A battle between an innocent man and a criminal mastermind is set to explode on screen. Disney+ has released new character posters for its upcoming Korean series “The Manipulated,” giving fans a gripping first look at the intense performances from its all-star cast led by Ji Chang Wook and Doh Kyung Soo. The posters reveal the main characters caught in a fiery pursuit of vengeance, highlighting the dramatic conflict that will drive this action-packed story.
The Story of a Shattered Life
“The Manipulated” tells the story of an ordinary man named Tae Joong, played by Ji Chang Wook, whose life is brutally torn apart when he is wrongfully imprisoned for a terrible crime he did not commit. While serving time for this false accusation, he makes a shocking discovery—his entire downfall was carefully planned and executed by a mysterious figure named Yo Han. After surviving this devastating betrayal, Tae Joong emerges focused on a single goal: bloody vengeance against the man who destroyed his life.
The series is inspired by the 2017 movie “Fabricated City” but presents viewers with a completely new story. With a production budget of approximately 35 billion Korean won, the show promises high-quality action and production values. The series is scheduled to premiere on November 5, 2025, exclusively on Disney+ under its Hulu content brand.
Faces of Vengeance and Villainy
The newly released posters spotlight five key characters, each bringing a distinct energy to the unfolding drama.
Ji Chang Wook’s character Tae Joong appears with rage-filled eyes and a prominent scar across his face, visual proof of the suffering he has endured. His expression tells the story of a man whose life was torn apart overnight, now determined to fight back against those who wronged him. The poster captures the moment before his transformation from victim to pursuer, hinting at the unpredictable events he will face on his path to revenge.
Doh Kyung Soo transforms into Yo Han, the brilliant but disturbed mastermind who designs elaborate crimes. His poster shows him with a calm, almost serene smile that contrasts chillingly with his violent actions. As the CEO of an exclusive security service catering only to the top 1% of society, Yo Han finds thrill in fabricating evidence and reconstructing crimes to create new culprits. His character represents what the director describes as “pure evil,” and his calm demeanor in the poster suggests the cold calculation behind his manipulations.
The Supporting Players in a Dangerous Game
Beyond the two central rivals, the posters introduce three additional characters who will play crucial roles in the coming conflict.
Yong Sik, played by Kim Jong Soo, serves as Tae Joong’s lifesaver and mentor. His poster shows an expression of solemn determination and concern, suggesting he will provide both guidance and emotional depth to the story. As the one who helps Tae Joong recover from his ordeal, his character appears grounded and morally centered compared to the other players in this dangerous game.
Jo Yoon Soo portrays Eun Bi, Yong Sik’s daughter who becomes Tae Joong’s prickly ally. Her poster reveals a piercing gaze that radiates unique charisma, suggesting a strong-willed character who won’t simply follow orders. Her role as an unlikely partner to the vengeful Tae Joong adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.
Completing the cast is Lee Kwang Soo as Do Kyung, Yo Han’s VIP client and another villain in the story. His character stands out with a bold style including sunglasses and hoop earrings, teasing how he will influence Tae Joong’s plans. As another antagonist working alongside Yo Han, Do Kyung represents the privileged elite who benefit from the manipulation of others.
Doh Kyung Soo’s First Villain Role
Doh Kyung Soo’s transformation into the villainous Yo Han marks a significant career milestone as his first true villain role. The actor shared his thoughtful approach to this new challenge, explaining “It’s my first time playing a villain. Because the character needed to appear chilling, I thought a lot about how to portray Ahn Yo Han.” His preparation included careful attention to details like the character’s sharp, short hair and monochromatic outfits that enhance his coldhearted appearance.
Director Park Shin Woo praised Doh Kyung Soo’s suitability for the role, noting “Yo Han is a character who represents pure evil. Doh Kyung Soo’s clear eyes and innocent smile perfectly matched the image of Yo Han I had in mind.” This combination of innocent appearance and dark interior makes the character particularly unsettling and memorable.
Release Schedule and Global Availability
“The Manipulated” will premiere on November 5, 2025, with its first four episodes available immediately on Disney+. Following the premiere, two new episodes will be released each week, building suspense throughout the 12-episode season. This release strategy allows viewers to immerse themselves in the complex world of the show while maintaining anticipation throughout its run.
The series will be available globally through Disney+’s Hulu content hub, making it accessible to international audiences simultaneously. This global release pattern has become increasingly common for major Korean series, reflecting the growing worldwide interest in Korean entertainment.
The series joins Disney+’s expanding lineup of Korean content, demonstrating the platform’s commitment to producing high-quality international programming. With its compelling premise, talented cast, and substantial production budget, “The Manipulated” represents one of the most anticipated Korean drama releases of late 2025.
Also Read: The Manipulated Teaser Out: Ji Chang Wook Seeks Revenge on Doh Kyung Soo’s Scheme
Source (1)
