Recap of Episodes 3-4 of A Virtuous Business: Four Women Conduct Surveys to Overcome Local Stigma and Enhance Their Business

The third and fourth installments of the popular K-drama A Virtuous Business premiered on October 19 and 20, respectively, via the JBTC network and Netflix. This series features a talented cast including Kim So-yeon, Kim Sun-young, Lee Se-hee, Kim Sung-ryung, and Yeon Woo-jin in prominent roles. The first season is set to include a total of 12 episodes.

In the previous episode, Jeong-suk commenced her employment at a company specializing in lingerie and adult products. While she diligently pursued her livelihood, her home was vandalized by someone opposed to her profession, with ‘S*X’ scrawled across her wall.

In the latest episodes, Jeong-suk and her three partners brainstorm strategies aimed at elevating their business through community surveys. Although the residents of Geumje are initially hesitant and embarrassed due to societal prejudices, the four women successfully devise ways to gain favor and attention from their community.

**Episode 3 of A Virtuous Business: Jeong-suk’s Troubling Past**

The third episode opened with Jeong-suk and her neighbors gathered in her home, staring at the wall where an angry vandal had written the word S*X. Jeong-suk felt a wave of shame as awareness of her line of work spread, drawing scorn from others for her involvement in the adult product industry. Her mother, who had been unknowingly supportive, was stunned to learn about her daughter’s business endeavors.

Her mother insisted that Jeong-suk leave this line of work, but she stood her ground. This led to her mother storming off and withdrawing her support for Jeong-suk’s son, adding stress to Jeong-suk’s situation.

After the vandalism was reported, Investigator Kim Do-hyun arrived to probe the matter, interviewing neighbors and checking with a paint shop for recent buyers of pink paint.

During one work shift that included Jeong-suk, Oh Geum-hui, and Seo Young-bok, Park In-tae, the husband of Jeong-suk’s friend Seong Mi-hwa, proposed hosting their next home sales event for Mi-hwa’s birthday celebration.

Because Seong Mi-hwa had been caught in an intimate moment with her husband in a previous episode, Jeong-suk hesitated but Young-bok took a proactive stance, viewing it as a lucrative opportunity. Ultimately, Jeong-suk decided to step in when Young-bok was injured, bringing along her son since her mother was no longer able to help.

Upon arriving at Mi-hwa’s residence to conduct sales, Park In-tae took Jeong-suk’s son, Kwon Min-ho, to a movie for distraction.

While buying popcorn, Park In-tae realized that Min-ho was missing from his seat. After searching frantically, he returned to inform Jeong-suk, who immediately panicked and began searching the neighborhood for her son.

The police were alerted, and Kim Do-hyeon quickly joined the search. During their hunt, Jeong-suk encountered her mother, who chastised her for her “disgusting”business and even struck her in a moment of anger. Despite this, Jeong-suk maintained her focus on finding Min-ho, eventually locating him outside his father’s former workplace, visibly missing his dad.

After reuniting, Kim Do-hyeon discreetly left bandages on Jeong-suk’s doorstep, worried for her after their earlier confrontation.

Scene from A Virtuous Business (Image via Instagram/@jbtcdrama) — Scene from *A Virtuous Business* (Image via Instagram/@jbtcdrama)

As the third episode concluded, Jeong-suk reflected on her life journey, recalling the trauma both she and her mother had faced, particularly when her father betrayed them. Memories of her childhood surfaced, including her mother’s efforts to provide a better life after leaving her husband.

As a timely moment of hope, Jeong-suk received her first paycheck and used it to buy gifts for both her son and mother, signaling a moment of connection and understanding between them.

**Episode 4 of A Virtuous Business: Kim Do-hyeon Investigates a 30-Year-Old Fire Case**

The fourth episode opened with Kim Do-hyeon examining photographs at the police station before reaching out to Jeong-suk to inform her that he had tracked down the perpetrator responsible for the S*X graffiti.

The following day, Do-hyeon took Jeong-suk to confront the culprit, who turned out to be the owner of the paint shop, harboring personal disgust for her business. Jeong-suk demanded a proper apology and decided not to press charges against him.

Meanwhile, Ju-ri’s landlady insisted on a rent hike for her beauty parlor space, which Ju-ri contested, prompting the landlady to suggest she find alternate accommodations. This led Ju-ri to explore additional income avenues.

After briefly assisting Jeong-suk in the last episode, Ju-ri chose to fully commit to her business in a bid to increase her earnings.

While investigating a personal matter, Kim Do-hyeon covertly browsed the police archives to delve deeper into his inquiries.

In another scene, Oh Guem-hui, Jeong-suk, Young-bok, and Ju-ri strategized about their business development during a meeting. While engaged in discussions, a home sales representative arrived, offering them relaxation treatments. The rep requested feedback through a completed survey for their products and services.

Jeong-suk expressed interest in the potential advantages of conducting surveys for their business. Her proposal received unanimous support, and after creating a survey, they reached out to random individuals in Geumje, although the turnout was initially low due to many refusals to participate.

Refusing to be discouraged, Jeong-suk devised a plan to attract more participants by offering freebies for completed surveys, leading to a much better response the following day.

Simultaneously, Kim Do-hyeon was attempting to gather information from a bookstore owner regarding a fire incident from three decades prior, but he left without any fruitful leads, still haunted by the memory.

In a sentimental closing scene, Jeong-suk watched an underappreciated rap artist on TV, prompting a discussion between her and Do-hyeon about the artist’s struggles in the 1990s when the series is set. Kim Do-hyeon subtly encouraged Jeong-suk to persevere, sharing insights about the importance of patience and tenacity for those ahead of their time.

The fourth episode of A Virtuous Business ended with the two characters sharing a moment of solidarity.

The upcoming episodes of A Virtuous Business are scheduled to air on October 26 and 27. Fans can catch the new episodes on Netflix and Tving at 22:30 KST.

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