Ji Chang-wook’s intense thriller The Manipulated is racing toward its conclusion, and fans can barely contain their excitement. After the shocking revelations in episodes 7-8, where Taejoong escaped captivity and uncovered deeper layers of manipulation, the next installments promise to shift the dynamic from survival to full-blown pursuit. Here’s your complete guide to when and what to expect.
Table of Contents
The Manipulated Release Schedule & Streaming Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Episodes 9-10 Release | November 26, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| Release Time (KST) | 5:00 PM |
| Release Time (GMT) | 8:00 AM |
| Release Time (ET) | 3:00 AM |
| Streaming Platforms | Disney+ (global), Hulu (USA), Disney+ Hotstar (Asia) |
| Episode Runtime | ~46 minutes each |
| Total Episodes | 12 |
Episodes 9 and 10 will release together on Wednesday, November 26, at approximately 8am GMT/3am ET, continuing the series’ unique double-episode weekly format. Disney+’s subtitle team typically delivers translations quickly, so international viewers can expect subtitles shortly after release.
What Happened in Episodes 7-8: A Quick Recap
The most recent episodes transformed the entire narrative structure. Taejoong’s escape from the deadly “race game” wasn’t just about survival—it exposed a sinister sculpting network that manufactures evidence and targets innocent people.
Key developments included:
Taejoong’s Strategic Escape: After surviving Yohan’s twisted competition, Taejoong returned to Mr. Noh for treatment and preparation for his next move.
The Red Envelope Discovery: At the lawyer’s office, Taejoong found evidence pointing to So Hyeon-jung as the next victim, revealing how the sculpting method harvests everyday items to construct false narratives.
Office Bombing: The lawyer’s death demonstrated how expendable everyone becomes once they’ve served their purpose in the manipulation scheme.
The Factory Clue: Taejoong discovered a message directing him toward Baek Do-kyung, signaling a shift from victim to active investigator.
Yohan’s Ruthlessness: The decapitation of Woo Bin-nam showcased Yohan’s calculated precision in eliminating traces.
What to Expect in Episodes 9-10
From Hiding to Hunting
Episodes 9-10 are likely to push Taejoong from hiding to active pursuit, with the factory message clearly directing him toward Baek Do-kyung. This shift represents a fundamental change in the power dynamic—Taejoong is no longer running; he’s investigating.
Digital Trail Investigation
The clue tied to the account @d__kyung will force Taejoong to dig into online records, financial trails, and surveillance gaps. Expect techno-thriller elements as he traces digital footprints left by the sculpting network. This investigation may bring him closer to understanding the full scope of Yohan’s operation.
Alliance Building
Given the complexity of the conspiracy, Taejoong will likely need allies. Detective Hwang and guard Yang Cheolhwan have been gradually piecing together the truth. Their collaboration could prove crucial as the investigation expands beyond what one person can handle alone.
The Sculpting Network Exposed
Each episode has revealed more about how the manipulation system works—collecting ordinary items, planting evidence, and creating airtight false narratives. Episodes 9-10 should expose more operatives within this network and possibly reveal who’s funding such an elaborate operation.
Yohan’s Countermoves
Do Kyung-soo’s portrayal of the chilling mastermind has been a series highlight. Yohan won’t sit idle while Taejoong investigates. Expect strategic countermoves, possibly involving new victims or traps designed specifically for Taejoong.
Why The Manipulated Has Become Must-Watch Television
Unlike typical K-drama releases, The Manipulated premiered with four episodes on November 5, 2025, on Disney+, immediately hooking viewers with its intense pacing and brutal action sequences. The series has maintained incredible momentum by releasing two episodes weekly on Wednesdays.
Ji Chang-wook delivers one of his finest performances as Taejoong, combining his signature action prowess with emotional depth. Meanwhile, Do Kyung-soo (D.O. from EXO) brings terrifying calm to the role of Yohan, creating one of K-drama’s most memorable villains.
The show currently holds an impressive rating on IMDb, with fans praising the fast-paced storytelling, intricate plot, and visceral action scenes that feel more intense than typical Korean dramas.
For more Ji Chang-wook content and K-drama news, check out our Korean entertainment coverage.
The Buzz Around The Manipulated
The series placed fourth on last week’s FUNdex Drama Buzzworthiness Chart from Good Data Corporation (November 10-16, 2025), earning a buzz score of 9.65%. This impressive ranking demonstrates how the thriller has captured audience attention despite competing with numerous other releases.
Social media discussions have exploded with theories about the sculpting network’s true purpose, Yohan’s ultimate endgame, and whether Taejoong can actually achieve justice or if he’s walking into an even bigger trap.
Countdown to the Finale
With only four episodes remaining after this week’s release—episodes 11-12 will air on December 3—The Manipulated is entering its endgame. The December finale will need to resolve multiple storylines: Taejoong’s quest for justice, the full exposure of the manipulation network, and the inevitable confrontation between Taejoong and Yohan.
The accelerated release schedule means fans won’t have to wait months for resolution. Within two weeks, the entire story will conclude—a refreshing change from K-dramas that stretch narratives across 16-20 episodes.
For the latest K-drama release schedules and episode reviews, visit our entertainment section where we cover everything from thriller series to romantic comedies.
How to Prepare for Episodes 9-10
Before the new episodes drop, consider rewatching key moments from episodes 7-8, particularly Taejoong’s discovery of the red envelope and the factory scene. These clues will likely pay off significantly in the upcoming installments.
Also, if you’re new to Ji Chang-wook’s work, The Manipulated showcases why he’s considered one of Korea’s top action stars. His previous series like Healer, The K2, and The Worst of Evil demonstrate his range and commitment to physically demanding roles.
FAQs
Q: How many episodes are left after episodes 9-10 of The Manipulated?
A: After episodes 9-10 air on November 26, there will be only two more episodes remaining. Episodes 11-12 will serve as the series finale and are scheduled to release on December 3, 2025. The show was designed as a tight 12-episode thriller, ensuring the story maintains its breakneck pace without unnecessary filler.
Q: Can I watch The Manipulated if I’m not in the US or Korea?
A: Yes! The Manipulated is available on multiple platforms depending on your region. Disney+ carries it in most countries worldwide including Canada and Europe. In the United States, it’s available on both Disney+ and Hulu. Asian viewers can watch on Disney+ Hotstar in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The global release ensures fans worldwide can follow Taejoong’s journey simultaneously.
