Joo Ji-hoon Shines in 'Climax' with Compelling Performance and Rising Ratings

Joo Ji-hoon is making waves in the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Climax', captivating audiences with his compelling presence and driving both the show's buzz and ratings upward.

Who is Joo Ji-hoon's Character, Bang Tae-seop?

In 'Climax', Joo Ji-hoon takes on the role of Bang Tae-seop, a prosecutor from humble beginnings at the Seoram District Prosecutor's Office. Bang Tae-seop is an ambitious character, striving to enter the center of power through his marriage to top actress Choo Sang-ah, played by Ha Ji-won.

What Performance Did He Deliver in Episodes 1-2?

In the first two episodes aired this week, the past and present of Bang Tae-seop were swiftly depicted. Joo Ji-hoon convincingly portrayed the journey of a man who started with nothing and rose to become a star prosecutor. He skillfully executed scenes involving 'gamu', a traditional Korean performance, showcasing the character's intense ambition. His gaze towards his wife, Choo Sang-ah, added a deep melodramatic layer to his character, enhancing its complexity.

What Are the Ratings and Buzz Achievements?

Joo Ji-hoon's whistling scene in the shocking ending of episode 1 set the internet abuzz, heightening anticipation for the unfolding plot. In episode 2, as Tae-seop stands at a crossroads between his ambitions and protecting his wife, the tension with characters Kwon Jong-wook (Oh Jung-se) and Lee Yang-mi (Cha Joo-young) begins to escalate. Joo Ji-hoon masterfully conveyed the character's shifting emotions within the power dynamics through subtle changes in his expressions and gaze, drawing viewers in further.

'Climax' was highly anticipated as Joo Ji-hoon's next project, following casting announcements for 'Trauma Center' and 'The Empress of Re-marriage'. Even before its premiere, 'Climax' ranked 6th in the TV drama category in the March 2nd week buzz survey by Good Data Corporation's Fundex.

The show's momentum continued post-broadcast. The first episode recorded a 2.9% viewership rating among nationwide paid households, the second-highest for an ENA drama premiere, and the second episode rose to 3.8%. Simultaneously, it topped Disney+'s 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea', proving its buzzworthiness.

'Climax' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and is also available on KT Genie TV and Disney+.

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