Fans of Korean television have a new title to obsess about. Aema debuted on Netflix in late August and is slowly but surely winning over viewers from all over the world. It’s the eighth most-watched non-English series on the platform, with over one million views this week alone.
With a provocative premise, great performances, and a fast-moving narrative, Aema doesn’t hold back, taking viewers on a fun ride from the very first episode. Does that mean it might come back for more?
Aema Season 2 Release Date
At the time of writing, there’s no news about a potential Aema season 2.
Netflix advertises it as a limited series. Also, by the time the end credits roll, you get a sense of finality, with no cliffhangers or unresolved plot threads. As a result, a sequel is unlikely.
That said, you never know. If Aema is wildly successful, it might spawn a continuation. After all, Squid Game was originally conceived as a one-season show.
Aema Cast
- Lee Hanee as Jeong Hee-ran
- Bang Hyo-rin as Shin Ju-ae
- Jin Sun-kyu as Ku Jung-ho
- Cho Hyun-chul as Kwak In-u
- Jang Nam-su as Yeong-bae
- Kim Jong-soo as Kwon Do-il
- Lee So-i as Mi-na
- Hyun Bong-sik as Heo Hyeok
- Lee Zoo-young as Geun-ha
What Could Happen in Aema Season 2?
Aema is set in 1980s Korea, at the heart of the nation’s film industry, and revolves around the production of Madame Aema. While the erotic film was real and became a cultural phenomenon, the behind-the-scenes shenanigans the series depicts are fictionalised.
The story mainly follows two women. Jeong Hee-ran is a celebrated actress fed up with playing exploitative nude roles. When handed the script for Madame Aema, she publicly refuses to continue such work, basically forcing the studio to sideline her as a supporting character.
Then there’s Shin Ju-ae, a former nightclub dancer who wins the lead role through sheer talent. Once she catches the director’s eye, she demands to be turned into a star in exchange for taking the part.
Initially rivals, Hee-ran and Ju-ae bond as they confront the corruption and sexism rampant in the film industry. Soon, their solidarity becomes a catalyst for challenging the status quo.
At its centre, Aema is a satirical period piece that spotlights female resilience. By the end, the two women spark industry changes, and their careers take significant turns. The show ends on a pretty final note, which makes it less likely for Aema season 2 to become a reality.
However, a sequel could follow the new chapters in Ju-ae and Hee-ran’s professional lives, while also finding a reason for the women to reunite. As long as the show maintains the same sharp tone, we’re in.
Are There Other Shows Like Aema?
If you enjoyed Aema, you might like some of the other Korean series currently streaming on Netflix. We recommend checking out Beyond the Bar, Our Unwritten Seoul, and Tastefully Yours.
Dating show Better Late Than Single could also be up your alley. For similar English content, The Studio and Minx are both a lot of fun.
