The upcoming ENA drama “The Defects” is set to explore the harrowing lives of children caught in a web of illegal adoption, with a premiere date scheduled for July 21, 2023. The series stars Yum Jung Ah as Kim Se Hee, a respected doctor who secretly operates an illegal adoption trafficking ring. Other notable cast members include Won Jin Ah as Kim Ah Hyun, a young woman who survived a broken adoption system, and Ahn Ji Ho portraying Ju An.
Recent stills from the drama reveal a group of children who have been “returned” after being adopted, now forced to live in hiding. Among them are Kim Ah Hyun, Ju An, Somi (played by Lee Naeun), Seok Su (Oh Seung Jun), and the newly returned Choi Si Woo (Kang Ji Yong). Their unsettling existence raises questions about the circumstances that led them to seek refuge in an abandoned building instead of leading normal lives.
In one striking image, Kim Ah Hyun, who assumes the role of the group’s reluctant leader, is depicted gazing intently at her phone, lost in thought. Despite being disconnected from the outside world, her anxious expression hints at an impending call, suggesting that the narrative will take a dramatic turn right from the outset.
The newly released visuals also portray tense interactions among the group. In a particularly gripping scene, Ah Hyun appears visibly shaken by an unexpected action from Si Woo, while Ju An, Somi, and Seok Su observe with grim expressions. Si Woo’s raw emotion, captured with tears on his face, adds to the mounting tension and uncertainty surrounding the children’s fate.
As the story unfolds, attention will focus on how the arrival of Si Woo influences the dynamics among the returned children, possibly leading to a crisis as he integrates into their fragile lives.
“The Defects” promises to delve into the complexities of these children’s experiences, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding adoption and trauma. The show aims to not only entertain but also provoke thought about the realities faced by vulnerable youth.
Fans can catch a glimpse of Won Jin Ah’s previous work in “Just Between Lovers” and Ahn Ji Ho in “Heesu in Class 2” as they await the premiere. The drama will air at 10 p.m. KST, bringing light to a dark and compelling narrative.