A Virtuous Business (2024) s01e01 Episode Script
Episode 1
1
A VIRTUOUS BUSINESS
-What should we eat?
-Tteokbokki!
-I want sundae!
-Enough!
Why are you so late?
I don't want to go to work.
You never do.
Yes, that's it.
Right here.
Is this right?
-It's right.
-How are you going to pay?
-Just put it in your ledger.
-I'm off.
-See you.
-See you.
-Hello.
-Long time no see!
-How are you?
-Good.
-How are you, my dear?
-Hello.
How are you, ladies?
-These look good.
-Of course.
YOUR HOMETOWN RUNNER
GEUMJE MS. CHILI PEPPER CONTES
GEUMJE, 1992
Should I enter Mi-suk in that?
In what?
The National Assembly elections?
No, Ms. Chili Pepper!
It'd be faster
to make her an assemblywoman.
Why? What's wrong with my Mi-suk?
She may not be able to win Miss Korea,
but she could win a countryside pageant.
You're new around here,
so let me tell you.
Geumje is as famous for beauties
as it is for chili peppers.
All the past winners are total knockouts.
How pretty could they be?
Well?
That pretty.
-Hello.
-Good morning.
Oh, no.
Hello.
Hi.
An egg, please.
You see her?
Min-ho's mother right here
won Ms. Chili Pepper when she was young.
You have to be this pretty
to win Ms. Chili Pepper.
That was ages ago.
-Did you pick up more work?
-Yes.
Thank you. Good-bye.
Everything is on sale!
What a waste of good looks.
What's she doing with those dolls?
Is she sewing on the eyes?
Yes, that's her side hustle.
With that face,
she should be living large.
She drew the short straw.
"The short straw"?
Gosh!
You're up.
You got more?
It doesn't even pay well.
You're right, but they're so cute.
There we go.
The once-blind Dooly
can now look here and there!
It makes me feel so proud.
Look.
Good for you.
Good morning.
Did you sleep well?
Go wash up! I'll get breakfast ready.
My boy.
Geez, she could be a farmer.
Let's go.
-Look at Mommy.
-You look like a real grade-schooler.
All set.
Is that it?
The thing you got from your cousin?
Yes. It was Jin-hui's.
Jin-hui? Their daughter?
It's red. It's a gender-neutral color.
But that's Magical Princess Minky Momo!
JIN-HUI'S PROPERTY
MINKY
-You could've bought a new one.
-It's not like I didn't want to.
But we can't even pay rent on time.
And that's why I'm working.
For the biggest loser
from high school, at that.
I know you're making an effort.
But the expenses
will get bigger and bigger.
We have to send him
-to cram school--
-Min-ho! Let's race to the intersection!
Ready? Get set.
Let's…
Not again!
Catch me if you can!
Wait for me.
GEUMJE GOCHUJANG
I knew it. My son's a genius.
Have a good day at school.
Remember what I told you?
-If anyone picks a fight?
-Break their nose first.
Geez, seriously.
-What's wrong with you?
-What?
Jeong-suk!
Okay, I'll be going.
Bye.
-Have a good time.
-Let's go.
Jeong-suk's the same as ever.
Like a flower blooming in a snowstorm,
she looks stunning
even though she's dirt poor.
What?
I was saying the truth!
That little…
WELCOME
GEUMJE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
-Let's go.
-Class Three, over here!
SCHOOL ENTRANCE CEREMONY
Children, line up.
-My class, come with me.
-Class Three, this way.
The one in shorts.
I see you have only one kid.
Yes, that's right.
I also got emotional
when I sent my first to school.
But with my second,
I was too busy to get emotional.
Over there, in Class Two, that's my third.
And look here!
You see, I have four kids.
I see.
Can you put this on for me?
What a cute baby.
Thank you.
Ms. Seo.
Hello.
You still haven't paid
for Min-ji's school milk program.
I'll pay it tomorrow.
All right. Please make sure
you settle up tomorrow.
She was my second's
homeroom teacher last year.
She's sexually frustrated for sure.
-Pardon?
-She's a spinster.
She treats men and women so differently.
She's so cold and condescending with me,
but with my husband,
she acts all coy and shy like this.
-Oh, my.
-I'm not even joking!
Goodness.
-The baby pooped.
-Oh, no.
You could say she's the lucky one though.
She's still living that single woman life.
-I'll see you next time.
-Sure.
-You're so pretty.
-Thank you. Take care.
Geez, look at you hustling.
Have a good day.
He's always so busy.
CHARMING HAIR SALON
-Goodness!
-Are you okay?
-Are you hurt?
-That hurts.
-Hey, Ju-ri.
-Welcome!
I'll be there in just a sec.
Are you okay?
-Help me up!
-Okay.
-What the heck?
-Goodness.
You're both getting perms?
-Yes.
-That's right.
Where's Dong-u? At school?
Yes. He was excited
for the entrance ceremony.
The entrance ceremony.
Shouldn't you go?
He said he's not a baby,
so I should use the time to do
more perms and buy him a tasty treat.
What a clever boy.
I wonder who he takes after.
Rice here.
I spilled so much of it
when I fell just now.
That's all right.
What's with that attitude?
Who do you think is at fault here?
Whose fault is it?
Of course, it's your fault.
What?
I was so shocked by your racy outfit
that I crashed straight into a handcart.
Can't you dress more respectably
when you're out in town?
Sure thing, dear. I'll do as you say.
"As you say, dear"…
No!
What do you mean, "dear"?
You're just one of those,
what do you call them?
-Husbandless?
-Single mom.
Yes, you're a single mom!
True. I'm a single mom without a husband.
I'm not your wife or anything.
So, why should I dress
the way you tell me to?
What?
Your wife has so many split ends
but keeps her hair long
because you like it that way.
You already have her.
So, why should I do as you say too?
Forget it and just pay for the rice.
All right.
Oh, right.
You spilled a couple of baskets of rice…
so I'm deducting this.
Right, the coffee.
Two coffee, two sugar, one creamer?
She didn't back down.
I ate out for lunch the past few days,
and now I feel bloated.
You know?
-Thank you, Jeong-suk.
-No worries.
I have to say,
home-cooked meals are the best.
What time will you be home tonight?
Same time as always, I guess. Why?
The Silence of the Lambs
is playing in Geumje.
Perhaps we can go see it?
The Silence of the Lambs?
No, thanks.
I don't like children,
and I hate baby animals even more.
It doesn't have real lambs in it.
In any case, I doze off
whenever I go to the movies.
It's a waste of money.
And if the lambs are silent,
they should be given medicine.
People are watching them
for entertainment instead?
How pathetic.
I'm off.
I can be so shortsighted at times.
I'm sure he must be tired
from dealing with pharmacy customers.
Don't you agree?
Of course.
I thought you'd stay
for a cup of tea as usual.
Today was the first day of school,
so I want to get groceries.
I see. Then you should go.
Thank you.
I'm sorry, but how about my weekly pay?
I put it right there.
Thank you, ma'am.
RETAIL PRICE
28,000 WON
GEUMJE BUTCHER SHOP
I'm the only one who can put up with him.
Hello.
It's Min-ho's mom!
I haven't seen you in so long.
I'll take 600 grams of ham.
Sure.
It's time for me to get going.
Give me some beef bones.
Again?
You're feeding him
expensive bone broth for every meal!
What's your husband
using all that energy on?
I need bone broth to get him
at least a little bit potent.
When he was young,
he'd have some grilled ham
and wouldn't let me sleep a wink.
He must've used up all his mojo then.
You're right.
That must be why Jeong-suk
is buying ham now.
