Didn't have much expectations when I started this but it was mind blowing
22 Reviews
The Best
iqbalazhar-7876327 January 2021
Excellent TV show
na-0906913 November 2021
No doubt in my mind that Korea has become a country where top class movies and TV shows are being made nowadays. This TV show "Defendant" is an excellent example of that.
You'll find a mix of suspense, humour, action, drama and more interwoven with a good story line, often with roller coaster plot twists, great directing, a good supporting musical score and solid acting by the whole cast.
The actors are magnificent, with brilliant performances by Uhm Ki Joon and Ji Sung The supporting cast also did a magnificent job.
You'll become one with especially Park Jung-woo and Cha Min-ho, the latter played by Uhm Ki Joon who convincingly show us various layers of Cha Min-ho's character, from being a cunning manipulator to a soft loving father figure, from a cold-blooded murderer to a man who would give up everything for the love of his life, from being a towering force to an attention deprived child. This role gave Uhm Ki Joon a great opportunity to show us what a great actor is capable of and that's exactly what he did.
The comic relief mainly came from the group of inmates portrayed so well by the actors that we almost get the feeling that we like to be locked up with that cheerful group of men. The acting there doesn't go too deep fortunately, although Woo Hyeon really knows how to draw you in with his introvert kind of acting like when Milyang exchanges glances with his wife in the courtroom he touches your heart.
And here is a fraction of the whole series that is exemplary for the perfect directing of "Defendant".
I fully enjoyed all the characters that these wonderful actors portrayed to make "Defendant". A time very well spent by watching it. To everybody involved in making "Defendant" I can only say THANK YOU.
You'll find a mix of suspense, humour, action, drama and more interwoven with a good story line, often with roller coaster plot twists, great directing, a good supporting musical score and solid acting by the whole cast.
The actors are magnificent, with brilliant performances by Uhm Ki Joon and Ji Sung The supporting cast also did a magnificent job.
You'll become one with especially Park Jung-woo and Cha Min-ho, the latter played by Uhm Ki Joon who convincingly show us various layers of Cha Min-ho's character, from being a cunning manipulator to a soft loving father figure, from a cold-blooded murderer to a man who would give up everything for the love of his life, from being a towering force to an attention deprived child. This role gave Uhm Ki Joon a great opportunity to show us what a great actor is capable of and that's exactly what he did.
The comic relief mainly came from the group of inmates portrayed so well by the actors that we almost get the feeling that we like to be locked up with that cheerful group of men. The acting there doesn't go too deep fortunately, although Woo Hyeon really knows how to draw you in with his introvert kind of acting like when Milyang exchanges glances with his wife in the courtroom he touches your heart.
And here is a fraction of the whole series that is exemplary for the perfect directing of "Defendant".
I fully enjoyed all the characters that these wonderful actors portrayed to make "Defendant". A time very well spent by watching it. To everybody involved in making "Defendant" I can only say THANK YOU.
One of the best Korean dramas but with flaws
AJ_McAninch22 March 2021
Re-watching a lot of favorites during the pandemic, and this one for the second time after it came out, and lowered my original score of 10 to an 8. I do admire the cast, direction, and storyline over all, but fast-forwarding scenes is never a good sign. I got very tired of the villain, the unnecessary episodes, and Ji Sung's character not being stronger, sooner. It's also annoying that a character is surrounded by dead bodies, and the cops never get it. I will watch Ji Sung in any drama, but probably not this one a 3rd time. Still love him, though.
BRILLIANT
naoraerizawa27 September 2019
One word to describe this drama, BRILLIANT!!! This drama set the another level of Korean drama. You don't need a KISS scene, a romance, a hug but you can find really TRUE LOVE, FRIENDSHIP, LOYALTY and all the element in this drama.
Hats off to the director, the script writer and all who are involve with this drama. Again, brilliant choice of all casts. They play their role brilliantly. Every single is episode important and you will feel like, i want to know more and more and more.
Ji Sung indeed is one of the best actor in korea, He can express all the emotion really really well (I watch him in "Kill Me Heal Me" and "Secret Love", and omaigad he make it again). Not to forget the antagonist character here, Um-ki joon, he is like "Damn, he is really good in this character".
TRUST ME, you should watch it -Lots of Love, Lady Leeza-
Hats off to the director, the script writer and all who are involve with this drama. Again, brilliant choice of all casts. They play their role brilliantly. Every single is episode important and you will feel like, i want to know more and more and more.
