Netflix has dropped the official trailer for its new Korean series “Aema” on August 8, building advances for its official premiere on 22 August.
The trailer shows intense moments from the fictitious production of the erotic film of the 80s “Madame Aema”, highlighting the clash between two actresses that sail in an industry dominated by men.
The opening scenes focus on Jeong Hee -ran (Lee Hanee), a award-winning star that publicly refuses movie Explicit scenes after reading the original script “Madame Aema”. Frustrated by its position, the head of production Ku Jung-Ho (Jin Sun-Kyu) degrades it to a support role by using an exclusive contractual clause.
This fundamental conflict lays the foundations for the newcomer Shin Joo-Ae (Bang Hyo-Rin) to take over the command through a high post-content hearing. In the trailer, Joo-Ae declares boldly: “Let me the next Jung Hee -ran”, to which Hee -ran replies with a smile and one word: “interesting”.
Director Kwak In-U (Cho Hyun-Chul), interpreted as a passionate director for the first time, observes while his vision clashes with the policy in the studio and censorship. The trailer also takes reviews of the script sent by the government that absurdly change the title of work of the film from “A woman who loves horses” to “a woman who loves hemp”, saturating the contradictions of censorship of the time.
The series, led by Lee Hae-Young, known for films such as “Believer” and “Like a Virgin”, meticulously recreates Chungmuro of the 80s detailed Set design, costumes and lighting that evoke the glamor and the cinematographic grit of the period. The authentic stage objects and the techniques of the camera adapted to the period deepen the engaging experience, transporting spectators to the heart of the gold era of the Erotics of Korea.
In its center, “Aema” examines themes of solidarity and female resistance. After the initial rivalry, Hee -ran and Joo-Ae gradually form an alliance to challenge the structures of power exploiting and preserving their artistic integrity. The last shot of the trailer shows the two women who are side by side against the background of a facade in the studio illuminated by the neon, capturing a sense of shared resolution.
Produced by The Lamp and Netflix, “Aema” extends over six episodes, each of about 30-35 minutes. Filming were completed in the spring of 2024 and the series will be available in over 190 countries, with subtitles and dubbing in several languages to reach a global audience.
With its mixture of black comedies, details and social comments, “Aema” promises A bold reinventation of a fundamental moment in the history of Korean cinema. Spectators can stream all episodes on Netflix starting from 22 August.