See? At that age,
you don't even need the ham.
She just has to show him some of her hams,
and he should be chomping at the bit.
Is my order ready yet?
Just a moment.
You even have a kid.
No need to be all serious.
Are you that proper?
These conversations
are what make life fun.
Here. Thank you.
Good bye.
Well, now I feel embarrassed.
She's always been like that.
She seems like a decent person
with a bright personality,
but she's unusually weird
about this stuff.
My word, those jokes.
"Monthly salary of 500,000 won"?
LINGERIE HOME SALES
"Set your own hours"?
"A night of passion"…
"Lingerie"…
Welcome home.
Since Min-ho started school,
I'm making bulgogi to celebrate.
What do you think?
Wait.
What happened to your face?
Did you get into a fight?
-Yes.
-Where?
At the factory.
Did you get into a fight with your boss?
He kept picking a fight with me,
so I lost it and hit him a few times.
He said he was taking
his medical expense out of my salary.
That's when it hit me
that he did it on purpose.
But why…
So,
you won't get paid?
I'll find another job.
What other place in Geumje will take you?
I know that!
That's why I tried to suck it up,
even though he was such an asshole.
But still…
RÉSUMÉ
NAME: HAN JEONG-SUK
You're only hiring unmarried women?
That wasn't in the job posting.
How could you leave out
something so important?
Well, because of the nature of the work,
we don't hire married women.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
I'll be going then.
She had a pretty face though.
Hey!
I'd still take an unmarried young lady
with worse looks
over a pretty married woman.
That's what I'm saying.
But…
But what?
I was just wondering.
What does being married have to do
with bookkeeping at a gas station?
It's not like married women can't
calculate receipts.
I just don't understand.
JOB LISTINGS
Gosh.
Hello.
I'm happy to see you,
but I would be happier
if you paid rent on time.
I was going to pay today. Just a minute.
Honey.
You were waiting for me!
Did you take the money in our savings tin?
Yes, I spent it.
No, not spent. Invested.
Honey.
That was our rent money!
I know.
But if my plan works out,
we'll make a year's rent worth of money.
And if it doesn't?
What do we tell our landlord?
That's…
How could you?
-You wasted all that money.
-"Wasted"?
Why do you think everything I do is wrong?
-That's not it.
-Whatever.
Everyone looks down on me.
And you're no different.
Honey.
A NIGHT OF PASSION
FANTASY LINGERIE
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SESSION
FANTASY LINGERIE
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SESSION
Hey!
Fancy seeing you here!
Hello.
I feel better seeing a familiar face here.
Let's go in.
The thing is…
I think I should just go.
Wait. Let's go in together.
Not a single soul on earth
goes without underwear.
It's no big deal.
No.
This is not just underwear.
WELCOME
SALESPERSON INFORMATION SESSION
It's not used to cover and protect.
This underwear is meant to reveal.
This is a lot racier than I expected.
Most people assume
women are not interested in sex.
That is incorrect.
Even we women
are interested in having
passionate sex lives,
and we have every right to enjoy it.
If I'd known it'd be like this,
I never would've come.
I'll be leaving now too.
-What? Really?
-I expected this.
Still, how frustrating.
I thought you'd be desperate for money.
I guess I was wrong.
I do need the money.
But I can't take on just any job
just because I need money.
This clearly throws people off.
So, how can I sell these products
or make money?
What if I'm confident for a good reason?
People may find this
unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first.
But I believe you will succeed in the end
because I have precedents proving it.
These are materials I collected
while running my business.
There are precedents.
British physician Joseph
invented the electronic vibrator
to treat hysteria and anxiety.
People came to realize that it could be
used for erotic purposes over the years.
In the 1960s,
stores in the US
began to openly sell adult toys.
Interest in them grew,
and in 1977, Good Vibrations,
the first store dedicated to adult toys,
opened in San Francisco.
And that's when adult toys
were introduced to Korea, too.
I was a middle-aged woman that took items
out of the US army PX to sell.
I first encountered adult toys
through a US soldier.
What is it?
Geez! What is this?
Geez.
What do you think?
James…
This is a little…
This will absolutely make you money.
You said you wanted to be rich.
It'll get me rich?
That's how I started…
Fantasy Lingerie.
If she started in the 60s,
that means she's done it
for over 30 years.
Korea may be more conservative
than other countries,
but I took this on
because I knew there was potential.
And?
This is my 70-pyeong store in Seoul.
You may have seen it on your way in.
-The car parked outside is mine too.
-What?
My goodness.
I can't believe I'm selling adult toys.
I know, right?
But most housewives with a child
can't even dream of making 500,000 won.
I'd be happy
even if I couldn't make 500,000 won.
I'd be over the moon
if I made 300,000 won.
I wouldn't have to worry about rent.
I could buy my son a new school bag.
They said we have to bring
all the money from sales
back to the office to be paid our salary.
Yes. We don't need startup capital.
But if we can't sell, we can't get paid.
We also can't get more products to sell.
You think we can do this?
We've already signed up for it.
We have to make it work, no matter what.
And she was acting all virtuous
before we went in there.
Wait for me.
Where did the roof of that car go?
I've only seen that in the movies.
You don't get to see
a car like that in Geumje.
Who could that be?
Excuse me.
-What is it?
-What is it?
Is there a coffee shop nearby?
There's nothing like that here.
There's Black Teahouse down that way.
It's the only one we have.
"Black Teahouse"?
Or you can have coffee
from our vending machine.
You don't seem to be from around here.
You can sit and chat away with us.
We have plenty of rice cakes
that we can share with you too.
No, thank you.
Goodness!
Don't turn us down like that,
and sit for a minute.
No, it's all right.
It's really all right. Pardon me.
Maybe I should've grabbed him, not you.
Where should I do the sales?
A big house would be ideal.
Jeong-suk.
Could you iron my husband's shirts?
He has an important meeting this weekend.
-Plans?
-The Royal Club.
You know that my husband
wants to expand the pharmacy, right?
Yes. He said he liked a spot
near the movie theater.
The owner of that building
is the club chairman.
-The real estate agent's husband.
-I see.
At first, they said no.
But I think they're warming up to him.
What a relief.
If all this goes well,
I'm hoping to increase your hours.
I see.
Ma'am.
-I started another side job.
-Another job?
Yes. I'm exploring home sales.
Where you go to people's homes
and sell products?
Yes.
But
I don't know a lot of people.
And my place isn't fit
for selling stuff at.
Could I possibly use your home?
I'll pay an hourly fee for its use.
I'll also give you a gift.
It's you. Of course, I'll help.
But what are you selling?
Makeup? Pots?
Well…
I understand that you're shocked.
But it will be a new experience,
and it'll be fun too.
Jeong-suk.
As you know, I'm not that uptight.
-Of course, you're not!
-But…
I'm not that open-minded either.
Are you really
from Seoul Gangnam Police Station?
Yes.
You studied in the US through high school
then went to the police academy.
You're overqualified.
You're too big a fish
for our small country pond.
Why are you in a place like this?
Do you have a connection here?
No, it's just that it looks
like a good place to live.
I see.
You're right about that.
There's not much crime
out here in the boondocks.
The people are very different
from the ones in Seoul though.
-They're simple country folk.
-Is that right?
You still have to watch yourself.
If you talk too fast
and people think you're rude,
it'll be hard for you.
Greet people properly.
If people ask for small favors, do them.
That's right.
Detective Na, you've been here
the longest, so teach him the ropes.
It's going to be hard to teach
without knowing anything though.
Don't just puff yourself up.
I would never do that.
And with so few junior colleagues?
I'll treat him very well.