Ji Sung indeed is one of the best actor in korea, He can express all the emotion really really well (I watch him in "Kill Me Heal Me" and "Secret Love", and omaigad he make it again). Not to forget the antagonist character here, Um-ki joon, he is like "Damn, he is really good in this character".
TRUST ME, you should watch it -Lots of Love, Lady Leeza-
Ji Sung triumphs again
droche-4996631 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This was one of the best K-dramas in 2017. Ji Sung did an outstanding job portraying the prosecutor who was trapped by a brother-murdering chaebol. Ji Sung's acting was as intense as I have seen in any drama, Korean or otherwise. The story with all of its twists and turns kept me glued to the screen and as with most Korean dramas, ended on a very satisfactory note. I really wish American television learned from Korean television. The quality of the story lines and acting very often far exceed those on US television. Defendant is an example of this quality.
The best TV Series I've ever watched in 2017.
XueHuaBingYu19 February 2018
Actually, it's one of the best TV series I've ever watched. The plot was great and the actors and actresses were amazing. Unlike other lead roles in most TV series, the main role in this series was clever and the supporting roles were also clever like the main roles. It's like while one side is pulling the rope and the other side is pulling too. There was no guess of who would win in the earlier episodes. As show went, it got interesting more and more. No stretching of episodes that much. But they extended two more episodes because of amazingly high ratings. Still, the show fits everything they have stated earlier. The actor in supporting role did an amazing job. And I hated the supporting character because of his excellent performance. All in all, it's very good TV series that you can't miss.
BEST ACTOR AND BEST KOREAN DRAMA!
snazkansiz11 August 2019
An Intense drama
Abbye-Sei2 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is a very intense drama. A story about justice & morality. The structure of the story is unbelievable and far-fetched. First, I don't think a person who has never involved with daily management/operation of a business can just lead a conglomerate in an instant. Second, the scene when the kidnapper abducted the girl clearly didn't wear gloves and his fingerprints should be in the door handle but it was never mentioned. The most frustrating issue about this series is the openly corruption of the prosecutor's office. It is very frustrating and disheartening to watch how good people are being oppressed and how the rich can manipulate the system. And perhaps this is precisely why people are glued to this show.
The lead actor obviously is a good actor, although sometimes can be a bit overacting. I love the child actress, very natural and cute. I usually stay away from story with amnesia theme, it is just too old and too convenient. The show however picks up the momentum once the lead regained his memory, his confidence and his wits.
I wish they could have explored more the character of the brother-in-law and the lady lawyer. The ending, is somewhat satisfactory and most of the culprits are punished. It could have been more fulfilling if the warden could be punished and the wife should use revenge as the reason for reporting Cha min ho instead of love. I could never understand how someone could love a serial heartless killer.
Overall, it is a good show and worth the time.
The lead actor obviously is a good actor, although sometimes can be a bit overacting. I love the child actress, very natural and cute. I usually stay away from story with amnesia theme, it is just too old and too convenient. The show however picks up the momentum once the lead regained his memory, his confidence and his wits.
I wish they could have explored more the character of the brother-in-law and the lady lawyer. The ending, is somewhat satisfactory and most of the culprits are punished. It could have been more fulfilling if the warden could be punished and the wife should use revenge as the reason for reporting Cha min ho instead of love. I could never understand how someone could love a serial heartless killer.
Overall, it is a good show and worth the time.
I watched a lot of dramas but nothing like defendant yet !!!!
hussainalsafwani16 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Wow , just wow , in this drama you have everything you would like in thriller to enjoy while you are watching from mystery to prison ,
In this drama you have a great actors with great characters , our hero is perfect and our villain is more perfect , our plot is crazy , could you ever imagine yourself waking up in a prison and you don't remember what was the bad thing you did and you are going to be executed !!!!!!!!
Great 18 episodes , i watched 2 or 3 years ago and i watched a lot of dramas since that and i can tell you nothing is better ( maybe confession in the same level and 365 repeat the year as well )
If you like a plot with suspense , mystery , and a little bit of action then you should not miss DEFENDANT
In this drama you have a great actors with great characters , our hero is perfect and our villain is more perfect , our plot is crazy , could you ever imagine yourself waking up in a prison and you don't remember what was the bad thing you did and you are going to be executed !!!!!!!!
