The four main stars of the Netflix original series 'Aema'—Lee Ha-Nee, Bang Hyo-Rin, Jin Sun-Kyu, and Jo Hyun-Cheol—conducted a photo shoot and interview for the fashion magazine 'Elle.' Since the work is inspired by the production process of the erotic film 'The Mrs. Aema,' which heated up Korea in the 1980s, there is high interest in how the actors will unfold the story. Despite being pregnant with her second child, Lee Ha-Nee actively led the lively atmosphere of the set during both the shoot and interview.
Lee Ha-Nee, who will give birth to her second child next week, answered the question of which part of the work she was most drawn to by saying, "The profession of an actress is just packaging, and I thought of it as a growth story of a person named Jeong-Hee. Like Hee-Ran, who struggled against the historical limitations and injustices of the entertainment industry in the 1980s, I hope this can be a source of strength for someone who is still fighting today." Bang Hyo-Rin, who completed Netflix's initiation as the new actress Joo-Ae, opposing top star Hee-Ran, added, "Just as I was comforted by seeing Joo-Ae move forward, I hope this work can bring comfort to those who watch it."
Regarding the chemistry with Lee Ha-Nee, he said, "Just as Hee-Ran is an object of admiration and respect for Joo-Ae, Lee Ha-Nee is that kind of existence for me, so I didn't really feel like I was acting. I just had to bring out the feelings I had. Every time we finished shooting, she embraced me, and that will be a source of strength for me moving forward," giving a glimpse of the warm atmosphere on set.
Jin Sun-Kyu, who played the role of Gu Jung-Ho, the film company representative who stops at nothing for box office success, also noted, "I reunited with Lee Ha-Nee after 'Extreme Job.' Thanks to that, it was enjoyable throughout the shoot. This was my first time working with Director Lee Hae-Young, and it matched well with my background in theater, as we looked for the best with slightly different nuances in each take."
Jo Hyun-Cheol, playing the role of rookie director Kwak In-Woo, explained, "It seems that my actual situation as a rookie director influenced the decision to offer me this role. The situation In-Woo faces is much more constrained and harsh compared to my current self, but I was intrigued by how he is a more open character compared to the general thoughts and emotions of that time." He also added, "I don't usually keep the era in mind when acting, but it was fun to watch Ha-Nee's and Hyo-Rin's attention to detail in the costumes and speech of that time. I especially felt the aura of a leading actress who leaves a mark on a period from Ha-Nee."
Lee Ha-Nee added, "There was definitely a time when I tried hard to turn my image in a different direction. I consider it a great fortune to be able to meet Hee-Ran in a state where I have somewhat gained the freedom not to prove myself. In the past, I was closer to being used by my image, but now is the time when I can fully utilize it. I'm confident that this is a role I can do better than anyone else."
Jin Sun-Kyu also said, "I believe that within Gu Jung-Ho's strong commercialism, there is a clear love for film. Even then, someone was making films passionately, and I hope it reflects that everyone struggled to create a single work. I want to feel once again the sentiment of that time when a single work had a long life."
The Netflix original series 'Aema' is set to be released on Aug. 22. The photo shoot and interview with Lee Ha-Nee, Bang Hyo-Rin, Jin Sun-Kyu, and Jo Hyun-Cheol can be found in the September issue of 'Elle' and on the Elle website.
[Photo] Elle Korea
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