Why are you getting up so suddenly?
Were you not finished talking?
I guess we were more or less done.
But that surprised me.
Since you're here, let's have lunch.
You know Geumje's gochujang is famous,
right?
I'll take you out
for pork sautéed in gochujang.
I already had lunch.
But it's not even 11 a.m.
I have early lunches.
Tomorrow's my first day of work,
so I'll head home now.
Take care.
Damn.
He just lied to us
to get out of lunch, right?
You can tell he doesn't want
to spend time with us.
GEUMJE POLICE STATION
SAFE CITIZENS!
GEUMJE, A NICE TOWN TO LIVE IN
AERIAL VIEW OF GEUMJE-GUN
A new experience? Fun?
Is she saying I look bored?
There.
I hope he comes before it gets cold.
Ding!
Ding!
-Sit down. Sit!
-Okay.
Why did you turn the lights off?
I wasn't even home yet.
Are you sleeping or just pretending to?
It's hot. I almost burned my hand.
Wake up, honey.
Open your eyes. I know you're awake.
I just met with Chairman Eom.
Why didn't you call to say you'd be late?
I'd had dinner ready.
That's not important right now.
Today, it was as if we were
about to seal the deal.
Even if he's a huge pain in the ass,
it's worth keeping Dae-geun around.
That's great.
Why so cold?
Am I wrong?
I'm always trying hard,
and you don't seem to care.
-What?
-You could've supported me a little.
If you'd gotten close
with Chairman Eom's wife
and smoothed the way, it would've helped.
But you built walls, keeping everyone out.
I'm the only one begging, pleading
and fighting the fight alone.
You used to say I was better
than the gossips wagging their tongues.
And now you talk back to me?
If the times are changing,
you have to adapt.
It'd be great if you were
a modern, liberal woman
who goes out
and finds hobbies to do with friends.
It's too bad.
Anyway, I'm going to wash up.
Make me some honey tea.
The house is too freaking clean.
Is cleaning your only passion?
"Adapt"?
"Find a hobby"?
"A modern woman"?
Seong-su knocked all three flat
for harassing Jeong-suk.
It was four of them, including Chang-sik.
You're right.
What is this?
You only ever talk about
when you were the Three Musketeers.
Talk about something I know
so high school transfers
won't feel left out.
Right, Jeong-suk?
Hey, Han Jeong-suk!
What?
Don't worry, Jeong-suk.
I've asked a bunch
of places to hire Seong-su.
I'm not worried.
I'm sure he'll figure it out.
What?
-Let me get that.
-Yeah.
Drink up, buddy.
Hello?
It's me.
I'll get straight to the point.
About the home sales thing,
let's do it at my house.
Pardon?
Are you sure?
As you know, I don't know
a lot of people, but I'll ask around.
Thank you so much.
I know this was a hard decision.
-I…
-Honey!
We're out of face soap!
I'll get you some.
CHARMING HAIR SALON
Welcome.
You must be new here.
You can sit here.
All right.
What style do you want?
I'm not sure.
I don't have anything in mind.
Could you recommend something?
I have a meeting tonight.
I see.
If you tell me what kind of meeting it is,
it'll help me pick out a style.
My friend is selling lingerie
at a sales event at my house.
That sounds fun.
Can I come too?
Would you?
For us, the more the merrier.
That's an okay from you!
There's a perm that would be perfect.
Shall I?
Yes, please.
Ms. Lee.
-Welcome.
-Hello.
Well, now.
It's been long since I got my hair done.
Look who it is.
Fancy seeing you here, Geum-hui.
Do you know each other?
My husband is the Royal Club chairman.
Her husband is
one of the countless club members.
What are you doing to your hair?
A perm.
You? Geum-hui?
That's unexpected.
Why?
Are you copying me?
Excuse me?
This perm only looks good
because it's on me.
If you just copy me blindly,
it will look very different,
so you'll get disappointed.
Since you two know each other,
you should come to her house tonight too.
She's hosting a lingerie sale.
-No, but that's--
-Lingerie?
That's too bad.
My daughter's coming from Seoul
and I have errands to run.
I'm just too busy.
Really? What a shame.
Can you touch up this part?
-What happened?
-Tell me everything.
I'm finally going to sell.
What is it? Spill it!
So, what happened with Hyeon-su?
I'll see him.
You'll be dating? No way!
-Must be nice to be young.
-Weren't you dating Yeong-man?
-No.
-Yeong-man?
Just a moment, sir!
Ma'am.
It's so heavy.
Be careful.
-Thank you.
-Just a moment!
Here, sit down.
-Are you getting off or what?
-Yes, I am!
-The bus is leaving.
-I'm getting off!
-Thank you.
-No problem.
Wait, no!
Stop!
Sir!
What am I going to do?
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
I left something on that bus.
It's very important to me.
I'm sorry, I'm busy. As you can see--
Please help me!
It's my last hope. Please!
What should I do?
Please! Help me!
Gosh.
-That bus?
-Yes.
My goodness.
Mister!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry! Thank you!
I found it!
What the heck?
What is happening to me?
Oh, dear.
What's this?
So, this is your last hope?
Yes.
I don't have time to explain.
But yes, this is my last hope.
Anyway, thank you so much.
Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Thanks!
Simple country folk, huh?
Jeong-suk.
I'm so sorry I'm late.
That's not the issue here.
She said she wasn't coming,
but the club chairman's wife came.
-What?
-It's pretty.
Well, this house is
smaller than I thought.
-Yes, it's small.
-Look at this.
Seo-yeon is here too.
We went to the same school.
Is her daughter
that's visiting from Seoul your friend?
We're obviously doomed
now that she's here.
Can we just stick to underwear for today?
If we're going to do it,
we have to go all the way.
I practiced a lot last night.
I'll explain well
so they don't feel uncomfortable.
Don't worry too much.
Jeong-suk.
Your hands are trembling.
What's wrong with me?
There's only Wangbangul Underwear
in this town.
-American lingerie! I can't wait.
-Me too.
When are we getting started?
Beats me.
She had us all come
and is wasting our time now.
They're coming soon.
-Shall we?
-Yes.
It's delicious.
Sorry. Just a sec.
Is that you, Jeong-suk?
Hi, Seo-yeon.
So you're the one selling underwear?
What an unexpected twist
for someone as proper as you.
Proper people still wear underwear.
I'm sure she's here
to sell underwear as proper as she is.
Fine. Let's take a look
at some very proper undies then.
-Yes, let's go.
-Right.
Quick, show us!
That's right. Go ahead!
-Yes, let's see them.
-Yes.
Let's take a look.
All right.
-What?
-What are those?
-What is all this?
-What?
Heavens! What is all this?
I was going to buy panties
to cover up my belly fat.
This is entirely see-through,
like a mosquito net.
-When would you wear this?
-What the…
It's always the quiet ones
who are the wildest.
She's never even laughed at a dirty joke,
but she's selling this stuff?
This is pretty!
-So she sells necklaces too?
-It's pretty.
-A necklace.
-Is this how you wear it?
That looks nice.
That's not a necklace.
What?
It's underwear.
-What?
-What?
-Heavens!
-Oh, my!
If this is a pair of panties…
Wait. Which side is the front?
Yes, that's the front.
My word.
Wait a minute.
This one must be defective.
The seams are missing from the bottom.
Right.
That's how it's supposed to be.
There's supposed to be no bottom?
But why?
That's…
How should I put this?
Well, you know
there are some stores
keeping their doors wide open?
Why do you think they do that?
Because it's a pain
to open the door every time.
It's for people to get in and out easily.
That's exactly it! Easy access.
