When greed takes over, innocence pays the price. That is haunting reality behind the new Korean drama “The Defects” (아이쇼핑), which premiered on July 21. With a standout cast bringing intriguing characters to life, “The Defects” brings viewers into a dark, gripping survival thriller about abandoned children fighting for their lives and seeking revenge against those who exploit them. Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful new series.
“The Defects” Korean Drama (2025)
Korean drama “The Defects” (아이쇼핑) is a new collaboration of director Oh Ki Wan and scriptwriter Ahn So Jung. The show explores a chilling, illegal organization masquerading as a charity and the betrayal that follows.
Synopsis
Kim Se Hee is the president director of a major hospital and runs a charity foundation. Known as a respected person and philanthropist, no one knows that she is also behind an illegal adoption ring. Jung Hyun, Kim Se Hee’s right-hand man, helps her in running this illicit activity.
Kim Se Hee believes only children with the best genes will bring the best qualities to a family. Because of this, she offers a “refund” policy to adoptive parents if their child doesn’t meet expectations or is considered defective.
When they return their children, Kim Se Hee’s organization will kill them to erase evidence of child trafficking. Kim Ah Hyun is one of the adopted children who fell victim to the return policy. However, someone managed to save her and keep her alive—but that’s just a beginning. She, along with several other survivors, must fight for their lives and seek revenge against the underworld that nearly destroyed them.
“The Defects” Cast and Characters
Main Role
Yum Jung Ah as Kim Se Hee: Kim Se Hee leads a double life as a respected director of a major hospital and secretly runs an illegal adoption ring, selling abandoned children to couples who want to adopt. She treats these children like products, moving them from one place to another without a second thought.
Won Jin Ah as Kim Ah Hyun: She was one of the “refund” children who somehow survived. Now, she leads a group of survivors, determined to take down the criminal ring and get her revenge.
Choi Young Joon as Woo Tae Sik: He’s caught between two worlds—neither black nor white. His position drags him into a constant inner battle. On one side, he’s an insider in a human trafficking network; on the other, he feels deep empathy for the children caught in its grip.
DEX as Jung Hyun: He is Kim Se Hee’s man. Known as the deadly “human weapon,” he executes Se Hee’s ruthless plans.
Supporting Role
- Lee Na Eun as So Mi
- Ahn Ji Ho as Ju An
- Oh Seung Jun as Seok Su
- Kang Ji Yong as Choi Si Woo
- Kim Ji An as Kim Ah Hyun (Kim Se Hee’s daughter)
- Byun Jun Seo as Gyu Tae (Jung Hyeon’s aide)
Fun Facts and Reasons to Watch:
- “The Defects” is a live-action adaptation from the popular webtoon “Child Shopping” (아이쇼핑) written by Eum Se Yun and illustrated by Ryu Ga Myung. If you are a fan of the original webtoon, you can enjoy its live-action adaptation featuring an impressive cast lineup.
- Korean drama “The Defects” boasts a cast lineup that consists of renowned and rookie actors.
- The series marks DEX’s acting debut in a television series. He is known for his appearances in various reality shows, including “Adventure by Accident” and “Fresh off the Sea.”
- It also marks Lee Na Eun’s grand comeback to the small screen with a supporting role following her guest appearances in “Twenty-Twenty,” “Flex X Cop,” and “Crash.”
- Yum Jung Ah is famous for strong roles such as in “Sky Castle” and “Cleaning Up.” Now, she takes on a complex morally gray character who leads a secret illegal operation. Her character delivers a thought-provoking drama that explores the fine line between good and evil.
- In the series, Won Jin Ah reveals a side we’ve never seen before, showing off impressive martial arts skills to survive.
- The webtoon-based story has a unique premise. It promises a mix of survival thriller elements and emotional depth.
- The story unfolds on multiple focuses. It explores abandoned children, parents blinded by high expectations, and how some treat adopted kids like products. But at its core lies something far darker: child trafficking. Driven by strong characters, the story’s emotional depth makes it both gripping and thrilling.
Premiere Date and Where to Watch
Korean drama “The Defects” premiered on ENA July 21, 2025, and has already captured viewers’ attention. You can catch the series on streaming platforms like TVING, Kocowa, and Vidio.
Check out the highlights from the first episode of “The Defects” below.
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Could Jung Hyun be more than just Se Hee’s human weapon? He’s vilian, no doubt, but there’s something about his silent obedience — the way he follows her without question. It makes me wonder if there’s still a part of him that hasn’t completely shut down. Maybe a conscience buried under all that control. I don’t fully trust him, but in a story this dark, I can’t help but wonder… is redemption still on the table for him?
Especially after reading an interview where DEX said that his character Jung Hyun is cold-blooded, but there is still warmth hidden underneath that hasn’t completely vanished.
At what point do you think it’ll be too late for Jung Hyun to be redeemed — like, what episode should I finally let go of hope? Or could it already be too late. I know no one knows 😂😂 and we need to watch to find out of course, but I need someone else’s view, theory on it. 🫶
How do you feel about him though? I really like the drama and I can’t wait to see more!!. I’d be happy if I could get a reply, and I thank you in advance 😊