The actress reflects on her role as a fallen star making a dramatic comeback in the hit drama's concluding episode.
Category: Arts & Culture
SEOUL — Actress Ha Ji-won has shared her thoughts following the finale of the ENA drama Climax, which aired its last episode on April 14, 2026. In the series, she portrayed the character Choo Sang-ah, a once-celebrated actress who faces a downfall due to a scandal involving same-sex allegations, only to make a stunning comeback.
In the climactic final episode, Choo Sang-ah, alongside her husband Bang Tae-seop, exposes the murder solicitation charges against Lee Yang-mi, played by Cha Joo-young, who had previously orchestrated her downfall. This act of revenge marks a turning point for her character, culminating in a powerful scene where she mouths the words, "I hope you live in misery there" to the captured Lee Yang-mi, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Notably, even after her dramatic resurrection in the industry, Choo Sang-ah's troubles continue. She receives a chilling phone call from Lee Yang-mi, who is serving time in prison, prompting her to react with intense fear, leading her to question, "Where am I? Is this hell?" This moment of vulnerability adds depth to her character and heightens the tension as the series draws to a close.
The finale achieved a nationwide viewership rating of 3.9%, according to Nielsen Korea, marking a record high for the series and securing the top spot among Monday-Tuesday dramas.
Ha Ji-won expressed her gratitude to the audience for their support and shared her insights about the demanding role. "I had many concerns about portraying Choo Sang-ah, who struggles to survive," she stated. "I completely set aside my identity as Ha Ji-won to fully embody the character. I believe this will be a work that I will long cherish in my acting career."
She acknowledged the physical and emotional challenges of the role, stating, "There were many scenes where I poured out my emotions, making it a tough but rewarding experience. I’m proud that my transformation has been positively received."
Ha Ji-won also highlighted the unique challenges posed by the series, which often transcended conventional drama norms. "Many scenes broke away from the usual storytelling methods, and I focused on deeply comprehending and delicately expressing Choo Sang-ah's complex nature, especially as the line between good and evil blurred."
As she reflects on her performance, Ha Ji-won noted, "Climax has pushed me to break through my own limitations as an actress. I extend my gratitude to the director, staff, and fellow actors, and I look forward to greeting the audience with a fresh role in my next project."
The series, which captivated audiences with its intense storyline and character development, has solidified Ha Ji-won’s status as a versatile actress capable of tackling challenging roles. With the finale now aired, fans are left eager to see what her next role will entail.
As the curtain falls on Climax, it leaves behind a legacy of powerful performances and a narrative that resonated with many, ensuring that Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Choo Sang-ah will be remembered for years to come.