[Spoilers Ahead]
This article contains plot points and episode summaries from ‘Climax’ Episode 4.
The ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Climax' is rapidly gaining momentum.
The series has continued its upward trajectory, ranking No. 1 among Monday-Tuesday dramas in the ages 20 to 49 target demographic. As of March 25, it has also secured the No. 1 spot on Disney+ in Korea for eight consecutive days, proving its explosive popularity on global OTT platforms.
'Climax' follows prosecutor Bang Tae Seop, who enters a powerful cartel in his pursuit of the top position in South Korea, and the intense survival stories of those surrounding him.
On March 24, the drama achieved its highest ratings yet, recording 1.3% in the 2049 target demographic and maintaining its No. 1 position among Monday-Tuesday dramas in that category. Its peak viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area also surpassed 4.2%, according to Nielsen Korea.
In addition, 'Climax' topped FUNdex’s rankings for both TV-OTT dramas and TV dramas in buzzworthiness. It also ranked No. 1 on Naver OpenTalk and No. 2 on Naver Entertainment’s “Most Searched Dramas Now,” further highlighting its strong public interest.
Ha Ji Won Takes Center Stage
Episode 4, which aired on March 24, captivated viewers with a shocking twist, revealing the secret relationship between Chu Sang Ah (played by Ha Ji Won) and rookie actress Han Ji Soo (played by Han Dong Hee).
Through mobile messenger conversations, it was revealed that the two were in a same-sex relationship, sending the story in an unpredictable direction. Although they had built a loving bond, tragedy struck when Han Ji Soo was pressured into providing entertainment by producer Oh Kwang Jae (played by Seo Hyun Woo), ultimately leading her to make a devastating choice.
In their final exchange, Chu Sang Ah, unable to reach Han Ji Soo, asked, “Why aren’t you answering? Is something wrong?” Han Ji Soo replied, “I’ll hold on to only the good memories. Thank you. Goodbye,” leaving behind a heartbreaking farewell.
After Han Ji Soo’s death, Chu Sang Ah encounters Oh Kwang Jae at the funeral. Unaware of her presence, he instructs a staff member to resend production cost invoices and contract documents to Ji Soo’s agency, while casually stating that another actress would replace her. Enraged, Chu Sang Ah confronts him, calling him a “murderer” and accusing him of being responsible for Ji Soo’s death before slapping him.
Ha Ji Won delivered a powerful performance, portraying the grief of losing a loved one with raw intensity. The role has drawn particular attention as it marks her first portrayal of a same-sex relationship since her debut. Her depiction of Chu Sang Ah, who vows revenge after her lover’s tragic fate, has deeply immersed viewers in the story.
Previously known for her versatility across genres such as romance and action thrillers, Ha Ji Won returns to the small screen for the first time in four years since 'Curtain Call' (2022). This time, she sheds her bright and lovable image to present a darker, more complex character, earning widespread praise.
In particular, at the end of Episode 4, Chu Sang Ah sends chills down viewers’ spines by asking Park Jae Sang, who was hired to monitor her, “Jae Sang, can you kill Oh Kwang Jae for me?”—a line that solidified her character’s chilling transformation.
Viewers have responded enthusiastically to Ha Ji Won’s acting transformation, leaving comments such as “She’s found the role of her life” and “Her performance makes the story believable.”
Ha Ji Won has consistently received acclaim for her performances, notably winning the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards for 'Empress Ki.' With her latest role once again showcasing her exceptional range, anticipation is high for how she will continue to captivate audiences.
Meanwhile, 'Climax' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and is also available on KT Genie TV and Disney+.
SEE ALSO: Ha Ji Won reveals 15-year daily routine behind her youthful look even at age 48
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