Great 18 episodes , i watched 2 or 3 years ago and i watched a lot of dramas since that and i can tell you nothing is better ( maybe confession in the same level and 365 repeat the year as well )
If you like a plot with suspense , mystery , and a little bit of action then you should not miss DEFENDANT
Nail-Biting Suspense
fake_moviestar22 February 2021
What a roller coaster ride this show was!
The story is set at a breakneck speed that keeps you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Some direct as well as metaphorical nods to the US show Prison Break were a fun addition. Characters were well developed and the story keeps you hooked to the end. The soundtrack was both gripping and at times powerfully tragic, and I am so mad they didn't release it officially! The addition of the main character's memory loss added a very interesting element to the show that helped give it the edge of a mystery as well as a thriller.
I personally felt that Seong Ji overacted in some parts, but for the majority of the time he did a fantastic job. The stand out, however, was Ki-Joon as Min-Ho. Wow, he did an amazing job as the villain in this! He might just be one of the most evil antagonists I have ever seen in a K-Drama, and the acting was very, very well done.
There were some plot holes, and not every question was answered, but overall this was an exciting watch that I would definitely recommend!
The story is set at a breakneck speed that keeps you hanging on to the edge of your seat. Some direct as well as metaphorical nods to the US show Prison Break were a fun addition. Characters were well developed and the story keeps you hooked to the end. The soundtrack was both gripping and at times powerfully tragic, and I am so mad they didn't release it officially! The addition of the main character's memory loss added a very interesting element to the show that helped give it the edge of a mystery as well as a thriller.
I personally felt that Seong Ji overacted in some parts, but for the majority of the time he did a fantastic job. The stand out, however, was Ki-Joon as Min-Ho. Wow, he did an amazing job as the villain in this! He might just be one of the most evil antagonists I have ever seen in a K-Drama, and the acting was very, very well done.
There were some plot holes, and not every question was answered, but overall this was an exciting watch that I would definitely recommend!
Interesting premise, horrible execution with too many holes.
Ld022818 August 2020
This show just made me mad. Rarely before I have seen a plot with so many holes. The process of the criminal trial and the investigation was a joke and full of errors. Every actor acts in an entirely illogical and straight up ridiculus way. I dropped this show after episode 6. Interesting premise, but horrible execution.
Best suspenseful drama
twigs69-263-7781951 May 2020
One of the best suspenseful Korean dramas I have seen. All of the actors were amazing and very believable. Ji Sung is one of the most versatile actors around. Plaudits to the writers and directors. Don't miss this. You won't be disappointed.
Very good drama, A must watch
sujuin13 April 2021
Amazing drama, amazing acting by main actor and villian, superb and captivating story, beautiful, a litttttle bit unreal moments in few scenes which can be easily neglected as it is a drama so anything can happen. But overall excellent drama. A must watch.
Sorry to give a score of 6 to Jisung
madbird-6124328 December 2018
Jisung's acting is as usual superb. The drama offers a role for Jisung to apply his amazing acting skill. But that is the only good point of the drama.
The storyline is too illogical and loose. The plot fails all the efforts Jisung put into the role. It is a total waste of cast.
The storyline is too illogical and loose. The plot fails all the efforts Jisung put into the role. It is a total waste of cast.
unsatisfying, over-the-top villainy
rguddu_india7 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Everything in extreme. Villain is everywhere....he pops up anywhere and everywhere. Someone in a car trying to phone info against him and he gets the car crashed right there. Someone taking some docus against him and he bumps into her! A girl gets suspicious of her and he kills her after bedding her. Dad goes against- hit him no problem. Former aid goes against- kill him no problem. He has the jailers, the warden, the prosecutors, chiefs, some minions, all working for him. Then he may as well be the president of Korea! I saw till 9 episodes and it was frustrating to watch. I would hv liked it if my frustration was due to realistic villainy however evil it may be, rather than over-the-top writing. Right till last half hour of last episode the villain is pulling the strings and his court room conviction is uncertain. Solid evidence of doubtful investigation like a memory chip showing video is discarded in court because some1 'confessed'. Is it Somalia or Mexico, or is that how bad things are in Korea?
All in all a very amateur product honestly, despite the outer grandeur. Not to forget, the amateur portrayal of press conference. The judge pronouncing the verdict could be shown using proper legal language- gives very amateur feel otherwise.
Positive- the girl as the goodhearted public attorney was a saving grace. Acting wise, everyone was efficient, no exceptional, no bad. 5-6/10.
