In the 1980s, adult films were officially promoted, yet freedom of expression was paradoxically restricted. The original erotic film "Emmanuelle" shook that turbulent era. The 2025 version, simply titled "Emma," takes a fresh approach, reinterpreting the contradictions of the time with added imagination.

Director Lee Ha-young explained, "'Emma' isn't just the protagonist of 'Emmanuelle.' It symbolizes the era and the desires of the public. These characters had to confront immense prejudice and misunderstanding, and endure through it."

Bold Interpretations of a Tumultuous Era

While maintaining a raw, realistic depiction of the period, the film introduces fictional elements. Two actresses navigate the restrictive system in their own ways. Lee emphasized, "'Emma' is a story supporting and cheering on the endurance of these figures."

The Netflix series held its press showcase at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo District, Seoul, with appearances by Lee Ha-ni, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu, Cho Hyun-chul, and director Lee.

Lee Ha-ni, who is expecting her second child, had initially planned to attend remotely but chose to appear in person. She joked, "My due date is next week, but it looks like the baby won't come out today."

Acting as Resistance and Solidarity

Lee Ha-ni plays top actress Jeong Hee-ran, who refuses explicit scenes after winning a Best Actress award at an international festival, yet must take on a supporting role as Erika in "Emmanuelle" due to contractual obligations. She was drawn to the theme of female solidarity, saying, "I'm from a generation that witnessed the tail end of the old system. Women being consumed sexually was frustrating, so I could be bolder."

"The environment encouraged a perspective beyond conventional norms, which allowed more freedom in portraying the story. It's reassuring to see that we can now reflect on the 1980s with this lens," Lee added.

Bang Hyo-rin portrays newcomer Shin Joo-ae, the lead in "Emmanuelle." This was her first official public event. Director Lee recounted, "I wanted a newcomer to play herself. After meeting thousands, Bang Hyo-rin finally appeared at the end, perfectly fitting the role." He praised her performance, saying, "She read her lines plainly but broke down in genuine emotion—it was incredible."

Lee Ha-ni also lauded Bang's talent, comparing her to a lotus flower: "Her presence is pure and beautiful, with acting free of any excess. She stands out in every scene with her own color—it's rare and precious."

Capturing Desire and Detail

Jin Sun-kyu plays Gu Joong-ho, the ruthless head of Shinseong Film, who will do whatever it takes to succeed in the competitive Chungmuro film industry. He described his character as someone who, while harsh to outsiders, genuinely loves cinema and excels commercially.

Notably, Jin invested heavily in his makeup, which took 1–2 hours each day, applying nine skincare products under director Lee's guidance to achieve a luminous, confident presence.

The production paid meticulous attention to historical authenticity, from actors' appearances and sets to 1980s Seoul dialects and era-specific dubbing. Erika's voice in the original film, performed by Park Jung-ja, served as a reference for the voice actors, who emulated her mid-low tone.

Lee Ha-ni highlighted a key point for viewers: "The 2025 'Emma' is not 'Emmanuelle.' It's a completely different interpretation. While it shares some elements, it redefines exposure and perspective for today's audience."

Director Lee added, "'Emma' was an idea I had 20 years ago. I never thought I could make it into a full-length film. Being able to finally present this long-cherished story to global fans feels cinematic in itself."

The six-part series "Emma" will premiere in full on Netflix on August 22.