"Perhaps the protagonists of our work could be a fantasy. They are cool and full of courage. But on the other hand, I think the intense call for that is needed more than ever in this changing era, right now. The message of 'In a X-like world, be stronger' is really thrilling, isn't it?"
Actor Lee Ha-nee (43) meets global audiences with her heartfelt new work 'Aema', even appearing in public with her pregnancy.
In an online video interview held ahead of the release of the Netflix series 'Aema' (directed by Lee Hae-young), Lee Ha-nee expressed, "Just the fact that the story of 1980s Chungmuro is coming back to the world in this era made my heart swell. There was a strange thrill and excitement in realizing that we can now raise our voices and bring it to public discourse."
"When I first received the offer to participate, to be honest, I couldn't readily say yes. There was a strong preconceived notion about the high level of intensity. (laughs) So I just said I would read it gratefully, but when I actually saw the script, I was so surprised. The director's writing style, the message contained within, even the same bed scenes were presented in a healthy and harmless way without using women in a consumptive manner, and I found that very fresh and intellectual."
‘Aema’ is a series that depicts the story of top star 'Hee-ran' and rookie actress 'Joo-ae' bravely confronting the dark realities hidden behind the glamorous spotlight during the birth of erotic films that swept Korea in the 1980s. Lee Ha-nee passionately plays the top actress Hee-ran in the series.
Director Lee Hae-young, known for works like 'Drug King', 'Ghost', and 'Madonna', is making his first series directorial debut with 'Aema'. He has stated, "I had many conversations with the real protagonist of the film 'Aema', actress Ahn So-young, and I infused my respect and admiration for her, as well as the fighting spirit of the path she walked, into the work."
Lee Ha-nee, who said she "looked into various interviews and materials including works from the 70s and 80s," added, "I tried to express the actresses of that era vividly while closely discussing and contemplating with director Lee Hae-young. Just meeting Ahn So-young was an incredible source of energy."
She emphasized, "There seems to be a unique color of that era. While the trend now is more natural, back then it was more glamorous, exaggerated, and had a distinct aura of personality. The process of preparing for that was fun, interesting, and above all, new. I worked hard to convey the message the work wanted to express powerfully and refreshingly while maintaining that fun."
Visually, she also put in significant effort. She shyly mentioned, "I usually tend to be quite tough, so I didn't have much of a feminine side, but I think I learned through various characters while acting."
She continued, "'Cat' was the motto. I tried to express the elegance of a top actress of that era by minimizing movement and giving slight points. I aimed to incorporate many elements like a gentle walk, glamorous fashion, and diverse energy while being restrained to maximize them."
"Above all, I found the choice of the protagonist to not remain silent in the face of absurd reality and to strive to endure more strongly in an X-like world to be admirable. I felt catharsis. Just recently, the 'Me Too movement' has surfaced globally, and courageous voices that were unimaginable in the past are growing. In that sense, I believe this story can resonate and provide a sense of connection in our current era."
Earlier, Lee Ha-nee drew attention by attending the first official event for 'Aema' at Hotel Naru in Mapo-dong while pregnant.
Regarding this, Lee Ha-nee humorously said, "I was told the second one comes faster, so I couldn't predict my condition, but I thought it wouldn't come out that day, so I attended." In fact, she was supposed to attend virtually that day but surprised many by appearing in person.
She expressed, "It seems I have a special affection for 'Aema'. I may not have fully experienced the old system, but I feel like I am from a generation that has seen a glimpse of the end. I felt regretful about female actors being sexually consumed (like in 'Aema'), but as I mentioned several times before, I was glad there was a refreshing punch, which allowed me to act boldly. I hope that sincerity and message reach the viewers."
Additionally, she stated, "Throughout my life, I've tried various challenges and have many hobbies, but I don't think there's anything as fun and happy as acting. After all, isn't our life unpredictable? Especially since the industry is tough, each work becomes more precious, and every opportunity is earnest and valuable. That's why I have to give my best and love it even more."
"I want to do this work longer and better. Every moment of acting is happy, fun, and makes my heart swell. But I don't know when it might be the last. I'm not thinking about retirement, but circumstances don't always favor us. So I try to pour all my energy into what I have. I hope there will continue to be grateful opportunities for me, and I will do my best every moment so that I have no regrets!"
Lee Ha-nee married a non-celebrity husband in December 2021 and gave birth to her first daughter in June the following year. She is expecting her second child around mid-August.
‘Aema’ was released worldwide on the 22nd.