All in all a very amateur product honestly, despite the outer grandeur. Not to forget, the amateur portrayal of press conference. The judge pronouncing the verdict could be shown using proper legal language- gives very amateur feel otherwise.
Positive- the girl as the goodhearted public attorney was a saving grace. Acting wise, everyone was efficient, no exceptional, no bad. 5-6/10.
Boring
omarhammoud9726 December 2022
Don't waste 19 hours of your life on that show, I have watched 10 Korean series and that is the first bad one, A baby would have expected everything from the second episode to the last moment of the series, everything was nonsense, it was really boring, the whole series could have been done in 2 hours and I wouldn't like it anyways because how stupid the whole story was, and the only good thing is the acting of the main character (Ji Sung) i started this show after i saw mouse which was one of the best series i have watched in my life and the i came to this show and was so disappointed I regret every second i spent watching the series.
NOT ENOUGH FEMALE INVOLVEMENT
backnblack-0612310 April 2020
Good but could have been better
kevinangkajayagukguk6 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The story captures both the heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes perfectly. Ha-yeon being smart and understand that she cannot ever meet her mother again is really heartwrenching to watch.
While the story's emotional part is written well and make us feel strongly about the characters, the writing of the plot is a sloppy. We have some plot holes (how did Ha-yeon even survive months without Sung Gyu at the first half of the story? He was at the prison after he kidnapped her with no way to fed her. Also, what caused him to went to prison? It was probably an accident after he lost his sister, but it was never made clear in the show), there's also contrived coincidences (Min-ho knowing Eun-hye is after Sung Gyu because he overheard her during a random visit to a hospital?) and bad communications which could have saved the main character a lot of headache (Jung-woo hasn't bothered to record himself during all the previous 4 months? Also he didn't have any safeguards? He didn't even tell his friend or supervisor about Min-ho at all, instead choosing not to divulge any informations to anyone, at all. He almost suicided himself because he had no informations, no person to trust, and no backup plans, at all). Also, the main premise of the story, the amnesia, is potrayed poorly. It seems really contrived that a persecutor who really wanted to bring justice to a criminal for murdering his wife would ever get amnesia due to the shock. If anything, he should be far more determined and remember important details more strongly. But well, I guess it's sci-fi for you. And Jung-woo and Ha-yeon did not even visit Sung Gyu at all at the end).
Overall,if you like the suspense and the thrill of not knowing whether the characters would succeed or not, it is a worthy series to watch, although the plot itself is inferior to Black (2017). The rating could have been higher if not for those flaws and the seemingly dragging plot at some point in the middle part.
While the story's emotional part is written well and make us feel strongly about the characters, the writing of the plot is a sloppy. We have some plot holes (how did Ha-yeon even survive months without Sung Gyu at the first half of the story? He was at the prison after he kidnapped her with no way to fed her. Also, what caused him to went to prison? It was probably an accident after he lost his sister, but it was never made clear in the show), there's also contrived coincidences (Min-ho knowing Eun-hye is after Sung Gyu because he overheard her during a random visit to a hospital?) and bad communications which could have saved the main character a lot of headache (Jung-woo hasn't bothered to record himself during all the previous 4 months? Also he didn't have any safeguards? He didn't even tell his friend or supervisor about Min-ho at all, instead choosing not to divulge any informations to anyone, at all. He almost suicided himself because he had no informations, no person to trust, and no backup plans, at all). Also, the main premise of the story, the amnesia, is potrayed poorly. It seems really contrived that a persecutor who really wanted to bring justice to a criminal for murdering his wife would ever get amnesia due to the shock. If anything, he should be far more determined and remember important details more strongly. But well, I guess it's sci-fi for you. And Jung-woo and Ha-yeon did not even visit Sung Gyu at all at the end).
Overall,if you like the suspense and the thrill of not knowing whether the characters would succeed or not, it is a worthy series to watch, although the plot itself is inferior to Black (2017). The rating could have been higher if not for those flaws and the seemingly dragging plot at some point in the middle part.
The Marvel universe is more plausible.
besttradegothenburg29 April 2020
Lazy writing with myopic perspectives. Every agent acts in an illogical manner, the twists of the show and actions of the characters are just ludicrous. The actual existence of the Marvel Universe is more plausible than this nonsense.
Highly illogical
SanketKeni5 April 2021
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