ENA's Monday-Tuesday drama 'The Defects' recorded a nationwide rating of 2.3% and 2.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area, setting a new personal record. According to Nielsen Korea, the drama's peak viewership rating climbed to 3.0% in Seoul and 2.5% nationwide.
The show's rapid rise in popularity is attributed to its bold storyline, exploring taboo subjects rarely addressed in conventional dramas. Themes such as illegal adoption, child "refund" system, and the commodification of humans have left viewers stunned.
Particularly, the drama has been praised for the intense plot and fast-paced storytelling that has viewers immersed. Meticulously crafted chase sequences, action scenes, and mystery elements starting from the very first episode amplified the thrill of the drama's action-suspense format. Viewers praised, "It feels like watching a movie," and "I couldn't even breathe while watching."
Beyond the shocking content, the drama also delivers strong social messages and ethical questions. By portraying ruthless adults who seek only the "perfect child," in contrast to the abandoned children, who seek revenge after being hurt and pushed to the edge to survive, 'The Defects' raises questions about serious societal issues.
Not only that, but the exceptional acting and performances of the cast contribute to the success of the drama. Won Jin Ah and Yum Jung Ah are receiving praise for their convincing portrayals of characters with complex psyches that heighten the drama's tension.
In episode 3, Kim Ah Hyun (played by Won Jin Ah) and her allies uncovered the truth behind the illegal adoption network, leaving them in shock. Through So Mi's (Lee Na Eun) adoptive father Han Chul Soo (played by Lim Jae Myung), the children gained insider access to the organization but soon found themselves pursued by Jung Hyun (played by Dex) and his crew.
After a fierce escape, the children briefly found safety, but Jung Hyun informed Kim Se Hee (played by Yum Jung Ah) that there were other survivors, including those other than Cho Si Woo (played by Kang Ji Yong). Se Hee replies with a chilling line, "Bring them alive. I want to see how they've changed. Do they look like me, I wonder?" accompanied by a sinister smile.
Meanwhile, in their attempt to decode a passkey, Ah Hyun and her companion Seok Soo (portrayed by Oh Seung Joon) visited the medical facility where So Mi's adoptive mother Im Kyung Mi (Bae Min Hee) was being treated, only to encounter more members of the organization. Ultimately, Ah Hyun and Seok Soo end up in Jung Hyun's clutches, facing a desperate situation.
At the same time, Se Hee began a mysterious plan linked to the First Lady (Han Soo Yeon). As curiosity grew over what schemes she was plotting with the help of the nation’s highest powers, a shocking scene showed the First Lady demanding that Se Hee’s daughter (Kim Ji An) serve as a surrogate.
The children later managed to plant a tracker on an organization vehicle, discovering the location of a secret research facility managed by Se Hee. Disguised as a married couple, Ah Hyun and Seok Soo infiltrated the facility, where they witnessed the appalling reality of children being bought and sold based on genetic superiority. As the episode closed, Ah Hyun sank into despair at the sight of children treated like merchandise.
Meanwhile, 'The Defects' is a drama adaptation of the Kakao web comic of the same name, which was serialized from 2016 to 2018. The comic amassed 51 million views and even won the Best Creativity Award at the 2017 SPP International Content Market.
While the original web comic was rated R (+19) due to its content involving drugs, child abuse, and extreme violence, the drama was produced at a rated PG-13 (or +15) to deliver its social message to a wider audience.
SEE ALSO: Gummy spotted with five-month baby bump in behind-the-scenes video
SHARE
