Climax | Ju Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, and Nana ignite explosive tension from the teaser alone

 

The peak of desire where corruption and longing collide, the teaser itself delivers a powerful impact.

Climax is a drama that follows prosecutor Bang Tae-seop, who plunges into a cartel of power in pursuit of the highest position in South Korea, and the fierce survival battle of those entangled around him.

'Climax.' Photo by KT Studio Genie.

The newly released second teaser trailer opens with the line, "Is there a bond stronger than matching each other’s needs?" When Chu Sang-ah (Ha Ji-won) asks, "Is that a threat?" Bang Tae-seop (Ju Ji-hoon) responds, "It’s a proposal," instantly defining their relationship as a dangerous alliance forged by desire.

The phrase "The more you fall, the higher you rise" follows, accompanied by fleeting scenes of precarious intimacy between a married couple. Hwang Jung-won (Nana) delivers the cutting line, "That’s a filthy kind of love," exposing a relationship where emotion and power intertwine. Bang Tae-seop’s remark, "My wife is hiding something," crosscuts with Chu Sang-ah’s meaningful expression, deepening the sense of suspicion.

With Chu Sang-ah’s direct accusation, "You only intended to use me and my fame for your grand ambition," the words "Rise or collapse" appear in contrast, followed by Bang Tae-seop’s declaration, "My goal is to stand at the top of South Korea." The teaser vividly portrays an obsessive hunger for power at its highest level. Climax foreshadows the most lethal bargains at the center of authority, questioning the brutal cost of every step upward.

Following the first teaser release, online communities and social media have responded with anticipation, noting that the pairing of Ju Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won alone generates intense synergy. Expectations are also rising with reactions such as, "A heavyweight drama has finally arrived." Director Lee Ji-won, known for consistently exploring themes of power structures and pivotal choices, is also cited as a key reason for the heightened anticipation. In this work, the director aims to portray with depth how individuals within the vast system that moves South Korea are forced to choose between desire and survival.

Climax premieres on March 16 at 10 p.m. on ENA, and will also be available on Genie TV and Disney+.

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