Series synopsis
Aema is a South Korean drama comedy television series that premiered on Netflix on August 22, 2025. It ended on August 22, 2025. It stars Lee Hanee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu and Cho Hyun-chul.
In 1980s Korea, a movie star and a starlet defy male-dominated industry rules and backstage corruption while filming the provocative "Madame Aema."
Premise
In 1980s Korea, a movie star and a starlet defy male-dominated industry rules and backstage corruption while filming the provocative "Madame Aema."
Premise: 1981, a time to bare it all and sock it to the man.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Lee Hanee as Jeong Hee-ran
- Bang Hyo-rin as Shin Ju-ae
- Jin Sun-kyu as Ku Jung-ho
- Cho Hyun-chul as Kwak In-u
- Woo Ji-hyun as Gi Seok
- Lee Zoo-young as Lee Geun-ha
- Kim Jong-soo as Kwon Do-il
- Hyun Bong-sik as Heo Hyeok
Supporting cast
- Lee So-i as Hwang Mi-na
- Yoo Yu-jin as Ji Soo-jin
- Hwang Sung-bin as Lee Sang-yeob
- Yoon Tae-in as Cinematographer
- Lee Sang-jin as Staff
- Lee Sung-wook as Manager Choi
- An Kil-kang as Paul Oh
- Han Sang-jo as Assistant
- Lee Hong-nae as Yang Seok-won
- Park Hae-joon as Lee Jae-geon
- Park Seong-yeon as Gil Shin-ae
- Chyu Kwang-hyun as Mr. Lee
Guest cast
- Lee Yong-nyeo as Manager
- Kim Mi-hwa as President Wang
- Kim Hwi-gyu as Ra Byeong-su
- Joo Yeon-woo as Horse Trainer
- Kim Si-ho as CM Staff
- Lee Chang-ho as CM Photographer
- Kim Sun-young as Anga Madam
- Woo Kang-min as Attendee
- Kim Yong-seok as Banquet Attendee
- Jung Eui-wook as Banquet Attendee
- Lee Jae-woo as Ministry of Culture Staff
- Kim Joon-bae as Dictator
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 6 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | August 22, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Disgusted by the steamy "Madame Aema" script, Jeong Hee-ran refuses the lead role. Her vengeful producer retaliates by casting a rookie instead. |
August 22, 2025 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Even before filming starts, the crew faces challenges — tensions grow between Hee-ran and Shin Ju-ae, and strict censorship forces script changes. |
August 22, 2025 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Ju-ae battles a demanding film set and doubts her acting, but proves her grit. Later, she steps into a mansion that gives her an ominous feeling. |
August 22, 2025 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Netflix |
|---|---|
| First aired | August 22, 2025 |
| Last aired | August 22, 2025 |
| Runtime | 59 minutes |
| Status | ended |