Set to premiere on July 21st on ENA and TVING, The Defects is already making waves across social media and among K-drama fans. Inspired by a popular webtoon with over 51 million views on Kakao, this dark and gripping show dives into the emotional journey of abandoned children seeking justice—and revenge.
A chilling poster and teaser that left viewers stunned
When The Defects released its poster on June 25th, it immediately caught attention. The image of a child sitting alone in a shopping cart, blank-faced and empty-eyed, was accompanied by a chilling sentence: “I want to return this child.” This stark, unsettling visual sparked a variety of reactions from viewers—some found it deeply disturbing, while others hailed it as a powerful symbol of the show’s serious tone. Either way, it was clear this was no ordinary K-drama poster.
Just a few days later, a 30-second teaser deepened the intrigue. In it, Yum Jung-ah plays Kim Se-hee, the head of an illegal adoption ring, exuding an eerie calm that builds intense tension in her first appearance. The teaser also introduces Kim Ah-hyun, played by Won Jin-ah, a young girl abandoned by her adoptive parents after being treated like a discarded object. In a pivotal moment, Ah-hyun screams, “How can you be so cruel?” while other children desperately beg for their lives. The most haunting moment, however, comes at the end of the teaser when Kim Se-hee coldly tells Ah-hyun, “Why did you come back? You should have died back then.” This line quickly went viral, cementing Se-hee as one of the most feared villains of the season.
A powerful cast and the promising debut of Dex
Beyond the gripping plot, The Defects is garnering attention for its strong cast. Yum Jung-ah’s portrayal of the villainous Kim Se-hee is already being lauded for its chilling intensity. Won Jin-ah delivers a performance full of emotional depth, making her character’s plight even more heart-wrenching.
But the buzz doesn’t stop there—The Defects also marks the acting debut of Dex, also known as Kim Jin-young. A former military man and a popular figure in various variety shows, Dex plays Jung Hyun, a boy raised in the illegal adoption system and turned into a weapon for nefarious purposes. His action scenes and intense stare have quickly caught the attention of viewers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show’s already tense atmosphere.
With its complex characters, haunting visuals, and powerful performances, The Defects is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about K-dramas of the year. As the story unfolds, the children’s quest for justice promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly waiting for each new episode. If you’re looking for a show that’s as emotionally intense as it is thrilling, The Defects is a must-watch.
