This review may contain spoilers
Just Awesome
Love Ji Chang Wook I don't feel he can go wrong when acing in a series But this series places him in another catagory altogether Gone the romantic lead in with a fantastic character actor This series isn't sugar coating anything It is Raw real and tragic so far I wait for the next episodes with anticipationWas this review helpful to you?
Bring back memories of big mouth
First of all I AM A BIG FAN OF JCW AND NOW I AM JUSTTTT😭😭 HOW THE HELL HE ACT SO WELL?! ROMANCE, ACTION, THRILL, MYSTERY,REVENGE,HAPPINESS, SADNESS!! I just love this guy!!! JCW is a wise man and like his eyes speak which acting!!The story just throw me back into the memories of BIG MOUTH... How great nostalgia i had rn but overally it is not the exact as big mouth ofc... But will be the best thriller drama in 2025 so far... The tension I felt while watching it... Like how should I put into words😭 how I craved for a thriller mystery drama and how I am feeling so glad to the k-industry to release it🤧
Just loved it... Like EXCELLENT WORK!!! Eagerly waiting for next episodes.. Hope to see more like this in the future~~
Was this review helpful to you?
Ji Chang wook cooked!!
I don’t watch K-dramas the way I used to. If I calculate properly, I’ve watched more than 130+ K-dramas so far—romance, action, thriller, all kinds of genres. But nowadays I can’t digest rom-com K-dramas anymore. No matter how hyped they are, I always end up watching them at 3x speed.Since I’m already quite familiar with the K-drama industry, I still watch thrillers and action dramas. You could say the addiction is still alive!!
Now let’s talk a bit about The Manipulated.
I watched it while it was ongoing, so my review is based on how much I enjoyed each week’s episodes.
In the first week, four episodes were released—and those first four are the best of the entire series. Ji Chang-wook’s performance was outstanding. The prison scenes were incredible; every character inside the prison was fun to watch. And I can’t skip mentioning one person—Yang Dong-geun (Player 007 from Squid Game). He was absolutely amazing.
Episode 5 is a bit weak, but the next episode has some of the best action scenes of the drama—probably the best action sequence in the entire show. Episodes 7–8 take their time to build up the story.
Episodes 9 and 10 are the best of the second half, packed with great action.
Episode 11 is the weakest episode of the series, but the finale was pretty good. The climax could’ve been a bit better, though—it would’ve hit harder.
As for acting—like I said, Ji Chang-wook literally cooked. And Yang Dong-geun was fantastic too. If the main villain had been stronger, it would’ve been even better.
For action lovers, this is a must-watch!!
The cinematography is beautiful, and the camera work during the action scenes is really impressive. If you haven’t watched it yet, go for it.
You’ll enjoy it more if you binge all the episodes at once.
Definitely one of the best K-dramas of the year!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
BEST THRILLER, ACTION DRAMA OF 2025
The Manipulated delivers a high-stakes revenge thriller where justice and manipulation blur into one. The story centers on Park Tae‑joong (played by Ji Chang‑wook), an ordinary man whose life is shattered after being wrongfully imprisoned. Once he discovers the truth behind his downfall, Tae-joong becomes a force of ruthless determination, consumed by a desire to reclaim what was stolen from him and expose those responsible. Opposing him is An Yo‑han (played by Doh Kyung‑soo) — the chilling mastermind who “sculpts” crimes to serve the wealthy, fabricates evidence and orchestrates lives from behind the scenes. Yo-han’s cold logic and manipulative control bring a psychological edge to the thriller, making him a formidable villain. Adding further complexity is Baek Do‑kyung (played by Lee Kwang‑soo), a powerful VIP client tangled in Yo-han’s web of deceit. On the surface, he appears composed and confident — but just beneath lies a sinister unpredictability that makes every scene with him tense and unsettling. The interplay between Tae-joong’s desperate quest for justice, Yo-han’s cold-hearted orchestration, and Do-kyung’s dangerous ambiguity creates a gripping, morally ambiguous ride. With tight pacing, gritty action scenes, and emotional intensity, The Manipulated stands out as a compelling thriller that keeps you on edge until the final reveal.Was this review helpful to you?
An absolutely gripping masterpiece from start to finish.
The Manipulated is one of those rare dramas that pulls you in from the very first episode and never lets go. The story is exceptionally crafted—tight, clever, and filled with twists that keep the suspense alive throughout the entire series. Not a single episode feels slow or unnecessary; every moment adds depth, intensity, and purpose to the narrative.The acting deserves special praise. Every character is portrayed with precision and emotion, making the stakes feel real and the conflicts even more powerful. The action scenes are sharp and satisfying, and the revenge arc is beautifully executed—calculated, thrilling, and deeply rewarding.
The ending? Absolutely perfect. It ties everything together in a way that feels earned and memorable, leaving a strong impact even after the credits roll.
Honestly, people who claim this isn’t a good drama probably only enjoy light romance shows. The Manipulated is for viewers who appreciate real storytelling—suspense, action, intelligence, and emotional weight.
A must-watch. If you love intense, well-written thrillers, this drama delivers on every level.
Was this review helpful to you?
