When asked to define their relationship, Ji Changwook, describing his character's motivation, was brutally honest. "To Taejoong, Yohan is the goal," he said, before adding with a laugh, "He's a guy I want to beat to a pulp." Ji Changwook even joked, "I am still avoiding looking at Doh Kyungsoo right now." Ji Changwook further explained the dynamic, noting that from Yohan's perspective, Taejoong is "a very cockroach like being. His resilience is incredible. Long and tenacious. Even though he keeps getting stepped on, he survives and crawls back up."

Doh Kyungsoo, who plays his first villain character, described Yohan as someone who "doesn't see people as people."

Ji Changwook, who was drawn to the fun script and unique characters, insisted he is not repeating his performance. "I didn't match the two characters at all," he said. "The writer gave me one piece of homework... ‘I want Taejoong to be like a tree.’ That was my biggest challenge."

Director Park Shin Woo explained that the drama uses its episodic format to keep viewers hooked. "Each episode unfolds like a new stage," he said, and he "tried to bring out the charm of the series" with "new developments and unpredictable clashes between characters."

Stream The Manipulated starting November 5, exclusively on Disney+.
 

Streaming live on HBO Max, Korean entertainment fans will have access to the highly anticipated 2025 MAMA AWARDS for the first time on global premier streaming service, HBO Max on November 28 – 29.

Co-hosted by CJ ENM and Media Asia Entertainment Limited, the world's No. 1 K-POP Awards centers around the concept HEAR MY ROAR: UH-HEUNG, inspired by the tiger, an animal symbolizing the strength and spirit of Korea. Taking place at the Kai Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, the 2025 MAMA AWARDS celebrates authentic self-expression and the power of music transcending boundaries, uniting fans from various cultures and regions.

The two-day live event will feature some of the biggest stars known to the K-POP world and see performances by popular artists, including ENHYPEN, BABYMONSTER, i-dle, the iconic SUPER JUNIOR, as well as debuting group, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, on November 28 and CORTIS, IDID, STRAY KIDS, the legendary G-DRAGON and many more on November 29. Alongside the slate of jaw-dropping performances, fans can follow the ceremony as their favorite artists or groups win prestigious awards. 

Livestream the 2025 MAMA AWARDS on HBO Max on November 28 - 29. Subscribe to HBO Max at www.hbomax.com or via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store from only RM24.90/month & RM199.90/12 months and stream on HBO Max via your preferred device.