Ecleveland

It has been quite some time since a Korean drama truly captured my attention, except for a few rare exceptions. The Manipulated was one of those rare moments.

Ji Chang Wook is a fully accomplished actor—this is an undeniable fact. With a strong supporting cast, a renowned screenwriter like Oh Sang Ho, and a high-budget production, there was little room for failure.

This is an intense drama, emotionally stirring at various points, with a brilliant beginning, a tense middle, and a very satisfying ending. I have a feeling my Wednesdays will take a while to feel as captivating again.

The fight scenes were so stunning that I often found myself covering my eyes out of sheer immersion. The visual effects were so impeccable that, at times, I even wondered if they could teach Chinese productions what real blood is supposed to look like—though I acknowledge the comparison may sound humorous. Of course, this does not apply to many Chinese dramas, nor does it justify praising one production by belittling another.

The Manipulated has more than enough merit to stand firmly on its own.

My only reservation regarding many of the comments I read after the finale is that I disagree with the interpretation of the ending as something definitive.

Everything suggests that the story will continue. And if that is the case, I will certainly look forward to the opportunity to appreciate this outstanding production once again.

An excellent and engaging watch.

Note: I only refrained from giving it the highest rating because a few aspects left me slightly unsatisfied. The elderly blind housekeeper, the ailing mother of the main psychopath, deserved a more conclusive ending, and the insecure, doubtful fiancée—who chose not to believe in or wait for Park Tae Jung—should have at least made an appearance in the finale, even if only to die of frustration.