Easy access for what?
You know, the thing.
The thing…
This is insane.
My gosh.
Am I dreaming right now?
What the hell is going on?
I'm so shocked. My heart.
I understand that you must be shocked.
I was shocked at first too.
-But--
-Geum-hui.
Did you know about this?
You didn't know, right?
You were conned by that woman, right?
You're not the kind of woman
to be tempted by such vulgar things.
I majored
in English literature in college.
Why is she bringing up college
all of a sudden?
It's not like the rest of us didn't go.
Mom, you never went.
Shush.
That's not what I mean.
Maybe it's because I consumed
so many books and movies in English.
I wasn't very shocked by this.
I'm just not that uptight.
These days, there are many movies
that turned eroticism to art.
Like Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Right.
The Lady Chattering thing.
-Oh, right.
-Right.
I guess that's in style at the moment.
I'm sure those of you
who don't read novels or watch movies
might've been a little shocked.
-I didn't think of that.
-True.
CHILI PEPPER
What? You gave Seung-tak
money for an investment?
Why would you trust him?
His father's the head of the town.
You really think he'd scam me?
It doesn't matter if his dad
or his granddad is town chief.
He was kicked out of his family long ago.
Why didn't you ask me first?
So, what?
It's not like we know
how it will turn out.
You're impossible.
This is fun, but there's not much variety.
Is this all you have?
I mean, I don't really see
anything I want to buy.
I have products I haven't shown you yet.
This is the main event.
There's nothing in my size.
-That's the thing.
-It has to fit perfectly.
-Right.
-I agree.
There aren't enough sizes.
What if it was made wrong?
This is it.
What is that?
Is it a mic?
But there's no cord.
It's a pestle to grind garlic.
-I see.
-So that's it.
That's not what it is.
It's like a kind of massager.
You press it against your face
and massage it like this?
-That exists.
-I've seen that before.
It's not for your face.
Then what is it for?
So it's for the shoulders.
-Right.
-That must be it.
What is it? Tell us!
Why won't they say it out loud?
-What?
-Why? What is it?
-What is it? What?
-That gave me a heart attack.
What did you say?
Put that away right now!
-Gosh!
-Oh, my!
What a bizarre-looking thing.
What does this do?
-My goodness!
-Heavens!
Why did you give it to me?
My goodness.
You must all be shocked.
I told you to just leave it.
Of course, I should clean up.
We didn't sell anything.
What will we do with all those things?
Jeong-suk.
That machine…
-I'll take one.
-What?
You will?
Yes.
That's great!
I'm so torn.
Which one looks better on me?
This one's cute sexy.
This is more spicy sexy.
To go with your vibe…
Who's that? It's not time
for my husband to come home yet.
Who is it?
This is the police.
The police?
Hello.
I'm Kim Do-hyeon, a new detective here.
-Are you the owner of this house?
-Yes, I am.
-Well…
-We got a report that this is a brothel.
That's outrageous!
-Hey.
-Hey.
You're a police officer?
You two know each other?
No, but earlier today--
Brothel? That's ridiculous!
That's right.
Who filed such an absurd complaint?
It must be my mother.
There are only women here.
We got a report that you were using
lewd tools to engage in prostitution.
We'll examine the scene first.
If there's no problem,
continue with your business.
What's wrong with you?
I'll just take a look.
Excuse me, sir.
-Let's see.
-Sir…
-Well…
-Open the door.
Here, come in.
Just a quick look around.
There's nothing here.
Let's see.
This is a little suggestive.
It was just a group of women here
for an underwear sale.
I don't think anything here
is problematic.
That's for us to judge.
Detective Kim, look closely
to see if anything here's problematic.
Yes, sir.
Nothing here would be a problem.
What's wrong?
It looks like someone's in that room.
What?
Freeze!
Who the hell are you?
I'm a police officer!
I'm so very sorry!
So there's nothing else?
No.
All right.
You didn't find
anything problematic, did you?
I did not.
Then let's go.
-Thank you.
-No problem.
Thank you for your service.
But where did all the vibrators go?
-They're gone?
-They're gone.
They're right here!
My goodness.
Wasn't this clever of me?
I didn't think much good
would come out of the police seeing these.
Thank you!
What are you all doing?
Get the hell out of my house!
What a night. What the heck was that?
This is where respectable people live.
Those were some strange women.
-Cheers.
-You too.
-You should have another.
-Sure.
How's the investment coming along?
Don't worry about it. Trust me!
Of course. Let's drink.
My goodness.
So the pharmacist's housekeeper
was selling adult toys?
Yes!
My wife told me
they had really lewd lingerie
and weird machine-like things.
You hear that? What a sexy woman.
I want to play around with her,
whoever she is.
What?
You think that woman only sells toys?
Surely sex too.
What did you just say?
What?
Ass.
Did Mom leave?
What about Min-ho?
You really want to know?
I thought you only cared
about your sex meetings.
I heard
about what you've been up to.
I'm sorry for not telling you.
I know you hate that stuff.
But, honey,
this is just me running a business.
If I work hard--
"A business"?
What kind of business?
Is prostitution a business?
How can you say that?
I told you…
not to do it.
Am I a joke to you?
Damn.
Is it because I'm unemployed?
I can't deny that
after you were fired,
you drove me to the edge
when you spent our rent.
I had to do something.
So what people say is true.
A lot of people say
your life's been ruined because of me.
Fine.
I'll get the hell out.
Better late than never.
What a disgrace.
How could you allow
such things in my house?
-Your house?
-Then is it yours?
Quit the silly behavior.
Your hair, that ruckus yesterday,
you're getting in trouble
by acting so out of character.
Gosh.
I thought you wanted me
to be an adventurous, modern woman?
What? Why don't you eat more?
I'm not hungry.
Jeong-suk hasn't called once.
She must know you're here.
She should be
begging for your forgiveness.
How dare she?
Stop it.
-I'm going to sleep.
-Okay.
Get some rest.
He didn't even touch his food.
Why are you only on his side?
You're closer with Jeong-suk.
That's why I'm angrier.
How did she get into something so vulgar?
Don't meddle.
They'll resolve their issue on their own.
I'm off to work, honey.
Okay.
-Drive safe, okay?
-Okay.
-Have a good day.
-Okay.
Here.
You couldn't take your things
because of my husband.
Thank you so much, and I'm sorry too.
And this too.
This looks like too much.
I'm buying this, so I added some money.
-You are?
-Yes.
I've been drawn to this
since I saw it yesterday.
I didn't want to do anything unlike me.
But the moment my husband told me
not to act out of character,
I wanted to act so out of character.
Darling, you're pretty cute.
I'm too old for you to call me "darling."
Why?
You're too uptight
for someone wearing this.
In the US, where this is from,
people call each other by name
even with a 60-year age gap. Geum-hui?
My goodness.
In-tae?
Mi-hwa?
In-tae.
Mi-hwa.
Mi-hwa.
Oh, gosh.
A VIRTUOUS BUSINESS
SPECIAL THANKS TO RA MI-RAN
Who's the prettiest woman
in the world to your husband?
It's any woman who's not his wife.
And before you know it,
he'll start having an affair.
Maybe they're birds of a feather.
The rumors say she got into a huge fight
with her husband
for selling terribly lewd adult products.
The husband left her right after.
Hey! She's looking for a place
where she can sell her products.
No way!
Neither of us are interested
in that kind of lewd stuff anyway.
I've made up my mind.
I want to take up this work.
-Isn't this too secluded?
-No, I love it.
I wanted to observe.
Subtitle translation by: Erica Chung
A VIRTUOUS BUSINESS
-What should we eat?
