Climax (TV series)

Climax
Promotional poster
Hangul
클라이맥스
RRKeullaimaekseu
MRK'ŭllaimaeksŭ
Genre
Written by
  • Lee Ji-won
  • Shin Ye-seul
Directed byLee Ji-won
Starring
Music byHong Dae-sung[3]
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes10
Production
Running time60 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseMarch 16 (2026-03-16) –
April 14, 2026 (2026-04-14)

Climax (Korean: 클라이맥스) is a 2026 South Korean political survival noir television series directed by Lee Ji-won, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Shin Ye-seul. Starring Ju Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, Nana, Oh Jung-se, and Cha Joo-young, the series follows the ascent of prosecutor Bang Tae-seop as he navigates the cutthroat hierarchy of South Korea's power cartel.

It aired on ENA from March 16, to April 14, 2026, every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST). It is available for streaming on Genie TV and Disney+ in South Korea and globally via Rakuten Viki and Viu.

Synopsis

Climax unfolds against the backdrop of South Korea's powerful conglomerates and entertainment industry, following a couple driven by boundless ambition who'll stop at nothing – including betraying each other – to reach the pinnacle of success.

Cast and characters

Main

A political rising star and feared prosecutor in Seoam District's office. From a poor background, he worked tirelessly to become a prosecutor, only to find the office was corrupt, prioritizing money and power. So he partnered with top star Chu Sang-ah to climb the ranks.
South Korea's top actress. Despite constant scandals surrounding her, her biggest fear is losing herself. She experienced a glamorous period, captivating audiences with her charm and aura, until announcing her marriage to Tae-seop, a prosecutor, in a sudden move that garnered significant attention. Although their marriage sparked rumors, a stronger, more persistent desire drove them. Her standing began to slip as her films flopped and a decade-old murder case regained public attention.
A significant force in altering the cartel's power structure. Her life changed following her mother's death; she was accused of murdering her father and met Tae-seop, the prosecutor handling the case. Upon release from prison, she led a quiet life until reconnecting with Tae-seop, who recognized her intelligence and resourcefulness and recruited her as an intelligence agent.
The eldest son of WR Group and the executive director of WR Construction. He seems elite with impressive lineage, but as he speaks, his true nature's revealed. His father remarried Yang-mi six years ago because of the hotel business. To push her out of the WR heir position, he teamed up with Bang Tae-seop, who had the same aim.
The second wife of WR Group and president of WR Hotels & Entertainment. She navigates both the power structure and South Korea's entertainment industry, with connections in each sphere. Just as everything's falling into place and her goal's within grasp, an unexpected event throws everything off balance.

Supporting

Production

Development

Lee Ji-won, who helmed and wrote the film Miss Baek (2018), is directing the series, and also co-wrote the script with Shin Ye-seul. The production is handled by Hive Media Corp, SLL and TME Group.[2]

Casting

In December 2023, Ju Ji-hoon reportedly received an offer as the male lead and decided to appear.[7] Ha Ji-won, Nana, Oh Jung-se, and Cha Joo-young were reportedly considering in November 2024.[8] By November 2025, Ju, Ha, Nana, Oh, and Cha were officially confirmed to lead the series.[9]

Filming

The filming of the Climax was initially scheduled to begin in the second half of 2024, but it was then moved to the first half of 2025.[7][10] Principal photography began on March 15, 2025, near Gyeonggi Province.[11]

Release

In November 2025, Climax was slated to release on ENA in 2026, and would be available to stream on Genie TV subsequently.[2] In January 2026, the series was reportedly scheduled to air in March 2026.[12] By February 2026, the series was confirmed to premiere on March 16, 2026, and will air every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 (KST).[13] It is available to stream on Disney+ in South Korea and globally via Rakuten Viki and Viu.[14][15][16]

Viewership

Climax : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910
1713852930845771857777677778893809
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[17]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)[17]
Nationwide Seoul
1 March 16, 2026 2.919% (2nd) 2.762% (2nd)
2 March 17, 2026 3.834% (2nd) 4.075% (2nd)
3 March 23, 2026 3.871% (2nd) 3.994% (1st)
4 March 24, 2026 3.520% (2nd) 3.713% (1st)
5 March 30, 2026 3.248% (2nd) 3.288% (2nd)
6 March 31, 2026 3.462% (2nd) 3.329% (2nd)
7 April 6, 2026 3.133% (2nd) 3.105% (2nd)
8 April 7, 2026 2.875% (2nd) 2.775% (2nd)
9 April 13, 2026 3.290% (1st) 3.001% (1st)
10 April 14, 2026 3.920% (1st) 4.000% (1st)
Average 3.407% 3.404%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • This drama aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC, and EBS).

