Ju Ji Hoon and Ha Ji Won Lead ENA’s High-Stakes Drama Climax
ENA’s upcoming Monday-Tuesday drama Climax is set to deliver an intense blend of power struggles, emotional depth, and cinematic storytelling. Directed by Lee Ji Won, known for the acclaimed film Miss Baek, the series promises to elevate the standard of Korean thrillers with its bold narrative and stellar cast.
A Cinematic Approach to Drama
At the production press conference held on March 10 at The Saint Grand Ballroom in Seoul, director Lee Ji Won emphasized the effort poured into the project. He explained that each episode was crafted to live up to the title Climax, with meticulous attention to detail and emotional precision. Writing the script proved challenging, as the director admitted to experiencing burnout due to the sheer scale of the work—eight times the length of a film. Still, he confidently described the series as an “ending powerhouse,” hinting at unforgettable finales in every episode.
The Storyline
Climax follows prosecutor Bang Tae Seop, played by Ju Ji Hoon, who enters a cartel of power in his relentless pursuit of Korea’s highest position. Without family connections or political ties, Bang Tae Seop embodies ambition and desperation, making his journey both relatable and riveting. The drama explores survival, betrayal, and shifting alliances, offering viewers a gripping look at human desire and the cost of ambition.
Opposite him is Ha Ji Won as top actress Chu Sang Ah, who becomes his wife. Their relationship is layered with tension, passion, and vulnerability, adding a strong emotional core to the thriller. Ha Ji Won revealed that playing an actress within the drama was uniquely challenging, as it mirrored her own long-standing reflections on identity and purpose as a performer.
Stellar Cast and Characters
The ensemble cast adds depth and unpredictability to the narrative.
- Ju Ji Hoon: As Bang Tae Seop, he portrays a prosecutor battling systemic disadvantages while chasing power.
- Ha Ji Won: As Chu Sang Ah, she delivers a powerful performance in a role that blends vulnerability with strength.
- Na Na: Plays Hwang Jung Won, an informant whose bold character adds intrigue.
- Oh Jung Se: Appears as Kwon Jong Wook, a chaebol heir entangled in corporate and personal conflicts.
- Cha Joo Young: Takes on the role of Lee Yang Mi, a rival within the WR Group who bridges politics and entertainment.
The actors praised the script for its clarity and boldness. Ju Ji Hoon noted that even viewers unfamiliar with politics would find the story accessible, while Na Na highlighted the distinct personalities of each character as a key attraction.
Production Backing and Expectations
The drama is co-produced by KT Studio Genie, known for Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and Hive Media Corp, the company behind hits like Inside Men and The Man Standing Next. With such proven production houses, expectations are high for Climax to achieve both critical and commercial success.
Director Lee Ji Won expressed confidence in the cast and crew, humorously admitting that while he hoped to escape the pressures of box office numbers by moving to television, ratings have now become the new challenge. He firmly believes Climax will achieve record-breaking viewership for ENA.
Premiere
Climax will premiere on ENA on March 16 at 10 PM, promising audiences a drama that blends the intensity of cinema with the emotional resonance of television. With its powerful performances, layered storytelling, and bold direction, Climax is poised to become one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year.
Read: Climax: Ju Ji Hoon and Ha Ji Won face ambition, love, and betrayal
