In the vibrant yet male-dominated world of 1980s Korean cinema located on Seoul'sChungmu-ro road, the sensational erotic film "Madame Aema" is set to make its mark, sparking both excitement and controversy. The story centers on two actresses with clashing personalities who are united by a shared struggle against the industry's exploitative nature.
A famous actress who is under contract of Shinsung Films who had enough of showing her body on screen. She is required to film an erotic film called "Madame Aema" in order to complete her contract with Shinsung Pictures. However since she no longer wants to bare her body, she is sidelined to supporting role meanwhile a new actress is cast to fulfill the main character position.
A rookie actress who was a nightclub dancer. She is cast as the main character "Aema" in a film called "Madame Aema". This makes her embroiled with conflict with Jeong Hee-ran, in which the latter initially behaves coldly toward her but actually wants to protect her dignity from the exploitative nature of the cinema industry.
Exploitative CEO of Shinsung Films, the production company for an erotic film called "Madame Aema". He is willing to do anything even having dirty deals with South Korean elites in order to be allowed to film Madame Aema by sending actresses under his production house to be used as prostitution to serve country's elites.
An idealistic and hot blooded rookie director. He is forced by Gu Jung-ho to produce the erotic version of "Madame Aema" meanwhile he wants to produce the elegant and moderate version of "Madame Aema"
The series was officially commissioned byNetflix, withLee Hae-young serving aswriter anddirector, while The Lamp Co., Ltd. and Studio Kick Co., Ltd. co-managed the production.[2]
In May 2023, it was reported thatLee Hanee would appear in the series.[3] In September 2023,Jin Seon-kyu,Bang Hyo-rin [ko] andCho Hyun-chul were reportedly cast to appear.[4][5][6] Lee, Jin, Bang, and Cho were officially confirmed to star on the same month.[7]
^abcdefghiKim, Saet-byeol (August 8, 2025)."벗기려고만 하는 시대"...뒤집기 위해 나선 '애마' ["An era where we're only trying to strip ourselves bare"...Aema sets out to turn things around].The Fact (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 14, 2025.
^Hwang, So-young (May 3, 2023).[단독] '열일의 아이콘' 이하늬, 드라마 '애마' 주인공 낙점 [[Exclusive] Lee Ha-nee, the "Icon of Hard Work," has been selected to star in the drama "Aema"].JTBC (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 14, 2025.
^Kim, Sun-woo (September 6, 2023).[단독] '반가운 다작' 진선규, '애마' 캐스팅...이하늬와 재회 [[Exclusive] Jin Seon-kyu, a prolific and welcome actor, cast in "Aema"...Reunites with Lee Ha-nee].JTBC (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 8, 2025.
^Jo, Hye-jin (September 6, 2023).[단독] 신예 방효린, '애마' 주연 파격 캐스팅...이하늬·진선규 호흡 [[Exclusive] Rookie Bang Hyo-rin cast in a groundbreaking role in "Aema"...Working with Lee Ha-nee and Jin Seon-kyu].Xports News (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 8, 2025.
^Kim, Sun-woo (September 7, 2023).[단독] 조현철, 차기작은 '애마'...'너와 나' 개봉 이어 겹경사 [[Exclusive] Jo Hyun-chul's next project is "Aema," a double whammy following the release of "You and I"].JTBC (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 14, 2025.
^Kim, Bo-young (September 11, 2024).'애마'부인은 어떻게 탄생했나...이하늬·방효린·진선규·조현철 캐스팅[공식] [How did Madame "Aema" come to be? Casting of Lee Ha-nui, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Seon-kyu, and Jo Hyun-chul [Official]].Edaily (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 14, 2025.
^Lee, Young-sil (October 23, 2023).[인터뷰] '감독' 조현철의 위로 [[Interview] 'Director' Cho Hyun-chul's Comfort].Sisa Week (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 14, 2025.
^Kim, Hye-jin (March 17, 2024).애마부인 연기로 돌아오는 미스코리아 출신 배우 [The Miss Korea-turned-actress returns to the role of Madame Aema] (in Korean). RetrievedAugust 14, 2025.
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