How Korean Dramas 'Climax' and 'Honor' Reflect Real-Life Scandals

《Jung Se-yoon's Insight》
Jung Se-yoon, a reporter at TenAsia, offers a unique perspective on intriguing broadcasting issues, making them flow smoothly like water.

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Dramas that resonate with real-life narratives are gaining attention. In 'Climax' and 'Honor: Her Court', events reminiscent of the late Lee Eun-ju incident and the Jang Ja-yeon list have emerged, providing viewers with a strong sense of déjà vu and immersion.

Premiering on the 16th, ENA's 'Climax' portrays the survival story of prosecutor Bang Tae-seop, played by Ju Ji-hoon, as he strives for the pinnacle of power in South Korea. He stars alongside Ha Ji-won, who plays his wife, Choo Sang-ah.

Director Lee Ji-won, who helmed 'Climax', revealed at the production presentation, "I incorporated experiences from my 20 years in the film industry into the script. Some episodes are inspired by real events." Consequently, the drama features scenes that evoke real-life incidents.

Notably, in the third episode aired on the 23rd, actress Han Ji-soo (played by Han Dong-hee) is shown making a drastic decision after filming an excessive bed scene, reminiscent of the late actress Lee Eun-ju. Lee Eun-ju, who passed away in 2005, reportedly suffered severe psychological distress following her role in the film 'The Scarlet Letter', which involved intense exposure and bed scenes.

Recently concluded ENA drama 'Honor: Her Court' (hereafter 'Honor') also featured numerous events reflecting reality. 'Honor' is a mystery thriller about female lawyers confronting a massive scandal from the past. Actresses Lee Na-young, Jung Eun-chae, and Lee Chung-ah portray lead attorneys at L&J (Listen and Join), a law firm specializing in female crime victims, as they investigate online platform-based sexual exploitation, power-related corruption, and covert cartels.

The main plot naturally brings to mind real-life incidents like the Nth Room and Burning Sun scandals. Particularly, the 'Seo Ji-yoon List' involving a rookie actress's sexual bribery case in the drama mirrors the 2009 'Jang Ja-yeon List' scandal in the entertainment industry, adding a sense of realism.

The late Jang Ja-yeon left behind documents alleging she was forced to provide sexual services to influential figures before her death, causing a significant societal uproar. Although the power-related corruption involving the entertainment, political, and business sectors was exposed, the truth of the incident remains unresolved, leaving controversy in its wake. 'Honor's portrayal of digital sex crime narratives similarly evokes these hidden cartels and concealed structures.

Cultural critic Jung Deok-hyun stated, "When real-life events are reinterpreted in dramas, the narrative's immersion naturally increases. Familiar events enhance the work's realism and evoke emotions related to the actual incidents." He explained that narratives based on known events allow for minimal explanation while quickly engaging emotions.

However, he cautioned against excessive dramatization. Jung noted, "If the reenactment leans towards sensationalism or provocation, it risks secondary consumption of the incident rather than raising awareness. A more cautious approach is required."

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr