Choi Young Joon stars in the upcoming action thriller “The Defects”, where he plays a man fighting to protect children from a brutal illegal adoption ring. The drama, based on a popular webtoon, follows abandoned children seeking revenge while Choi’s character risks his life to save them. His opponent is Dex, who makes his acting debut as a ruthless enforcer. The show premieres on July 21, 2025, on ENA.
Choi Young Joon’s Character Is A Secret Hero
In “The Defects”, Choi Young Joon plays Woo Tae Sik, a man working inside a criminal organization that traffics children. While he pretends to follow orders, he secretly rescues kids who have been abandoned by their adoptive parents. His character is filled with guilt but also deep compassion for the children.
“Tae Sik is a man who lives with guilt while feeling deep compassion for the children. To those standing on the brink of death, Tae Sik may have been their last hope—perhaps even their final chance at life.”
The drama shows his struggle as he teaches the children survival skills while hiding them from the dangerous group he works for.
Dex Plays A Cold-Hearted Villain
Dex, known for his variety show appearances, takes on his first major acting role as Jung Hyun, a brutal enforcer for the adoption ring. Raised to be a loyal weapon, he follows orders without question. His character is ruthless and emotionally detached, creating a tense rivalry with Choi Young Joon’s character.
“Since Jung Hyun is a human weapon, it was important to show rough, instinctive action.”
Dex trained hard for the action scenes, bringing a physical intensity to his role. His performance is expected to be a major highlight of the drama.
The Story Is A Dark Survival Thriller
“The Defects” revolves around children who were adopted but later abandoned by their parents. The illegal adoption ring, led by Yum Jung Ah’s character Kim Se Hee, treats children as products that can be returned if they don’t meet expectations. The surviving children, led by Won Jin Ah’s character Kim Ah Hyun, fight back against the system.
The drama explores deep moral conflicts, with Choi Young Joon’s character caught between his guilt and his mission to protect the children. The action scenes are not just for show—they reflect the emotions and struggles of the characters.
The Cast And Crew Bring High Expectations
The drama features a strong cast, including veteran actress Yum Jung Ah as the twisted leader of the adoption ring. Won Jin Ah plays a survivor turned leader, while Lee Na Eun also joins in a key role. The director, Oh Ki Hwan, is known for his work on “SF8: Love Virtually”, ensuring a visually gripping series.
“Everyone fully embodied their characters. Given the nature of the action thriller genre, teamwork is crucial, and we worked really well together.”
Fans of the original webtoon are excited to see how the dark and emotional story translates to screen. The mix of intense action, deep emotions, and strong performances makes “The Defects” one of the most anticipated dramas of the year.
Why This Drama Stands Out
Unlike typical crime thrillers, “The Defects” tackles the disturbing reality of illegal adoptions and child trafficking. The concept of “Child Shopping” adds a chilling layer to the story. The children, once treated as disposable, fight back in a tale of survival and revenge.
Choi Young Joon’s dual role as both a criminal and a protector adds depth to the narrative. Dex’s transformation from a variety star to a villain also brings fresh energy. With its unique plot and powerful cast, the drama is set to leave a strong impact.
Release Details And Where To Watch
“The Defects” premieres on July 21, 2025, at 10 p.m. KST on ENA. International viewers can watch it on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitle options.
Fans of Choi Young Joon can also catch him in “Why Her?” on Viki, while Dex’s adventures in “Adventure by Accident 4” are available for those wanting to see more of his work before his dramatic turn in this new series.
Also read: Lee Bo Young Stars In New Drama “Mary Kills People” About A Doctor Helping Patients Die
Credits: Sources from KOCOWA, MyDramaList, and official drama updates.
