Episode 3 of "Aema" kicks off with Hyeok lying in a hospital bed, as Hee-ran's elation contrasts sharply with Jung-ho's distress. However, Jung-ho swiftly devises a plan to recast the male lead, suggesting they proceed with filming the remaining scenes in the meantime. Matters escalate physically between Jung-ho and Hee-ran when she attempts to halt him, but their confrontation is abruptly halted by Kwak's emotional meltdown.
Despite the turmoil, preparations for filming press on relentlessly. Ju-ae immerses herself deeply into her character, seemingly unfazed by Kwak's original casting decision based solely on her physical attributes. She confesses that while she once felt ashamed of her body as a teenager, she now embraces it as a means to achieve her goals. She even flatters Kwak, suggesting he has the ingenuity to navigate the censorship rules, which reinvigorates his efforts to complete the script rewrites.
Nonetheless, Ju-ae is thrown into a panic upon receiving the revised script merely 15 minutes before filming commences. In stark contrast, Hee-ran remains utterly unperturbed.
Elsewhere, Gi is impressed by Geun-ha's involvement in orchestrating the bribery scheme to ensure the amended script passes censorship unscathed.
Filming begins, but Ju-ae stumbles over her lines, clearly flustered. On the other hand, Hee-ran delivers a flawless performance and takes delight in rubbing it in. A break is called as Ju-ae's nerves get the better of her.
Backstage, Hee-ran tries on a stunning new dress from Paul Goh, oblivious to the mystical vision it promises. Ju-ae bursts in, her frustration evident, demanding that Hee-ran back down, emphasizing that this is her very first day. Hee-ran responds coolly, stating that an actor either possesses the talent or they do not.
In the subsequent sequence, Aema undergoes an acupuncture session, during which both she and Erika find themselves inexplicably aroused. Ju-ae handles this scene with adeptness; however, Hee-ran abruptly exits, baffled by her character's motivations and unwilling to blindly adhere to the director's guidance. Kwak, at a loss for words, allows Hee-ran to conclude her work for the day. Ju-ae confronts Hee-ran, accusing her of being motivated solely by money and harboring resentment. Hee-ran counters by inquiring about the purpose of dedication when faith has been lost, inadvertently seizing Ju-ae's script. Upon skimming the notes, Hee-ran is astounded to discover that despite their differences, Ju-ae aspires to emulate her.
Kwak's struggles persist as he grapples with effectively portraying steamy scenes. Ju-ae proposes a daring concept—wearing a sheer dress in the pouring rain—which ignites his creativity. Meanwhile, the female assistant educates the new male lead, Yun-ho, on subtle ways to suggest nudity without exposing too much. She appears to take a liking to him when he accidentally reveals more than intended, causing her to blush.
Ju-ae excels in scenes devoid of dialogue recitation. Kwak's innocence and naivety shine through as he attempts to direct an intimate scene, but Ju-ae seizes the initiative. In the resulting shot, a connection seems to spark between her and Kwak, only to be disrupted by Yun-ho's arousal. While the male crew members express frustration, the female assistant checks on him, and a tender moment passes between them. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Culture arrives and halts production, revealing that Geun-ha's bribe had failed. Jung-ho pulls out all the stops to secure the resumption of filming, which unfortunately entails sending Ju-ae to entertain stressed government officials preoccupied with planning the 1988 Olympics.
A peculiar camaraderie seems to have blossomed between Geun-ha and Gi, as she shields him from a drunken Kwak's accusation of theft regarding the bribe. Later, Geun-ha blames herself, but Gi firmly reassures her otherwise. He sends her to seek out Ju-ae, who arrives just in time to witness Jung-ho coercing Ju-ae into attending the Olympics party. Geun-ha protests, but Ju-ae snaps at her for not comprehending her desperation. With a defiant tone, Ju-ae declares she will do whatever it takes to escape poverty's clutches.
Yet, this harrowing spectacle perfectly aligns with Geun-ha's darkest imaginings as the hotel's stern madam issues a chilling command to Ju-ae: to disrobe. Surrounded by maids who scrutinize her with critical eyes, Ju-ae is adorned in the latest couture, an unwitting puppet in this grandiose spectacle. The madam's threat looms large—a grim promise of death for Ju-ae and her companions should she utter a word about the night's events to anyone.
Tears streaming down her cheeks, Ju-ae steps into the party, a spectacle of debauchery where strippers sway to the rhythm, government officials indulge in clandestine liaisons with escorts, and Hee-ran, resplendent in a daring gown, belts out a tune with a knowing glance that speaks volumes. With Hee-ran's enigmatic gaze lingering in the air, Aema Episode 3 draws to a cliffhanger, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
