Set against the smoky, power-brokered film sets of early-1980s Korea, Aema follows a veteran movie star and a bold newcomer as they battle censorship and industry politics while making a provocative film. The limited series debuts August 22, 2025 on Netflix with a six-episode run led by Lee Hanee and Bang Hyo-rin, alongside Jin Sun-kyu and Cho Hyun-chul, and is written–directed by Lee Hae-young.
At a glance
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Release date: August 22, 2025
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Platform: Netflix (limited series)
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Episodes: 6 (all drop together)
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Rating/genre: TV-MA; period showbiz dramedy set in 1980s Korea
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Creator: Lee Hae-young (writer–director)
Release date & streaming
Aema premieres August 22, 2025 and streams exclusively on Netflix worldwide as a limited series. Netflix’s official listing confirms the title and page, and the Netflix newsroom announces the global premiere date. Multiple trade roundups note the show’s six-episode format will drop all at once for a full-season binge.
How to watch
Open the title page on Netflix and hit play; downloads for offline viewing are supported on mobile. Audio is available in Korean (with audio description) and English, with English and Korean subtitles.
What Aema is about
Set in the Korean film world of the early 1980s, Aema goes behind the scenes of making the provocative hit Madame Aema, following two actresses who push back against a male-dominated industry and the back-room power plays that shape their careers. Expect a stylish mix of nostalgia, satire, and showbiz drama.
Cast: who’s who
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Lee Hanee (Honey Lee) as Jung Hee-ran, a top movie star branded “difficult” when she refuses to toe the line.
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Bang Hyo-rin as Shin Joo-ae, a rookie suddenly thrust into the lead.
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Jin Sun-kyu as powerful producer Koo Joong-ho.
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Cho Hyun-chul in a key supporting role.
Character names and the central rivalry are highlighted in official previews and Korean press.
Creative team
Aema is written and directed by Lee Hae-young, bringing a filmmaker’s eye to the era’s glitz, grit, and shifting gender politics. Promotional materials and industry coverage emphasize the show’s period detail and rebellious tone.
Episode count & format
The season runs six episodes, designed for a quick, punchy binge—an approach repeatedly cited in release coverage for the title.
Why it’s worth your time
Suppose you enjoy behind-the-scenes showbiz dramas with sharp gender commentary. In that case, Aema blends high-style period filmmaking with a two-lead rivalry—anchored by Honey Lee’s star power and an industry snapshot that’s timely and pointed even decades later. Early preview pieces and recaps praise the Lee Hanee–Bang Hyo-rin pairing as the show’s standout dynamic.
Episode guide for Aema (6 eps, all out now)
| Ep | Runtime | What happens (no spoilers) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 47m | Hee-ran rejects the steamy Madame Aema script; a slighted producer strikes back by slotting a rookie into the lead. |
| 2 | 53m | Friction builds before cameras even roll—Hee-ran and Ju-ae clash as censors force rewrites. |
| 3 | 1h | Ju-ae battles a bruising film set and her own doubts, then steps into a mansion with an ominous vibe. |
| 4 | 59m | A glimpse of the industry’s dark underbelly pushes Ju-ae toward a make-or-break choice—and Hee-ran urges her to fight back. |
| 5 | 1h 4m | Hee-ran uncovers the producer’s secret ledger; by dawn, the film reels have mysteriously vanished. |
| 6 | 1h 8m | Madame Aema becomes a nationwide sensation; fame tests Ju-ae, and a live awards show puts Hee-ran in a pivotal spotlight. |
All six episodes are streaming now on Netflix.
