Netflix is set to transport audiences to the vibrant and often challenging Korean film industry of the 1980s with its upcoming historical comedy-drama series, 'Aema.' The series, scheduled for a global premiere on August 22, 2025, will explore the making of the sensational 1982 film 'Madame Aema,' offering an intimate look at the creative process and the individuals who defined this transformative period in cinema.
Directed by Lee Hae-young, 'Aema' promises a narrative rich with humor, drama, and a deep exploration of female resilience. The 1980s in South Korea were a time of significant change for cinema, influenced by the government's "3S Policy"—an initiative that paradoxically encouraged erotic films as a means of public pacification. This policy contributed to 'Madame Aema' becoming a cultural phenomenon and a precursor to a new wave of films, despite the era's strict censorship and a deeply entrenched male-dominated structure that presented considerable obstacles for women in the industry.
The original 'Madame Aema,' while a box-office success, has been retrospectively criticized for its portrayal of women, often reducing them to objects of desire. The new series, 'Aema,' centers on two actresses: Lee Ha-nee as Jeong Hee-ran, a celebrated top star known for her sharp wit and artistic integrity, and Bang Hyo-rin as Shin Joo-ae, a nightclub dancer with aspirations of stardom who unexpectedly takes center stage. Their paths cross in Chungmuro, Seoul's film district, when Hee-ran is replaced in the lead role of 'Madame Aema' after objecting to nude scenes, a position then filled by the ambitious Joo-ae.
The series also features Jin Seon-kyu as Goo Joong-ho, the pragmatic and opportunistic head of Shinsung Films, and Cho Hyun-chul as Kwak In-woo, a budding director navigating industry pressures. Director Lee Hae-young stated that 'Aema' aims to support and give voice to the endurance of those who lived through that era, highlighting the irony of erotic films being encouraged by policy while simultaneously facing strict censorship. Lee Ha-nee expressed a sense of liberation in approaching the material, noting that the work creates a space for reimagining rather than objectifying. Jin Seon-kyu described his character as embodying a "strong against the weak, weak against the strong" mentality, driven by greed but also a genuine love for cinema.
'Aema' is poised to be more than a historical drama; it serves as a tribute to the spirit of individuals who navigated a challenging industry, emphasizing the unexpected bonds formed and the persistent pursuit of artistic expression. Through its blend of humor, sharp dialogue, and authentic period aesthetics, the series aims to illuminate the enduring strength and ambition of women who forged paths in Korean cinema.