K-Drama "The Defects" Is Giving "The Glory" Vibes — But With a Twist!
- Disha Paul
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
K-drama fans who loved The Glory or Mask Girl should watch The Defects.
This new revenge thriller doesn’t just talk about bullying. It dives into a horrifying system where children are bought, judged, and sometimes even “returned” if considered unworthy.
Yes, you read that right. This drama goes deeper than schoolyard cruelty. It exposes a disturbing world of illegal adoptions and deadly secrets.
A Twisted System That Sends Chills
Unlike The Glory, where the villain was a school bully, The Defects explores something even scarier: adults and society acting as monsters. Kids are raised as products, and if they don’t fit the ideal mold, they’re "refunded" or eliminated.
This shocking concept adds layers of psychological trauma, making the drama much darker than expected.
A New Kind of Heroine
Actress Won Jin-ah (Hellbound, 2021) plays the lead, a woman who survived this horrifying system. She teams up with other "returned" children to fight back.
Together, they go up against the cold and calculating doctor, Kim Se-hee (Yum Jung-ah, SKY Castle, 2018-2019), who runs the child trafficking ring.
This isn’t just a personal revenge story. It’s a war for justice.
Based on a Popular Webtoon
The drama is adapted from the webtoon Child Shopping, which already has a loyal fanbase. That means the story comes with depth, emotional tension, and a clear direction.
Webtoon fans are excited to see the intense scenes brought to life on screen.
Strong Creative Team Behind the Drama
The Defects is directed by Oh Ki-hwan, known for Love Virtually in the SF8 series. The script is written by Ahn So-jung, who builds tension with every episode. The pacing is tight, and the characters are complex.
Viewers say the drama feels raw, real, and terrifyingly possible.
How It Compares to The Glory
The Glory showed one woman’s revenge. The Defects features a team of survivors fighting an entire system.
It isn’t just about bullying—it’s about how society itself can be cruel.
There’s no glamorization. Every scene is gritty and powerful.
If you thought The Glory was dark, wait until you see what The Defects brings to the table.
When and Where to Watch
The Defects premiered on July 21 on ENA, airing Mondays and Tuesdays. You can also stream it globally with subtitles on KOCOWA+.
Fans are already calling it one of the most intense dramas of 2025.
Are You Ready for the Darkest K-Drama of the Year?
If you’re into revenge stories, psychological thrillers, or dramas with deep emotional trauma, The Defects should be your next watch. It’s bold, brutal, and completely unforgettable.
Watch it now on KOCOWA+ and tell us, does it outdo The Glory?