Unveiling the Dual Persona of Cha Joo-young's Character in ENA's 'Climax'

ENA's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Climax' has released character stills of Lee Yang-mi, a figure who asserts her presence in the flow of power in her own unique way. The character is portrayed by actress Cha Joo-young, who transferred to the University of Utah before returning to and graduating from Utah State University.

'Climax' is a gripping survival drama about prosecutor Bang Tae-seop, who dives into the power cartel to reach the pinnacle of South Korea, and the intense struggles of those around him.

Cha Joo-young's character, Lee Yang-mi, is the president of WR Hotel and a key player in WR Group. She has been orchestrating the power dynamics where politics, capital, and the entertainment industry intersect. As the upcoming presidential election approaches, she supports Nam Hye-hoon, the mayor of Seoham, who is rapidly emerging as a presidential candidate. Lee Yang-mi is a strategist who intricately connects politics, capital, and entertainment. Rather than being swayed by circumstances, she reads the flow of the game and makes advantageous choices, establishing her position in a world entangled with power and interests. Outwardly maintaining a graceful and composed demeanor, she conceals meticulous calculations and a desire for power, making bold decisions when her carefully crafted plans are threatened.

The released character stills capture the two contrasting atmospheres of Lee Yang-mi. In the first still, she captivates with a striking fur coat and a backward glance. Her calm gaze, as she subtly surveys her surroundings, hints at the cold judgment hidden behind her glamorous exterior. The subsequent still shows Lee Yang-mi with a relaxed smile in black fur styling. Her soft expression, yet unreadable gaze, reveals the inner workings of a character poised to influence the power dynamics, sparking curiosity about her methods.

'Climax' portrays the stories of individuals whose desires and interests collide within a vast power structure where politics, business, and entertainment intersect. As they approach the top, the cost of choices becomes more brutal, relationships move with calculation rather than emotion, and unpredictable fractures emerge. Within this power game, Lee Yang-mi also forms a central axis as a designer of the dynamics, and Cha Joo-young's portrayal of this multi-dimensional character is expected to heighten the drama's tension and narrative depth.

'Climax' premieres on Monday, March 16, at 10 PM on ENA, and is also available on KT Genie TV and Disney+.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr