Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won’s New Thriller 'Climax': A Complete Guide to Characters and Plot

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The K-Drama world has been rocked once again by the arrival of a new series titled "Climax." More than just a regular drama, this series, airing on the ENA channel, has become a hot topic for uniting two megastars, Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won, in a dark narrative about politics, betrayal, and deadly ambition.

"Climax" is born from the skilled hands of director and writer Lee Ji-won, the man behind the emotional film "Miss Baek." Interestingly, this drama is produced by Hive Media Corp, a production house that has achieved box office success with political thrillers like "Inside Men" and "12.12: The Day." With this track record, it's no surprise that "Climax" boasts feature-quality cinematography and a plot steeped in power intrigue.

Synopsis: Contract Marriage and Illicit Cartel

This drama follows the story of Bang Tae-seob (Ju Ji-hoon), a power-hungry prosecutor determined to reach the top of the social hierarchy. He doesn't hesitate to resort to dirty means, including plotting to overthrow the Mayor of Seoul.

To strengthen his position, Tae-seob enters into a temporary marriage with Chu Sang-ah (Ha Ji-won), a former top actress whose life was shattered by a murder scandal 10 years earlier. Beneath their luxurious life, the couple is actually using each other to fight "The Cartel" — a secret group that controls the political, business, and entertainment worlds in South Korea.

Main Cast and Characters

• Ju Ji-hoon as Bang Tae-seob: A smart but manipulative prosecutor. He embodies ambition, willing to sacrifice his conscience for his position.
• Ha Ji-won as Chu Sang-ah: A cold and mysterious woman. She returns to the public eye through a temporary marriage to seek revenge for her dark past.
• Nana as Hwang Jeong-won: A key informant who holds the cartel's dark secrets. Her character is an unpredictable wildcard.
• Oh Jung-se as Kwon Jong-wook: The eccentric and ruthless heir to WR Group, a key opponent in the power struggle.
• Cha Joo-young as Lee Yang-mi: Ambitious and competitive, she vies with Jong-wook for control of the conglomerate throne.

Airtime and Ratings

Climax officially debuted on March 16, 2026, on ENA and Genie TV. The series has a total of 10 episodes, airing every Monday and Tuesday.

The drama is categorized as 18+ (Adult) due to its violence, heavy political conspiracies, and some intense scenes that require viewer discretion.

Quick Review: Why Watch It?

Based on the first episodes, Climax has been praised for its fast-paced pace and the strong acting chemistry between Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won, despite their tense relationship. The moody and dark visuals successfully create a gripping noir atmosphere. This drama isn't just about who wins, but about how much humanity is lost when someone reaches the "peak" (Climax) of power.