-Tteokbokki!
-I want sundae!
-Enough!
Why are you so late?
I don't want to go to work.
You never do.
Yes, that's it.
Right here.
Is this right?
-It's right.
-How are you going to pay?
-Just put it in your ledger.
-I'm off.
-See you.
-See you.
-Hello.
-Long time no see!
-How are you?
-Good.
-How are you, my dear?
-Hello.
How are you, ladies?
-These look good.
-Of course.
YOUR HOMETOWN RUNNER
GEUMJE MS. CHILI PEPPER CONTES
GEUMJE, 1992
Should I enter Mi-suk in that?
In what?
The National Assembly elections?
No, Ms. Chili Pepper!
It'd be faster
to make her an assemblywoman.
Why? What's wrong with my Mi-suk?
She may not be able to win Miss Korea,
but she could win a countryside pageant.
You're new around here,
so let me tell you.
Geumje is as famous for beauties
as it is for chili peppers.
All the past winners are total knockouts.
How pretty could they be?
Well?
That pretty.
-Hello.
-Good morning.
Oh, no.
Hello.
Hi.
An egg, please.
You see her?
Min-ho's mother right here
won Ms. Chili Pepper when she was young.
You have to be this pretty
to win Ms. Chili Pepper.
That was ages ago.
-Did you pick up more work?
-Yes.
Thank you. Good-bye.
Everything is on sale!
What a waste of good looks.
What's she doing with those dolls?
Is she sewing on the eyes?
Yes, that's her side hustle.
With that face,
she should be living large.
She drew the short straw.
"The short straw"?
Gosh!
You're up.
You got more?
It doesn't even pay well.
You're right, but they're so cute.
There we go.
The once-blind Dooly
can now look here and there!
It makes me feel so proud.
Look.
Good for you.
Good morning.
Did you sleep well?
Go wash up! I'll get breakfast ready.
My boy.
Geez, she could be a farmer.
Let's go.
-Look at Mommy.
-You look like a real grade-schooler.
All set.
Is that it?
The thing you got from your cousin?
Yes. It was Jin-hui's.
Jin-hui? Their daughter?
It's red. It's a gender-neutral color.
But that's Magical Princess Minky Momo!
JIN-HUI'S PROPERTY
MINKY
-You could've bought a new one.
-It's not like I didn't want to.
But we can't even pay rent on time.
And that's why I'm working.
For the biggest loser
from high school, at that.
I know you're making an effort.
But the expenses
will get bigger and bigger.
We have to send him
-to cram school--
-Min-ho! Let's race to the intersection!
Ready? Get set.
Let's…
Not again!
Catch me if you can!
Wait for me.
GEUMJE GOCHUJANG
I knew it. My son's a genius.
Have a good day at school.
Remember what I told you?
-If anyone picks a fight?
-Break their nose first.
Geez, seriously.
-What's wrong with you?
-What?
Jeong-suk!
Okay, I'll be going.
Bye.
-Have a good time.
-Let's go.
Jeong-suk's the same as ever.
Like a flower blooming in a snowstorm,
she looks stunning
even though she's dirt poor.
What?
I was saying the truth!
That little…
WELCOME
GEUMJE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
-Let's go.
-Class Three, over here!
SCHOOL ENTRANCE CEREMONY
Children, line up.
-My class, come with me.
-Class Three, this way.
The one in shorts.
I see you have only one kid.
Yes, that's right.
I also got emotional
when I sent my first to school.
But with my second,
I was too busy to get emotional.
Over there, in Class Two, that's my third.
And look here!
You see, I have four kids.
I see.
Can you put this on for me?
What a cute baby.
Thank you.
Ms. Seo.
Hello.
You still haven't paid
for Min-ji's school milk program.
I'll pay it tomorrow.
All right. Please make sure
you settle up tomorrow.
She was my second's
homeroom teacher last year.
She's sexually frustrated for sure.
-Pardon?
-She's a spinster.
She treats men and women so differently.
She's so cold and condescending with me,
but with my husband,
she acts all coy and shy like this.
-Oh, my.
-I'm not even joking!
Goodness.
-The baby pooped.
-Oh, no.
You could say she's the lucky one though.
She's still living that single woman life.
-I'll see you next time.
-Sure.
-You're so pretty.
-Thank you. Take care.
Geez, look at you hustling.
Have a good day.
He's always so busy.
CHARMING HAIR SALON
-Goodness!
-Are you okay?
-Are you hurt?
-That hurts.
-Hey, Ju-ri.
-Welcome!
I'll be there in just a sec.
Are you okay?
-Help me up!
-Okay.
-What the heck?
-Goodness.
You're both getting perms?
-Yes.
-That's right.
Where's Dong-u? At school?
Yes. He was excited
for the entrance ceremony.
The entrance ceremony.
Shouldn't you go?
He said he's not a baby,
so I should use the time to do
more perms and buy him a tasty treat.
What a clever boy.
I wonder who he takes after.
Rice here.
I spilled so much of it
when I fell just now.
That's all right.
What's with that attitude?
Who do you think is at fault here?
Whose fault is it?
Of course, it's your fault.
What?
I was so shocked by your racy outfit
that I crashed straight into a handcart.
Can't you dress more respectably
when you're out in town?
Sure thing, dear. I'll do as you say.
"As you say, dear"…
No!
What do you mean, "dear"?
You're just one of those,
what do you call them?
-Husbandless?
-Single mom.
Yes, you're a single mom!
True. I'm a single mom without a husband.
I'm not your wife or anything.
So, why should I dress
the way you tell me to?
What?
Your wife has so many split ends
but keeps her hair long
because you like it that way.
You already have her.
So, why should I do as you say too?
Forget it and just pay for the rice.
All right.
Oh, right.
You spilled a couple of baskets of rice…
so I'm deducting this.
Right, the coffee.
Two coffee, two sugar, one creamer?
She didn't back down.
I ate out for lunch the past few days,
and now I feel bloated.
You know?
-Thank you, Jeong-suk.
-No worries.
I have to say,
home-cooked meals are the best.
What time will you be home tonight?
Same time as always, I guess. Why?
The Silence of the Lambs
is playing in Geumje.
Perhaps we can go see it?
The Silence of the Lambs?
No, thanks.
I don't like children,
and I hate baby animals even more.
It doesn't have real lambs in it.
In any case, I doze off
whenever I go to the movies.
It's a waste of money.
And if the lambs are silent,
they should be given medicine.
People are watching them
for entertainment instead?
How pathetic.
I'm off.
I can be so shortsighted at times.
I'm sure he must be tired
from dealing with pharmacy customers.
Don't you agree?
Of course.
I thought you'd stay
for a cup of tea as usual.
Today was the first day of school,
so I want to get groceries.
I see. Then you should go.
Thank you.
I'm sorry, but how about my weekly pay?
I put it right there.
Thank you, ma'am.
RETAIL PRICE
28,000 WON
GEUMJE BUTCHER SHOP
I'm the only one who can put up with him.
Hello.
It's Min-ho's mom!
I haven't seen you in so long.
I'll take 600 grams of ham.
Sure.
It's time for me to get going.
Give me some beef bones.
Again?
You're feeding him
expensive bone broth for every meal!
What's your husband
using all that energy on?
I need bone broth to get him
at least a little bit potent.
When he was young,
he'd have some grilled ham
and wouldn't let me sleep a wink.
He must've used up all his mojo then.
You're right.
That must be why Jeong-suk
is buying ham now.
See? At that age,
you don't even need the ham.
She just has to show him some of her hams,
and he should be chomping at the bit.
Is my order ready yet?
