Following the widespread success of her recent projects, actress Kim So Yeon is reportedly in discussions to headline a new television series.
On April 6, 2026, industry insiders and entertainment outlets confirmed that the Penthouse star has been offered the lead role in the upcoming JTBC drama tentatively titled A Virtuous Business (also translated as The Virtuous Sales).
The drama is set to be a remake of the British series Brief Encounters, which explores the lives of four women who find independence and empowerment by selling adult products in a conservative town during the 1980s.
Concept and Character Details
A Virtuous Business is set in a rural village in 1992, a time when “sex” was still a largely taboo subject in South Korea.
The story follows the “Bangpan Sisters” (door-to-door saleswomen) as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and self-discovery.
- Kim So Yeon’s Potential Role: She is in talks to play Han Jung Sook, a character described as a beautiful and diligent housewife who once led a comfortable life. However, after facing a sudden financial crisis and struggling to provide for her only son, she unexpectedly dives into the world of foreign adult product sales.
- The “Virtuous” Transformation: As Jung Sook develops her sales skills, she evolves from a reserved, traditional wife into a pioneer of female independence, discovering her own hidden talents and desires along the way.
Cast and Production Synergy
The project has already generated significant buzz due to its high-profile ensemble cast and production team:
This role marks a potential shift in Kim So Yeon’s filmography. After captivating audiences as the formidable Cheon Seo Jin in The Penthouse and the powerful mountain goddess in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, the character of Han Jung Sook offers a more grounded, humanistic portrayal of resilience.
If she accepts, A Virtuous Business is expected to begin filming in the second half of 2026. The drama aims to provide a “healing” yet provocative look at how women broke social barriers during the early 90s, blending humor with poignant social commentary.
Fans are eager to see how Kim So Yeon will bring her signature intensity to a story centered on sisterhood and economic survival.