Accolades

Award ceremony Year Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Director's Cut Awards 2026 Best New Actress (Drama) Nana Nominated [18]

References

  1. 1 2 Lee, Ah-jin (November 24, 2025). 주지훈·하지원, 정치물로 만났다...'클라이맥스', 2026년 첫 방송 [Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won to star in political drama 'Climax' premiering in 2026]. Dispatch (in Korean). Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Park, Seo-hyun (November 24, 2025). '클라이맥스' 주지훈·하지원·나나·차주영·오정세 캐스팅..2026년 공개 확정 ['Climax' stars Ju Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, Nana, Cha Joo-young, and Oh Jung-se, set for release in 2026]. Herald Pop (in Korean). Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  3. ↑ Hong, Dae-sung [@hongisbig]; (February 12, 2024). 클라이맥스 3월 16일 ena, 디즈니플, 러스 동방! 많이 기대해 주세요! ["Climax" in March 16, on ENA, Disney Plus, and Russ Touhou! Please look forward to it!] (in Korean). Retrieved February 22, 2024 – via Instagram.
  4. ↑ Kim, Ye-eun (March 6, 2026). 한동희, 하지원 후배 된다...'클라이맥스' 합류 [Han Dong-hee becomes Ha Ji-won's junior and joins "Climax."]. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved March 7, 2026.
  5. ↑ Ryu, Ye-ji (March 13, 2026). [공식] 서현우, 영화제작자로 변신, 충무로 주름잡는 거물('클라이맥스') [[Official] Seo Hyun-woo Transforms into Film Producer, a Big Shot Dominating Chungmuro ('Climax')]. Ten Asia (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2026.
  6. ↑ Kim Hyeonrok (April 14, 2026). "하지원, 동영상 스캔들→마지막 복수 노린다…종영만 남은 '클라이맥스' 열연파티" [Ha Ji-won, video scandal → aims for final revenge…'Climax' acting showcase with only the finale left]. SPOTV News (in Korean). Retrieved May 3, 2026.
  7. 1 2 Ha, Soo-jung (December 19, 2023). [단독] 주지훈, '서울의 봄' 제작사 첫 OTT물 주연..'클라이맥스' 출연(종합) [[Exclusive] Ju Ji-hoon to star in first OTT drama from "Spring in Seoul" production company... Appearance in 'Climax']. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  8. ↑ Choi, Ha-na (November 25, 2024). [단독] 하지원x주지훈x오정세x차주영x나나, '미쓰백' 이지원 감독 신작 '클라이맥스' 황금 라인업 완성 [[Exclusive] Ha Ji-won x Ju Ji-hoon x Oh Jung-se x Cha Ju-young x Nana, 'Miss Baek' director Lee Ji-won's new work 'Climax' completes a golden lineup]. TV Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  9. ↑ Jang, Ju-yeon (November 24, 2025). 주지훈·하지원→나나 '클라이맥스', 내년 상반기 공개 확정 [Ju Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, and Nana's 'Climax' confirmed for release in the first half of next year]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  10. ↑ Lee, Seon-myeong (November 26, 2024). '서울의 봄' 제작진, 욕망의 부부도 다룬다···'클라이맥스' 시놉시스에 초관심 [The production team of "Spring in Seoul" also explores a couple in a passionate relationship... The synopsis for "Climax" is drawing keen interest]. Sports Kyunghyang (in Korean). Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  11. ↑ Kim, Ji-hyun (March 18, 2025). 주지훈·하지원 '클라이맥스', 설렘 가득 첫 촬영 현장 티브이데일리 [Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won's 'Climax', excitement-filled first filming]. TV Report (in Korean). Retrieved November 24, 2025.
  12. ↑ Lee, Kyung-ho (January 23, 2026). [단독] 주지훈, 꽃피는 봄에 안방귀환...'클라이맥스' 3월 편성 [[Exclusive] Ju Ji-hoon returns to the small screen in the flowering spring...Climax scheduled for March]. Ize (in Korean). Retrieved January 23, 2026.
  13. ↑ Kim, Hyo-jin (February 12, 2026). 주지훈·하지원 '클라이맥스', 3월 16일 ENA 첫 방송 [Joo Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won's Climax premieres on ENA on March 16th]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  14. ↑ Jang, Joo-yeon (February 12, 2026). 주지훈·하지원 '클라이맥스', 디즈니플러스서 본다 [Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won's Climax to be Streamed on Disney+]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved March 16, 2026.
  15. ↑ Ramachandran, Naman (March 4, 2026). "Ju Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, Ha Jung-woo K-Drama Thrillers Set Rakuten Viki Debuts (Exclusive)". Variety. Los Angeles: Penske Media Corporation. ISSN 0042-2738. OCLC 60626328. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  16. ↑ "K-drama Climax: Ju Ji-hoon covets high-society power in slick and juicy prime-time soap". South China Morning Post. March 19, 2026. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  17. 1 2 Nielsen Korea ratings:
  18. ↑ Lee Seung-mi (May 11, 2026). 박지훈, 영화·시리즈 동시 노미…제24회 디렉터스컷 어워즈, 후보 공개. Sports Dong-A (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
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