by Aema takes us back to the 1980s, right into the messy, glamorous, and sometimes ridiculous world of Korean cinema. Set along Chungmuro, the heart of Seoul’s film scene, this Netflix comedy drama mixes big personalities with bigger dreams. It’s loud, funny, and full of sharp moments about pride, power, and the chase for fame.
Directed by Lee Hae-Young, Aema doesn’t try to soften its characters or their mistakes. Instead, it shows the raw and often absurd side of showbiz, letting us laugh at how far people will go to be seen, heard, or remembered. This is a drama where no one plays nice—and that’s what makes it fun.
Profile of Aema K-drama (2025)
- Title: Aema (애마)
- Director: Lee Hae-Young
- Network: Netflix
- Episodes: TBA
- Release Date: August 22, 2025
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Showbiz
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
Plot: Aema
Jung Hee-Ran (played by Lee Ha-Nee) is Korea’s top actress in the 1980s. She’s fiery, outspoken, and totally unafraid to say exactly what she thinks. When she’s cast as the lead in the film Madame Aema, everything seems perfect—until it isn’t.
Gu Joog-Ho (played by Jin Sun-Kyu), the movie’s producer, realizes he can’t control Hee-Ran’s strong personality. In a bold move, he kicks her out of the project. To replace her, he finds Shin Joo-Ae (played by Bang Hyo-Rin), a nightclub dancer with big dreams and no experience.
Now Hee-Ran is furious, Joo-Ae is overwhelmed, and rookie director Kwak In-Woo (played by Cho Hyun-Chul) is stuck in the middle—nervous and trying not to mess up his first film.
With big egos, changing power dynamics, and a chaotic movie set, Aema shows us how dreams are made, broken, and sometimes faked for the cameras.
Main Cast: Aema
- Lee Ha-Nee as Jung Hee-Ran – A top actress who refuses to be controlled. Loud, proud, and unforgettable.
- Bang Hyo-Rin as Shin Joo-Ae – A dancer-turned-actress who wants more from life. Nervous, determined, and new to it all.
- Jin Sun-Kyu as Gu Joog-Ho – A producer who’ll do anything to stay relevant.
- Cho Hyun-Chul as Kwak In-Woo – A shy director with big dreams and no control over his set.
Who Should Watch Aema?
- Fans of showbiz dramas with a vintage flair.
- Viewers who enjoy comedy mixed with character drama.
- Anyone who liked Behind Every Star, Be Melodramatic, or Reborn Rich (for the retro vibe).
Why You Should Watch Aema
- Scene-stealing lead – Lee Ha-Nee’s performance is bold, hilarious, and full of fire.
- Backstage chaos – Gives you a fun peek behind the curtain of movie-making.
- 1980s nostalgia – From clothes to cameras, it nails the retro vibe.
- Great chemistry – The clash between characters feels real and sharp.
Final Verdict
Aema is a smart, stylish, and over-the-top ride through Korea’s film scene in the 1980s. With loud arguments, risky dreams, and unforgettable personalities, it’s a comedy with bite, and heart.
Whether you come for the industry drama or the vintage flair, you’ll stay for the laughs and the wild egos that refuse to back down. A sharp and fun watch with something real hiding behind all the drama.
