Ji Chang Wook has once again proven why he’s often called the “son of Disney+.”
With the full release of the Disney+ original series The Manipulated, the actor has captivated global audiences, delivering a gripping performance that blends raw emotion with relentless action.
The Manipulated is a high-octane action drama that follows Tae-joong (Ji Chang Wook), a man living an ordinary life until he’s falsely accused of a brutal crime and thrown into prison. When he learns the entire nightmare was orchestrated by Yo-han (Do Kyung Soo), Tae-joong rises from rock bottom, driven by fury and survival instinct, to seek revenge. The series topped the Disney+ global TV show rankings (according to FlixPatrol) and posted strong viewership across Korea and multiple international markets.
A Return to a Familiar World
Ji Chang Wook previously led the 2017 film Fabricated City, which shares the same universe as The Manipulated. His return to this world feels both natural and elevated. From pulse-pounding chase sequences to brutal close-combat scenes, viewers once again praised him as a true action star—this time with even greater emotional depth. Tae-joong’s fall, suffering, and eventual resurgence are portrayed with striking nuance.
“It was an incredibly difficult project,” Ji admits. “I’m relieved it ended safely. The fact that so many people loved it is the biggest reward. I was able to endure such a long and demanding shoot thanks to my colleagues. That made it meaningful.”
Physical and Emotional Limits
The toughest challenge? His body—and his heart.
“It was physically exhausting,” he says. “But the character’s pain was just as hard. Since this world was first adapted into a film ten years ago, I felt pressure about how to expand it into a series. The narrative evolved a lot, and that alone was a burden. I wanted to push it further.”
“I did as much as I could myself,” he explains, estimating he handled about half of the action scenes personally. “There was a lot—from motorcycles and prison scenes early on to intense car chases after Tae-joong’s release.”
Reimagining the Story, Reprising a Familiar Role
Ji credits the writers for successfully transforming a two-hour film into a full-fledged series.
“This wasn’t about creating a new character,” he says. “It was about expressing emotions more dramatically. I talked a lot with the director about making Tae-joong’s pain something viewers could truly step into and feel.”
Despite having played a similar character before, Ji had no hesitation.
“I wanted to do it. When I read the first four episodes, I thought, ‘This is fun.’ My first instinct was simply to do it well.”
Working with Do Kyung-soo | A Trusted Teammate in Lee Kwang-soo
Ji speaks warmly about his co-star.
“I was thrilled when I heard Kyung-soo would play Yo-han. His charm fits the role perfectly. I believed he’d create his own version of Yo-han—and he did.”
Though they shared fewer scenes than expected, Ji admits, “I really wished we could’ve acted face-to-face more. Still, seeing the final result made me happy.”Lee Kwang-soo also left a strong impression.
“I was curious at first, but watching him act reassured me. He’s vulnerable, cautious, and funny in a very human way. I rely on him a lot—especially when I’m struggling. He listens to all my complaints and makes me laugh. I’m grateful.”
Action Fatigue—But Not Goodbye, Being Called ‘Disney+’s Son’
“I always say this might be my last action project,” Ji laughs. “It’s so physically demanding. I’m getting older, and my body doesn’t always cooperate. But somehow, a few years later, I find myself saying the same thing again.”
“I’m deeply grateful,” he says sincerely. “Being hired, trusted, and invested in means I’m useful—and that makes me want to work even harder. I don’t want their decision to ever feel wasted.”
What’s Next?
Ji Chang-wook is set to star in the romantic comedy “Human X Gumiho” alongside Jun Ji-hyun.
“It’s such an honor,” he says. “After working together in Ghost, we’re reunited. I can’t imagine anyone playing a gumiho better than her. Watching her bring that character to life is going to be incredible—and we’re having so much fun creating those scenes together.”
In The Manipulated, Ji Chang Wook doesn’t just deliver another hit—he reinforces his status as a reliable global star who thrives under pressure, action, and expectation.
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