The recently premiered ENA Monday-Tuesday drama “I-Shopping” (The Defects / Child Shopping / Eye Shopping), which first aired on July 21, 2025, has quickly become a standout hit, captivating audiences with its intense storytelling, high-octane action, and powerful performances. Based on the Kakao Webtoon of the same name, this gripping action thriller explores the dark and emotional world of children denied their existence by adults obsessed with “perfect” offspring, shedding light on the harrowing realities of illegal adoption cartels.
“When I was a college student, I read an article about illegal adoptions of newborns overseas. If children are bought and sold, they’re treated like objects. From that perspective, I imagined, ‘What would happen if the ‘product’ was defective?’ and that’s how ‘I-Shopping’ was created,” said writer Eom Se-yoon.
Directed by Oh Ki-hwan and written by An So-jung, “I-Shopping” has earned praise for its meticulous direction, high-density action sequences, and the compelling performances of its star-studded cast, including Yeom Jung-ah, Won Jin-ah, Choi Young-jun, and Kim Jin-young. The drama’s ability to weave a provocative premise with deep emotional resonance has cemented its reputation as a top-tier action thriller.
Soaring Ratings and Unmatched Buzz
The show’s third episode recorded impressive viewership ratings of 2.3% nationwide and 2.7% in the Seoul metropolitan area, with peak per-minute ratings reaching 3.0% in the capital and 2.5% nationwide (based on Nielsen Korea’s paid household data). These numbers reflect a steady upward trend, signaling the drama’s growing popularity.
Beyond ratings, “I-Shopping” has dominated online buzz. According to Good Data Corporation, it claimed the top spot in the TV-OTT search reaction rankings for the fourth week of July 2025. The drama’s cast also swept the top seven positions in the drama actor keyword rankings, with Kim Jin-young, Lee Na-eun, Won Jin-ah, Choi Young-jun, Yeom Jung-ah, An Ji-ho, and Oh Seung-jun leading the charge. Additionally, “I-Shopping” characters topped the drama issue keyword rankings, proving the show’s overwhelming cultural impact.
A Dark Yet Captivating Narrative
Without giving away spoilers, “I-Shopping” delivers a rollercoaster of unpredictable twists and a bold, dark premise that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The story follows children abandoned by their adoptive parents, fighting for survival and seeking justice in a world that has wronged them. The seamless blend of Yeom Jung-ah and Won Jin-ah’s magnetic performances with stylish action sequences has critics and fans alike singing its praises.
In a recent interview with Yonhap News, the original webtoon creators, Eom Se-yoon and Ryu Ga-myung, shared the inspiration behind their work. Eom revealed that the story was sparked by a college-era encounter with an article about illegal overseas adoptions, prompting her to explore the chilling concept of children being treated as commodities. Ryu’s delicate, pastel-toned artwork juxtaposes the story’s grim themes, creating a visually striking contrast that enhances its emotional depth.
A Side Story and High Expectations
Adding to the excitement, the “I-Shopping” webtoon released a side story on July 22, 2025, seven years after its 2018 conclusion. This new chapter follows the now-adult characters from the original series, offering fans a fresh perspective on their growth and resilience. Eom teased a “satisfying arc” for readers who found the main story’s protagonist, Siu, frustrating, promising a thrilling continuation.
As “I-Shopping” continues to dominate both ratings and online conversations, anticipation is building for how this bold drama will further shake up the small screen. With its thought-provoking themes, dynamic action, and unforgettable performances, “I-Shopping” is proving to be a must-watch series of 2025.
Catch “I-Shopping” on ENA every Monday and Tuesday, and dive into the webtoon on KakaoPage to experience the story that started it all!
https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20250731065400005
https://news.nate.com/view/20250731n20275
