The golden yet turbulent era of Chungmuro in the 1980s—a period where filmmakers and actors fought to survive amidst controversy, censorship, and scandal—comes alive again in Netflix’s new six-part series Aema.
Drawing from the true story behind Madame Aema, the most talked-about Korean film of its time, the series offers not just a nostalgic flashback but also a provocative re-examination of an era that defined modern Korean cinema.
A Surprise Entrance from Lee Ha Nee
At the production press conference held on the 18th at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo, all eyes turned when lead actress Lee Ha Nee made an unexpected in-person appearance. The actress, who is due to give birth to her second child next week, had initially planned to attend virtually. Instead, she walked in proudly showing off her D-line, drawing cheers and admiration from the press. Smiling, she remarked, “I don’t think the baby will be born today, but I have a special affection for Aema. I just couldn’t miss this moment.”
Lee, who steps into the role of top star Hee-ran, described the project as “a story of struggling, fighting, and bravely conquering the dark reality of Chungmuro in the 1980s.” She reflected on how times have shifted: “This was a generation that glimpsed the end of women being consumed as objects. Because we now live in an era where women are seen differently, we were able to tell this story with greater boldness and freedom.”
The Story Behind the Glamour
Aema doesn’t shy away from peeling back the layers of glitz that surrounded Korea’s booming film industry at the time. The series follows Hee-ran (Lee Ha-nui), a dazzling star at the height of her career, and Joo-ae (Bang Hyo-rin), a fearless newcomer, as they step into the hidden struggles behind the spotlight. While the 1980s saw a surge in erotic cinema that captivated audiences, it also forced women in the industry to endure prejudice, stigma, and exploitation.
Through its characters, the series shines a light on the grit, ambition, and quiet resilience of women who dared to dream in a hostile environment. Jin Seon-kyu injects wit and complexity as a producer torn between art and greed, while Jo Hyun-chul takes on the role of a young director wrestling with self-doubt, ambition, and the relentless demands of the industry.
A Star-Making Moment for Bang Hyo Rin
One of the most talked-about casting choices is rookie actress Bang Hyo Rin, who was selected after standing out among thousands of hopefuls. She takes on the role of Joo-ae, an aspiring actress brimming with raw talent and defiance. Reflecting on her first read of the script, Bang said, “It was so entertaining that I kept asking myself, ‘How can something like this even exist?’ Joo-ae’s confidence was so inspiring that I knew instantly—I had to play her.”
Her audition reportedly moved director Lee Hae-young to tears. “The moment Bang Hyo-rin acted, I felt like I was meeting the real Joo-ae,” he recalled. “I couldn’t stop myself from crying. It felt like I had found the soul of the story I had been waiting for.” The powerful connection between director and actress has only heightened anticipation for her breakout performance.
A Director’s Two-Decade Dream
For Lee Hae-young, Aema represents more than just another project—it’s the culmination of a 20-year-long vision. “After releasing my first film, Madonna, the Greatest Man in the World, the idea of Aema came to me. Two decades have passed since then, and in that time, the media has evolved, and my own outlook has become broader and more flexible. That’s why I finally felt ready to tell this story.”
Calling the project a “movie-like event” in his own life, Lee shared the emotional weight of finally bringing Aema to audiences. “For me, the release of this series is the fulfillment of a young filmmaker’s long-held dream. It feels as if a circle has closed.”
More Than a Retelling—A Cultural Reckoning
But Aema isn’t simply a nostalgic revival of a film that once caused a sensation. For Lee, the series carries deeper meaning: “Aema is an icon of the 80s, a mirror of its desires and contradictions. At its heart, it’s about women who had to endure prejudice and violent misunderstandings, yet fought with perseverance and tenacity. That spirit is what makes Aema timeless.”
As the series reinterprets the past, it also resonates with today’s audiences, where conversations about representation, gender, and creative freedom continue to evolve. By revisiting a cultural flashpoint with new eyes, Netflix’s Aema bridges the past and present, showing how stories of struggle and resilience remain universally compelling.
Featuring a combination of powerhouse performances, sharp social commentary, and the glamour-meets-darkness allure of 1980s Chungmuro, Aema is already one of Netflix Korea’s most anticipated releases. Whether for longtime cinephiles intrigued by its cultural roots or K-drama fans eager to see Lee Ha-nui and rising star Bang Hyo-rin together on screen, this series promises both intensity and insight.
Netflix’s Aema premieres globally at 4 PM on August 22, ready to transport viewers into the dazzling, dangerous world of Korea’s cinematic past.
The post PRESS CONFERENCE: Netflix’s “Aema” – The Bold Rebirth of a 1980s Legend appeared first on kdramadiary.
PRESS CONFERENCE: Netflix’s “Aema” – The Bold Rebirth of a 1980s Legend
Source: Pinoy Student Wars
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