Krunal 
If you love K-dramas that mess with your head and keep you guessing until the end, The Manipulated is your next binge. This new show on Disney+ mixes crime, psychology, and family drama in a way that’s hard to put down. We watched all 10 episodes and here’s our honest take.
What’s the Story About?
The Manipulated follows Song Jae-jin (played by Ju Ji-hoon), a top psychiatrist who’s living the good life. He has a fancy job, a loving wife, and a daughter he adores. But everything flips when his daughter, Eun-jung, gets kidnapped.
A creepy guy named Yoon Do-hyun (Lee Hee-joon) calls Jae-jin and says he’ll only give back the girl if Jae-jin does what he says. Do-hyun is a patient Jae-jin treated years ago, and he’s out for revenge. The twists come fast – who is really pulling the strings? Is Jae-jin as innocent as he seems? The show dives deep into guilt, lies, and how the mind can break under pressure.
It’s based on a popular web novel, so fans of dark stories will feel right at home. Each episode ends on a cliffhanger that makes you hit “next” right away.
The Cast Shines Bright
Ju Ji-hoon is amazing as the dad on the edge. You know him from hits like Kingdom and Jirisan – here, he shows a softer, more broken side. Lee Hee-joon as the villain is chilling; his calm voice hides pure evil.
The supporting actors are great too. Moon So-ri plays Jae-jin’s wife, adding heart to the chaos. And young actress Jeong Eun-chae nails the role of the kidnapped daughter, making you root for her escape. The whole team makes you care about these messed-up people.
For more on Ju Ji-hoon’s best roles, check our guide to top K-drama actors.
What Works Well
- Pacing: No slow parts. It starts strong and builds tension like a pro.
- Twists: You’ll gasp at least twice per episode. It’s smart without being confusing.
- Themes: It talks about mental health and family secrets in a real way. Perfect if you liked The Glory or Mouse.
- Production: Clean shots, spooky music, and Seoul settings make it feel real. If you’re into psychological thrillers, this one’s a winner.
What Could Be Better
Some side stories feel rushed, like the wife’s subplot. And a few plot holes pop up if you think too hard. But hey, it’s a drama – fun beats perfection.
Final Verdict
The Manipulated gets a solid 8.5/10 from us. It’s a fresh K-drama that’s emotional, scary, and addictive. Stream it on Disney+ now if you want your weekends ruined (in a good way).
New to K-dramas? Start with our beginner’s list of must-watch shows.
All episodes of The Manipulated are available on Disney+ in Malaysia.
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