The wait is finally over for fans of intense political thrillers. The upcoming Korean drama Climax, starring two of the industry’s biggest names, Ju Ji Hoon and Ha Ji Won, has locked in its official premiere date. The series is scheduled to air its first episode on March 16, 2026, at 10 p.m. KST. This confirmation came on February 12, 2026, when the production team dropped the first teaser trailer and a striking new poster, giving audiences their best look yet at this high-stakes story of ambition and power .
This 10-episode series will be available to stream on Disney+ for global audiences, marking another major K-drama addition to the platform’s growing library. In South Korea, it will air on the cable network ENA every Monday and Tuesday and will also be available on KT Genie TV . The announcement has generated significant buzz online, with many praising the star-studded cast and the gripping premise revealed in the trailer.
What is the Plot of ‘Climax’? A Story of Power and Betrayal
Climax is described as a political survival noir that dives deep into the dark corridors of South Korea’s elite power structures . The story centers on Bang Tae-seop (played by Ju Ji Hoon), a prosecutor who makes a daring and calculated move to join a powerful cartel. His ultimate goal is to climb to the very top of the nation’s power ladder, and he is willing to risk everything to get there .
His wife, Chu Sang-ah (played by Ha Ji Won), is a former top actress who was once at the peak of fame. However, after her marriage, her career has taken a backseat, and she is now often dismissed as a has-been. Sang-ah is not content to fade into the background. She is driven by her own ambitions and has no intention of stepping down from the center of power, setting the stage for a tumultuous and competitive relationship with her husband .
The series promises to be a fierce survival game, not just for the lead couple, but for everyone orbiting their world. The official tagline from the teaser poster, โThe higher he climbs, the deeper he falls. The more he craves, the closer to the peak,โ perfectly captures the dangerous journey awaiting Bang Tae-seop .
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of the Korean Drama
The casting for Climax reads like a dream lineup, featuring some of the most respected and sought-after actors in the Korean entertainment industry.
- Ju Ji Hoon as Bang Tae-seop: Ju Ji-hoon takes on the role of the ambitious prosecutor. Fresh off his successful appearances in recent hits like The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call on Netflix and Disney+’s Light Shop, he is set to portray a man whose raw ambition drives him to the edge . His character, who becomes a star prosecutor overnight after marrying a top actress, is described as someone who clawed his way from the bottom to the top .
- Ha Ji Won as Chu Sang-ah: A legendary actress in her own right, Ha Ji-won returns to the small screen after a four-year hiatus since Curtain Call. She plays the role of a former top star who is now struggling to maintain her relevance. Her character’s determination is highlighted in the teaser with the line, โI have no intention of stepping down,โ showcasing her refusal to be pushed aside .
- Nana as Hwang Jung-won: Nana plays a secret informant who works closely with Bang Tae-seop. Her character holds the key to Pandora’s box, possessing information that could expose the ugly truths of the power cartel .
- Oh Jung-se as Kwon Jong-wook: Known for his incredible versatility, Oh Jung-se plays the eldest son of the WR Group, a major conglomerate. He is locked in a fierce succession battle with his stepmother for control of the family business .
- Cha Joo-young as Lee Yang-mi: Cha Joo-young, who recently impressed audiences in The Queen Who Crowns, takes on the role of the powerful second wife of the WR Group chairman. She is a key power broker who competes directly with Kwon Jong-wook for the succession .
First Teaser Trailer and Poster Breakdown
The first teaser trailer, released alongside the premiere date, offers a tense and visually striking look at the drama. It races through scenes of razor-sharp ambitions and tightly wound relationships at the heart of Korea’s power machine .
- The Poster: The teaser poster features Ju Ji-hoon’s character, Bang Tae-seop, standing alone at the highest point of a crimson-drenched, fractured space. The cracked walls and his solitary figure symbolize a man who has wagered everything to reach the summit but now stands at the edge of a cliff, hinting at the brutal survival fight ahead .
- The Trailer: The trailer is packed with impactful dialogue. Ju Ji-hoon delivers the chilling line, โDo you know what it took to get here?โ revealing the grit and madness of his journey . Other key lines, such as Cha Joo-youngโs โIt all starts hereโ and Ha Ji-won’s defiant declaration, set the stage for intense confrontations and complex alliances .
Online reactions to the promotional material have been explosive. Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement, with comments like, โThis casting is insaneโฆ Ha Ji Wonโs voice and gaze, Ju Ji Hoonโs whistle and expression, so immersive,โ and โJu Ji Hoon, Ha Ji Won, Nana, Oh Jung Se, Cha Joo Young?! I canโt waitโ .
Who is Making ‘Climax’? Director and Production Team
The series is directed by Lee Ji-won, who is widely acclaimed for her work on the 2018 film Miss Baek. Her direction on that project earned her the Best New Director award at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards . She also co-wrote the script with Shin Ye-seul . The production is handled by Hive Media Corp, the company behind the hit film Spring in Seoul, and SLL . This combination of a celebrated director and a top-tier production house has only added to the anticipation surrounding the drama.
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When and Where to Watch ‘Climax’?
Climax is all set to begin its run in March 2026. Here is the complete release information for global audiences:
- Premiere Date: March 16, 2026
- Broadcast Schedule: Every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. KST .
- Total Episodes: 10 .
- Korean Broadcast: ENA and KT Genie TV .
- International Streaming: Disney+ (in selected regions globally, including the USA, UK, and parts of Europe and Asia-Pacific) .
With its exploration of boundless ambition, dangerous relationships, and the corrupting nature of power, Climax is shaping up to be one of the must-watch K-dramas of 2026. The combination of a gripping noir plot, a stellar cast, and a visionary director promises a series that goes beyond a conventional crime drama to deliver a powerful story about the tragic consequences of human choices .
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