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The Manipulated korean drama review
Completed
The Manipulated
12 people found this review helpful
by Berbox Kay lee Zona
Nov 20, 2025
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.5

Still definitely one of the best thrillers this year....

See my arms? Yeah, those are goosebumps  all because of this drama. Manipulated is one of those rare shows where you get a star-dusted cast, an airtight script, and rich, high-quality production all working in perfect harmony.

The story follows an ordinary man whose entire world collapses after he’s framed for a murder he didn’t commit. What begins as a single act of deceit spirals into a devastating chain of losses, pushing him into the darkest chapter of his life. We follow him through every stage from the moment his fate twists, to the heartbreaking realization that his arrest was all part of a carefully crafted manipulation. And when he finally discovers the truth, revenge becomes not just a goal but his entire driving force.

This show is riveting. Do not look away even for a second because you will miss something. It is the type of series that keeps you glued to the edge of your seat: thrilling, action-packed, and absolutely devourable.

As expected, the cast delivers performances nothing short of impeccable. Ji Chang Wook proves once again why he’s hailed as the King of Action. His portrayal of Taejoon is not just impressive it’s transformative. We watch Taejoon begin as an ordinary, hardworking man living a simple yet beautiful life. Then everything shatters. Once framed and imprisoned, he becomes timid, terrified, and lost stripped of his will to live. But that fragility doesn’t last.
We see him rebuild himself piece by piece mentally and physically fueled by pain, hatred, desperation, and the raw urge to survive. His growth is so layered that you don’t just sympathize with him; you root for him with everything you’ve got. Watching him evolve is one of the most gripping parts of the show.

And then there’s Do Kyungsoo, shining brilliantly as Yohan the cold, calculating antagonist behind the manipulation. He is smart, unhinged (just a little… or maybe a lot), and terrifyingly strategic. He weaponizes money, fear, and people’s weaknesses effortlessly, and he feels no remorse while doing it.

Taejoon and Yohan are each other’s sworn enemies two forces created to clash. It’s almost like facing a version of yourself that you never meant to create, but now you have to destroy. They’re not yin and yang; they’re two storms on a collision course.

FINAL REVIEW:

The finale was satisfactory enough except for some unanswered questions and the potential teaser for a second season. The action sequences were well-executed, delivering brutal yet captivating scenes where justice prevailed. While the pace was fast, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Manipulated' is binge-worthy, packed with action, and features a compelling story with great performances. It's easily one of the best thrillers of the year.
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