Episode 2 of "Aema" unfolds with Hee-ran chuckling derisively at Ju-ae. The seasoned performer proclaims boldly that there can never be another Hee-ran, urging Ju-ae to depart. Undaunted, Ju-ae persists, seeking the input of the other judges. Jung-ho admires her spirited demeanor, while Kwak is virtually smitten with her. Ultimately, Ju-ae is selected as the new Aema, much to Hee-ran's chagrin.
The studio lavishes Ju-ae with her own apartment, and her first order of business is to visit her friend, Geun-ha, who is busy preparing for a protest. Ju-ae implores Geun-ha to join her as her assistant, promising companionship. Torn between loyalty to her friends and this new opportunity, Geun-ha eventually agrees. Gi jests that while she won't earn a salary, she'll lead a charmed life instead.
Meanwhile, Hee-ran attempts to terminate her contract, only to be warned by Jung-ho of the dire consequences. Though she relents, she reminds him that his wealth stems from the fans who are fiercely loyal to her.
Reporter Yang and the ladies from the factory bid a bittersweet farewell to Geun-ha and Ju-ae, expressing their hope that Ju-ae won't forget their struggles, which move her to tears.
New dramatic tensions arise with the introduction of Jung-ho's girlfriend and aspiring actress, Mi-na. Dismayed that he didn't cast her as Aema, she resorts to taking compromising photos of him and threatens him with blackmail.
Elsewhere, Yeong-bae obtains Kwon's initial draft for his new script, titled "Predation Night." Hee-ran is blown away by its brilliance and rushes to Kwon's residence, begging him to cast her. He cautions that the story is unfinished and may contain nude scenes, but she insists she'll do whatever it takes. She confesses that despite her success, her previous projects were solely for the money. For once, she yearns to act for the art.
This seemingly ignited a spark within him, driving him to conclude the screenplay, his mind painting vivid images of a perverted sexual encounter, influenced by Hee-ran's suggestive remarks. The scenario unfolds with the woman abruptly terminating her lover's life mid-coitus, abandoning the scene abruptly. As for Kwak, he attempted to refine 'Aema' with a touch of subtlety, but Jung-ho flatly rejected his efforts, insisting on retaining the vulgarity that initially captivated him. When Kwak dared to assert his creative vision, Jung-ho retaliated with the threat of termination.
Kwon, offering his screenplay to Jung-ho, who harbored long-held aspirations of collaborating with the director, found his overture met with a frosty reception. Despite Kwon's lack of respect for Jung-ho, he maintained a civil demeanor out of consideration for Hee-ran. Jung-ho's attempt to replace Hee-ran with Mi-na provoked derision from Kwon, leading to a heated and violent altercation. Regrettably, this clash sealed Jung-ho's involvement in Kwon's film and dashed Hee-ran's casting hopes.
Elsewhere, Kwak sought solace in the company of his old friend Hyeok, a former actor whose acting career had stagnated, now working as a bartender adored by women. Envious of Hyeok's effortless charm with the fairer sex, Kwak remained steadfast in his loyalty, casting Hyeok as the male lead in 'Aema'.
Meanwhile, Paul's assistant was engrossed in dressing Ju-ae, an endeavor that left Paul unimpressed yet silent, his allegiance to Hee-ran preventing him from voicing his dissatisfaction. Ju-ae found herself clad in an unflattering midi dress, while Hee-ran donned an exquisite, bespoke gown. Dismayed, Ju-ae tore apart her dress and transformed it into something seductive, donning it for the film's inaugural press conference. Hee-ran critically eyed Ju-ae's vibrant makeup and skin exposure.
Once they were alone, Hee-ran unleashed her fury, hurling Ju-ae's belongings at her and berating her for cheapening Paul's design. Ju-ae defiantly stood her ground, asserting that baring her cleavage did not equate to promiscuity and that she was merely striving to her fullest potential. Realizing Hee-ran was intractable, Ju-ae scooped up her belongings and stormed out.
Outside, both Geun-ha and Ju-ae fumed over Hee-ran's contradictory nature—beautiful and elegant yet odious and rude. They encountered a reporter, a familiar face from the dance club known for his lecherous advances toward Ju-ae. Sober, his demeanor remained unchanged, lecherously wondering if Geun-ha and Ju-ae were an item.
Back at the boutique, Paul is distraught over Ju-ae's butchered interpretation of his design. Torn between frustration and creation, he embarks on crafting a bespoke ensemble, but it emerges exquisitely humble. Meanwhile, Ju-ae embarks on her inaugural horse riding lesson, where she defies convention by declining to dominate the steed. Her unorthodox approach proves beneficial, yet it only fuels Hee-ran's rage further.
Elsewhere, censorship strikes hard, virtually decimating Aema's screenplay. Kwak seethes with fury, but Jung-ho offers a silver lining: the freedom to infuse the erotica with subtlety and artistic nuance. Later that evening, Hyeok finds himself intoxicated, stumbling out of the bar atop his motorcycle. As Aema Episode 2 draws to a close, Yeong-bae conveys to Hee-ran the heart-wrenching news that Hyeok has been involved in a harrowing accident.
