Lee Honey Glows—Literally and Figuratively
In a bold blend of bump, brilliance, and retro flair, actress Lee Honey (aka Lee Ha-nee) leads the cast of Netflix’s ‘EMA’ in a chic ELLE Korea feature. Despite being pregnant with her second child during the shoot, Lee charmed everyone on set with what can only be described as boss-level energy.
Speaking about the drama, Lee reflected deeply: “Being an actress is just wrapping paper. I felt like this was really about the growth journey of Jung Hee-ran.” Set in the turbulent 1980s Korean entertainment scene, ‘EMA’ follows Hee-ran, a top star navigating systemic injustice. “Just like Hee-ran, I hope this story empowers anyone still fighting for their place,” she added.
Hee-ran and Joo-ae: Onscreen Rivals, Offscreen Respect
Rising star Bang Hyo-rin, who plays ambitious rookie Joo-ae in the series, marks her Netflix debut opposite Lee. “Just like Joo-ae looks up to Hee-ran, I admire Lee Honey in real life,” she gushed. “Every time a shoot wrapped, she hugged me—and that warmth stays with me.”
Bang added that she saw comfort in Joo-ae’s journey, against all odds. “This character helped me keep going when I was unsure. I hope it does the same for viewers.”
Old Friends, New Era
Actor Jin Seon-gyu brings edge to the drama as slick producer Goo Jun-ho—a man who believes the end always justifies the showbiz means. “Reuniting with Lee Honey after our time on Extreme Job was a joy,” he said. “We just clicked into a rhythm on set.”
Jin praised director Lee Hae-young for allowing him to play with each take: “Coming from theater, that nuance-driven process really suited me. It reminded me why I love acting.”
Life Meets Art for Jo Hyun-chul
Newcomer Jo Hyun-chul, who plays rookie director Kwak In-woo, saw shades of himself in the role. “In-woo’s situation is even tougher than mine, but he’s more open-minded than the times he lives in. That intrigued me,” Jo said.
He also couldn’t help fangirling a bit: “Watching Lee Honey and Bang Hyo-rin dive into 1980s fashion and speech was a blast. Lee really radiated that classic diva aura.”
An Ode to Reinvention
For Lee, this role wasn’t just a character—it was a turning point. “There was a time when I worked hard to change my image. Now, I don’t feel the need to prove myself,” she shared. “Meeting Hee-ran when I felt that freedom was fate. I’m finally at a place where I can use my image, not be used by it.”
Beyond Nostalgia—Back to Passion
Jin Seon-gyu wrapped it up best: “Yes, Goo Jun-ho is commercially driven. But buried in that is a love for cinema. Back then, people gave their all to one project. I hope ‘EMA’ shows what it meant when a film could live on for years.”
Catch ‘EMA’ now streaming on Netflix, delivering glam, grit, and a timely message wrapped in a gorgeously nostalgic package.
