TV
JTBC's 'Noble Sales' Concludes with Record Ratings and a Heartwarming Finale
The final episode, aired on the 17th, revealed the heartbreaking past of Oh Geum-hee (played by Kim Sung-ryung). Geum-hee fell in love with the son of a servant she grew up with. Her pregnancy caused turmoil in her family, leading to her departure and raising the child alone. Struggling with poverty, an accidental fire led her to seek help from her family, who agreed to treat the child if she gave him up. That child was Kim Do-hyun (played by Yeon Woo-jin).
After a tearful reunion 30 years later, Do-hyun was assigned to a cold case team. Han Jung-sook (played by Kim So-yeon) organized a 'get closer quickly project' to ease the awkwardness between the mother and son, including activities like eating mom's lunchbox and having a drink together. Eventually, Do-hyun was able to call Geum-hee 'mother.'
Jung-sook also prepared to say goodbye to Do-hyun, encouraging him to live well and meet again as better people. Meanwhile, Seo Young-bok's (played by Kim Sun-young) husband, Park Jong-sun (played by Im Chul-soo), was released from prison and decided to support her fully. Lee Joo-ri (played by Lee Se-hee) chose to part ways with Eom Dae-geun (played by Kim Jung-jin), who was living in a pharmacy after being kicked out of his home. However, Joo-ri's sincerity for her son moved Heo Young-ja (played by Jung Young-joo), who eventually allowed their relationship, saying, 'Parents can't win against their children.'
A shocking incident occurred when Kim Mi-ran (played by Ra Mi-ran), the CEO of 'Fantasy Lingerie,' disappeared with company funds. Jung-sook found Mi-ran, who explained her situation: she had invested her life savings into the business, but protests labeling it as a depraved enterprise forced her to close within six months. The supplier was arrested, leaving her on the run.
Mi-ran urged Jung-sook not to give up if she believed in her path, disappearing again to evade the police. Despite feeling drained, Jung-sook was inspired by the success of 'Seo Taiji and Boys,' who overcame initial criticism to win two consecutive weeks, and decided to keep going.
Four years later, the 'Door-to-Door Sisters' opened an adult store called 'Noble Sales.' Do-hyun, visiting from Seoul, gifted them balloons, wishing them success. The opening ceremony was attended by Choi Won-bong (played by Kim Won-hae), Jong-sun, and Dae-geun. Despite the happy ribbon-cutting, protests still gathered outside, labeling the store as a depraved establishment.
However, Jung-sook refused to close the store, determined to overcome obstacles, saying, 'If blocked, we'll fly over.' The journey of 'Noble Sales' over the past six weeks was a testament to capturing work, love, fun, meaning, laughter, and emotion in a perfect 'happy ending.'
'Noble Sales' depicted the independence, growth, and friendship of the 'Door-to-Door Sisters,' who began selling adult products in a conservative rural village in 1992, a time akin to the Joseon Dynasty compared to now. The era viewed expressing sexual desires as uncomfortable, considering discomfort as noble and moral. Selling flashy adult products under the motto 'Everyone has the right to enjoy a passionate sex life' naturally attracted disapproving looks. 'Noble Sales' is the first drama to tackle adult products.
Even 30 years later, not all viewers were comfortable with the subject. The sisters' struggles to sell adult products and the villagers' innocent reactions provided a humorous contrast, delivering the message that 'desire is not shameful; expressing it in a sinister way is.' The 'Sisters' boldly caused a stir, while the 'Anti-Sisters,' initially the source of rumors, eventually supported Jung-sook, helping to arrest the real criminals. The drama's ability to resolve conflicts harmlessly allowed viewers to enjoy it freely.
#2. Perfect Casting and Enthusiastic Performances
The perfect casting of Kim So-yeon, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Sung-ryung, Kim Sun-young, and Lee Se-hee, along with their fantastic chemistry, was a key reason for the show's acclaim. The actors enjoyed their roles, leading to genuine performances that resonated with audiences. Kim So-yeon portrayed Han Jung-sook, evolving from a reserved wife to a strong woman carving her own path. Yeon Woo-jin captivated viewers as the mysterious detective Kim Do-hyun from Seoul. Kim Sung-ryung brought depth to the role of Oh Geum-hee, the brains of the 'Door-to-Door Sisters.' Kim Sun-young showcased her acting prowess as the power mom Seo Young-bok, and Lee Se-hee redefined her career with the role of Lee Joo-ri. The characters, each with unique stories and charms, came alive on screen. Supporting actors like Kim Won-hae, Im Chul-soo, and others added layers of humor and depth.
#3. A Message of Support Against Societal Prejudices
Everyone carries their own burdens, and the 'Door-to-Door Sisters' were no exception. Jung-sook dealt with a cheating husband and divorce, Geum-hee had to give up her child to save him, Young-bok's husband was an ex-convict, and Joo-ri faced judgment as a single mother. They started selling adult products for different reasons, facing challenges along the way, including false rumors and physical threats. Despite wanting to give up, they supported each other, refusing to close their shop and striving for a better life.
They developed the ability to laugh together, sharing honest desires and fantasies. Like 'Seo Taiji and Boys,' who revolutionized Korean music, the 'Door-to-Door Sisters' broke down barriers with courage and hope. 'Noble Sales' cheered for those challenging societal prejudices, reminding them they are not alone. The warm support helped the sisters stand tall, just like Jung-sook, Geum-hee, Young-bok, and Joo-ri.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
