[OSENWORLD] Rising actress Bang Hyo-rin says she felt no burden about filming nude scenes for Netflix’s latest Korean drama Aema, adding that she endured nearly a decade of obscurity by juggling part-time jobs before landing her breakout role.
On August 27, Bang sat down for an interview in Seoul following the release of Aema, which premiered globally on Netflix on August 22 across more than 190 countries.
Directed by Lee Hae-young (Believer, Phantom, Like a Virgin), Aema is the filmmaker’s first series project. The show revisits the 1980s Korean film industry, when erotic films surged in popularity. Beneath the glamorous spotlight, the drama explores the darker realities of Chungmuro — South Korea’s movie hub — through the story of two actresses: established star Hee-ran (played by Lee Hanee) and rookie Joo-ae (Bang Hyo-rin).
Bang plays Joo-ae, a struggling nightclub dancer who suddenly lands the lead role in Madame Aema, a sensational hit that catapults her into fame.
Bang revealed that the possibility of nude scenes was clearly stated from the start. “It was in the audition notice, so I knew before applying,” she said with a laugh. “When I saw the title Aema, I thought of Madame Aema (the 1980s film). I even wondered if it might be about a car, because ‘Aema’ sounds like it could be. I imagined all sorts of things.”
Asked if she felt pressure, she replied: “Not at all. I wasn’t worried about it being a sequel to Madame Aema. I was just curious about the project itself. Even after it was released, I didn’t think about scenes circulating online. I just focused on the character.”
For authenticity, Bang even changed her body. “The director asked me to gain weight — to bulk up my arms and overall frame. I was much slimmer before. I worked out every day and ate a lot. Honestly, the on-set catering helped the most,” she said, smiling.
Bang debuted in 2015 with the short film Let Me In and went on to appear in shorts such as Dear Lowell (2017) and Somewhat Cloudy Day Ahead of Us (2020). She won Best Acting in the Korean Short Competition at the 11th Seoul International Pride Film Festival for How do I kill that B? (2021), before starring in the indie feature Hail to Hell (2023).
But her journey was far from easy. “For nearly 10 years I survived on countless part-time jobs — teaching acting, working at cafés, ice cream shops, bakeries, clothing stores, department stores. I did everything I could while chasing my dream of acting,” she recalled.
Bang added that her parents were thrilled about her Netflix debut. “They didn’t say it directly, but I could tell they were so proud. They loved the character too, saying it was such a strong role.”
With Aema, Bang Hyo-rin is stepping into the spotlight at last — not just as Netflix’s newest breakout star, but as proof of persistence paying off in the toughest of industries.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