Just a moment.
You even have a kid.
No need to be all serious.
Are you that proper?
These conversations
are what make life fun.
Here. Thank you.
Good bye.
Well, now I feel embarrassed.
She's always been like that.
She seems like a decent person
with a bright personality,
but she's unusually weird
about this stuff.
My word, those jokes.
"Monthly salary of 500,000 won"?
LINGERIE HOME SALES
"Set your own hours"?
"A night of passion"…
"Lingerie"…
Welcome home.
Since Min-ho started school,
I'm making bulgogi to celebrate.
What do you think?
Wait.
What happened to your face?
Did you get into a fight?
-Yes.
-Where?
At the factory.
Did you get into a fight with your boss?
He kept picking a fight with me,
so I lost it and hit him a few times.
He said he was taking
his medical expense out of my salary.
That's when it hit me
that he did it on purpose.
But why…
So,
you won't get paid?
I'll find another job.
What other place in Geumje will take you?
I know that!
That's why I tried to suck it up,
even though he was such an asshole.
But still…
RÉSUMÉ
NAME: HAN JEONG-SUK
You're only hiring unmarried women?
That wasn't in the job posting.
How could you leave out
something so important?
Well, because of the nature of the work,
we don't hire married women.
I'm sorry.
Thank you.
I'll be going then.
She had a pretty face though.
Hey!
I'd still take an unmarried young lady
with worse looks
over a pretty married woman.
That's what I'm saying.
But…
But what?
I was just wondering.
What does being married have to do
with bookkeeping at a gas station?
It's not like married women can't
calculate receipts.
I just don't understand.
JOB LISTINGS
Gosh.
Hello.
I'm happy to see you,
but I would be happier
if you paid rent on time.
I was going to pay today. Just a minute.
Honey.
You were waiting for me!
Did you take the money in our savings tin?
Yes, I spent it.
No, not spent. Invested.
Honey.
That was our rent money!
I know.
But if my plan works out,
we'll make a year's rent worth of money.
And if it doesn't?
What do we tell our landlord?
That's…
How could you?
-You wasted all that money.
-"Wasted"?
Why do you think everything I do is wrong?
-That's not it.
-Whatever.
Everyone looks down on me.
And you're no different.
Honey.
A NIGHT OF PASSION
FANTASY LINGERIE
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SESSION
FANTASY LINGERIE
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION SESSION
Hey!
Fancy seeing you here!
Hello.
I feel better seeing a familiar face here.
Let's go in.
The thing is…
I think I should just go.
Wait. Let's go in together.
Not a single soul on earth
goes without underwear.
It's no big deal.
No.
This is not just underwear.
WELCOME
SALESPERSON INFORMATION SESSION
It's not used to cover and protect.
This underwear is meant to reveal.
This is a lot racier than I expected.
Most people assume
women are not interested in sex.
That is incorrect.
Even we women
are interested in having
passionate sex lives,
and we have every right to enjoy it.
If I'd known it'd be like this,
I never would've come.
I'll be leaving now too.
-What? Really?
-I expected this.
Still, how frustrating.
I thought you'd be desperate for money.
I guess I was wrong.
I do need the money.
But I can't take on just any job
just because I need money.
This clearly throws people off.
So, how can I sell these products
or make money?
What if I'm confident for a good reason?
People may find this
unfamiliar and uncomfortable at first.
But I believe you will succeed in the end
because I have precedents proving it.
These are materials I collected
while running my business.
There are precedents.
British physician Joseph
invented the electronic vibrator
to treat hysteria and anxiety.
People came to realize that it could be
used for erotic purposes over the years.
In the 1960s,
stores in the US
began to openly sell adult toys.
Interest in them grew,
and in 1977, Good Vibrations,
the first store dedicated to adult toys,
opened in San Francisco.
And that's when adult toys
were introduced to Korea, too.
I was a middle-aged woman that took items
out of the US army PX to sell.
I first encountered adult toys
through a US soldier.
What is it?
Geez! What is this?
Geez.
What do you think?
James…
This is a little…
This will absolutely make you money.
You said you wanted to be rich.
It'll get me rich?
That's how I started…
Fantasy Lingerie.
If she started in the 60s,
that means she's done it
for over 30 years.
Korea may be more conservative
than other countries,
but I took this on
because I knew there was potential.
And?
This is my 70-pyeong store in Seoul.
You may have seen it on your way in.
-The car parked outside is mine too.
-What?
My goodness.
I can't believe I'm selling adult toys.
I know, right?
But most housewives with a child
can't even dream of making 500,000 won.
I'd be happy
even if I couldn't make 500,000 won.
I'd be over the moon
if I made 300,000 won.
I wouldn't have to worry about rent.
I could buy my son a new school bag.
They said we have to bring
all the money from sales
back to the office to be paid our salary.
Yes. We don't need startup capital.
But if we can't sell, we can't get paid.
We also can't get more products to sell.
You think we can do this?
We've already signed up for it.
We have to make it work, no matter what.
And she was acting all virtuous
before we went in there.
Wait for me.
Where did the roof of that car go?
I've only seen that in the movies.
You don't get to see
a car like that in Geumje.
Who could that be?
Excuse me.
-What is it?
-What is it?
Is there a coffee shop nearby?
There's nothing like that here.
There's Black Teahouse down that way.
It's the only one we have.
"Black Teahouse"?
Or you can have coffee
from our vending machine.
You don't seem to be from around here.
You can sit and chat away with us.
We have plenty of rice cakes
that we can share with you too.
No, thank you.
Goodness!
Don't turn us down like that,
and sit for a minute.
No, it's all right.
It's really all right. Pardon me.
Maybe I should've grabbed him, not you.
Where should I do the sales?
A big house would be ideal.
Jeong-suk.
Could you iron my husband's shirts?
He has an important meeting this weekend.
-Plans?
-The Royal Club.
You know that my husband
wants to expand the pharmacy, right?
Yes. He said he liked a spot
near the movie theater.
The owner of that building
is the club chairman.
-The real estate agent's husband.
-I see.
At first, they said no.
But I think they're warming up to him.
What a relief.
If all this goes well,
I'm hoping to increase your hours.
I see.
Ma'am.
-I started another side job.
-Another job?
Yes. I'm exploring home sales.
Where you go to people's homes
and sell products?
Yes.
But
I don't know a lot of people.
And my place isn't fit
for selling stuff at.
Could I possibly use your home?
I'll pay an hourly fee for its use.
I'll also give you a gift.
It's you. Of course, I'll help.
But what are you selling?
Makeup? Pots?
Well…
I understand that you're shocked.
But it will be a new experience,
and it'll be fun too.
Jeong-suk.
As you know, I'm not that uptight.
-Of course, you're not!
-But…
I'm not that open-minded either.
Are you really
from Seoul Gangnam Police Station?
Yes.
You studied in the US through high school
then went to the police academy.
You're overqualified.
You're too big a fish
for our small country pond.
Why are you in a place like this?
Do you have a connection here?
No, it's just that it looks
like a good place to live.
I see.
You're right about that.
There's not much crime
out here in the boondocks.
The people are very different
from the ones in Seoul though.
-They're simple country folk.
-Is that right?
You still have to watch yourself.
If you talk too fast
and people think you're rude,
it'll be hard for you.
Greet people properly.
If people ask for small favors, do them.
That's right.
Detective Na, you've been here
the longest, so teach him the ropes.
It's going to be hard to teach
without knowing anything though.
Don't just puff yourself up.
I would never do that.
And with so few junior colleagues?
I'll treat him very well.
Why are you getting up so suddenly?
Were you not finished talking?
