Actress Ha Ji Won revealed that she spent her hiatus deeply reflecting on herself, even considering retiring from acting altogether.
She is currently starring in the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama Climax, which premiered on March 16.
Climax tells the story of prosecutor Bang Tae Seop (played by Ju Ji Hoon), who dives into a cartel of power to reach the top, and the intense survival battles of those around him. Ha Ji Won plays Chu Sang Ah, a top actress at the peak of her career who marries Bang Tae Seop, a prosecutor from a humble background, delivering a compelling performance.
As the drama reaches its midpoint, it continues to draw strong attention thanks to its gripping storyline and fast-paced development. Episode 7, airing on April 6 at 10 PM, is expected to mark a major turning point in the narrative.
A key factor in leading Climax has been her chemistry with co-star Ju Ji Hoon. He previously praised her personality as “the best.” Meeting in Seoul, Ha Ji Won responded, “When acting, I feel comfortable only when my partner is comfortable too. With Ju Ji Hoon, that synergy worked very well. We talked a lot before filming each scene.”
She added, “There were even physical fight scenes during arguments between the married couple. Since we’re both experienced, we matched each other so well that most scenes were completed in one or two takes. Even without rehearsals, it felt perfectly synchronized.”
Because the drama lacks a soft romantic storyline between their characters, many viewers hope to see the two actors reunite in a romance project. Ha Ji Won shared, “I’d love to work with him again. It’s a bit of a shame. Since this project doesn’t have a gentle romance, I hope we can do one together next time.”
Regarding the relationship between Chu Sang Ah and Bang Tae Seop, she explained, “The unrealistic aspects are part of the drama’s storytelling device. Sometimes they use each other, sometimes they rely on each other. There’s also a sense of comradeship. Bang Tae Seop loves Sang Ah, but Sang Ah does not love him. That’s how we approached the characters.”
Chu Sang Ah is a character who prioritizes survival in the industry, even abandoning her pride to cling to powerful figures. Ha Ji Won said, “Climax is ultimately about human relationships. It’s also Sang Ah’s survival story. She’s an unstable character shaped by her environment rather than a fixed identity. Since the story deals with power and desire, I had to fully understand that to portray her.”
One of the most talked-about scenes involved Chu Sang Ah being hit with raw eggs. Ha Ji Won recalled, “My face hardened like I had an egg pack on for a long time. We had to keep spraying water during the shoot. It was meant to feel humiliating, so we rehearsed many times.”
She added, “I only got hit once, but we rehearsed dozens of times. There were expensive paintings on set, so we had to be careful. The staff carefully calculated angles to make the scene look effective.”
Her chemistry with co-star Cha Joo Young was also flawless. “Although we didn’t actually hold knives, the tension felt like we did. The scenes are intense, almost like martial arts. Working with her and the director to build those moments was very fun,” she said.
Ha Ji Won then reflected on her nearly four-year hiatus. After the release of the movie Portrait of a Family was postponed, she unintentionally stepped away from acting following the 2022 drama Curtain Call.
She shared, “That time allowed me to think about myself, not as a character but as a person. I went through a rollercoaster in life, questioning who I am and why I act.”
During that period, she began painting and exploring relationships with those close to her. “I started seeing myself objectively. I felt embarrassed and reflected a lot. Looking back at my life as an actress, there were many things I felt ashamed of. I even thought, ‘Should I quit acting?’” she admitted.
She continued, “Living through characters made me neglect understanding myself. Now I realize that being an actor comes with great responsibility. It’s not just about fun or interest it’s work that carries meaning.”
Ha Ji Won said Climax aligns with the kind of human relationship stories she has always wanted to explore. “It’s been a long time since I met fans through a project, so I was both excited and nervous. Seeing viewers enjoy it makes all the hard work worthwhile,” she added.
Debuting in 1997, Ha Ji Won will celebrate her 30th anniversary next year. “I didn’t realize how much time had passed. I was so immersed in characters that time flew by,” she said.
She expressed gratitude for the continued support: “While filming Climax, I felt like a rookie again. Despite the challenges, I approached it with a fresh mindset. I want to keep meeting good projects and show better performances.”
She added, “I’m still in the process of understanding myself. Maybe I’ll only truly know who I am before I die. It’s not easy.”
Although she hasn’t confirmed her next project, she revealed she is receiving many offers and plans to stay active. “I want to try all genres action, romance, historical dramas. I have a lot of passion. I used to enjoy action, and now I want to show a more mature version of it.”
Known for her healthy lifestyle, Ha Ji Won shared her wellness philosophy: “Whether it’s diet, exercise, or skincare, I prefer consistency over time. Looking back at habits I’ve maintained for 10 years, I see how they’ve benefited me. I only believe in what I’ve proven myself.”
She also appears in the YouTube variety show Class of ’26 Ji Won, where she experiences college life as a freshman. “It feels like time travel, meeting my 20-year-old self again. Sometimes it’s emotional, but also very fun,” she said.
Sources: Nate