Good Drama
Yes I'm rating this after 4 episodes because I hate that some people on this site rate dramas after watching on episode, and they give high ratings to these mediocre romcoms. This drama is really good. All 4 episodes have been exciting. I honestly teared up a little at the first episode because it was so sad. Can't explain to much because I don't want to put any spoilers on here, but just know if you are questioning whether to watch? My answer is yes, you shouldWas this review helpful to you?
It's a winner!
I’ve been waiting a long time for a drama like The Manipulated, and it does not disappoint. From the very first episode, the storytelling pulls you in with its balance of emotional depth and psychological tension. The plot reveals its twists at just the right moments without ever feeling rushed.The acting is consistently strong. Some characters feel lived-in, loved, flawed, and deeply human, while others are pure evil.
The Manipulated is a gripping mix of heartbreak, intrigue, insanity, deception, and high-stakes action. One moment you’re sympathizing with a character’s pain, and the next you’re questioning every motive and every relationship.
It keeps you engaged, invested, and hungry for answers. If you’re looking for a series that’s thrilling, emotionally rich, and unpredictable in all the best ways, The Manipulated is absolutely worth watching.
Was this review helpful to you?
Even Hollywood is laughing at this one
Nice setup, first 4 eps were mostly good but after that it turns into a complete garbage. It's been a while since I dropped a show but this one pissed me off to no end. As someone said the only thing this show tries to manipulate is its audience because it knows it's dumb as f***. Like how much plot armor can you use to hold this whole disaster together. Then squid games?!?! Even Hollywood B movies are laughing at this one. And what's up with making the Villain most cartoonish and annoying rage bait person ever only to not have a proper pay off/payback. Is this some sort of fetish in Korean dramas/cinema that's been on the rise lately? If you have a need to play out some power wet dream go direct some hate p***. If this is the sign of where Korean cinema is heading, it's looking very bleak. And cast a better Villain. The boy looks like he works in GS25.Was this review helpful to you?
It's not a Fabricated City remake, it's at best a re-imagined fanfic
As a Fabricated City enthusiast, I jumped in here with my giddy fanboy heart all agallop ready for this with trust, I mean JCW is reprising, what could possibly go wrong? Nothing did, BUT!This is not Fabricated City if that is what you came looking for like me, just think of it as a fanfic of the OG and lower your expectations hard.
That is not to say this one is without it's charm, it's really okay on its own but it's a complete polar opposite of the movie and the elements that made it a fan favourite. No gaming team, no Yeo-woora, DKS isn't the lawyer, instead he's some rich nepo baby with toys he uses to manipulate people I guess. Linking it to the OG was just for marketing at this point. Somehow this drama keeps reminding me of Big Mouth instead of FC actually.😂. Enjoy.
Was this review helpful to you?
Best show ever
i have watched a lot of K Dramas and this is the best one iv watched so far..The storyline had you gripped ..The acting is just amazing .. The plot is stunning .. the fight choreography was amazing.. The only thing I can say which is not good is that there should have been a lot more episodes… and the other thing I could say which I would say is not very good is that the episodes are not long enough the only 45 minutes each that should’ve been well over our a hour which have got the story more complete ….hopefully they can make another season for this because they can delve into more of the main character …Definitely 10/10 for meWas this review helpful to you?
One of the best K-drama 2025
The Manipulated is a finely crafted revenge thriller that excels in storytelling, atmosphere, and performance. The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, steadily building tension and drawing viewers into a world of psychological warfare, power struggles, and emotional trauma.Ji Chang Wook delivers an outstanding and deeply nuanced performance. His character is not portrayed as a flawless hero, but as a wounded and conflicted individual forced to evolve by unforgiving circumstances. Through restrained expressions, subtle emotional shifts, and realistic action sequences, his portrayal feels authentic and impactful.
One of the drama’s greatest strengths lies in its dark, grounded tone. Revenge is never glorified; every choice carries weight and consequence. The antagonist is intelligently written—calm, manipulative, and genuinely threatening—creating a compelling battle of minds rather than relying on exaggerated confrontation.
Overall, The Manipulated stands out as a powerful, high-quality thriller that leaves a lasting impression. It is ideal for viewers who appreciate dark, psychologically intense narratives with strong character development. From beginning to end, the drama remains gripping and rewarding.
Was this review helpful to you?
Manipulative He Was or Manipulative He Is?
If you know one, you recognise one for what he is. Gotta admit, he was a superb manipulater, but I don't think this is the end of it. They left that plot hole of a an evil woman, his "nanna", or better yet, if you don't remember the secret coming out at some point, his real mother, who happened to kill her son's leftover family after he was threatened with the herance at his parents memorial. And how did she cover it all up? A fire, just like in the end. So, yeah, I think she set the fire and saved her son, remember, he was still alive, and there's a possibility of a second season.If that's the case, they gave a little hint at the end, bring it on!
Congrats to everyone involved in this remake of Fabricated City (that was surprising!), picking it back up and, honestly, making it better than the original, which for me was poor and weak.
Awesome performances by both Ji Chang Wook as a neverending fighter for justice and Doh Kyung Soo, as one of the greatest villains. I mean, he really took that role seriously. Wow.
All in all, a crazy worthy addicting watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
