The Manipulated Cast and Characters: Here's Who Brings Disney+'s New K-Drama Thriller to Life

The Manipulated premiered on Disney+ as a Hulu original show on November 5, 2025. The South Korean thriller launched with four chilling episodes. The series examines themes of wrongful accusations, along with revenge and manipulation. It is called Jogakdoshi in the Korean language.

The premise of the story follows an ordinary man, Tae-joong, whose life is in danger when he is wrongfully accused of a terrible crime. He is sent to prison due to a wrongful accusation and sets out on a path of revenge after learning that it was all planned by someone else.

The main lead with the transforming story in The Manipulated

A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)

Ji Chang-wook portrays the main lead in the series, Park Tae-jung, a delivery worker who wishes to open a garden cafe. Tae-jung takes care of his young sister. His life looks peaceful and happy.

Everything changes when Tae-jung gets accused of a terrible crime. He goes to prison for something he did not commit. He eventually discovers that someone manipulated his entire life. The discovery sets him on a path of dangerous revenge.

Ji Chang-wook undergoes a character transformation from innocent victim to angered avenger. His acting captures the role with accuracy. Ji Chang-wook has played several action roles in the past, and this adds another unforgettable work to his filmography.

Doh Kyung-soo as the main villain

Doh Kyung-soo plays the villain An Yo-han in The Manipulated. Many viewers recognize him from the K-pop group EXO and D.O. Yo-han is the manipulator who destroys Tae-jung's life. He plans with cunning.

Doh Kyung-soo portrays this character with mean but calm precision. Viewers can see his brilliance behind the orchestrated plan. His motives are logical within the narrative. The acting stays realistic and grounded and the tension between Yo-han and Tae-jung drives the plot forward with intensity.

Lee Kwang-soo portrays Baek Do-kyeong

Lee Kwang-soo plays Baek Do-kyeong, the VIP client to Yo-han, who possesses both power and wealth. Many fans know the actor from his variety show Running Man. He brings both drama and humor to this thriller. His character adds urgency to the story.

Jo Yoon-su plays No Eun-bi

Jo Yoon-su plays No Eun-bi. Her character gets caught in the web of manipulation and revenge while supporting the main protagonist. She displays how these events affect different characters. Her performance adds emotional depth to the main lead's stoic approach.

Supporting Cast Members

Pyo Ye-jin plays the love interest of Tae-jung in The Manipulated. She represents the personal connections he must handle while seeking revenge. Yang Dong-geun portrays Yeo Deok-su, bringing more nuance to the character.

Moreover, other supporting roles include Kwak Jin, Jeon Kang-ho, Jung Heon and Lee Seo-hwan. Kim Jong-soo and Rich Ting also feature in the show, while Rich Ring gives voice to Detective Hwang. Every actor creates a believable character that serves the theme of revenge.

The Creative and writing team of The Manipulated

Oh Sang-ho writes the series. Additionally, it is directed by Kim Chang-ju and Park Shin-woo. It premiered on Disney+ after Hulu replaced the Star content hub on October 8. The full show spans over 12 episodes in total.

The actors in The Manipulated work efficiently together as they are seasoned in their field. Their timing feels organic, and the tense scenes create raw energy.

Doh Kyung-soo and Ji Chang-wook lead with their talent, and the supporting cast adds nuance and depth to each episode. The supporting cast adds depth to every episode.

The Manipulated delivers compelling entertainment on Disney+. The cast brings the revenge narrative to life. Ji Chang-wook transforms from victim to formidable villain with conviction.

Furthermore, Doh Kyung-soo plays an unforgettable antagonist. The series explores wrongful accusations and the cost of vengeance. Each episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, anticipating the unfolding plot.