I guess we were more or less done.
But that surprised me.
Since you're here, let's have lunch.
You know Geumje's gochujang is famous,
right?
I'll take you out
for pork sautéed in gochujang.
I already had lunch.
But it's not even 11 a.m.
I have early lunches.
Tomorrow's my first day of work,
so I'll head home now.
Take care.
Damn.
He just lied to us
to get out of lunch, right?
You can tell he doesn't want
to spend time with us.
GEUMJE POLICE STATION
SAFE CITIZENS!
GEUMJE, A NICE TOWN TO LIVE IN
AERIAL VIEW OF GEUMJE-GUN
A new experience? Fun?
Is she saying I look bored?
There.
I hope he comes before it gets cold.
Ding!
Ding!
-Sit down. Sit!
-Okay.
Why did you turn the lights off?
I wasn't even home yet.
Are you sleeping or just pretending to?
It's hot. I almost burned my hand.
Wake up, honey.
Open your eyes. I know you're awake.
I just met with Chairman Eom.
Why didn't you call to say you'd be late?
I'd had dinner ready.
That's not important right now.
Today, it was as if we were
about to seal the deal.
Even if he's a huge pain in the ass,
it's worth keeping Dae-geun around.
That's great.
Why so cold?
Am I wrong?
I'm always trying hard,
and you don't seem to care.
-What?
-You could've supported me a little.
If you'd gotten close
with Chairman Eom's wife
and smoothed the way, it would've helped.
But you built walls, keeping everyone out.
I'm the only one begging, pleading
and fighting the fight alone.
You used to say I was better
than the gossips wagging their tongues.
And now you talk back to me?
If the times are changing,
you have to adapt.
It'd be great if you were
a modern, liberal woman
who goes out
and finds hobbies to do with friends.
It's too bad.
Anyway, I'm going to wash up.
Make me some honey tea.
The house is too freaking clean.
Is cleaning your only passion?
"Adapt"?
"Find a hobby"?
"A modern woman"?
Seong-su knocked all three flat
for harassing Jeong-suk.
It was four of them, including Chang-sik.
You're right.
What is this?
You only ever talk about
when you were the Three Musketeers.
Talk about something I know
so high school transfers
won't feel left out.
Right, Jeong-suk?
Hey, Han Jeong-suk!
What?
Don't worry, Jeong-suk.
I've asked a bunch
of places to hire Seong-su.
I'm not worried.
I'm sure he'll figure it out.
What?
-Let me get that.
-Yeah.
Drink up, buddy.
Hello?
It's me.
I'll get straight to the point.
About the home sales thing,
let's do it at my house.
Pardon?
Are you sure?
As you know, I don't know
a lot of people, but I'll ask around.
Thank you so much.
I know this was a hard decision.
-I…
-Honey!
We're out of face soap!
I'll get you some.
CHARMING HAIR SALON
Welcome.
You must be new here.
You can sit here.
All right.
What style do you want?
I'm not sure.
I don't have anything in mind.
Could you recommend something?
I have a meeting tonight.
I see.
If you tell me what kind of meeting it is,
it'll help me pick out a style.
My friend is selling lingerie
at a sales event at my house.
That sounds fun.
Can I come too?
Would you?
For us, the more the merrier.
That's an okay from you!
There's a perm that would be perfect.
Shall I?
Yes, please.
Ms. Lee.
-Welcome.
-Hello.
Well, now.
It's been long since I got my hair done.
Look who it is.
Fancy seeing you here, Geum-hui.
Do you know each other?
My husband is the Royal Club chairman.
Her husband is
one of the countless club members.
What are you doing to your hair?
A perm.
You? Geum-hui?
That's unexpected.
Why?
Are you copying me?
Excuse me?
This perm only looks good
because it's on me.
If you just copy me blindly,
it will look very different,
so you'll get disappointed.
Since you two know each other,
you should come to her house tonight too.
She's hosting a lingerie sale.
-No, but that's--
-Lingerie?
That's too bad.
My daughter's coming from Seoul
and I have errands to run.
I'm just too busy.
Really? What a shame.
Can you touch up this part?
-What happened?
-Tell me everything.
I'm finally going to sell.
What is it? Spill it!
So, what happened with Hyeon-su?
I'll see him.
You'll be dating? No way!
-Must be nice to be young.
-Weren't you dating Yeong-man?
-No.
-Yeong-man?
Just a moment, sir!
Ma'am.
It's so heavy.
Be careful.
-Thank you.
-Just a moment!
Here, sit down.
-Are you getting off or what?
-Yes, I am!
-The bus is leaving.
-I'm getting off!
-Thank you.
-No problem.
Wait, no!
Stop!
Sir!
What am I going to do?
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
Excuse me!
I left something on that bus.
It's very important to me.
I'm sorry, I'm busy. As you can see--
Please help me!
It's my last hope. Please!
What should I do?
Please! Help me!
Gosh.
-That bus?
-Yes.
My goodness.
Mister!
I'm sorry.
I'm so sorry.
I'm sorry! Thank you!
I found it!
What the heck?
What is happening to me?
Oh, dear.
What's this?
So, this is your last hope?
Yes.
I don't have time to explain.
But yes, this is my last hope.
Anyway, thank you so much.
Thank you!
Thank you so much!
Thanks!
Simple country folk, huh?
Jeong-suk.
I'm so sorry I'm late.
That's not the issue here.
She said she wasn't coming,
but the club chairman's wife came.
-What?
-It's pretty.
Well, this house is
smaller than I thought.
-Yes, it's small.
-Look at this.
Seo-yeon is here too.
We went to the same school.
Is her daughter
that's visiting from Seoul your friend?
We're obviously doomed
now that she's here.
Can we just stick to underwear for today?
If we're going to do it,
we have to go all the way.
I practiced a lot last night.
I'll explain well
so they don't feel uncomfortable.
Don't worry too much.
Jeong-suk.
Your hands are trembling.
What's wrong with me?
There's only Wangbangul Underwear
in this town.
-American lingerie! I can't wait.
-Me too.
When are we getting started?
Beats me.
She had us all come
and is wasting our time now.
They're coming soon.
-Shall we?
-Yes.
It's delicious.
Sorry. Just a sec.
Is that you, Jeong-suk?
Hi, Seo-yeon.
So you're the one selling underwear?
What an unexpected twist
for someone as proper as you.
Proper people still wear underwear.
I'm sure she's here
to sell underwear as proper as she is.
Fine. Let's take a look
at some very proper undies then.
-Yes, let's go.
-Right.
Quick, show us!
That's right. Go ahead!
-Yes, let's see them.
-Yes.
Let's take a look.
All right.
-What?
-What are those?
-What is all this?
-What?
Heavens! What is all this?
I was going to buy panties
to cover up my belly fat.
This is entirely see-through,
like a mosquito net.
-When would you wear this?
-What the…
It's always the quiet ones
who are the wildest.
She's never even laughed at a dirty joke,
but she's selling this stuff?
This is pretty!
-So she sells necklaces too?
-It's pretty.
-A necklace.
-Is this how you wear it?
That looks nice.
That's not a necklace.
What?
It's underwear.
-What?
-What?
-Heavens!
-Oh, my!
If this is a pair of panties…
Wait. Which side is the front?
Yes, that's the front.
My word.
Wait a minute.
This one must be defective.
The seams are missing from the bottom.
Right.
That's how it's supposed to be.
There's supposed to be no bottom?
But why?
That's…
How should I put this?
Well, you know
there are some stores
keeping their doors wide open?
Why do you think they do that?
Because it's a pain
to open the door every time.
It's for people to get in and out easily.
