The Ladies Reach Their Success – Enter Dairysia

In this emotionally charged episode, Jeong-suk grapples with revealing the truth about the baby outfit she found in Geum-hui’s stockroom, while Geum-hui’s growing maternal instincts toward Do-hyeon create a tense undercurrent. Do-hyeon’s determination to find his birth mother is contrasted with moments of heartbreak, especially when Geum-hui coldly denies her connection to him, leaving both devastated.

Meanwhile, Ju-ri and Dae-geun face challenges as they stand up against societal pressures and familial interference, seeking refuge with Geum-hui and Jon Wong. Geum-hui’s guilt and inner turmoil culminate in a heartfelt confession to her husband, who reassures her with unwavering support. Finally, Geum-hui confronts her fears and admits to Do-hyeon that she is his mother, leading to a tearful and long-overdue reconciliation between them.

– Contains Spoilers –

A Virtuous Business Episode 12 Recap

The episode begins with a flashback to young Geum-hui’s life. Pregnant with her maid’s son, she is kicked out of her home after he abandons her. Left to struggle alone, she raises her son while living in poverty and continuing her studies. Despite her hardships, her love for her son remains unwavering. One fateful night, as she goes out to buy briquettes, a lamp she accidentally knocked over sets her home ablaze. Rushing back, she finds her home in flames and saves her baby. Desperate for help, she begs her parents to take her in.

They agree, on the condition that once the baby recovers, she must give him up to be sent to the U.S. Knowing she cannot provide a better life for her child, Geum-hui reluctantly agrees. Back in the present, Geum-hui reunites with Do-hyeon at his home, and the two share an emotional hug. After she leaves, Do-hyeon confides in Jeong-suk, sharing his feelings about reconnecting with his birth mother. The next day, Jon Wong encourages Geum-hui to invite Do-hyeon over more often, suggesting she feed her son to nurture their bond. Feeling relieved, Geum-hui opens up to Ju-ri about her past, revealing that Do-hyeon is her son.

Also read: Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born Episode 11 Review: Jooran Takes the Hardest Decision, Breaking Maeran Girls’ Hearts

Ju-ri is shocked but supportive. Later, the four women of the lingerie business share their own dark pasts, agreeing to support one another without judgment. As they prepare to leave the office, they run into Do-hyeon. Geum-hui and Ju-ri gently urge him to be more casual with his mother, but he struggles with the new dynamic. Geum-hui senses the need for space and politely declines joining Do-hyeon and Jeong-suk for dinner.

That night, Ju-ri discovers Dae-geun sleeping in the pharmacy instead of his home and is heartbroken by his state. The following day, she meets with his mother, Ms. Heo, and agrees to break up with Dae-geun if it means he can return home. Ju-ri then delivers the news to Dae-geun, leaving both of them devastated. Meanwhile, Jong-sun is released on parole and reconciles with Young-bok, marking a hopeful new beginning for their relationship.

Do-hyeon later meets with Geum-hui and Jeong-suk to announce his transfer to Seoul for two years or more. Jeong-suk gives them a mission to grow closer before he leaves. Geum-hui puts in extra effort, cooking for him, walking him home, and spending time with him at Jeong-suk’s place, where they even share a playful argument. On the day of his departure, Do-hyeon finally calls her “Mother,” a moment of profound significance for them both.

Meanwhile, Ms. Heo notices how deeply affected Dae-geun is by the breakup, even though she has agreed to send him to photography school. In a flashback, Ju-ri is seen demanding Ms. Heo let Dae-geun pursue his passion as a condition of their breakup. Touched by Ju-ri’s love and selflessness, Ms. Heo reconsiders. She allows the couple to reunite, and a jubilant Dae-geun runs to Ju-ri, marking a joyous resolution to their story.

Later that week, the four women are shocked to discover their office has been robbed. After an investigation, they learn the CEO of the lingerie shop was a scammer who fled with their earnings. Feeling responsible, Jeong-suk isolates herself, gets drunk at the office, and breaks down, apologizing for letting her friends down. However, the next day, she returns to find the others cleaning the office, determined to start over. Geum-hui even pays the rent to give them a chance to rebuild their business.

Determined to understand, Jeong-suk meets with the fleeing CEO, who admits the scam wasn’t intentional. She explains that the Seoul branch went into debt, forcing her to use the village sales to stay afloat. Before escaping, the CEO encourages Jeong-suk to find a way forward. Inspired by Do-hyeon’s words about perseverance, Jeong-suk channels her energy into a bold new plan.

The scene shifts to a bustling new lingerie store in Seoul, where Jeong-suk and her team have rebuilt their business from the ground up. The women, along with their loved ones—Do-hyeon, Geum-hui, Jon Wong, Ju-ri, Dae-geun, Young-bok, and Jong-sun—celebrate their success at the grand opening. When protestors approach, Jeong-suk fearlessly cuts the string of a balloon, symbolizing their resilience and determination. She declares that no matter what challenges lie ahead, they will rise above them, like balloons soaring into the sky.

A Virtuous Business Episode 12 Review

This episode masterfully intertwines past and present, unraveling Geum-hui’s heartbreaking backstory while showcasing her journey toward healing and reconciliation. The flashback highlights her strength as she faced societal judgment, poverty, and the painful decision to give up her son. Her reunion with Do-hyeon is both emotional and tentative, as they navigate their new relationship with the help of those around them. The exploration of Ju-ri and Dae-geun’s relationship adds depth, illustrating how love and sacrifice can shape individual growth and familial bonds. These subplots blend seamlessly into the broader theme of resilience, making the characters’ struggles feel raw and relatable.

The dramatic twist involving the lingerie store scam provides a compelling challenge for the four women, emphasizing their unity and determination. Jeong-suk’s guilt and subsequent resolve drive the narrative forward, culminating in a triumphant rebirth of their business. The episode’s ending is a poignant reminder of perseverance, symbolized by Jeong-suk cutting the balloon as a declaration of their strength. Balancing emotional weight with moments of hope, this episode showcases the characters’ ability to rise above adversity and leaves viewers inspired by their courage and camaraderie.

Watch A Virtuous Business on Netflix.

Also read: All Reviews of A Virtuous Business!