The Manipulated

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Drama: The Manipulated
Revised romanization: Jokakdoshi
Hangul: 조각도시
Director: Kim Chang-Ju
Writer: Oh Sang-Ho
Network: Disney+
Episodes: 12
Release Date: November 5, 2025 --
Runtime:
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Tae-Joong (Ji Chang-Wook) is an ordinary man living an ordinary type of life. But, his life changes. One day, he unjustly gets involved in a heinous crime and he is sent to prison. Tae-Joong discovers that everything was planned by Yo-Han (Do Kyung-Soo) and he carries out revenge on Yo-Han.

Notes

Drama series is inspired by 2017 movie "Fabricated City" ("Jojakdwen Doshi"), but presented with a new story. Lead actor Ji Chang-Wook and screenwriter Oh Sang-Ho worked together in the original 2017 movie.

Cast



Ji Chang-Wook	Do Kyung-Soo
Park Tae-Joong	An Yo-Han



Kim Jong-Soo	Jo Yoon-Soo	Lee Kwang-Soo
Noh Yong-Sik	No Eun-Bi	Baek Do-Kyung

Guan Prison: Innmates



Yang Dong-Geun	Eum Moon-Suk	Lee Jae-Kyoon	Kwak Jin-Seok	Hyun Oh-Bong
Yeo Deok-Su (#2)	Do Gang-Jae (#5)	Gu Ji-Yong (#10)	Lim Jae-Deok (#4)	Deok-Il (#12)



Choi Sung-Hyuk	Jo Jin-Hyeong	Kim Joo-Il	Ra Jun	Kwak Jin
prisoner (#11)	Yeo Deok-Su's subordinate (#3)	Kang-Il (#1)	Do Gang-Jae's subordinate (#7)	Kim Jin-Hun (ep.2-3)



Kim Joon-Hyung	Gu Bon-Jin
prisoner (ep.3)	prisoner (ep.3)

Guan Prison: Staff



Kim Jae-Chul	Lee Seo-Hwan	Min Kyung-Jin	Jeong Gi-Seop	Kim Moon-Hak
Yang Cheol-Hwan	Warden Park	chaplain	doctor	Kang Nam-Joon

Ryu Tae-Ho

Commissioner (ep.4)

Police



Lee Sung-Woo	Yun Ki-Chang
Hwang Il-Guk	detective (ep.1)

An Yo-Han's Group

{{CastPictures6-5 |1picture=File:The Manipulated-Kim Joong-Hee1.jpeg |1name=Kim Joong-Hee (1984)|Kim Joong-Hee |1charactername=Kim Sang-Rak |2picture=File:The Manipulated-Jeong In-Ji1.jpg |2name=Jeong In-Ji (1984)|Jeong In-Ji |2charactername=nanny |3picture=File:The Manipulated-Bae Na-Ra.jpeg |3name=Bae Na-Ra (1991)|Bae Na-Ra |3charactername=raincoat man |4picture=File:The Manipulated-Lee Hyun-Jin1.jpg |4name=Lee Hyun-Jin (1995)|Lee Hyun-Jin |4charactername=Chung-Ri |5picture=File:The Manipulated-Park Young-Bok.jpg |5name=Park Young-Bok (actor)|Park Young-Bok |5charactername=factory director (ep.8) |6picture=File:The Manipulated-Lee Hyun.jpg |6name=Lee Hyun (1975){{!}]Lee Hyun |6charactername=An Yo-Han's aunt (ep.7) }}

Baek Do-Kyung's Group



Son Jong-Hak	Lee Seo-Jun
Assemblyman Baek	Director Shin (ep.5)

Park Tae-Joong's Group



Pyo Ye-Jin	Ahn Ji-Ho	Kwon Da-Ham	Kim Jung-Hun	Lee Suk-Hyeong
Song Su-Ji	Park Tae-Jin	Woo-Jung	Jeong-Su	Dae-Hoon

Chu Na-Young Murder Case



Lee Jae-Won	Jang Eui-Don	Park Yong
prosecutor (ep.1)	Tae-Joong's lawyer (ep.1)	judge (ep.1)

So Hyeon-Jeong Case



Lim Hwa-Young	Lee A-Rin
So Hyeon-Jeong	Han Seo-Yoon

Others

Han Ji-Hyo

Lee Seon-A



Ko Kyung-Man	Yeom Ji-Hye	Kim Jung-Woo	Kim Hye-Jung	Kim Nak-Gyoon
news panelist (ep.1)	anchorwoman (ep.1)	Shin Myung-Ho (ep.3)	Gu Ji-Yong's grandmom (ep.4)	attendee (ep.5)



Yoon Jung-Hoon	Park Jeong-Min
attendee (ep.5)	attendee (ep.5)

Additional Cast Members:

Lee Bum-Chan - restaurant owner (ep.1)
Park Gang-To - prison guard (ep.4)
Oh Chae-Eun - secretary (ep.4)

Trailers

Comments

Ji Jun 15 2026 3:40 am I watched Fabricated city and really liked it. I've been hesitating to watch this drama because the movie was quite difficult to watch too. I kept feeling sorry for Kwon Yoo and hated the law enforcement in the movie. Is the drama version much different?

