Aema Review: This triumphant Netflix K-Drama shines a light on exploitation in Korean cinema’s golden age

The story of ‘Aema’ is loosely inspired by the real 1982 film ‘Madame Aema,’ a movie that marked the beginning of erotic cinema in South Korea.

‘Aema,’ directed by Lee Hae-young, began streaming on Netflix on 22nd August and stars Lee Hanee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Seon-kyu, and Ahn Kil-kang.

‘Aema’ is not the kind of show you expect when you first start watching it. At first glance, it looks like a wild, cheeky period comedy about how a controversial film from the 1980s was made. It is filled with loud characters, jokes that belong to that era, and a playful energy that feels almost mischievous. But if you think this Netflix K-drama is only about cheap laughs, you would be mistaken.

A bold story behind the laughs

What ‘Aema’ actually does is much more layered. It mixes comedy with raw honesty, exposing the darker truths of the film industry. Beneath the glitter and chaos, the series shines a light on how women were treated, how they fought to survive, and how they tried to control their own stories in a system designed to silence them. It’s entertainment with a sharp bite.

A fictional tale with real roots

The story of ‘Aema’ is loosely inspired by the real 1982 film ‘Madame Aema,’ a movie that marked the beginning of erotic cinema in South Korea. The series takes that starting point but builds its own fictional tale. At the center are two women with very different dreams. Jeong Hui-ran (Lee Hanee) is already a star but is tired of constantly being typecast in “sexy” roles. She wants to reinvent herself and be taken seriously as an actress. On the other hand, Shin Joo-ae (Bang Hyo-rin) is a nightclub dancer who longs for fame and is willing to take risks for her big break. Their fates collide when Hui-ran refuses to do nude scenes for the new film, and the producer replaces her with Joo-ae. Hui-ran is pushed into a smaller role, and bitterness grows between the two women. But as they both face the harsh, male-driven world of filmmaking, their rivalry begins to shift.

Performances that hold nothing back

The strength of ‘Aema’ lies in the two women at its center. Lee Hanee as Jung Hui-ran gives a performance that is both commanding and deeply moving. On the surface, Hui-ran is a diva—confident, loud, and often sharp-tongued. But Lee Hanee shows us the cracks beneath that exterior: a woman who is scared of fading away, who wants more than just to be remembered as a sex symbol. Playing opposite her, newcomer Bang Hyo-rin is a revelation as Shin Joo-ae. Her character could have easily been played as desperate, but Bang brings sharpness and determination to every scene. The two actresses together create magic. Their relationship, shifting from rivals to allies, becomes the emotional core of the show. As a viewer, you can’t help but cheer for them, feel their anger, and celebrate their small victories. Their chemistry is what makes the series unforgettable.
A vivid recreation of the 1980s

Beyond the characters, ‘Aema’ also stands out for how it recreates a very specific time and place. The series takes us straight into the busy Chungmuro district of Seoul, which was the heart of the Korean film industry in the 1980s. The production design is full of detail—from the slightly grimy but energetic film sets to the fashion and music that defined the era. The soundtrack, in particular, adds to the lively but chaotic mood.

But the show doesn’t stop at surface-level nostalgia. It also points to the realities of that time: the confusing government censorship rules, the pressure of political control, and even labour movements that shaped how films were made. These touches give the series depth, making it about more than just two actresses. It becomes a portrait of a society where art and politics collided and where women had to fight even harder to be heard.

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A fantastic watch

By the end, ‘Aema’ proves that it is more than just a comedy or a period drama. It is a loud and unapologetic statement about women in film, about the ways they are used, and about how they push back to claim their own space. It is also a moving story about female friendship, showing how even rivals can become allies when they face a common struggle. The series makes you laugh, makes you angry, and makes you root for its characters in equal measure. Long after the credits roll, its message lingers.Rating: 4/5