Jung Young Joo: The Leading Woman Defying Kim So Yeon in Their Village in "A Virtuous Business" | Soompi

In the delightful realm of upcoming dramas, “A Virtuous Business” has just released a set of stills that promises a glimpse into a world where the mundane meets the scandalous. Imagine a motley crew featuring Jung Young Joo, Park Ok Chool, Park Ji Ah, Kim Sun Mi, and Joo In Young—a veritable feast of talent ready to upend your expectations every Wednesday night.

This drama is a charming remake of the British series “Brief Encounters” and unfolds in 1992, an era when discussing anything remotely sexual was as taboo as asking your neighbor how often they inspect their toenails. Set in the quaint rural village of Geumje, we meet a circle of remarkably opinionated women who seem to run the town with the finesse of a catwalk model strutting past a puddle in stilettos. In this select sorority, we have Heo Young Ja (the indisputable queen bee, played by Jung Young Joo), who presides over her real estate kingdom with a smile that could launch a thousand gossip columns.

Now, let’s not overlook her formidable friends: the supermarket maven Park Ok Chool, the no-nonsense butcher Park Ji Ah, the rice shop boss Kim Sun Mi, and the hardware store entrepreneur Joo In Young. Together, they are a sublime blend of camaraderie and chaos. When they’re on the same page, they resemble a well-oiled machine; the moment opinions clash, however, prepare for a spectacular exchange of cutting remarks that could rival any Oscar speech.

Young Ja projects the perfect life to the outside world—wealthy husband, impeccably raised children, an Instagram feed that looks like an ad for a family-planning magazine. But beneath that glossy veneer lies marital secrets thick enough to choke a horse. Her daughter is on the verge of becoming a lifelong spinster, while her son navigates the challenging waters of mediocrity in education and career aspirations. Instead of having a heart-to-heart, Young Ja opts for the more satisfying route of trading rumors like they’re baseball cards. Her favorite targets? The quartet of saleswomen bustling through the village with their decidedly risqué products that make conservative housewives clutch their pearls in horror.

As this queen bee and her buzzing entourage rally to protect the village's morals—a term that seems to be as flexible as a yoga instructor—they inadvertently create formidable hurdles for the saleswomen. In the latest stills, we can almost hear the gasps as the influential ladies encounter a rainbow assortment of lingerie and suggestive merchandise hawked by Han Jung Sook (the ever-so-talented Kim So Yeon). Who knew that selling adult products could come with an audience filled with shocked expressions and scandalized gasps as added entertainment?

The production team has assured us that audiences will be in for a treat, noting how these veteran actresses will deliver a flood of laughter—an essential ingredient for any drama that navigates through the rich tapestry of human relationships. So, circle your calendars! “A Virtuous Business” premieres on October 12 at 10:30 p.m. KST. Until then, if you’re yearning for a taste of Jung Young Joo’s magic, don’t forget to catch her in “Lovely Runner.” Trust me, the wait will be worth it.