Climax (TV series)
| Climax | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 클라이맥스 |
| RR | Keullaimaekseu |
| MR | K'ŭllaimaeksŭ |
| Genre | |
| Written by |
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| Directed by | Lee Ji-won |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| Production | |
| Production companies |
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| Original release | |
| Network | |
Climax (Korean: 클라이맥스) is an upcoming South Korean political survival noir television series directed by Lee Ji-won, who also co-wrote it with Shin Ye-seul, and starring Ju Ji-hoon, Ha Ji-won, Nana, Oh Jung-se, and Cha Joo-young. The series depicts prosecutor Bang Tae-seop, who rises to the top of South Korea's power cartel, and the people surrounding him. It is scheduled to premiere on ENA in the first half of 2026, and will air every Monday and Tuesday. It will also be subsequently streaming on Genie TV.[2]
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
- Ju Ji-hoon as Bang Tae-seop[2]
- A man who becomes a star prosecutor overnight after marrying a top actress Sang-ah.
- Tae-seop's wife. She's a former top actress who's been labeled a washed-up actress since her marriage.
- Tae-seop's secret informant.
- Oh Jung-se as Kwon Jong-wook[2]
- The eldest son who is competing with Yang-mi for succession to the WR Group.
- Cha Joo-young as Lee Yang-mi[2]
- The WR Group chairman's second wife.
Production
Development
Lee Ji-won, who previously 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 and SLL.[2]
Casting
In December 2023, Ju Ji-hoon reportedly received an offer as the male lead and decided to appear.[3] In November 2024, Ha Ji-won, Nana, Oh Jung-se, and Cha Joo-young were reportedly considering.[4] In November 2025, the casting of Ju, Ha, Nana, Oh, and Cha as the leads was officially confirmed.[5]
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.[3][6] Principal photography began on March 15, 2025, near Gyeonggi Province.[7]
References
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b c d e f g h 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.