TAYA

Exactly, I feel the same. I really wanted a well-developed redemption arc for Jung Hyun, but so far there's been barely any buildup. If they suddenly flip his character at the last minute, it’ll just feel unearned. I hate when dramas waste potential like that. I mean I thought like ep5 would be first and then getting more and more. :/ I mean it is a short drama but then they could do it.

Just curious — do you guys think Jung Hyun is heading toward a redemption arc or not? YES or NO I know it’s still unfolding, but with Ep6 coming up (and that killer look in his eyes lately), I’m wondering if there’s still hope or if he’s just fully gone. Neutral question, no judgment — just curious what are your definite take on him?

I hear you—and totally agree that the drama taps into real, painful histories. The emotional weight behind these stories shouldn't be dismissed. Thanks for sharing your perspective, it gave me more to think about.You've clearly put a lot of heart and insight into this, and I appreciate how deeply you're connecting the drama to real-world issues. It’s true—what some see as “fantasy” is grounded in painful realities that still impact many today. Redemption, trauma, and survival aren’t just plot devices—they mirror the world we live in. Thanks for challenging us to think beyond the screen and reminding us of the broader human context. I am looking forward to episode 5 tonight.

Yes, he did smile in Episode 4—starting at around the 23-minute mark—just before young Ahyeon arrives at the hospital for her check-up. That moment, where she gently scolds him to make sure he eats, stands out vividly. It’s a subtle gesture, yet deeply telling of her warmth and concern for him. Young Ahyeon was clearly is the most gentle and caring person in his life. But as an adult, he should have recognized that what was happening was wrong. I agree it is hard to redeem him.
Sorry again for misunderstanding you before.

OH Sorry! I compleytly misunderstood you then what you meant earlier. I’m really sorry for the mix-up. I think I got a bit too caught up in what I was writing and ended up misreading part of your message. I should’ve double-checked before replying—sorry again about that!

It's available for free on KOCOWA for the first 24 hours after airing. After that, you'll need a paid subscription to watch it. They upload the episode immediately after it airs, with subtitles available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Right?? This drama is serving chef's kiss suspense and raw emotion in every episode—and Episode 4 took it up a notch. 🙌 DEX as the villain? Absolutely magnetic!! Well if you don’t mind a lil teaser for episode 5 👀I read article there’s gonna be a visible shift in his emotion?…not a major one but still a start of it like a change you can feel through the screen. The info’s in this link if you wanna peek before the ep5 drops : https://www.soompi.com/article/1764143wpp/human-weapon-dex-wavers-because-of-won-jin-ah-in-the-defects CAN'T WAIT

It is not a spoiler per say but more like a teaser. If you're curious about what’s ahead, they’ve released a few new still cuts and shared some additional details about Episode 5. You can check it out here: https://www.soompi.com/article/1764143wpp/human-weapon-dex-wavers-because-of-won-jin-ah-in-the-defects

Yeah, you are so right about the difference between how viewers see and treat the younger and the older chathers. But I think yes, they sympathize with him because he is attractive and handsome, and maybe even based on that, they advocate for him. But then in this one, she—even though she is an older lady—yes, but I personally would see her the same. Like, I think I would not want her to be redeemed even if she were younger. She is far too much. And he is a follower of it all, of course, but then, like, it’s more that she shaped him into this robot. Like, he had so much trauma and he was vulnerable, and she just used her talent of manipulation.

And like, he was not born like that—he was made and turned into it. Based on his backstory, he was isolated for being the killer's son, and he had lots of rage, so everyone was scared of him back then. And all he needed was lots of patience, kindness, and love, and I’m 100% sure he would not have turned out like that. But sadly, she found him, and intentionally—because his trauma and rage together were exactly what she was looking for—like, she planned it all. It was not random, and that makes her really scary.

I think one fan said something about him having major “mommy issues,” and yes—even if he now doesn’t call her mom, and she’s clearly annoyed by that, since she wants to be seen as one—which is again maybe a sign from the director? But did he even have a choice? Yes but did he have a strength to do so at that age. Like, I’m starting to think maybe not, because of the manipulation and all those lines like, “You’re my favorite,” “You’re the most precious,” or “I care for you the most”—that’s classic trauma exploitation, especially toward a teen who was already severely traumatized and isolated by peers. I’m here only trying to see to understan and wonder in what way story will go—like, you know—the director of the K-drama, the screenwriters, were smart about putting threads of different sides of him and yes everything can change and we have no idea how will it go or what is in store for us in last episodes. It's kdrama so it can happen but there could still be some limitations. Like, I was so surprised when he smiled—I replayed it twice to see if it was true because I did not belive it. While for her, we have seen only the worst, and she hasn’t even shown a hint of regret, NOTHING. While in him, like—even really deep, deep down, locked away—there is something, even if it is only towards her daughter young Ahyeon.