Roh Jisun Apr 22 2026 12:12 pm The Manipulated is an absolute masterpiece! I finished this K-drama in just two days and I’m completely blown away. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat and the pacing was spot-on. If you’re still hesitating, just hit play and you won’t regret it.

Roh Jisun Apr 22 2026 12:04 pm After watching The Healer, I decided to check out another Ji Chang Wook drama, The Manipulated. And once again, he delivered a stellar performance. As expected, he truly excels in action-thriller roles.

Several hours of JCW Mar 24 2026 2:37 pm I just wanted to watch Ji chang wook in action. Missed that a lot after K2 and here it is 12 hours of him :) in his full glory. The masters behind action scenes obviously did wonders to make it nice. Writing was tight and was so anxious to see the unraveling. Like someone already mentioned, they did rush the ending and 1 lapse of logic is how yohan says he expected taejoobg to come home but then enraged to know that taejoong is already home. The rushed ending lead to some lapses along with why Do is selected to play his role. Kudos team!

Nido Feb 18 2026 6:25 am This is basically Death Race (15y/o movie) remade as series.

Nanapark Jan 02 2026 10:40 am Reminds me of Innocent Defendant

Conny Dec 24 2025 3:24 pm Great series. It's been a while K-drama dropped this kinda well articulated series. Ji Chang Wook, you got talent. This is wonderful. Thanks

Lylian Dec 21 2025 12:59 am Awesome awesome drama but what a disappointing finale. Rather rushed. Overall, it could have done with an extra episode to round it off nicely. Another Ji Chang Wook’s specials, the stunts were dramatic. Other than the pitiful finale, it’s a great watch.

Aud Dec 14 2025 9:12 am Amazing drama! One of the best thrillers I’ve seen in a while

Joyce Dec 14 2025 5:58 am JCW performance incredible, I felt every emotion he went through,,, I like DKS but his not convincingly in his evilness role, and not forget LKS he always over acting and always the same laugher which is expected of him in every show his in, overall the story is great to watch and enjoy it

Joy Dec 12 2025 10:35 pm Good start,bad ending..the story just to easy to watch

Dooeeyy Dec 12 2025 10:19 am Great actors haha? we need more of JCW action movies or drama. As for LKS and DO’s acting they are good also. Hindi ko lang talaga ma seryoso si LKS hahaha dahil sa runningman hahaha. And pinapanuod ko ngaun ung variety show nila with woobin hahaha??? Nasanay nko comedian si LKS hahaha. I cant hate them DO and LKS hahahaha. The ending is ok. Sana man lang ung x ni JCW nagsisi hahahaha

Bagu Dec 11 2025 4:24 pm It’s been clear to me what a talented artist DO is ever since It’s Okay, That’s Love. Here, he once again showcases his acting skills as a hateful antagonist. I really enjoyed this show overall. The only thing is that the ending felt a bit rushed, especially compared to the slow pace of the first episodes. If they had added a few more episodes, it would have been perfect.

I especially loved the cast. The trio Tae Joong, Eun Bin, and Yong Sik absolutely rocked. I admit I was expecting Tae Joong and Eun Bi to have more scenes together and develop a romantic relationship — which maybe they did, since Eun Bin clearly fell for him. Anyway, I watched this drama and afterwards it was so hard to find another one I could enjoy as much.

mimimomo Dec 10 2025 7:05 pm Kinda agreed that D.O's acting is not up to expectation. There are many more actors that can nail the role. It's just awkward acting.

Andee Dec 09 2025 10:40 pm Ji Chang-wook carries this drama—his acting is top-tier, no surprise there. The story is good, too. But Do Kyung-soo completely ruined the villain role for me. His acting felt stiff, his delivery was awkward, and that “evil laugh” was painfully fake. It just didn’t work at all. They should’ve cast someone else, because plenty of actors could’ve handled this role far better.

Gwen Chana Dec 07 2025 12:31 am Over acting Lee Kwang Soo!

Joseph Barbara Dec 06 2025 12:59 am One thing I learned from episode 1 this movie is "watch out your s***m and co***m you trashed!"

Miklo Dec 05 2025 4:20 am The worst acting of Do Kyung-Soo thus far. Very fake evil-laugh. this will surely be a stain on his career. Bad drama overall.

patricia Dec 04 2025 11:57 am amazing drama but i think the ending was rushed and i can see we will have a second season

Mythoughts007 Dec 04 2025 10:29 am Ji Chang-Wook, done it again. Very good drama but yes I feel the ending was a bit rushed I was hoping to see more like the warden the nanny, the hit-girl ( chungri ) etc,, got what’s coming ... But overall great acting and chemistry from everyone. And let’s give a hand to Do Kyung-Soo, Mr Villain in here, he’s great as well.

