Actress Ha Ji Won is drawing significant attention for her role in the new drama "Climax", which premiered on 16/3 on South Korea’s ENA channel. The series quickly topped viewership charts in Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia for three consecutive weeks by 7/4, and entered the top 5 in the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East, according to FlixPatrol and Rakuten Viki. Beyond its strong viewership, Nate noted that "Climax" has become a central topic on film forums, leading the drama category on FUNdex—a system measuring South Korean audience interest—for three weeks, and securing the top spot on Naver Open Talk and Kinolights' monthly trend chart.
Directed by Lee Ji Won, "Climax" delves into a complex power struggle between South Korean politics and the entertainment industry. The story centers on prosecutor Bang Tae Seop, played by Joo Ji Hoon, a man determined to ascend to the highest echelons of power after being suppressed by society. From a disadvantaged position, Tae Seop is prepared to overcome any obstacle to achieve his ambitions. He marries Chu Sang Ah, portrayed by Ha Ji Won, a celebrated actress who appears delicate but harbors many secrets. His journey is marked by poor decisions, pulling him deeper into a spiral of ambition.
While narratives about the entertainment industry or prosecutors claiming justice but serving power are common in South Korean television, "Climax" distinguishes itself through its unique portrayal of the relationship between tycoons and entertainment. Unlike political dramas often focused on male characters, this production highlights women as key power holders. In this high-stakes power play, they embody humanity's survival instinct.
Ha Ji Won's portrayal of Chu Sang Ah is particularly lauded. The character is crafted with intricate psychological layers, appearing vulnerable yet concealing profound internal conflicts. Ha Ji Won expresses this complexity through evolving expressions, depicting the weary eyes and loneliness of a once-top star now past her prime. According to Daum, the actress was immediately drawn to the script, finding Sang Ah to be a rare role in her career. She committed to losing weight to convey the character's fragility and the immense pressure she endures.
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Ha Ji Won's appearance in "Climax". Photo: ENA |
Joo Ji Hoon delivers a compelling performance as Bang Tae Seop, showcasing two contrasting facets of his character. When confronting Lee Yang Mi, the CEO of the entertainment company funding Sang Ah, Tae Seop's gaze is cold, radiating hostility. However, in scenes with his wife, his eyes soften, making the character more unpredictable and adding depth to his ambition.
The drama illustrates how politics shapes society through law, corporations dominate with financial power, and the entertainment industry directly influences public opinion. These three elements interconnect to form a clandestine power system, where each party influences the others. "Climax" offers both entertainment and exposes hidden facets behind the scenes, with its rapid pacing and logical storytelling maintaining dramatic tension. The drama also stands out for its dark visual style, emphasizing the story's tension. Cold color tones, visual composition, and music are employed to heighten the climax.
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The main characters in "Climax". Photo: ENA |
Nate assessed that "Climax" premiered amidst fierce competition in the South Korean television market, with numerous major projects launching. One notable project is tvN's "Mad Concrete Dreams", marking actor Ha Jung Woo's return to the small screen after nearly two decades since "HIT" (2007). In this drama, he portrays a man on the verge of bankruptcy who must participate in a staged kidnapping to protect his family, leading to a series of unexpected events. Another production is "Perfect Crown", starring IU and Byeon Woo Seok, set in 21st-century constitutional monarchy South Korea, following the romance between Prince Lee Wan and Hee Joo, a tycoon's daughter from a common background.
Ha Ji Won, 48, whose real name is Jeon Hae Rim, has been acting since 1996. She is dubbed "South Korea's Number One Action Queen" by Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, and SBS for her roles in films such as "The Coin Locker", "Secret Garden", "Sector 7", "Truth Game", and "Empress Ki". Other popular works by the actress include "Hwang Jini", "Something Happened in Bali", and "A Frozen Flower".
Cat Tien (according to Nate, Daum)
