Aema (South Korean Series)
Aema is a South Korean television series released on Netflix on August 22, 2025. Set in the 1980s, the drama explores the competitive environment of the South Korean film industry, centered around the Chungmuro district in Seoul.
Plot
The story follows Jeong Hee-Ran (Lee Ha-Nee), a prominent actress known for her outspoken nature and fiery temperament. She is cast as the lead in a film titled Madame Aema, produced by Ku Jung-Ho (Jin Sun-Kyu), a producer determined to survive in the industry at any cost. When tensions rise and Ku finds Jeong difficult to manage, he removes her from the project. He subsequently holds an open auction to find a replacement, selecting Shin Ju-Ae (Bang Hyo-Rin), a nightclub dancer with aspirations of becoming an actress. Meanwhile, the production is helmed by Kwak In-U (Cho Hyun-Chul), a rookie director struggling with the pressures of his first major film.
Cast
The series features an ensemble cast portraying various figures within the film industry and surrounding groups.
Additional cast members include:
- Woo Ji-Hyun as Gi Seok
- Lee So-E as Hwang Mi-Na
- Lee Joo-Young as Lee Geun-Ha
- Jang Nam-Su as Park Yeong-Bae
- Kim Jong-Soo as Kwon Do-Il
- Hyun Bong-Sik as Heo Hyeok
- Ahn Kil-Kang as Paul Goh
- Lee Sung-Wook as Manager Choi