Episode 1 of "A Virtuous Business" unfolds in the quaint town of Geumje, nestled in the year 1992. The neighborhood ladies adhere steadfastly to their routines, yet the spotlight shines brightly on Han Jeong-sook, a resilient woman who toils relentlessly for the well-being of her son, Min-ho, and her husband, whose story we shall delve into momentarily.
Jeong-sook grapples valiantly with the mounting rent payments, her finances stretched thin as Min-ho's education expenses escalate. The family's predicament forces them to ponder their next move, amidst the backdrop of her husband's inability to secure stable employment—a fact that becomes painfully evident later when he loses his job due to an outburst against his supervisor.
At school, Jeong-sook's path crosses with Seo Young-bok, portrayed by the ubiquitous and impeccable Kim Sun-Young, who effortlessly steals every scene. Young-bok casually mentions the teacher's sexual frustrations, highlighting her duplicitous nature—coquettish with her husband yet haughty towards others.
Enter Ju-ri, a no-holds-barred character who works at the local salon, unfazed by others' opinions. As she cleans the windows, she deftly handles a lecherous man who blames her attire for his clumsy collision with a handcart. Ju-ri swiftly puts him in his place, showcasing her unwavering self-assurance.
In stark contrast stands Oh Geum-hui, a woman whose marriage to Choi Won-bong lacks warmth. Her attempt at romance, proposing a cinema trip to watch "Silence of the Lambs," falls flat as Won-bong dismisses it, citing his aversion to baby animals. Ironically, Jeong-sook serves as their maid, her relentless work ethic evident in every fiber of her being. Despite her exhaustion, Geum-hui appears lonely, extending an invitation for tea that Jeong-sook politely declines due to her son's first day of school.
Desperate measures call for desperate actions. Jeong-sook stumbles upon an ad for lucrative lingerie sales and, after her husband squanders their rent money on alcohol, she resolves to take up the offer. Coincidentally, Young-bok shares the same aspiration, and the two embark on this unconventional venture together.
Upon entering the store, half the recruits flee at the sight of the intimate products. Jeong-sook nearly follows suit, particularly when sex toys are unveiled, but the saleswoman's persuasive pitch of home-based sales leading to riches convinces her to stay. This seasoned veteran, with a Seoul storefront and decades of experience, sees potential in Jeong-sook and Young-bok, arming them with a box of adult paraphernalia to sell.
Jeong-sook's ingenuity leads her to propose Geum-hui's home as a discreet sales venue. However, Geum-hui is shocked and hesitant, citing her conservative nature. Yet, the seed of curiosity is planted, particularly when her husband arrives late, missing dinner, and blames her for not being a more modern, liberal woman with hobbies. This encounter leaves Geum-hui pondering Jeong-sook's proposal, as the stage is set for a transformation in both their lives.
The seasoned saleswoman, with a boutique nestled in the heart of Seoul and years of experience in the industry, recognizes a lucrative opportunity. Emboldened by her instincts, she presents Young-bok with a treasure trove of adult paraphernalia, and together, they embark on a new business venture. Their sole mission: to sell these intimate items and recoup their investments, thereby securing their wages.
Determined to make the most of this opportunity, Jeong-sook casts her gaze upon Geum-hui's abode as a covert marketplace for their goods. As she outlines the nature of their products, Geum-hui is taken aback, initially recoiling at the thought of hosting such items within her walls. Her conservatism prevails, and she refuses, insisting she's not that forward-thinking.
Yet, the wheels of contemplation begin to turn within her mind, spurred on by a domestic spat. Her husband's tardiness and subsequent blame game, accusing her of being outdated and lacking in modern hobbies and liberalism, serves as a catalyst. These words resonate deeply, swaying Geum-hui's stance. She reconsiders, ultimately deciding to align herself with Jeong-sook in this unconventional endeavor.
Transformed by her decision, Geum-hui even ventures to the salon, emerging with a chic new hairstyle, a testament to her newfound embrace of change. There, she encounters Ju-ri, who's equally enthused about participating in the home sales. Together, the trio stands ready to embark on this unconventional journey, their enthusiasm palpable as they prepare to turn Geum-hui's humble abode into a buzzing hub of adult-themed commerce.
Comically, Geum-hui finds herself confronting Young-ja, the esteemed wife of the Royal Club's Chairman, a club where her own husband holds membership. A subtle battle of wills ensues, centered around their respective hairstyles, before the encounter wanes into an uneasy truce.
Amidst this intrigue, the town welcomes an unfamiliar face: Kim Do-hyun, who arrives with the intention of stirring up some commotion. The female populace fawns over him, while the men are puzzled by his overqualification for an officer's post in the humble country station of Geumje, given his formidable reputation in bustling Seoul. Why has he ventured into this rustic hamlet?
Detective Na, however, is not among the welcoming party, reminding everyone that life in a small town bears little resemblance to the cityscape he's left behind. Jeong-sook, on the other hand, finds herself profoundly grateful to Kim Do-hyun's timely intervention when he chases a departing bus to retrieve her forgotten bag.
As Jeong-sook hurries to express her thanks, Do-hyun holds her steady, but inadvertently causes her bag to spill its contents onto the ground—a stash of risqué items, including handcuffs and a whip, that elicit a moment of humor amidst the apologies and awkward farewells. With a flurry of embarrassment, Jeong-sook scampers off to reunite with Geum-hui, leaving behind a trail of laughter and mystery.
Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged the following day as she ventured back to Geum-hui's abode, accompanied by a purchase that unexpectedly presented Jeong-sook with an opportunity to earn a little income. The transaction infused a touch of vitality into their situation, turning the tide momentarily.Tragically, her entire universe shatters into pieces the moment she stumbles upon the heartbreaking sight of her husband entwined in slumber with another.
