Actor Ha Ji-won is captivating viewers with what is arguably her most daring acting transformation since her debut, in the ENA drama 'Climax,' bringing a fresh shock to living-room audiences.
In episode 4 of 'Climax,' airing on the 24th, the shocking truth behind protagonist Choo Sang-ah (played by Ha Ji-won) was revealed. It was disclosed that her relationship with rookie actress Han Ji-su (played by Han Dong-hee) went far beyond colleagues—blossoming into a deep romance with a fellow lover, keeping viewers glued to the screen.
That broadcast also unveiled a bold kiss scene between the two, along with their emotionally intimate past, taking the drama’s immersion to a peak. However, once Han Ji-su meets a tragic end after being forced into sexual favors through coercion by entertainment producer Oh Gwang-jae (played by Seo Hyun-woo), Choo Sang-ah’s brutal revenge story kicks into high gear—after losing her lover.
Since her debut, this is the first time Ha Ji-won has tackled such daring material: a same-sex love storyline, a plotline where she is implicated in a murder-for-hire arrangement, and an arranged marriage. Reactions from viewers are intense. While many are praising her commanding performance and deep immersion, there are also mixed responses to the provocative premise—reflecting the high level of interest surrounding the work.
The ensuing controversy and buzz quickly translated into a surge in the rankings. According to the third week of March results from Good Data Corporation’s Pundex investigation, 'Climax' grabbed No. 1 for integrated buzz among TV and OTT dramas, and Ha Ji-won also ranked in the top tier of the cast-buzz category.
Playing Choo Sang-ah, reborn as an embodiment of revenge, who chooses the extreme path of an arranged marriage—what kind of catastrophe awaits her? All eyes are on 'Climax,' which continues to deliver unexpected developments every episode.
