Lee Honey Shines in Netflix’s Risqué Retro Drama ‘Aema’

Lee Honey steps back into the spotlight with Netflix’s bold new series 'Aema'—a retro drama unmasking the glitz of 1980s Korean cinema.

A Throwback That Isn’t Holding Back

On July 18, actress Lee Honey (also romanized as Lee Ha-nee) attended the press conference for Netflix’s new original series ‘Aema’, held at Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu.

Set to premiere globally on July 22, Aema dives into South Korea’s 1980s film scene, spotlighting the rise of erotic films during a time of political tension—and what that boom cost the people behind the screen. The story follows top star Hee-ran (played by Lee Honey), whose fame glitters under the spotlight, but whose reality is anything but glamorous. Alongside her is rookie actress Joo-ae (played by Bang Hyo-rin), and together, they expose the double lives led under the name of ‘cinema.’

Lee Honey Steps Up to a Gutsy Role

At the press event, director Lee Hae-young joined lead stars Lee Honey, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu, and Jo Hyun-chul to share behind-the-scenes stories and insights about the series. Lee Honey, known for her elegant image, said of her daring role, “I’ve always wanted to explore messy, raw characters. Hee-ran was the perfect challenge.”

The show is loosely inspired by Madame Aema, a real 1982 film that became a cult classic and marked a turning point in Korea’s cinematic portrayal of sexuality. Netflix’s Aema doesn’t shy away from making viewers a little uncomfortable—in the best way. “It’s not about shock value,” said director Lee. “It’s about showing the industry’s hidden sides from a woman’s point of view.”

Raw, Real, and Relevant

While Aema is set decades ago, its themes echo loud and clear today—power dynamics in the entertainment world, the cost of fame, and what gets left behind when the cameras stop rolling. Fans and critics alike are already buzzing about Lee Honey’s transformative performance and the show’s gutsy narrative choices.

Will Aema follow in the path of Korea’s other Netflix hits like The Glory or Queenmaker? One thing’s for sure—Lee Honey’s comeback is packing more than nostalgia.

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