Disney+ original series 'The Manipulated' has reclaimed the No. 2 spot on Disney+’s global TV rankings just ahead of its finale, sustaining powerful buzz as it pushes beyond the usual limits of its R-rated action–revenge genre to captivate viewers worldwide. With key developments now revealed ahead of the concluding episodes, anticipation has reached its highest point.
The drama follows Tae Jung (portrayed by Ji Chang Wook), an ordinary family man whose life collapses when he is wrongfully imprisoned after being framed in a violent incident. When he discovers that Yo Han (Played by Do Kyung Soo) was behind everything, he embarks on a relentless path of revenge. Newly released stills from the series’ final episodes, airing on December 3, show Yong Sik (portrayed by Kim Jong Soo) and Eun Bi (played by Cho Yun Su) in grave danger due to Yohan’s manipulation—while Yohan accelerates his ruthless schemes to push Tae Jung into an even deeper trap.
As the major auction for artist Arli’s 100th piece approaches—an event that serves as a key turning point—the narrative unveils a crucial link between the ongoing criminal case and the art world. The stills highlight how Tae Jung, Yong Sik, and Eun Bi find themselves in escalating peril the closer they get to uncovering the truth.
Yo Han’s plan intensifies as he attempts to frame Yongsik for the murder of Assemblyman Baek Sang Man, heightening the conflict. Eun Bi’s life also becomes threatened, pushing Taejung into direct pursuit of Yohan. Facing his enemy, Taejung warns, “You’re finished. Everything will be revealed,” hinting at a dramatic showdown. Additional stills even show Tae Jung voluntarily walking into a police station, raising further questions about the ending.
Yo Han grows increasingly unsettled as Taejung diverges from his predictions, muttering, “Why is he walking straight into his own death?” signaling that their long-standing feud is approaching its breaking point. The clash between Tae Jung—who refuses to abandon revenge—and Yohan—determined to eliminate him—is expected to erupt in Episodes 11 and 12. The tense, action-heavy stills suggest an all-out final confrontation. Producers have previously teased that the finale will center on blood-soaked battles and high-intensity action.
Ji Chang Wook and Do Kyung Soo’s Explosive Showdown: The Driving Force Behind the Series’ Success
'The Manipulated' has drawn attention for Ji Chang Wook’s fierce revenge arc and Do Kyung Soo’s first full-fledged villain role, which collide head-on in a gripping narrative. Strong performances from supporting actors Kim Jong Soo, Cho Yun Su, and Lee Kwang Soo have further elevated the series’ immersion. Writer Oh Sang Ho, known for the Taxi Driver franchise, brings his signature polished genre storytelling, blending themes of art crimes, corrupt power, and manufactured truths.
Disney+ is exclusively streaming Episodes 1–10, and with Episodes 11 and 12 releasing today, the entire season will be complete. For global streaming titles, international viewership metrics play a crucial role in assessing performance—and 'The Manipulated' has steadily ranked near the top across multiple regions.
No. 2 Worldwide on Disney+ TV Charts—A Rare Surge on Finale Day
According to global OTT ranking platform Patrol Flix, 'The Manipulated' landed at No. 2 worldwide in Disney+’s TV category just before its finale. The ranking reflects viewership across all global markets, and it’s uncommon for a Korean drama to climb in position on the day of its final episode. The series’s intensified action and mystery elements in later episodes appear to have drawn more viewers internationally.
Currently, the confirmed metric is its standing as “No. 2 among all Disney+ TV programs,” though detailed country-by-country viewership has not been disclosed. Still, online communities and OTT analytics sources cite rising engagement in North America, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. With no official platform data released, exact viewership numbers cannot be specified.
As 'The Manipulated' heads into its finale, suspense is at an all-time high. Since action-centered genre dramas rarely achieve top-tier global rankings, industry attention is now turning to how its complete-season reception will shape the series’ legacy.
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