K-Drama 'Climax' Aims to Break ENA's Viewership Records

The highly anticipated drama 'Climax,' starring Joo Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won, is set to challenge ENA's highest viewership records. The current record-holder for ENA is 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' which achieved a 17.5% rating in 2022. Director Lee Ji-won expressed confidence, stating, "I have no doubt that 'Climax' will achieve the highest ratings in ENA's history, surpassing 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.'"

On the 10th, a press conference for the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Climax' was held at The Saint in D-Cube City, Guro-gu, Seoul. Attendees included actors Joo Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, Nana, Oh Jung-se, and director Lee Ji-won. 'Climax' depicts the intense survival drama of prosecutor Bang Tae-seop, who enters a power cartel to reach the pinnacle of success in South Korea.

Joo Ji-hoon takes on the role of prosecutor Bang Tae-seop, who stands at the center of power. He described his character as "a person who faces difficulties without connections or family support, getting entangled in various incidents." He added, "At some point, he decides to climb higher, driven by ambition, and faces numerous challenges along the way."

When asked why he chose this project, Joo Ji-hoon replied, "The script was simple." He explained, "The episodes were easy to understand and read. 'Climax' expresses desires that we often don't voice, which I found refreshing."

In the drama, Joo Ji-hoon shares a marital relationship with Ha Ji-won. He commented, "The romantic chemistry was really good. It was great to portray a realistic marital relationship with various emotions. I was grateful for veteran Ha Ji-won's support."

Ha Ji-won plays the role of actress Choo Sang-ah, who stands at a crossroads of power and choice. She described her character as "someone with emotions that coexist between a glamorous past and an unstable present. She shows a cold demeanor to reach the top but wavers when faced with crises."

Ha Ji-won returns to the small screen after about four years since the KBS2 drama 'Curtain Call.' She shared, "It's been a long time since I've greeted the audience. I previously worked with director Lee Ji-won on the film 'Bi-gwang,' which was a great experience. That's why I chose 'Climax' as my comeback project."

She added, "I felt a strong impression as soon as I read the script. It was a character I hadn't played before, which was appealing, and I really wanted to try it." Ha Ji-won admitted that playing an actress was challenging, saying, "I monitored more closely with the director. I approached filming with the mindset of a newcomer, so I hope for your support."

Nana portrays Hwang Jung-won, a character who navigates between the political and entertainment worlds, handling information. Nana explained, "Hwang Jung-won is Bang Tae-seop's (played by Joo Ji-hoon) secret informant. I can't reveal much due to spoilers, but she's a mysterious character. You'll find out her role as you watch the drama."

Regarding her choice of the project, Nana said, "The script felt very honest and bold." She added, "The role of Hwang Jung-won was a character I hadn't shown before, which made it more attractive. I also wanted to work with the director."

Nana expressed confidence, saying, "I've played many strong, colorful characters so far. I've always portrayed characters who suppress and restrain emotions, but here, I expressed emotions freely. You'll see a different side of me from my usual image."

Director Lee Ji-won, who helmed the project, stated, "As the title 'Climax' suggests, we put a lot of effort into showing climactic moments in each episode. Writing the script was challenging, but we worked hard. You can expect great endings."

He also expressed expectations for the ratings, saying, "I have high hopes for the actors, so I believe 'Climax' will achieve the highest ratings in ENA's history, surpassing 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.'"

'Climax' premieres on the 16th at 10 PM.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr