Bok (Kim Sun Young)—challenge societal norms by starting a discreet business selling adult products. Dubbed the "Bangpan Sisters," their venture is more than just commerce; it’s a bold statement against the taboos of their era. As these women work together, they build not only a business but a friendship that offers each the strength to defy tradition. Jeong Suk’s determination, Do Hyeon’s resilience, Geum Hui’s resourcefulness, and Yeong Bok’s wit combine to create a dynamic team, blending humor and courage in the face of community disapproval. Throughout the series, their journeys reveal themes of empowerment, independence, and self-worth, resonating deeply with viewers. Each character faces personal challenges, but their collective growth drives them toward self-acceptance and success, despite the obstacles they encounter. With standout performances by Kim So Yeon, Yeon Woo Jin, Kim Sung Ryung, and Kim Sun Young, A Virtuous Business captivates with its mix of humor, social commentary, and heartfelt moments, making it a must-watch for those seeking a unique, empowering drama.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 정숙한 세일즈
🌎 Also Known As: Quiet Sales, Silent Sales, Virtuous Sales, Jeongsughan Seiljeu
🎭 Genres: Business, Comedy, Life
🏷 Tags: Female Centered Plot, Adult Products Sales, Marketing Industry, Village Setting, Saleswoman Female Lead
✍ Screenwriter: Choi Bo Rim
🎬 Director: Jo Woong
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 12
🗓️ Aired: Oct 12, 2024 – Nov 17, 2024
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: jTBC
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 30 min.
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

The moment when Han Jeong Suk, played by Kim So Yeon, delivers a powerful speech about women’s empowerment.
Kim Do Hyeon’s (Yeon Woo Jin) emotional realization about his role in breaking societal norms.
The scene where the “Bangpan Sisters” celebrate their first big sale, symbolizing their courage.
O Geum Hui’s (Kim Sung Ryung) humorous interactions with skeptical villagers.
Seo Yeong Bok’s (Kim Sun Young) confrontation with her conservative family about her new career.

Filming Locations

Traditional Korean village set in Gyeonggi-do, highlighting the rural charm of the 90s.
The vibrant street market scenes shot in Incheon add realism to the local hustle.
Key business scenes set in Seoul offices provide a contrast between urban and rural life.
Vintage cafes in Busan used to recreate 90s meeting spots.
Cultural landmarks around Seoul serve as background for personal reflections.

Visual Design and Costumes

Authentic 90s-inspired fashion, showcasing conservative yet bold attire.
Attention to color palettes that reflect the character’s personalities and growth.
Practical yet stylish costumes for the Bangpan Sisters, reflecting their evolution.
Detailed vintage accessories that add depth to the period feel.
Carefully designed set props, from old phones to retro signage, capturing the era.

Themes and Messages

Empowerment through unconventional careers in a conservative society.
Friendship as a foundation for resilience and growth in challenging times.
Breaking taboos around topics deemed inappropriate for women.
The conflict between personal ambition and societal expectations.
Courage to redefine roles traditionally assigned to women in 1990s Korea.

Interesting Facts

Inspired by the British drama “Brief Encounters,” with a unique Korean twist.
The series uses real-life events as inspiration for character backstories.
Cast members underwent training to perfect 90s Korean dialects.
Costume design research included consulting Korean fashion experts from the 90s.
Filming involved actual rural locations, adding authenticity to the village scenes.

Awards

As of November 8, 2024, A Virtuous Business has not received any awards. The series premiered on October 12, 2024, and is currently airing, with its final episode scheduled for November 17, 2024. Award nominations and ceremonies typically occur after a show’s completion. Therefore, any potential accolades for A Virtuous Business will likely be announced in the coming months.

Real-Life Loves on Set

As of November 8, 2024, there have been no public reports or confirmations of any real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of the Korean drama A Virtuous Business. The actors, including Kim So Yeon, Yeon Woo Jin, Kim Sung Ryung, and Kim Sun Young, have maintained a professional rapport, focusing on their performances and the series’ success. While on-screen chemistry can sometimes lead to off-screen relationships, no such developments have been reported for this particular drama.