The main trailer for the upcoming Korean drama Climax has been unveiled, featuring Ju Ji-hoon in a compelling lead performance and confirming the series' exclusive streaming availability on Disney+ in select regions. Directed by Lee Ji-won, who co-wrote the script with Shin Ye-seul, Climax delivers a tense mix of political intrigue, survival noir, and raw ambition set within South Korea's intricate webs of influence.
Climax revolves around Bang Tae-seop (Ju Ji-hoon), a driven prosecutor consumed by his quest to reach the absolute summit of power and wealth. Following his marriage to Chu Sang-ah (Ha Ji-won), a once-celebrated actress now grappling with career challenges, Bang Tae-seop sees their partnership as a calculated step in his ascent. He treats his wife as both an advantage and a potential liability amid the overlapping cartels of politics, entertainment, and hidden authority. As doubts surface about Chu Sang-ah's own concealed motives and secrets, their relationship evolves into a charged battle of suspicion, strategy, and control.
The newly released trailer intensifies the drama by spotlighting the mounting friction between the central pair, Bang Tae-seop's unyielding drive, and the heavy costs of his pursuit. It offers previews of intense standoffs, clandestine deals, and the personal sacrifices demanded by ambition. The ensemble deepens the plot: Hwang Jeong-won (Nana), a private informant recruited by Bang Tae-seop to investigate his wife; Kwon Jong-uk (Oh Jung-se), entangled in the larger conflicts of influence; and Lee Yang-mi (Cha Joo-young), who adds further complexity to the interconnected dynamics.
Billed as a brutal survival tale, Climax examines the extremes individuals endure to conquer Korea's uppermost echelons. It probes themes of craving, treachery, and the decay of principles under relentless pressure. Bang Tae-seop charges forward in his bid for dominance, where partnerships are tenuous and information serves as currency. Chu Sang-ah proves far from subordinate, demonstrating her own skill in maneuvering the perilous terrain and potentially turning the tables.
The trailer's polished cinematography, rapid tempo, and the electric tension—or antagonism—between the leads stand out prominently. Ju Ji-hoon infuses the role with his signature commanding intensity, drawing from his history in layered, action-infused characters. Ha Ji-won, with her extensive dramatic experience, brings nuance to the enigmatic former star whose objectives may clash with her husband's. The supporting lineup of Nana, Oh Jung-se, and Cha Joo-young promises rich, multifaceted portrayals in this fusion of thriller and melodrama elements.
As a Monday-Tuesday offering on ENA, Climax will also stream concurrently on Genie TV, expanding its domestic audience, while Disney+ provides international access where available.
Climax is set to premiere on March 16, 2026, airing every Monday and Tuesday at 10:00 p.m. KST on ENA, with simultaneous availability on Disney+ in select regions and on Genie TV. Episodes will continue weekly thereafter, offering an engrossing exploration of ambition's peaks and pitfalls.