Wendie Dec 03 2025 11:12 pm As usual these Disney+ kdramas have such rushed and/or disappointing endings. It felt a little too neat, too convenient, and too fast. The story started off strong but it could’ve used more time to keep that momentum.

a random guy Dec 03 2025 2:03 pm Overall good drama, ending was bit rushed. But It's ok. waiting for the season 2.

Usman Manzo Sheriff Dec 03 2025 10:41 am 10/10 rating best Korean kdrama 2025

Kell Dec 03 2025 10:32 am I really hate that mob boss wanna be just get rid of him

G Dec 02 2025 5:45 am I have had enough of LKS cursing and swearing again and again.

luna Dec 02 2025 1:14 am please don't kill the character of Mr. Noh Yong-Sik, give him a happy ending please he deserve it.

Grace Dec 01 2025 6:10 am Park Tae Jung The Immortal

hoihoi Nov 27 2025 6:30 pm @G: that sadly happens to a lot of big variety actor/actress esp in 2010s variety show. The bigger the show the bigger the impact. Lee Chunhee also need some time to break from his stereotype and he's been in Family Outing for less than 2 years.

1 Nov 22 2025 11:42 am At the beginning of the episode, what is the name of the woman sitting in the car next to Lee Jong-Hyun?

Manipulated viewer Nov 21 2025 8:11 pm Morale of the story is don’t help anyone out, just keep to yourself and mind your own business!

Tandokazi Nov 21 2025 6:21 pm Please be cruel enough to kill those villians because by law you can't take them down

Lol Nov 21 2025 10:59 am Hooked on the drama but beware that you have to suspend all logic and rationale to enjoy. Bad guys have obscene amounts of power and influence coupled with reality defying technology but uses them in overcomplicated manners for marginal gains. Good guy has no secret abilities other than sheer will and determination coupled with ungodly amounts of luck.

Hard carry by acting, drama pacing and directing.

Lê Minh Nov 21 2025 8:11 am Actor Lee Jong-Hyun played the character Kim Se-Hyun in the movie Study Group

Lê Minh Nov 21 2025 8:07 am Hey bro I missed actor Lee Jong-Hyun in the manipulated in episode 1 because he compensated Park Tae-Joong and he drove a red luxury car too

Rosalin Nov 20 2025 2:22 am Ji Chang-Wook is back!!!!! Finally, he is back to action dramas! I've been waiting for this for a long time. It's great acting as usual in this genre! I can't wait for the next episodes!!!!

Wendie Nov 19 2025 1:04 pm I was a bit worried about watching ep 7 and 8 after feeling as though the race car match in ep 5 and 6 was unnecessary and a waste of time, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really hope the priest doesn’t die, he’s so sweet.

R Nov 16 2025 11:56 am do anyone know who played the role ‘Chu Nayoung’ ?

Rad Nov 14 2025 10:33 am Each episode is soo intense.. Especially Ep. 6.. Im so hooked! Can't wait for the next episode! This is better than Fabricated City in my opinion.

Mix Nov 14 2025 12:10 am Fabricated + Gangnam B side + Squid game & many other K-Dramas Mix & Match

Irav Nov 13 2025 6:12 pm Good drama… I was soo locked in with the episode and all but I don’t like the squid game vibe in episode 5

hiwow Nov 13 2025 11:09 am Isn't that 2017 Fabricated City movie's series version? Same actor, Same story?

Phamouxx Nov 13 2025 11:07 am I love the writer how the story was twist…..jst finish his movie in the worsr of evil now this…k2 back then…the guy never disappoint in his acting and cant wait for next ep

Flora Nov 13 2025 7:10 am Just like the rest of the audience here I really thought this will end up like a bootleg squid games but thankfully the ending of episode 6 says otherwise and OMG episode 6 is so intense. Everyone did a great job here esp JCW and D.O

Lane Nov 12 2025 1:52 pm @jojothemighty you are right! I love this show, but thought it was inspired from the movie Fabricated City. You are right! I never saw Death Race, but just checked out the preview, and it is exactly this! I wouldn't be surprised if they get a copywrite lawsuit, but it's Disney, so who knows. Nice call!

Lane Nov 12 2025 1:45 pm This is so good! I love every episode. I wish I had waited until they all came out.

