Released in 1982, Madame Aema is considered the beginning of the Korean erocistic film genres explosion. This hit work was produced until the 12th part, released in 2016.
Inspired by Madame Aema, the new Netflix series Aema will tell the arduous journey of top-notch film star Hee Ran (Honey Lee) and rookie actor Joo Ae (Bang Hyo Rin), who bravely face the dark reality hidden behind the glory of that era, in the process of bringing Madame Aema to the screen.
Hee Ran lost the lead role of the project "Madame Aema" to new actress Hyo Rin, after she announced that she would not accept more suggestive roles. From the initial competition, Hee Ran and Hyo Rin gradually developed into an alliance, when the two women challenged the male-dominated film industry.
Once hailed as a box office phenomenon, "Madame Aema" was criticized in recent years for considering female characters as sexuality.
According to director Lee Hae Young, the film "Aema" is not only a tribute to a "sexy icon", a legendary character on Korean screens, but also a tribute to those who lived like Aema of that era.
At the production press conference, actress Honey Lee said she was very happy and did not feel pressured to participate in "Aema".
I cant say that I have fully experienced the old system and customs of that time, but I, of the generation, have seen the fading remnants of it.
It was sad to see women being considered sex workers in the film industry. Maybe that is the reason why I can approach this project more boldly," the actress shared.
Reflecting on the broader message of Aema, director Lee Hae Young said that although the film is set in the 1980s, the audience will be able to see surprising similarities with the present.
The character Joong Ho (played by Jin Sun Kyu) is a stubborn director of a film company, who cut Hee Ran's role after she objected to acting in a nut film.
"I feel like there are still people like Joong Ho. They are the ones who think that as long as the business is successful, no matter the process is not important, the director shared.
Aema consists of 6 episodes, scheduled to premiere on Netflix on August 22.
