Veteran South Korean actress Ha Ji Won is returning to the small screen in a powerful new role that has drawn attention from fans and drama watchers worldwide. After a stretch of quieter years in television, she steps into “Climax”, a gritty political thriller where her character’s journey is all about reclaiming status and power in a cut-throat world.
This latest project casts Ha Ji Won as a once highly successful actress whose career hit a slump. The new drama shows her making bold and calculated decisions to regain her top spot, drawing interest for its strong themes of ambition, survival and the darker links between fame, politics and power.
Ha Ji Won Plays A Former Top Star With A Tough Path In Climax
In “Climax”, Ha Ji Won takes on the role of Chu Sang Ah, a celebrated actress whose glory days began to fade after recent failed works and a buried incident from ten years earlier started to surface again. This puts her at the center of tension in a story that mixes ambition, power and danger.
Character stills released ahead of the drama show Chu Sang Ah with a sharp and calculated presence. One photo captures her deep in a phone call in front of a vanity mirror, portraying years of experience and pressure. Another still shows her watching a performance on set with an intense and focused look, hinting at her strategic mindset as she navigates complex challenges in her world. Chu Sang Ah stands as someone who must balance survival and ambition in situations where every move matters.
The drama itself follows a power struggle around prosecutor Bang Tae Seop, played by Ju Ji Hoon. He enters a powerful cartel to climb to the top of South Korea’s power ladder. Ha Ji Won’s character is married to him, but their relationship in the story becomes a dangerous alliance driven by ambition more than trust or love. Late-breaking teasers suggest she and Bang Tae Seop clash over motives, with tension rising as both question each other’s loyalty and intentions.
What This Role Means For Ha Ji Won’s Career
Ha Ji Won is widely known for her strong leading roles in popular Korean dramas and films over the past two decades. She’s starred in hits such as Secret Garden, Empress Ki and Curtain Call. Her role in Climax continues her tradition of strong, layered characters, but this role ventures into a darker, more survival-focused storyline.
In Climax, her character’s arc is defined by falling from grace and pushing back against that decline. She exists in a powerful world tied to politics and fame rather than a light-hearted setting, where choices are sharp and stakes are high. Even though her character’s past success is undeniable, her present situation forces her to rebuild — not just to regain fame, but to survive in intense power games that affect more than just her career.
This project is being watched closely because it marks a strong shift in the types of stories Ha Ji Won chooses. She’s no longer just playing popular roles from past years — she’s stepping into characters that carry complicated pasts, deep intentions and tough choices at every turn.
Climax Global Streaming And Release Details
“Climax” is scheduled to debut on March 16, 2026, airing every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. KST on ENA. Viewers outside Korea will be able to stream it shortly after via Genie TV, and the drama may also be available on other global platforms, depending on region streaming rights.
The series will include 10 episodes and is categorized as a political survival noir that blends power struggles with personal ambition and strategy. The international audience has been anticipating this release because of its unique mix of intense storytelling and a cast full of seasoned actors.
Main Cast And Story Setup
“Climax” brings together a strong lineup of actors in crucial roles:
- Ha Ji Won plays Chu Sang Ah, a former leading actress with a complicated past.
- Ju Ji Hoon appears as Bang Tae Seop, a driven prosecutor chasing power.
- Nana portrays a key character with insider knowledge who supports the power struggle from inside.
- Oh Jung Se plays the eldest son of a major conglomerate battling for influence.
- Cha Joo Young joins as a second wife in a rich family with competing interests.
Their interactions center on personal ambitions that intersect in a gritty world where fame, status and strategy collide in unpredictable ways.
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What Fans Are Saying
Social media responses show excitement for Ha Ji Won’s return to drama after Curtain Call in 2022 and appreciation for her long career. Many fans posted that her presence in Climax feels like the return of a beloved star to a new, bold storytelling space, while others expressed anticipation for the dynamic between her and co-star Ju Ji Hoon.
Others on social platforms have emphasized how exciting it is to see Ha Ji Won back in a serious, mature role after years of lighter or varied characters, and how her influence on the drama’s tone could be significant given her long experience.
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