After an intense performance, Ha Ji-won shares her thoughts on the finale of ENA's hit drama 'Climax'.
Category: Arts & Culture
Actress Ha Ji-won has expressed her heartfelt reflections following the finale of the ENA drama Climax, which aired on April 14, 2026. In this gripping series, she portrayed the character of Joo Sang-ah, a once-renowned actress who faced a dramatic downfall due to a same-sex scandal, only to rise again in a stunning comeback.
In the final episode, Joo Sang-ah, alongside her husband Bang Tae-seob, played by Ju Ji-hoon, executed a perfect revenge by exposing the murder conspiracy allegations against Lee Yang-mi, portrayed by Cha Joo-young, who had previously brought her to ruin. The climactic moment saw Sang-ah delivering a chilling message to the captured Yang-mi, mouthing, "I hope you live long in there," a scene that left a strong impression on viewers.
Even after her triumphant return, Sang-ah's troubles were not over. In a suspenseful twist, she received a phone call from the imprisoned Yang-mi, which sent her into a panic, leading her to ask, "Where am I, hell?" This moment heightened the tension as she grappled with her fears. The episode concluded with Sang-ah entering a campaign rally with a bright smile, contrasting sharply with the turmoil she faced, leaving audiences with a lasting emotional impact.
Ha Ji-won, who captivated viewers from the first episode to the finale, shared her thoughts on the character she embodied. "I had a lot of worries about portraying Sang-ah, who struggles to survive," she said. "To be seen as Sang-ah rather than Ha Ji-won, I had to completely let go of myself, and I think this will be a work that I will long cherish in my acting career." Her dedication to the role was evident, as she faced numerous physically and emotionally taxing scenes throughout the series.
In her post-finale comments, Ha Ji-won expressed gratitude to her fans for their support. "It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and I’m proud that my transformation was well received," she added. The actress noted that the series pushed the boundaries of traditional storytelling, allowing her to deeply understand and express the complex nature of her character, Sang-ah.
Ha Ji-won also highlighted the intense chemistry she shared with her co-star Nana, which became a focal point of discussion among fans. The series featured bold scenes that showcased both her character's vulnerabilities and strengths, marking a departure from conventional roles she had previously undertaken. "There were many scenes that transcended the norms of past works, and I focused on deeply comprehending and delicately portraying Sang-ah's complex nature," she explained.
As Climax concluded, it achieved a remarkable viewership milestone, recording a rating of 3.9% according to Nielsen Korea, which made it the top-rated drama in its time slot. This impressive figure marked a personal best for the series and solidified its position as a favorite among viewers.
Looking ahead, Ha Ji-won expressed her desire to continue challenging herself in future roles. "Climax has enabled me to break through my own limitations as an actress. I want to thank the director, staff, and fellow actors for their support, and I hope to greet the audience with a fresh character in my next project," she concluded.
With the series now wrapped up, fans are left to ponder the impact of Sang-ah's tumultuous story and the powerful performance delivered by Ha Ji-won. The finale provided closure for the character's arc and showcased the actress's ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
As viewers bid farewell to Climax, they can look forward to what Ha Ji-won will bring to the screen next, anticipating another role that promises to push boundaries and captivate hearts.