“The Manipulated, a new action-thriller Korean series starring Ji Chang-wook and Do Kyung-soo, premiered on Disney+ on Nov. 5. 

The series, which also stars Lee Kwang-soo, former cast member of “Running Man,” and Jo Yoon-su (“True Beauty), tells the story of Park Tae-jung, a delivery rider whose life was turned upside down when he is framed for murder and sent to prison. 

He learns that it was orchestrated by An Yohan (Do Kyung-soo) and he takes revenge. This is Do Kyung-soo’s first villain role. 

The series was inspired by Ji Chang-wook’s 2017 film “Fabricated City” where he played his first leading role in a movie. 

In a press conference for “The Manipulated,” series director Park Shin-woo explained the casting of Ji Chang-wook.  

(From left) Kim Jong Soo, Jo Yoon-su, director Park Shin-woo, Ji Chang-wook, Doh Kyung-soo, Lee Kwang-soo during the press conference for "The Manipulated" in Seoul (Disney )

Ji Chang-wook in the poster for "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Kim Jong-soo during the press conference for "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Do Kyung-soo during the press conference for "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Lee Kwang-soo during the press conference for "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Jo Yoon-su during the press conference for "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Ji Chang-wook during the press conference for "The Manipulated" (Disney )

“When the idea of turning it into a drama first came up, Ji showed his willingness to join even before the script was written. I know he showed great affection for the project by waiting patiently for a long time,” he said, the Korea Herald reported. 

He added, “To me, it was a natural choice. Although it’s not a direct remake of the film, he did such an outstanding job that I couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role.”

Ji Chang-woo said in portraying his character, “This time, my goal was to express the emotions that arise from the situations rather than focus on the character itself. I didn’t approach the role by trying to connect it with the character from ‘Fabricated City’ at all.” 

He added that his”focus was on being fully immersed in his circumstances and conveying those emotions as they are — making sure viewers could follow along with him. That was my biggest challenge.” 

Do Kyung-soo said his character’s “real occupation is a sculptor, but he’s also an evil figure who designs crimes and ‘sculpts’ people.” 

"Because it's my first time playing a villain, I was really curious to see how I would portray him. I thought about how I could make Yohan look creepy. I dyed my hair, permed it, and then dyed it black again. It took four hours just to get my hair done. I wore a flashy suit," he said, Korean media reported.  

About Park Tae-jung, Do Kyung-soo said, "From Yohan's perspective, Tae-joong is like a cockroach. He's resilient and tenacious, and he crawls back out even when stepped on."

Do Kyung-soo in "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Lee Kwang-soo in "The Manipulated" (Disney )

, Jo Yoon-su in "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Ji Chang-wook in "The Manipulated" (Disney )

Kim Jong-soo in "The Manipulated" (Disney )