ENA’s upcoming drama Climax has unveiled new stills introducing Cha Joo Young in her latest role, offering a first look at the character who stands at the center of a complex web of power, ambition, and strategy.
Climax follows prosecutor Bang Tae Seob, played by Ju Ji Hoon, who plunges into a powerful cartel in order to climb the highest ranks of South Korea’s power structure. Within this intense narrative, Cha Joo Young portrays Lee Yang Mi, the president of WR Hotel and a key figure within WR Group, whose influence stretches across politics, business, and the entertainment world.
In Climax, Lee Yang Mi is depicted as a strategic thinker who carefully shapes alliances while maintaining a refined public image. As South Korea’s presidential election approaches in the drama’s storyline, she emerges as an important political supporter of Nam Hye Hoon, the mayor of Seoam and a rising presidential candidate. Through calculated relationships and well-timed decisions, Lee Yang Mi gradually builds a network of power that positions her as one of the most influential figures behind the scenes.
The character portrayed by Cha Joo Young is not one who simply reacts to circumstances. Instead, Lee Yang Mi studies the flow of events and deliberately chooses paths that serve her ambitions. While she presents herself as elegant, calm, and socially polished, her actions reveal a deeply strategic mind and a strong desire to maintain control of the world she has constructed.
The newly released stills highlight the layered nature of the character. In one image, Lee Yang Mi turns back while wearing a striking patterned fur coat, her composed expression suggesting sharp judgment hidden beneath a glamorous appearance. Another still shows her dressed in black fur with a relaxed smile, yet her unreadable gaze hints at the determination and calculation driving her pursuit of power.
Through Lee Yang Mi, Cha Joo Young is expected to deliver a performance that balances elegance with quiet intensity, portraying a woman who navigates the intersections of politics, wealth, and influence with precision. As the drama unfolds, her character’s decisions may prove crucial in shaping the shifting balance of power within Climax.
Climax is scheduled to premiere on March 16 at 10 p.m. KST.
