The actor's performance in 'Climax' boosts his popularity, as Ha Ji-won concludes her role in the same series.
Category: Arts & Culture
In a remarkable achievement, actor Joo Ji-hoon has secured the top spot in the brand reputation rankings for drama actors in April 2026, according to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute. The rankings were based on an analysis of brand big data collected from March 15 to April 15, encompassing 100 drama actors, and evaluated consumer behavior across various indices, including participation value, communication value, media value, community value, and social value.
Joo Ji-hoon's brand reputation rose to the forefront, with the institute's CEO, Goo Chang-hwan, noting that the analysis revealed high scores for keywords such as "intense, immersive, and talkative." In terms of keyword analysis, the terms "Climax," "Bang Tae-seop," and "excuse" were among the most frequently mentioned, indicating a strong public interest in his character from the currently airing drama, 'Climax.' The positive sentiment surrounding Joo Ji-hoon was also overwhelmingly high, contributing to his top ranking.
Currently starring as Bang Tae-seop in 'Climax,' Joo Ji-hoon has captivated audiences with his powerful performances, resulting in high engagement across online communities and media platforms. Following Joo Ji-hoon in the rankings were fellow actors Ha Jung-woo and Ha Ji-won, who claimed the second and third spots, respectively. They were followed by Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk, rounding out the top five.
Interestingly, the brand big data for drama actors in April showed a double-digit decrease compared to March. This decline was attributed to drops in brand consumption, brand issues, and brand spread, though brand communication saw a slight increase, indicating a complex shift in audience engagement.
In related news, Ha Ji-won has recently wrapped up her role in the ENA drama 'Climax,' which concluded on April 14, 2026. In this rollercoaster narrative, she portrayed the character Choo Sang-ah, a once-fallen actress who experiences a dramatic resurgence after being embroiled in a same-sex scandal. Her character navigated a tumultuous path from disgrace to triumph, culminating in a powerful revenge against her adversary.
During the finale, Choo Sang-ah teamed up with her husband Bang Tae-seop (played by Joo Ji-hoon) to expose the murder conspiracy orchestrated by Lee Yang-mi (played by Cha Joo-young), successfully achieving her revenge. One of the most memorable moments came when Choo Sang-ah silently mouthed the words, "I hope you live long there," to the captured Lee Yang-mi, delivering a strong sense of catharsis to the audience.
As Choo Sang-ah's character received the Best Actress award at an international film festival, she found herself in a position of renewed success. Yet, in a twist of fate, she received a chilling phone call from Lee Yang-mi, who was serving time in prison. "We will meet soon," the ominous message hinted, leading Choo Sang-ah to experience a visceral sense of dread, as she questioned her husband, "Where am I, is this hell?" This intense moment set the stage for a gripping finale, contrasting her bittersweet expression with a radiant smile as she entered the campaign venue.
Ha Ji-won expressed her reflections on the role, stating, "I had many concerns from the beginning to portray the character Choo Sang-ah, who struggles to survive. I aimed to fully embody Choo Sang-ah, setting aside my own identity as an actress. I believe this will be a work I will long cherish in my acting career." She acknowledged the physical and mental challenges posed by the demanding scenes but felt proud of the positive reception of her new transformation.
As she concluded her thoughts, Ha Ji-won remarked, "'Climax' has pushed me to break through my own boundaries. I want to thank the director, staff, and fellow actors who worked alongside me, and I look forward to greeting the audience with a fresh role in my next project."
With Joo Ji-hoon and Ha Ji-won both making waves in the drama scene, the impact of 'Climax' on their careers is undeniable. As audiences continue to engage with their performances, the series stands as a highlight of their artistic journeys, leaving viewers eager for what lies ahead in their respective careers.