A Virtuous Business Episode 5 Review: Breaking Chains and Bold Choices

In the previous episode, Da-hyun uncovers the culprit behind a graffiti incident, bringing closure to Jeong-suk and her friends but also reigniting past conflicts within the community. As Jeong-suk and her friends tackle the challenges of launching a new lingerie business amidst local gossip and resistance, Da-hyun stands by Jeong-suk, admiring her resilience despite her struggles.

Tensions rise as neighborhood gossip targets Jeong-suk’s personal life, but she asserts herself, winning over a few naysayers and proving her determination. In a quiet moment under the cherry blossoms, Da-hyun offers her a heartfelt message of encouragement, setting the stage for deeper revelations as he recalls a haunting memory from a fire three decades prior.

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A Virtuous Business Episode 5 Recap

Episode 5 of A Virtuous Business opens with an uncomfortable moment for Jeong-suk as she watches Seong-su being overly affectionate with Mi-hwa. Following them home, she finds out that In-tae has given Seong-su a place to stay temporarily, which complicates matters even further. Seong-su tells Mi-hwa he wants to reconcile, leaving Jeong-suk distracted and upset. Preoccupied, she messes up Min-ho’s breakfast. He then asks her for some supplies, but Jeong-suk realizes she’s misplaced her purse—which Da-hyun later returns, having found it in his car. A quick encounter with Seong-su leads Da-hyun to label him as “trash,” showing his disdain.

Back with her business partners, Jeong-suk discusses the survey results, noting that vibrators were surprisingly popular. They decide to try winning over Ms. Heo, the Chairman’s wife, who could open doors for their business if she approves. Though her husband, Won-bong, doubts the plan, the group devises a clever approach, using Geum-hui as their “unfortunate” spokesperson to gain sympathy from Ms. Heo. This tactic works, and Ms. Heo, feeling inspired by Geum-hui’s story, agrees to buy their products.

At the police station, Da-hyun’s burn scar catches the Chief’s attention, but Da-hyun deflects, recalling a fire that happened years ago. He remembers a nun who promised to find a family for a baby saved from the fire and hopes this might bring him closer to uncovering his own past. Meanwhile, the women in the group discover that Chairman Eom is having an affair, a heartbreaking revelation for Ms. Heo. She tries to hide her pain by boasting about the lingerie, claiming it was an incredible purchase. Jeong-suk, seeing her friend’s vulnerability, reflects on her own life and her mother’s cautionary words about the stigma of divorce.

Later, Geum-hui playfully dons a red slip to celebrate the success of their sales. Her husband, who jokingly promised to wear a red dress if they succeeded, comically struggles to get undressed, keeping their relationship light-hearted. Back at the station, Da-hyun digs into old arson cases from thirty years ago, suspecting there may be a connection to his past. Meanwhile, Jeong-suk receives unexpected news from In-tae that Mi-hwa is six weeks pregnant. Though it may complicate things, Mi-hwa warns Jeong-suk not to stir up trouble. Later, Seong-su downplays his affair as a “mistake,” but starts insulting Jeong-suk’s family, making it clear he still has little respect for her.

Their son, Min-ho, just wants everyone to be happy together, but Jeong-suk sees through Seong-su’s manipulation. Outside, Jeong-suk runs into Da-hyun, who is wrestling with his own struggles and feels lost in his investigation. They bond over their mutual frustrations, and Jeong-suk realizes that after all Seong-su has done, it’s time he feels the consequences of his choices. This resolve leads her to decide on a divorce, setting the stage for major changes in her life.

A Virtuous Business Episode 5 Review

Episode 5 of A Virtuous Business strikes a compelling balance between emotional vulnerability and clever humor, allowing viewers to empathize with Jeong-suk’s ongoing struggle to maintain her dignity while facing her estranged husband, Seong-su. Watching him pursue Mi-hwa with insincere affection is painful for Jeong-suk, especially when her own son, Min-ho, innocently longs for a family reunion.

Da-hyun’s subtle yet pointed interactions with Seong-su inject tension, as he openly shows his disdain for Seong-su’s irresponsible behavior, affirming his loyalty to Jeong-suk. Meanwhile, the show’s exploration of Jeong-suk’s business ventures, particularly with Ms. Heo, adds a refreshing layer of humor as her friends deploy their quirky sales tactics. Their perseverance reveals Jeong-suk’s growth and her determination to forge her own path despite the challenging social dynamics around her.

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The episode is also rich in character development for Da-hyun, who, through flashbacks, revisits painful memories tied to his mysterious past. His personal investigation offers a deeper glimpse into his motivations, grounding his character’s connection to Jeong-suk and subtly hinting at how their stories might intertwine. The unfolding arc of Ms. Heo’s marital troubles contrasts nicely with Jeong-suk’s own predicament, showing both the costs and coping mechanisms of maintaining appearances.

Ultimately, this episode leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation, especially as Jeong-suk resolves to pursue a divorce and confront her own pain—a decision that promises significant emotional stakes and sets a promising path for her self-discovery.

Watch A Virtuous Business on Netflix.

Also read: All Reviews of A Virtuous Business!