Finale Surge! ‘The Defects’ Caps Off With Ratings High—‘Love, Take Two’ Hits New All-Time Peak

 In a thrilling turn of events, K-drama fans were treated to a ratings crescendo this week as both The Defects and Love, Take Two delivered standout performances in the TV viewership charts.

‘The Defects’ Ends on a High Note

ENA’s action-thriller The Defects concluded its 8-episode run on August 12, 2025, with its final episode hitting an average nationwide viewership rating of 2.3%—a 0.3% boost from the prior week and a tie for its highest record to date . The drama’s rise to its personal best is notable for a cable series, especially as it maintained strong storytelling momentum and audience engagement right through to the end.

‘Love, Take Two’ Continues Upward Trajectory

Meanwhile, tvN’s heartfelt romance-family drama Love, Take Two is riding a steady wave of growth. Its latest episode delivered an average nationwide rating of 3.8%—an increase of 0.2% from the previous 3.6%, marking yet another personal best for the series .

With this dual triumph, both dramas are showcasing their resonance with viewers—whether through intense suspense or emotional introspection—and carving out impressive positions in the fiercely competitive K-drama landscape.

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Why This Matters

Genre diversity wins: The Defects brings adrenaline-fueled thrills and ethical drama, while Love, Take Two draws viewers with warmth, emotional healing, and multi-generational dynamics.

Momentum builds fan loyalty: Surging ratings toward the finale not only reflect audience satisfaction but also strengthen each drama’s legacy and future media presence.

Cable drama punch: Even as cable channels generally attract smaller audiences than the main networks, such strong numbers validate bold storytelling and 

creative risk-taking.