On September 24, 2024, Netflix announced that A Virtuous Business will premiere on October 12, 2024. Alongside the announcement, a poster and trailer were released. The drama stars Kim So Yeon, Yeon Woo Jin, Kim Sung Ryung, Kim Sun Young, and Lee Se Hee.
Set in 1992, A Virtuous Business takes place in a rural village called Geumje. The series follows four women who start selling adult products door-to-door. At the time, s*x was a taboo topic, and women were expected to be good housewives. These women challenge that idea and declare:
"Women are just as interested in a passionate life and we have every right to pursue it.."
A Virtuous Business: Exploring the characters, plot, and trailer
The trailer for A Virtuous Business opens with Han Jung Sook, who starts a new business in the 1990s, selling adult products door-to-door. Han Jung Sook, having tried different career paths, including working as a housekeeper, now finds herself on a new professional trajectory. Initially, she is skeptical about her new role as a vendor of adult toys.
Meanwhile, Oh Geum Hee, the team's strategist, shows creativity in devising captivating taglines for their products. The team also comprises Seo Young Bok, a dedicated researcher of adult products, and Lee Ju Ri, an individualistic member.
Kim So Yeon takes on the role of Han Jung Sook, a housewife who once came second in a local beauty contest and married her first love. Her life is now simple and ordinary, but she struggles financially. She cannot afford a new bag for her son and worries about rent. This forces her to find a solution. She joins the sales business and discovers she has a talent for it.
Kim Sung Ryung plays Oh Geum Hee, a former socialite who married through an arranged marriage and moved to Geumje, her husband’s hometown. Her life is dull. Wanting to help Han Jung Sook, who had once been her housekeeper, she joins the business.
Kim Sun Young portrays Seo Young Bok, a mother of four. While her marriage appears happy, her family lives in poverty with all six family members sharing one room. To improve their living situation, she starts selling adult products.
Lee Se Hee plays Lee Joo Ri in A Virtuous Business, a single mother who runs a beauty parlor. She joins the business for fun but soon grows from the experience. She becomes a source of energy and support for the other women.
Additionally, Yeon Woo Jin stars as Kim Do Hyun, a police officer from a wealthy family who studied at an Ivy League school in the U.S. After returning to South Korea, he quickly rose in the ranks at the Gangnam Police Station. He is later transferred to Geumje, though his real connection to the area remains a mystery.
A Virtuous Business explores the themes of friendship, self-discovery, and empowerment. The trailer of the drama promises to talk about breaking social norms, all while delivering humor and heart. The unique storyline and star-studded cast have sparked immense excitement among K-drama enthusiasts.
Previous works of the four main leads of A Virtuous Business
Kim So-yeon is a renowned South Korean actress, best known for her standout roles in hit dramas such as All About Eve (2000), Iris (2009), Prosecutor Princess (2010), The Penthouse seasons 1-3 (2020–2021), and more recently, Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (2023).
Kim Sung-ryung, a former Miss Korea and Miss Universe contestant, transitioned seamlessly into acting. She has gained recognition for her roles in popular series like You're Beautiful (2009), The Chaser (2012), Yawang (2013), The Heirs (2013), and Flower of Queen (2015).
Kim Sun-young is a versatile actress who has appeared in a range of beloved dramas, including Reply 1988 (2015), When the Camellia Blooms (2019), and Crash Landing On You (2019). Her impressive performances have earned her accolades, including Best Supporting Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
Lee Se-hee has gained fame with her role in Young Lady and Gentleman (2021–2022), which earned her the Best New Actress award at the KBS Drama Awards. She has also appeared in films like Midnight Runners (2017) and Midnight (2021), further cementing her rising star status.