G Nov 12 2025 7:58 am So basically LKS left RM to be taken seriously as a main actor, only to be constantly given supporting roles that somehow make him act like LKS in RM all over again, even if he’s listed as a main role. LOL quite sad isn’t it? Ok at least he gets to openly curse and swear vulgarities now.

neyo Nov 12 2025 7:22 am This is a hell of Kdrama. after ep6, it's a 10/10. can't wait to finish it

leyla Nov 11 2025 9:46 am I thought it was gnna be a like a prison break/revenge.. no squidgame all over again.. bro... like r u srs?

Dreamhigh Nov 10 2025 2:50 pm This drama is much more better than fabricated city movie, JCW is excellent job so far(1-4). Can't wait for next epi

Huh?? Nov 10 2025 1:12 pm After episodee 4 it ruined the plot made I was like huh??? Thought it was a revenge drama didn't imagine that way huhu anyways Ji Chang Wook never fails!!

Dream high Nov 09 2025 10:54 pm JCW is so good, he never fail at acting, Love it

Nymois Nov 09 2025 7:40 am The story like twisted it's not interesting at last episode 4 become as Dead Race movie plot

ALIENGUY Nov 08 2025 3:52 am Damn this drama is good, as expected of the fabricated city spin-off. I always felt like the fabricated city deserve more plot and the world building can be expend more.. cant wait for more episode

Wendie Nov 07 2025 11:21 pm Wow the first 4 episodes were great. Very emotional, thrilling, and the pacing was good too. As expected of writer Oh Sang Ho, he really delivered and I hope he continues to do so. I was a bit worried at first, since the network was Disney+, they would give us something watered down, but I was pleasantly surprised. Though I really wish kdramas would stop making the bad guys smoke in every scene, it’s a bit over used and cringe. And I feel bad for saying this, but Ji Chang Wook really excels at playing pitiful victims

Rasha Nov 07 2025 5:19 pm It's the Korean Version of the US Series (Prison Break), with some changes in the story!

Sandy Nov 07 2025 12:30 am Can't wait for the next episodes!!!

Jhilllozada Nov 06 2025 4:58 am So excited for all the episodes

giraffe Nov 06 2025 4:41 am What is the role of kwangsoo?

Chey Nov 05 2025 1:12 pm This is the reason why I'm hooked on Kdramas!!!! The 1st one I've watched was The K2. Ji ChamgWook at its finest!!! And the king is back!

Never a dull episode on this one, The Manipulated.

T Nov 05 2025 12:52 pm Who's the guy who plays office yang - the good officer who breaks up the fight and doesn't take bribe? He looks so familiar but can't find him in the cast anywhere it's bugging meeee. Someone pls helpppp

Nancy Nov 05 2025 11:34 am Crazy plot. Non stop action. Cant wait for the rest of the episodes.

Chey Nov 05 2025 11:17 am Pilot episode: and it didn't disappoint!

Please keep this up!!!! Fighting!!!

Saetbyul Nov 05 2025 9:23 am Ayo ji chang wook giving head to han dal sik is not on my bingo card

Wendie Oct 06 2025 10:03 pm “Writer: Oh Sang Ho” I’m sold!!!! I hope this will be as good as the first season of Taxi Driver

Yo-Han Sep 30 2025 9:13 pm Can't wait for this series >w< I might as well get the same haircut as Yo-Han while I watch it lol

yoon Sep 25 2025 3:09 am counting days til' november 5, can't wait for this series to start airing!

Tiah Sep 22 2025 4:10 am Wow! Ji Chang Wook in Action drama, with Doh Kyungsoo releasing on November 5, 2025.. superrrr excited for it.....

Orange Sep 01 2025 7:20 am Cant wait! When will this be aired? Been waiting like forever.. Wanna see JCW at DKS! The evil DKS! I am curious.. Yohan is a stereotype name for a psychopath and evil character, just saying!

Anony08 Jun 28 2025 5:21 pm This "Yo-Han" name is often used in K-drama like it's typecast as psychopath name lol. Hmm.. I wonder if they are inspired from Monster's famous antagonist, Johan Liebert who is also known for being one of the greatest psychopath character in fiction.

Clv May 29 2025 4:15 am I can't wait. So excited to see my D.O. and JCW on my screen. The plot sounds exciting and I know D.O. and JCW will knock it outside the park

Mariyam Mar 15 2025 11:35 am Oh when is this coming out. Watching this for D.O !!

Soobear Mar 15 2025 11:33 am Kyungsoo as a villain is something to look forward to . I'm so excited !! Please release it soon.

Jillibean Mar 11 2025 2:16 am Dream Cast. I'll be watching. :)

Rynsib Nov 23 2024 8:32 am The one we all waiting for..

The Manipulated

Contents

User Rating

Profile

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Guan Prison: Innmates

Guan Prison: Staff

Police

An Yo-Han's Group

Baek Do-Kyung's Group

Park Tae-Joong's Group

Chu Na-Young Murder Case

So Hyeon-Jeong Case

Others

Trailers

Comments

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