K-drama fans, get ready for an intense ride—The Defects is here to shake up your screens with a dark, suspenseful story that dives deep into corruption, survival, and revenge. Premiering on July 21, 2025, this psychological thriller is already creating buzz for its gripping plot and the acting debut of Single’s Inferno star Dex.
Based on a popular webtoon, The Defects doesn’t hold back. It mixes the emotional weight of a revenge drama with the sharp edge of a psychological mystery. The story unfolds in just eight tightly packed episodes, airing every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM KST on ENA, and available for streaming globally on TVING and Kocowa.
Here’s the full broadcast 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 – August 12
At the center of this chilling tale is Kim Se Hee, played by veteran actress Yum Jung Ah. Outwardly, she’s a respected hospital director and beloved philanthropist. But behind closed doors, she’s running a horrifying illegal adoption ring. Her belief? Only children with “superior genes” deserve a future. The rest? Discarded like broken items—and erased permanently.
Dex takes on the role of Jung Hyeon, a key enforcer in this system, adding to the drama’s tension. This is a huge step into acting for him, and fans are eager to see how he handles this dark, complex character.
Enter Kim Ah Hyeon, played by Won Jin Ah—a survivor of this cruel system. Once one of the children discarded for not being “good enough,” she miraculously survived. Now an adult, she leads a group of others like her—the so-called “defects”—in a mission to destroy the very system that tried to erase them.
The drama is more than just action and suspense. It’s a harrowing look at moral decay hidden behind power and privilege, and the strength of those who’ve suffered yet rise to fight back.
With a plot this bold and performances from a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars, The Defects is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about K-dramas of the season. If you’re into high-stakes storytelling with a strong emotional punch, this one belongs at the top of your watchlist.
