“The Defects,” a dark and intense revenge thriller, is set to premiere on July 21, 2025, at 10 PM KST on ENA. The drama features a powerhouse cast, including Yum Jung Ah, Won Jin Ah, and reality star Dex, making his acting debut. Based on a popular webtoon, the series explores illegal adoptions and a brutal fight for survival.
What Is “The Defects” About?
The story follows Kim Se Hee (Yum Jung Ah), a respected hospital director and charity leader who secretly runs an illegal adoption ring. She believes only children with “superior genes” should survive. If adoptive parents return a child for not meeting expectations, her organization kills them to cover up their crimes.
Kim A Hyeon (Won Jin Ah) was one of these children but miraculously survived. Now an adult, she leads other survivors in a fight against Kim Se Hee’s twisted system. The drama blends psychological tension, high-stakes action, and revenge.
“I remember gathering in the gym and practicing together for each and every scene. Thanks to [all that practice], the actors developed a lot of trust in one another.” — Won Jin Ah
Cast and Characters
- Yum Jung Ah as Kim Se Hee – A respected doctor hiding a dark secret.
- Won Jin Ah as Kim A Hyeon – A survivor seeking revenge.
- Dex (Kim Jin Young) as Jung Hyeon – A ruthless enforcer working for Kim Se Hee.
- Choi Young Joon as Woo Tae Sik – A conflicted man protecting the children.
- Lee Na Eun as Eun So Mi – A symbol of hope among the survivors.
Dex, known from “Single’s Inferno,” plays his first major acting role as a cold-hearted operative. His character adds tension as he clashes with Choi Young Joon’s protective figure.
Release Schedule and Where to Watch
“The Defects” will air every Monday and Tuesday on ENA and stream on TVING and Kocowa in Korea. International viewers can watch it on Amazon Prime Video’s “Channel K” in select regions.
Episode Schedule:
- Episode 1 – July 21
- Episode 2 – July 22
- Episode 3 – July 28
- Episode 4 – July 29
- Episode 5 – August 4
- Episode 6 – August 5
- Episode 7 – August 11
- Episode 8 (Finale) – August 12
Behind-the-Scenes and First Impressions
The drama has already generated buzz for its intense action scenes and strong performances. Behind-the-scenes photos show the cast working closely together, with Yum Jung Ah switching between her villainous role and a warm off-screen presence.
“Since Jung Hyun is a human weapon, it was important to show rough, instinctive action.” — Dex
Fans of revenge thrillers like “Mercy for None” may find this series gripping. The show’s dark themes and high-energy fight sequences make it one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2025.
Also read: Won Jin Ah And Yum Jung Ah Face Off In A Dark And Twisted Battle In New Drama “The Defects”
Credits: MyDramaList, Kpopmap
