Netflix’s Aema Brings the Glitz, Grit, and Gender Politics of 1980s Korean Cinema

Bold, unflinching, and steeped in retro glamour, Netflix’s upcoming series Aema is set to premiere on August 22 — and it’s already generating buzz.

Set against the backdrop of South Korea’s booming yet male-dominated film industry in the 1980s, the drama dives deep into the making of the nation’s first mainstream erotic film, exposing the realities that lurk behind the spotlight.

At the heart of Aema is Jeong Hee-ran (Lee Hanee, Extreme Job, Fiery Priest), a celebrated A-list actress with a string of awards and a fierce sense of self. When offered the lead role in the film “Madame Aema,” she refuses after reading a script overflowing with risqué scenes — a move that sends shockwaves through the industry.

Enter Shin Ju-ae (Bang Hyo-rin), an ambitious newcomer who auditions for the very part Hee-ran rejected. Confident and unapologetic, Ju-ae boldly declares her intent to become “the next Jeong Hee-ran.” Her audacity earns her instant attention, while Hee-ran responds with nothing but a knowing smirk — setting the stage for a rivalry simmering with tension and intrigue.

A Glimpse Into 1980s Korean Cinema’s Power, Ambition, and Industry Politics

The drama’s tangled web extends beyond the actresses. Jin Sun-kyu (Uprising, Space Sweepers) takes on the role of Ku Jung-ho, the calculating CEO of Shinsung Pictures. Using contractual loopholes, he forces Hee-ran into a supporting role in Madame Aema, proving that in this cutthroat industry, power often trumps choice.

Meanwhile, Cho Hyun-chul (D.P.) plays Kwak In-u, a rookie director directing Madame Aema as his first feature film. Determined to make his mark, he throws himself into the production with passion — even as the chaos around him threatens to derail his vision.

As filming progresses, Hee-ran and Ju-ae’s competitive energy slowly transforms into mutual respect. Faced with an industry that exploits women both on and off screen, the two actresses discover a shared resolve to stand their ground and fight for agency in their careers. Their evolving dynamic — from head-to-head rivals to unlikely allies — becomes one of the series’ most compelling threads.

From glitzy premiere parties to the gritty realities of film sets, Aema recreates the highs and lows of Korea’s cinematic golden age with lavish attention to period detail. Expect vintage costumes, smoky lighting, and an atmospheric soundtrack that captures the spirit of the era — along with an unvarnished look at the gender politics shaping the industry.

With its combination of sharp performances, layered storytelling, and a fascinating historical setting, Aema promises more than just nostalgia. It offers a pointed commentary on ambition, integrity, and the price of fame, all wrapped in the glamour and scandal of 1980s cinema.

Aema premieres August 22, only on Netflix.