ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama Climax will premiere at 10pm on March 16th and anticipation is already building thanks to preview screenings and promotional events held ahead of broadcast.
A special preview screening and Q&A session with director Lee Ji Won was held on March 12 at the Onmadang Hall of KT West Building in Gwanghwamun. Approximately 100 spectators attended the event, marking the drama’s first introduction to the public. According to ENA, the screening of episodes 1 and 2 was an opportunity to communicate directly with viewers and evaluate their level of immersion in the story.
Rather than focusing solely on a marital plot, the drama explores the fierce ambitions and survival instincts of individuals racing to the highest levels of power in South Korea. From the beginning, the intense narrative managed to capture the audience’s attention.
The preview screening demonstrates strong involvement
The preview for the first two episodes lasted approximately 120 minutes. With powerful performances from actors such as Ju Ji Hoon, Ha Ji Won, Nana, Oh Jung Se and Cha Joo Young, combined with director Lee Ji Won’s tense and dynamic direction, the screening kept viewers fully engaged.
At the end of the screening, applause broke out in the audience, reflecting the heightened excitement for the upcoming broadcast. During the chat session, the director revealed behind-the-scenes stories, the inspiration behind the project, and details on key scenes and directorial choices.
Lee Ji Won explained that the story gradually develops towards an increasingly intense climax, keeping true to the title. He emphasized that maintaining tension during the narrative was one of the main priorities during the directing process.
The event also featured a surprise lucky draw where attendees received gifts themed around the word “MAX,” adding even more excitement to the atmosphere. Many participants later praised the drama, describing it as “simply funny”, “extremely engaging from the first episode” and “fast-paced with impressive tension”. Others highlighted the powerful performances from the lead actors and expressed curiosity about how the story will unfold.
Yoon Sung Sik, head of ENA’s Content Strategy Center, commented that following the growing momentum of ENA’s Monday-Tuesday dramas, Climax it is expected to offer new entertainment and strong engagement, especially among the key demographic segments of 2049 (viewers aged 20-49).
Even before its official premiere, Climax has already proven its popularity. In the first week of March, the drama entered the Top 10 of television series ratings compiled by Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. This marks the first time that an ENA drama has appeared on the list before its broadcast, indicating great anticipation among viewers.
Starry cast and powerful plot
Another strong point of Climax it’s the strong acting synergy between its cast. Ju Ji Hoon plays the famous prosecutor Bang Tae Seop, portraying a complex character torn between a relentless ambition for power and a deep internal conflict.
Meanwhile, Ha Ji Won takes on the role of Chu Sang Ah, a once-famous actress who disappeared from the public eye after her wedding. Her character struggles with anxiety and longing, offering a nuanced portrayal of emotional vulnerability.
This project marks the first time Ju Ji Hoon and Ha Ji Won work together. During the production press conference, director Lee Ji Won he explained that when we imagined a character driven by overwhelming ambition, Ju Ji Hoon was the first actor who came to mind. She noted that his sharp features and intense gaze give him a presence reminiscent of both a predator and a venomous snake.
Speaking of Ha Ji Won, the director I shared this after previously collaborating with her Family portraithe recognized the actress as an extremely professional actress and wanted to work with her again on a long-term project.
The drama also features Nana as Hwang Jeong Won, a secret informant connected to Bang Tae Seop; Oh Jung Se as Kwon Jong Wook, a man vying to inherit a powerful conglomerate; and Cha Joo Young as Lee Yang Mi, the second wife of the chairman of WR Group, the nation’s third-largest conglomerate.
The production team explained it Climax centers on each character’s intertwined desires and choices, creating a tightly woven narrative. Combined with director Lee Ji Won’s detailed narration and the strong presence of the actors, the drama is expected to produce powerful synergy on screen.
During the press conference, Lee Ji Won he confidently stated that he expects the series to achieve one of the highest ratings in ENA history. He also referenced Lawyer extraordinaire Woowhich recorded a maximum score of 17.5%, stating that there is no reason Climax cannot surpass that mark.
With its stellar cast, intricate storytelling and intense dramatic tension, Climax will premiere on ENA at 10pm on March 16. As anticipation continues to build following preview screenings and strong ratings, attention is now focused on the possibility that the drama could become ENA’s next big hit and possibly challenge the legendary success of Lawyer extraordinaire Woo.
Sources: Daum
