Actor Ji Chang-wook has once again proven his unstoppable star power. His latest Disney+ drama, The Manipulated, has claimed the No.1 spot on Disney+ Korea immediately upon release on November 5 and ranked No.4 globally in the platform’s TV category — a remarkable achievement showcasing his global popularity.
The Manipulated follows the story of Tae-jung (played by Ji Chang-wook), an ordinary young man whose life spirals into chaos when he is falsely accused of a brutal crime and sent to prison. He later discovers that everything was orchestrated by Yohan (played by D.O. / Do Kyung-soo), and begins his chilling journey of revenge. The series’ fast-paced narrative, stylish cinematography, and intense action scenes have captivated viewers across the world, quickly making it one of Disney+’s most talked-about titles.
Ji Chang-wook’s performance has been widely praised as the driving force behind the show’s success. Viewers and critics alike have lauded his emotional depth portraying a man oscillating between despair, rage, and determination with a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability and power. The actor also performed much of his complex hand-to-hand combat and action sequences himself, adding to the show’s realism and impact.
With The Manipulated, Ji continues his streak of success following The Worst of Evil and Gangnam B-Side, marking an impressive “triple hit” that cements his status as one of Korea’s most bankable leading men in genre dramas.
Fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive on IMDb, where all released episodes hold ratings above 9.0. Global viewers praised the drama, calling it “the most gripping revenge story in years”, “a classic done right”, and “Ji Chang-wook at his absolute peak.”
As The Manipulated continues to climb the international charts, Ji Chang-wook’s name once again stands synonymous with excellence, intensity, and global appeal.