Actors Joo Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won just kicked off a cutthroat survival saga—and it’s already making waves.
The first episode of ENA’s Monday–Tuesday drama Climax aired on the 16th and, according to Nielsen Korea on the 17th, scored a nationwide viewership rating of 2.9%. ‘Climax’ follows prosecutor Bang Tae-seop (played by Joo Ji-hoon), who dives into a massive cartel to stand at the very top of South Korea’s power pyramid, and the fierce battle for survival among those around him. Meticulously depicting a sprawling power structure that entangles politics, business, and entertainment, the series grabbed viewers with powerhouse performances from Joo Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, Oh Jung-se, Cha Joo-young, Nana, and more.
In the premiere, Bang Tae-seop—born the son of a factory worker—vows revenge after his father dies in an unjust incident. He becomes a prosecutor and steps into the world of power. To climb even higher, he marries top star Chu Sang-ah (played by Ha Ji-won), effectively joining the power cartel. But as desire and cold calculation collide, cracks begin to show in their relationship, cranking up the tension.
Meanwhile, Climax airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ENA and is also available on KT Genie TV and Disney+.