Netflix has officially announced that its highly anticipated South Korean original series, Aema, will premiere globally on August 22, 2025. Alongside the release date confirmation, the streaming platform unveiled a striking teaser poster and trailer, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the bold and provocative world of 1980s Chungmuro, the heart of South Korea’s film industry.
Directed and written by Lee Hae-young, known for films like Believer and Phantom, Aema promises to blend sharp comedy with incisive social commentary, spotlighting the struggles of two actresses navigating a male-dominated industry. The series, produced by The LAMP, features a stellar cast led by Lee Ha-nee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu, and Cho Hyun-chul, setting the stage for a dynamic exploration of ambition, rivalry, and resistance.
The teaser poster captures the essence of the era, depicting top actress Jung Hee-ran (Lee Ha-nee) and rising star Shin Joo-ae (Bang Hyo-rin) standing in front of a theater marquee advertising Madame Aema, the fictionalized 1980s erotic film at the center of the series. The tagline, “1981, a time to bare it all and sock it to the man,” underscores the series’ rebellious spirit, promising a story of defiance against an exploitative system. The accompanying teaser trailer further immerses viewers in the glitzy yet oppressive world of Chungmuro, showcasing meticulously recreated period sets, vibrant costumes, and styling that evoke the 1980s aesthetic.
What is Aema about?
Set in the vibrant yet cutthroat film industry of 1980s Chungmuro, Aema is a fictional comedy-drama that delves into the making of Madame Aema, a sensational erotic film that captivated South Korean audiences in the early 1980s. The series follows Jung Hee-ran, portrayed by Lee Ha-nee, a celebrated actress at the peak of her career. Known for her fiery temper and unwavering principles, Jung Hee-ran finds herself at odds with the production team when confronted with a script laden with excessive nudity and crude language. Her bold decision to boycott the project, specifically targeting producer Goo Joong-ho (Jin Sun-kyu), leads to her demotion from the lead role to a supporting one, named Erica.
In response, Goo Joong-ho, a ruthless filmmaker determined to thrive in the competitive industry, teams up with rookie director Kwak In-woo (Cho Hyun-chul) to launch a nationwide audition for a new lead. Enter Shin Joo-ae, played by Bang Hyo-rin, a nightclub dancer with dreams of stardom. Her audacious audition and declaration to “make me the next Jung Hee-ran” catch the attention of the production team, landing her the coveted role. The trailer hints at a tense rivalry between the established star and the ambitious newcomer, with Jung Hee-ran responding to Shin Joo-ae’s challenge with a cryptic, “Interesting.” As the production of Madame Aema unfolds, the series explores the clashes between the two actresses, the manipulative tactics of the studio head, and the creative struggles of the inexperienced director, all set against the backdrop of an industry grappling with censorship and societal expectations.
Aema goes beyond the surface glamour to expose the harsh realities of the era’s film industry, particularly its obsession with exploiting female nudity. Through the lens of Jung Hee-ran and Shin Joo-ae, the series portrays two women who, despite their differences, unite in their resolve to challenge a system that seeks to diminish them. With its blend of humor, drama, and sharp social critique, Aema aims to reframe the legacy of Madame Aema as a story of female empowerment and resistance.
Lee Ha-nee, celebrated for her versatile performances in The Fiery Priest, Extreme Job, and Knight Flower, makes her Netflix original debut as Jung Hee-ran, bringing depth to a character who is both glamorous and fiercely principled. Bang Hyo-rin, a rising talent known for her roles in independent films, steps into the spotlight as Shin Joo-ae, marking her television debut with a character full of grit and ambition. Jin Sun-kyu, recognized for The Outlaws and Uprising, transforms into the cunning Goo Joong-ho, while Cho Hyun-chul, seen in D.P. and Hotel Del Luna, embodies the dreamy yet overwhelmed director Kwak In-woo. The ensemble’s chemistry is poised to deliver a compelling narrative, with each actor bringing nuance to their complex roles.
Director Lee Hae-young, making his first foray into serialized storytelling, crafts a vivid portrayal of 1980s Chungmuro, blending meticulous period details with a contemporary sensibility. The production studio, The LAMP, known for critically acclaimed projects like Taxi Driver and Samjin Company English Class, ensures a high level of authenticity and storytelling finesse. The series, consisting of six episodes, will drop all at once on August 22, 2025, exclusively on Netflix, inviting global audiences to immerse themselves in this bold and witty tale.
Aema stands out as part of Netflix’s expanding roster of Korean content, reflecting the platform’s commitment to showcasing diverse and innovative stories from South Korea. By reimagining the creation of Madame Aema, the series not only pays homage to a pivotal moment in Korean cinema but also critiques the systemic challenges faced by women in the industry. With its striking visuals, sharp dialogue, and powerful performances, Aema is poised to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on a controversial chapter of film history.
Source: Netflix