That's exactly it! Easy access.
Easy access for what?
You know, the thing.
The thing…
This is insane.
My gosh.
Am I dreaming right now?
What the hell is going on?
I'm so shocked. My heart.
I understand that you must be shocked.
I was shocked at first too.
-But--
-Geum-hui.
Did you know about this?
You didn't know, right?
You were conned by that woman, right?
You're not the kind of woman
to be tempted by such vulgar things.
I majored
in English literature in college.
Why is she bringing up college
all of a sudden?
It's not like the rest of us didn't go.
Mom, you never went.
Shush.
That's not what I mean.
Maybe it's because I consumed
so many books and movies in English.
I wasn't very shocked by this.
I'm just not that uptight.
These days, there are many movies
that turned eroticism to art.
Like Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Right.
The Lady Chattering thing.
-Oh, right.
-Right.
I guess that's in style at the moment.
I'm sure those of you
who don't read novels or watch movies
might've been a little shocked.
-I didn't think of that.
-True.
CHILI PEPPER
What? You gave Seung-tak
money for an investment?
Why would you trust him?
His father's the head of the town.
You really think he'd scam me?
It doesn't matter if his dad
or his granddad is town chief.
He was kicked out of his family long ago.
Why didn't you ask me first?
So, what?
It's not like we know
how it will turn out.
You're impossible.
This is fun, but there's not much variety.
Is this all you have?
I mean, I don't really see
anything I want to buy.
I have products I haven't shown you yet.
This is the main event.
There's nothing in my size.
-That's the thing.
-It has to fit perfectly.
-Right.
-I agree.
There aren't enough sizes.
What if it was made wrong?
This is it.
What is that?
Is it a mic?
But there's no cord.
It's a pestle to grind garlic.
-I see.
-So that's it.
That's not what it is.
It's like a kind of massager.
You press it against your face
and massage it like this?
-That exists.
-I've seen that before.
It's not for your face.
Then what is it for?
So it's for the shoulders.
-Right.
-That must be it.
What is it? Tell us!
Why won't they say it out loud?
-What?
-Why? What is it?
-What is it? What?
-That gave me a heart attack.
What did you say?
Put that away right now!
-Gosh!
-Oh, my!
What a bizarre-looking thing.
What does this do?
-My goodness!
-Heavens!
Why did you give it to me?
My goodness.
You must all be shocked.
I told you to just leave it.
Of course, I should clean up.
We didn't sell anything.
What will we do with all those things?
Jeong-suk.
That machine…
-I'll take one.
-What?
You will?
Yes.
That's great!
I'm so torn.
Which one looks better on me?
This one's cute sexy.
This is more spicy sexy.
To go with your vibe…
Who's that? It's not time
for my husband to come home yet.
Who is it?
This is the police.
The police?
Hello.
I'm Kim Do-hyeon, a new detective here.
-Are you the owner of this house?
-Yes, I am.
-Well…
-We got a report that this is a brothel.
That's outrageous!
-Hey.
-Hey.
You're a police officer?
You two know each other?
No, but earlier today--
Brothel? That's ridiculous!
That's right.
Who filed such an absurd complaint?
It must be my mother.
There are only women here.
We got a report that you were using
lewd tools to engage in prostitution.
We'll examine the scene first.
If there's no problem,
continue with your business.
What's wrong with you?
I'll just take a look.
Excuse me, sir.
-Let's see.
-Sir…
-Well…
-Open the door.
Here, come in.
Just a quick look around.
There's nothing here.
Let's see.
This is a little suggestive.
It was just a group of women here
for an underwear sale.
I don't think anything here
is problematic.
That's for us to judge.
Detective Kim, look closely
to see if anything here's problematic.
Yes, sir.
Nothing here would be a problem.
What's wrong?
It looks like someone's in that room.
What?
Freeze!
Who the hell are you?
I'm a police officer!
I'm so very sorry!
So there's nothing else?
No.
All right.
You didn't find
anything problematic, did you?
I did not.
Then let's go.
-Thank you.
-No problem.
Thank you for your service.
But where did all the vibrators go?
-They're gone?
-They're gone.
They're right here!
My goodness.
Wasn't this clever of me?
I didn't think much good
would come out of the police seeing these.
Thank you!
What are you all doing?
Get the hell out of my house!
What a night. What the heck was that?
This is where respectable people live.
Those were some strange women.
-Cheers.
-You too.
-You should have another.
-Sure.
How's the investment coming along?
Don't worry about it. Trust me!
Of course. Let's drink.
My goodness.
So the pharmacist's housekeeper
was selling adult toys?
Yes!
My wife told me
they had really lewd lingerie
and weird machine-like things.
You hear that? What a sexy woman.
I want to play around with her,
whoever she is.
What?
You think that woman only sells toys?
Surely sex too.
What did you just say?
What?
Ass.
Did Mom leave?
What about Min-ho?
You really want to know?
I thought you only cared
about your sex meetings.
I heard
about what you've been up to.
I'm sorry for not telling you.
I know you hate that stuff.
But, honey,
this is just me running a business.
If I work hard--
"A business"?
What kind of business?
Is prostitution a business?
How can you say that?
I told you…
not to do it.
Am I a joke to you?
Damn.
Is it because I'm unemployed?
I can't deny that
after you were fired,
you drove me to the edge
when you spent our rent.
I had to do something.
So what people say is true.
A lot of people say
your life's been ruined because of me.
Fine.
I'll get the hell out.
Better late than never.
What a disgrace.
How could you allow
such things in my house?
-Your house?
-Then is it yours?
Quit the silly behavior.
Your hair, that ruckus yesterday,
you're getting in trouble
by acting so out of character.
Gosh.
I thought you wanted me
to be an adventurous, modern woman?
What? Why don't you eat more?
I'm not hungry.
Jeong-suk hasn't called once.
She must know you're here.
She should be
begging for your forgiveness.
How dare she?
Stop it.
-I'm going to sleep.
-Okay.
Get some rest.
He didn't even touch his food.
Why are you only on his side?
You're closer with Jeong-suk.
That's why I'm angrier.
How did she get into something so vulgar?
Don't meddle.
They'll resolve their issue on their own.
I'm off to work, honey.
Okay.
-Drive safe, okay?
-Okay.
-Have a good day.
-Okay.
Here.
You couldn't take your things
because of my husband.
Thank you so much, and I'm sorry too.
And this too.
This looks like too much.
I'm buying this, so I added some money.
-You are?
-Yes.
I've been drawn to this
since I saw it yesterday.
I didn't want to do anything unlike me.
But the moment my husband told me
not to act out of character,
I wanted to act so out of character.
Darling, you're pretty cute.
I'm too old for you to call me "darling."
Why?
You're too uptight
for someone wearing this.
In the US, where this is from,
people call each other by name
even with a 60-year age gap. Geum-hui?
My goodness.
In-tae?
Mi-hwa?
In-tae.
Mi-hwa.
Mi-hwa.
Oh, gosh.
A VIRTUOUS BUSINESS
SPECIAL THANKS TO RA MI-RAN
Who's the prettiest woman
in the world to your husband?
It's any woman who's not his wife.
And before you know it,
he'll start having an affair.
Maybe they're birds of a feather.
The rumors say she got into a huge fight
with her husband
for selling terribly lewd adult products.
The husband left her right after.
Hey! She's looking for a place
where she can sell her products.
No way!
Neither of us are interested
in that kind of lewd stuff anyway.
I've made up my mind.
I want to take up this work.
-Isn't this too secluded?
-No, I love it.
I wanted to observe.
Subtitle translation by: Erica Chung