InterviewJi Chang-wook takes on grueling action, emotion in 'The Manipulated'
Actor Ji Chang-wook / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea
After cementing his reputation as an action star, Ji Chang-wook returned to the world of conspiracy thrillers with "The Manipulated," an expanded take on the 2017 film “Fabricated City.”
Ji said the combination of a compelling script and a deep affection for the original work convinced him to revisit the universe.
"I had a vague feeling that I had to do it when the series adaptation was first mentioned," the actor, who plays protagonist Tae-jung in the recently-ended series, told The Korea Times in an interview at a cafe in Seoul Thursday.
"After reading the screenplay, it was just too fun. It made me think, 'Oh, I think I can do a really good job with this.' There was an affection for the film version, and also a curiosity about what it would be like to recreate this with new cast members and fresh episodes. The story introduced so many new dimensions and characters, and I wanted to see how differently I could portray the character about 10 years later."
The Disney+ Korean original series follows Tae-jung, an ordinary person who finds his life manipulated by unseen power, forcing him into a fight for his innocence. While the original film focused on a massive gaming conspiracy, the Disney+ series broadens the narrative scope and introduces new characters, including Yo-han, played by Doh Kyung-soo, also known as D.O. of K-pop boy band EXO.
Ji is no stranger to physically demanding roles as he has earned his reputation with his works such as “The Worst of Evil” (2023) and “Gangnam B-Side” (2024).
The 38-year-old said filming the action-filled “The Manipulated” was extreme.
"Action is always hard," he said. "From hand-to-hand combat to car chases, it was a constant challenge. The car chase scenes, which involved a lot of computer graphics, and the tunnel motorcycle sequence were technically and physically demanding.”
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping stunts, Ji was tasked with portraying the emotional collapse of Tae-jung. The actor said his main goal was to make the audience empathize with a man driven to the bottom by an unjust manipulation.
"Tae-jung represents a person who is powerless against unseen power. His mental state crumbles as he faces groundless accusations," Ji said. "My task was to portray how desperately he descends into that abyss, so the viewers could fully relate to his emotions. This was the point I discussed most with the director."
Actor Ji Chang-wook in a scene from Disney+ series “The Manipulated” / Courtesy of Walt Disney Company Korea
The series' climax brought a surprising shift in Tae-jung's moral path. While viewers might have hoped for a straightforward revenge, Tae-jung ultimately chose not to kill his main enemy Yo-han.
"Yo-han screams at Tae-jung to kill him in the end, but Tae-jung's feeling was that Yo-han should have to live and fully face the responsibility for his crimes, instead of taking the easy way out by dying,” Ji said.
When asked about the possibility of a Season 2, Ji laughed.
"I don't really want to do it,” he answered, but immediately added, "But there's no greater joy than knowing your work is loved enough to go for a second season. If a Season 2 offer comes, I would have no choice but to do it, though it would require a big decision."
Ji's career stands out because he is always willing to take on many different types of roles and international projects. This shows his dedication to expanding what he can do as an actor.
"I want to keep trying new things all the time. If there are exciting international projects, I want to chase them to see how I can have a long and successful career as a Korean actor."