I’m wondering if it’s deliberate—to deepen Jung Hyun’s arc—or just a tool to keep him relevant in the plot. But even so, it doesn’t change the damage he’s done.But overall, she is a lot worse. Like, she is close to a psychopath—she has no feeling, only her own ambitions. I think she connects it to God, like “God will like the fact she will create perfect genes, humans.” She is very narcissistic, and Jung Hyun is just like her puppet. He is far gone and could barely be fixed, but her? I think she is not ready to change—she will follow her ideals no matter what. I don’t think she could change or redeem herself.

Jung Hyun knowingly discarded children—well, they do not call them children, but “defects”—for years, and all other dirty things. He is her right-hand man, after all. But she started it all and is the mastermind. She killed her husband to follow through with her plan. Like, I don’t know—but for her, not because she is an older lady, she just went too far. And, like, she does not deserve redemption. I can't wait for new episodes this week. I can't wait!

Well, it's more about curiosity and the "what if" than compassion towards him—he is a villain, after all. Beside all bad about him he's the kind of character that makes you wonder: What’s his deal? What’s his story beyond just being the right-hand man to the most evil narcissistic woman? But of course, everyone sees it differently—and we all interpret characters in our own way.He's done so much damage that can't be undone and what makes it worse fully aware of it, and yet he continues. For me, it was more about waiting to see if what the actors said about their characters in interviews and talk shows would come true. I took any hint as a sign to watch out for. Maybe when the show first aired, I had a lot more questions. But now, especially after seeing episodes 3 and 4 (and knowing that episode 4 usually marks the halfway point and often serves as a turning point—especially in shorter series like this, where things can't be dragged out for long), I have no hope left for his redemption arc. Yes, maybe I'm still rooting for him to protect young Ahyeon, but I also have doubts. He could already tell something was off when they brought a 14-year-old to a facility that exists for one purpose only. At this point, I see him more like a robot. Kim See Hee manipulated him so well, using his trauma and pain to turn him into perfect human weapon. Him getting out of that? It feels impossible—maybe if the show had 16 or 20 episodes, but not like this. YES : "He has to save or catch as many people as he killed in order to start redeeming himself." And even then, it’s a long road. He shows almost no emotion, except for a few brief moments with young Ahyeon—and I believe those moments between her and her “uncle” are intentional. Since we’re heading into the finale, there’s no time left. The police investigation is ongoing, and the main conflict of the drama—revenge by the "refunded" children, and of course, Ahyeon confronting and stopping Kim See Hee—has to be resolved. All the trauma, pain, and crimes must be ended. And everyone who stayed involved, including Jung Hyun, needs to face consequences. There’s no other way. It has to end like that. But yes I did talk about him a lot online but I know for sure that there are still many fans who will still untill the end look out for it and that is mostly because he did show us human, warm side of him the smile in episode 4 was the the strongest indicator so far that there just might be something good, well tiny. I got attached to the small bond between Ahyeon and “Uncle” Jung Hyun. But it’s clear she doesn’t fully trust him—and understandably so she feels something is of she is smart but I hope she is smart enough also to maybe also make it on her own out of this. But connecte to their bond I think in this week’s episodes, especially since Choi Si-woo contacted her at the end of episode 4 will come to an end. Once she learns the full truth, she’ll be devastated. That fragile connection will turn into fear, resentment, and hatred. As I said before, the only thing I’m still holding out hope for is Jung Hyun protecting young Ahyeon. If even that doesn’t happen, then I have nothing more to say about him.

Yes, and honestly, if he doesn’t do anything, or he’s too late—or even worse, if he knew what See Hee was planning to do with Ahyeon and chose not to stop it—then I think all of us who hoped for his redemption will see him very differently.
Ahyeon was taken to the clinic for a “check-up,” but let’s be real—that place exists for one purpose. Sure, it might offer other medical services on paper, but the underlying intention is crystal clear. And Jung Hun? Like… didn’t he find it even a little suspicious that a 14-year-old girl was brought to that kind of facility? I get that he’s emotionally absent, but this is Ahyeon—the only person who’s genuinely kind and gentle toward him, the one who actually cares. And what about when little Ahyeon finally finds out who her “uncle” really is… she’ll be devastated. Completely shattered. She will be so scared of him and all care will turn into hate. All the connection between them will be lost forever. I’m just not ready for that— *sobbing* 💔 We’re running out of time, and honestly, I’m holding out hope for a shift—maybe in the second half of Episode 5 or the beginning of Episode 6 🙏. That moment where he finally realizes Ahyeon is in real danger and decides to step up, protect her, save her. I just hope he doesn’t stay trapped in that emotionally distant shell of his any longer. It needs to happen episode 5. 😭💔And what makes it worse is, he doesn’t even appear in the Episode 5 preview. We see him for barely a second, just standing in the background next to See Hee. It’s like he’s being pushed out of focus entirely, and now the spotlight’s shifting fully onto Ahyeon, the rest of the group, and the police investigation—finding out that the kids are alive, uncovering where Tae-sik is, and, of course, the central conflict with Kim See Hee and finally tearing down her entire operation so she pays the price. It’s wild because I’ve never watched a K-drama where I’ve felt so conflicted about a villain before. Like, does he deserve a redemption arc or not? The screenwriter made him so confusing, it’s honestly exhausting—I’ve been questioning his deal from the very beginning. He’s shown tiny glimpses of warmth… maybe even a bit of guilt or internal conflict about what he’s doing. But it’s not nearly enough to outweigh what he’s done. And honestly, after everything—does he even deserve anything more?

