Yeon Woo Jin has expressed his unwavering confidence that A Virtuous Business will be a defining piece of work in his acting journey, emphasizing its significance in shaping his career.
A Virtuous Business explores the complexities of life, relationships, and societal norms through the lens of a unique narrative.
In the drama, Yeon Woo Jin portrays Kim Do-hyun, a strikingly handsome sheriff in the small town of Geumje. Once a successful detective at the Gangnam Police Station, Do-hyun has become a “cold city man” after relocating to Geumje, a place where he has no prior connections. He arrives in search of something elusive, carrying a sense of mystery that piques the interest of both the locals and the viewers.
As the plot unfolds, the peaceful existence of Geumje is disrupted by the antics of the “Bangpan Sisters,” a group of four women diving into the world of door-to-door sales for adult products. Yeon Woo-jin’s character finds himself embroiled in this whirlwind of chaos, all while spreading an air of mystery.
He describes Do-hyun as the most intriguing character in the drama, pointing out how the contrast between him and the residents of Geumje adds layers to the narrative. “The difference between Do-hyun and the people of Geumje becomes a compelling element as the story progresses,” he stated, highlighting how the dynamics of their interactions enrich the plot.
Delving deeper into the setting of the 1990s, Yeon Woo Jin reflected on the personal resonance this era holds for him. “The 90s are a time filled with warm memories in my heart,” he shared. “I was drawn to the novelty of the subject matter concerning adult products, which I had never dealt with before. However, it was the nostalgia of that time that truly captivated me.”
To prepare for the role, Yeon Woo-jin immersed himself in the past by sifting through old photo albums and watching films from that era, such as Christmas in August, in order to evoke the feelings and atmosphere of the time.
This nostalgia significantly influences Do-hyun’s character arc. As the “Bangpan Sisters” embark on their journey towards a better life through their unconventional sales methods, Do-hyun too begins to experience a transformation. Once cynical and detached, he gradually opens up to the life around him in Geumje. Yeon Woo-jin articulated his anticipation for this character evolution, saying, “I grew up in the U.S., so I initially found the sentimental aspects of rural life uncomfortable. However, I’m most excited about the process of Do-hyun naturally blending into that lifestyle.”
Moreover, Yeon Woo-jin credits his collaboration with the talented Kim So-yeon as a crucial factor in his growth as an actor throughout the filming process. He described his admiration for her talent, stating, “It was quite enjoyable to observe senior Kim So-yeon in action. I found myself gasping in admiration as I watched her breathe life into her character in such an attractive way.” The intriguing dynamic between Do-hyun and Han Jeong-sook (played by Kim So-yeon), the leader of the Bangpan Sisters, has already been hinted at in promotional materials, and the audience eagerly anticipates how their relationship will develop throughout the series.
Reflecting on their conversations, Yeon Woo Jin mentioned that he and Kim So Yeon had both expressed a desire for A Virtuous Business to remain a significant milestone in their careers. “I feel as though that has already happened, and I believe this will remain a precious memory for me,” he noted with a sense of fulfillment. The filming environment was particularly special for him, as the cast and crew dressed in 90s attire, allowing them to connect deeply with the narrative. “When we all put on makeup together on a set that evoked the 90s and reminisced about those times, it felt more like we were creating a collaborative work of art than ever before. More than anything, I felt warmth throughout filming because I could sense the nostalgia for those days,” he elaborated.
Yeon Woo-jin’s heartfelt wish is for the emotions and messages conveyed through Quiet Sales to resonate with the audience. He hopes viewers will not only enjoy the story but also reflect on the themes of growth, independence, and friendship that the drama portrays.
A Virtuous Business is positioned as a groundbreaking drama that delves into the independence and growth of four women as they navigate the complexities of door-to-door sales of adult products in a rural village during 1992—a time when discussions of “sex” were still considered taboo. The series aims to challenge societal norms while exploring the characters’ journeys of self-discovery and connection.
Audiences can catch the premiere on JTBC at 10:30 p.m. on October 12, as they join Yeon Woo Jin and his co-stars in this bold exploration of personal growth and the human experience.
