Have you heard the news?! A new survival thriller K-Drama is coming this month, and it’s based on a popular webtoon! Starring Yum Jung Ah, Won Jin A, Choi Young Joon, and Dex, “The Defects” is the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Child Shopping by Eum Se Yun. If you’re a fan of intense, thought-provoking plots and webtoon-based dramas, this one’s for you. And yes—you can stream it on KOCOWA+!
“The Defects“
Casts: Yum Jung Ah, Won Jin A, Choi Young Joon, Dex
Synopsis: Imagine children being sold, bought, and refunded or disposed of as if they were products. At the age of ten, Ah Hyun was nearly erased from the world just like that, with a “refund” stamp. Rescued at the last moment by Tae Sik, she has since lived in hiding, enduring harsh training to survive. Over the years, she became the only adult among the kids and their emotional anchor. One day, an incident happens that destroys the world that Ah Hyun believed in. At the same time, an unbelievable truth is revealed. From illegal adoptions and murders disguised as “refunds” to the monstrous minds behind it all, everything tells Ah Hyun that she can’t just be hiding anymore. To protect herself and the kids who are with her, and to take revenge on the world that abandoned her, she rises.
Genre: Action, Crime, Current Affairs, Drama, Thriller
Creators: Oh Ki Hwan, Ahn So Jeong
Premiere Date: July 21, 2025
Reasons To Watch “The Defects“
1. It’s Based on a Popular Webtoon
“The Defects” is adapted from the gripping webtoon Child Shopping by Eum Se-Yun—a story that already has a strong fanbase due to its dark, emotional, and intense plot. Fans of the webtoon have been eagerly waiting to see this intense world brought to life on screen, and just seeing the teasers and posters, we can see that the drama won’t disappoint! The live-action adaptation promises to capture all the emotional complexity that made the webtoon a must-read.
2. Featuring a One-of-a-Kind Plot Not Usually Seen
K-Dramas have explored survival and crime before—but “The Defects” takes it to another level. The story is set in a world where children are adopted, judged based on their genetic “worth,” and abandoned if deemed defective. It’s chilling, but also deeply human.
The drama centers on Ah Hyun, a girl who was “refunded” by her adoptive parents but managed to survive and now leads a group of abandoned children seeking justice. The villains aren’t your typical bad guys—they’re twisted believers in genetic superiority, making the story even more terrifying. It’s a plotline unlike anything you’ve seen before in K-Dramaland.
3. Starring a Powerhouse Cast Led by a Veteran Actress
One of the most exciting things about “The Defects” is its incredible cast, each bringing their own edge and emotional depth to the story. Leading the drama is veteran actress Yum Jung Ah, known for her commanding roles in series like “Royal Family.” Here, she plays Kim Se Hee—a respected doctor and philanthropist who secretly runs a dark and horrifying illegal adoption ring.
Won Jin A, beloved for her emotional role in “Rain or Shine,” returns as Kim Ah Hyun, a strong and determined survivor who leads the abandoned children. Choi Young Joon, a familiar face in many hit dramas, plays Woo Tae Sik, a conflicted member of the trafficking ring who risks everything to protect the children from the inside.
And making his official acting debut in a television series is Dex, best known for his reality show appearances in “Adventure by Accident” and “Bloody Game.” In this series, he transforms into Jung Hyun, a cold and dangerous “human weapon” trained by Kim Se Hee to carry out her twisted mission. With this unique mix of veterans, rising stars, and new faces, the performances alone are enough reason to tune in.
4. Brought to Life by a Skilled Director and Writer
The team behind “The Defects” is just as impressive. Director Oh Ki Hwan, known for “SF8: Love Virtually,” brings his experience in sci-fi and suspense to the table. Meanwhile, writer Ahn So Jung is set to deliver a script packed with emotional layers and nonstop tension. With this creative team, you can expect well-crafted storytelling, gripping scenes, and characters you won’t forget.
5. It Might Just Become Your New Favorite K-Drama
If you’re someone who loves survival thrillers, mystery, and morally complex characters, “The Defects” might just become your new obsession. It’s the kind of K-Drama that pulls you in not just with its tension, but also with its heart. You’ll quickly find yourself rooting for Ah Hyun and the other children, especially once you learn their heartbreaking backstories. Plus, as more secrets unfold and character loyalties are tested, you’ll find yourself emotionally invested in every episode! This drama promises to deliver not only thrill and tension but also heart and meaning.
So, do you really need more reasons to watch “The Defects?” Add it to your watchlist now! It will be available for streaming exclusively on KOCOWA+ starting July 21, complete with multiple subtitle options.