Same here!! I hate it. I got my hopes up only to be disappointed. We're not getting anything — there's literally no time left for any new developments. It's way too late now, and of course, the focus will shift to the police, Ahyeon, and the group finishing off Kim See Hee. I really wish it had at least 12 episodes — then I think something might have happened. It's not even like I was fixated on Jung Hyun. I know he's a villain with a tragic past, and yes, he's brutal. But what I really counted on was this: he's the main lead, he's on the main poster, he's not in the webtoon (he's a new character), and based on what the actors themselves said about their characters... you know? You start building theories, overthinking, hoping — and in the end, it's all for nothing, I guess.

Yes exactly because it seems they are really commited to portraying him as ruthless human weapon till the very end and as you said make him ''boy with sad past'' so everyone should understand him. Like today he was really intense and he is getting worse and worse. I hoped for more but then like how else could it go he was manipulated from early on and See Hee used his rage to her advantage and that is something that can't be easily changed. BUT then if it really happens I will be seriously surprised and even then I might not belive it.

I understand the perspective, but so far the subtle hints haven’t strongly suggested a major change or redemption for Jung Hyun. The story seems to maintain his role as a mostly cold and cruel character. I want to believe in it but I just can't. Honestly I don't know what to think anymore. Yes, that’s true — we still have half the drama left, so anything can happen. But I’ve definitely lowered my hopes to the lowest.

Many viewers including me had hoped that Jung Hyun's character might reveal a more layered or human side as the story progressed—perhaps even a redemption arc. However, based on recent developments, it seems the drama is committed to portraying him in a consistent role.

Well I think you don't have to worry about it. I'm pretty sure he won’t get one at all.

I really hope Jung Hyun steps up and protects her — I just really hope he does. They showed glimpses of his softer side with her in episode 2, so I’m holding onto that. Fingers crossed!

I was confused too — she had a clear chance to take him down. He’s chasing them to kill them, and they’re constantly in danger because of him. He was programmed from an early age to be Kim See Hee’s cold-blooded weapon. But then I realized, it wouldn’t make much sense to kill him off so early since he’s one of the main leads. There will be a lot of conflict and intense fights between them. Honestly, I think the writers want to keep us feeling that tension. If she had shot him in Episode 2, the emotional stakes later on wouldn’t hit as hard. So now we wait — and every time she doesn’t kill him, it only makes the eventual confrontation that much more powerful.

My take: I think they will fight alot 1 on 1 and their fights will always end with one of them almost killing the other — either she overpowers him, or he gets the upper hand, but someone intervenes at the last second. It’s clearly building up to that final showdown where she’ll finally finish him off. She’s actually a really skilled fighter too, so I’m looking forward to seeing her take him down properly. I think there’ll be several moments where she almost kills him and totally kicks his ass — but the real, final shot? That’ll come in the last episode… or maybe just a little before.

Hi everyone! I’m really curious about Jung Hyun’s character in the original The Defects/Eye Shopping webtoon. Have anyone read it I heard it was really popular. Without spoilers, can anyone share how important his role is compared to the drama? Is he a main character, and does he have any kind of character development or arc? Give me tiny info. Thanks in advance!

Well I overthink story arc of wrong characther Jung Hyun way too much like I and some more fans of drama said he could really step on the good side but since when I really like somehthing I analyze it and the less I belive he will wake up from See Hee manipulation. Don't get me wrong I am invested in plot but I tend to focus on bad hot vilians who's actor that portray him says that he has ''hidden warmth'' and until he proves it I basically go in circles until I see it for myself ''Oh there is no turning back for him!'' until then I seek the signs and it's tiring .😂😑 And now I kind of wish I did not read the interview and went to watch with less info. I think next week eps will be eye-opener and I will stop because this week Jung Hyun will show even more of his villainous side. There’s no holding him back — he’s clearly a villain. But definitely, this drama will show us how people can be manipulative and destructive.