Aema
2025 South Korean television series
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Aema (Korean: 애마) is a 2025 South Korean historical comedy drama television series written and directed by Lee Hae-young, and starring Lee Hanee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Seon-kyu, and Cho Hyun-chul. The series depicts Hui-ran and Joo-ae's struggles while making the sensational hit Madame Aema, which swept Korea in the early 1980s. It was released on Netflix in August 22, 2025.
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| Aema | |
|---|---|
Promotional poster | |
| Hangul | 애마 |
| RR | Aema |
| MR | Aema |
| Genre | |
| Written by | Lee Hae-young |
| Directed by | Lee Hae-young |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 6 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 47–68 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | Netflix |
| Release | August 22, 2025 |
Synopsis
In the vibrant yet male-dominated world of 1980s Korean cinema located on Seoul's Chungmu-ro road, the sensational erotic film "Madame Aema" is set to make its mark, sparking both excitement and controversy. The story centers on two actresses with clashing personalities who are united by a shared struggle against the industry's exploitative nature.
Cast and characters
Main
- A famous actress who is under contract of Shinsung Films who had enough of showing her body on screen. She is required to film an erotic film called "Madame Aema" in order to complete her contract with Shinsung Pictures. However since she no longer wants to bare her body, she is sidelined to supporting role meanwhile a new actress is cast to fulfill the main character position.
- Bang Hyo-rin as Shin Joo-ae[1]
- A rookie actress who was a nightclub dancer. She is cast as the main character "Aema" in a film called "Madame Aema". This makes her embroiled with conflict with Jeong Hee-ran, in which the latter initially behaves coldly toward her but actually wants to protect her dignity from the exploitative nature of the cinema industry.
- Jin Seon-kyu as Gu Jung-ho[1]
- Exploitative CEO of Shinsung Films, the production company for an erotic film called "Madame Aema". He is willing to do anything even having dirty deals with South Korean elites in order to be allowed to film Madame Aema by sending actresses under his production house to be used as prostitution to serve country's elites.
- Cho Hyun-chul as Kwak In-woo[1]
- An idealistic and hot blooded rookie director. He is forced by Gu Jung-ho to produce the erotic version of "Madame Aema" meanwhile he wants to produce the elegant and moderate version of "Madame Aema"
Supporting
Episodes
| No. | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Episode 1" | Lee Hae-young | Lee Hae-young | August 22, 2025 |
| 2 | "Episode 2" | Lee Hae-young | Lee Hae-young | August 22, 2025 |
| 3 | "Episode 3" | Lee Hae-young | Lee Hae-young | August 22, 2025 |
| 4 | "Episode 4" | Lee Hae-young | Lee Hae-young | August 22, 2025 |
| 5 | "Episode 5" | Lee Hae-young | Lee Hae-young | August 22, 2025 |
| 6 | "Episode 6" | Lee Hae-young | Lee Hae-young | August 22, 2025 |
Production
Development
The series was officially commissioned by Netflix, with Lee Hae-young serving as writer and director, while The Lamp Co., Ltd. and Studio Kick Co., Ltd. co-managed the production.[2]
Casting
In May 2023, it was reported that Lee Hanee would appear in the series.[3] In September 2023, Jin Seon-kyu, Bang Hyo-rin and Cho Hyun-chul were reportedly cast to appear.[4][5][6] Lee, Jin, Bang, and Cho were officially confirmed to star on the same month.[7]
Filming
The principal photography of the series commenced in 2023 and concluded in 2024.[8][9]
