Episode 4 of "Aema" kicks off with Ju-ae's arrival at the party, her eyes widening in astonishment. The men amusement turns into a crass game, deciding whom among them Ju-ae should charm. She courageously approaches the VIP, who turns out to be none other than the President himself. As the festive ambiance takes a sinister turn, Hee-ran queries Ju-ae's desperate struggle for a movie that hasn't even seen the light of day. This revelation strikes Ju-ae like a thunderbolt as the VIP, with a sly smile, promises to turn her into a star in exchange for a night with him. Ju-ae, pleading for a chance to prove herself the proper way, cites her lack of acting credentials. He mocks her innocence but eventually releases her from his clutches. In a surprising twist, Hee-ran steps forward, dismissing Ju-ae as unworthy of his attention and volunteering herself instead.
Ju-ae remains frozen in disbelief as Choi, Jung-ho's influential government acquaintance, drives her home. With a condescending generosity, he instructs her to keep the glamorous outfit and hands her a cool million in cash. She hesitates, yearning to refuse, but Choi coldly advises her to swallow her pride, reminding her that she has, in a sense, already fulfilled her part of the unspoken bargain.
Elsewhere, Hee-ran's fury reaches its zenith as she slaps Jung-ho for exploiting Ju-ae in such a manner. It transpires that he had subjected her to the same degradation when she was a nascent actress. Jung-ho harshly points out their powerless state, emphasizing that government officials wield unchecked authority over their lives and careers.
The altercation sputters to an end, and she hands him the permission slip, procured from the VIP, to resume filming. Despite her avowed hatred for the movie, she insists she won't bow out in humiliation. In return, she bargains for a fresh script. Just then, a tipsy Mi-na stumbles in, unexpectedly desiring to attend the party after all. She lambasts Jung-ho for shielding her when she didn't solicit his protection. Meanwhile, Hee-ran discovers Ju-ae awaiting her outside her abode. Ju-ae expresses gratitude for Hee-ran's words, which empowered her to decline the VIP's advances. She confesses that her relentless pursuit of success stems from a toxic familial atmosphere. Hee-ran, still sharp-tongued yet devoid of malice, inquiries about Ju-ae's motivations beyond yearning for a better life.
Geun-ha arrives home to find Ju-ae dining amidst piles of money. She breaks down in distress on Ju-ae's behalf, but they both resignedly concur that their actions hold little consequence; they might as well revel in their newfound wealth. Nevertheless, Ju-ae donates the money to Reporter Yang to finance his protests. Concerned for her well-being, he vows to assist her whenever she needs it.
Recalling her own awakening, Ju-ae reflects on how a high school play made her realize she was truly herself when on stage, kindling her aspiration to become an actress. Elsewhere, Hee-ran comes across her maiden script, adorned with countless annotations, mirroring Ju-ae's dedication. The script revision commences between Hee-ran and Kwak, who elucidates his desire to delve into female pleasure, weaving a tapestry of European arthouse erotica with trendy Japanese grotesque pornography.
To his misfortune, Hee-ran rips apart his script, rejecting the glorification of rape, adultery, hypersexuality, and the male gaze with disdain. She scorns his attempt to blend genres, pointing out that the film lacks depth and complexity. Instead, she urges him to hone in on the absurd and grotesque, and with newfound focus, he dives into his work.
Gi dispatches Geun-ha to collect clothing and a bribe from Ms. Gil, who now has the VIP's favor. Henceforth, Ju-ae will don her attire instead of Paul's. Though disturbed by the turn of events, Geun-ha seizes the opportunity to demand more money, which she pockets with a sly smile.
The reshoot commences, with a stark contrast to the original scene. In the original, Yun-ho, a married man, rapes his first love, Aema, to the arousal of both Aema and Erika. However, in the reshoot, Aema firmly rejects Yun-ho. Before he can force himself upon her, Erika bursts in, cracking her whip at him. Together, Aema and Erika bind him in a bondage-like fashion, only to have his wife stumble upon the scene.
As they wrap up, Hee-ran's demeanor changes from distant to cordial, even complimenting Ju-ae on her performance. Touched by the gesture, Ju-ae offers Hee-ran Reporter Yang's business card, should she ever find herself in trouble with the VIP. Yeong-bae finds amusement in the fact that despite Hee-ran's efforts to remain aloof, Ju-ae holds a fondness for her.
Meanwhile, Mi-na embarks on a hunger strike as a bold protest of her discontent. Jung-ho, still determined to assist her, suggests another party. Though concerned, Mi-na assures him of her疯狂的决心 to face whatever challenges come her way.
On the culminating day of the shoot, Aema and Erika embark on a horseback ride that leads them to a serene meadow, where they find themselves lying side by side amidst a sea of blossoms. Their conversation carries a profound resonance, as Hee-ran, embodying Erika, imparts a heartfelt plea to Ju-ae's Aema: to never surrender her identity, regardless of life's challenges, and to remain steadfast in her self-preservation. When the scene concludes, Ju-ae expresses her gratitude to Hee-ran, who dismisses it as mere scripted lines from the film.
Mi-na, the gracious host of the wrap party, draws Ju-ae aside and reveals a striking similarity between them—both willing to leverage intimacy in pursuit of their aspirations. Ju-ae responds with a knowing smile, her expression betraying neither agreement nor disagreement.
As Aema Episode 4 draws to a close, Jung-ho abruptly halts Hee-ran's bittersweet farewells by reminding her, according to their contract, she is bound to headline twelve films. He points out that her role in Aema qualifies her merely as a supporting actress, leaving one more leading part yet to be fulfilled. Hee-ran's smile turns enigmatic before she subtly turns the tables on him, her intent clear yet shrouded in mystery.
