Ji Chang Wook stars in his newest project, the Disney+ original series The Manipulated, bringing his signature charm to the small screen once again.
Ji Chang Wook recently opened up about his experience with the K-drama, revealing what drove him to persevere through the challenging action sequences.
In this gripping action drama, the life of Tae Jung, played by Ji Chang Wook, is turned upside down when he's falsely accused and imprisoned for a horrific crime. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a shocking truth - his fate was sealed by none other than the cunning Yo Han, portrayed by Doh Kyung Soo. Driven by a burning desire for vengeance, Tae Jung sets out to confront his manipulator and make him pay for his wrongdoing.
Ji Chang Wook had high hopes for adapting Fabricated City into a series, and when the opportunity arose, he felt a strong sense of ownership, thinking to himself, "Who better to bring this story to life than me?" He found the script engaging and entertaining, and after reading the first four episodes, he was hooked, wanting to do justice to the project. Having previously worked on the film version of Fabricated City a decade ago, Ji Chang Wook felt a mix of pressure and excitement about reapproaching the story in a new format. The shift from a movie to a series allowed for significant narrative changes, making it feel like a distinct entity, and this presented a substantial challenge for him. However, he also saw it as a chance to build upon and expand the original story, and he was determined to make the most of this opportunity.
When it came to developing his character, he explained that the writer's skill was instrumental in transforming the film into a series. Expanding a two-hour movie into a complex narrative with multiple characters and storylines demanded a tremendous amount of work from the writer. Instead of simply crafting a character and presenting it, he opted to focus on conveying his emotions and reactions in a way that would resonate with the audience. He devoted considerable time to considering how viewers could connect with the story through his character Tae Jung's perspective.
The director made a conscious effort to explore Tae Jung's emotional state during the darkest moments of his journey, where he faces utter despair. To create a sense of authenticity and evoke empathy from the audience, the story employed certain narrative tools to push Tae Jung to his absolute lowest point. The director's focus was on capturing the intensity of this emotional downfall, particularly after Tae Jung's imprisonment, where he reaches a breaking point and attempts to take his own life. Although he starts to rebuild while working in the copy room, the psychological scars still linger, leaving him fragile and vulnerable. The director imagined Tae Jung's mental state to be so fractured that he begins to question his own innocence, doubting whether he actually committed a crime he was accused of. A conversation with a fellow inmate sparks this self-doubt, as Tae Jung starts to wonder if he was indeed guilty, marking a pivotal moment in his transformation.
Ji Chang Wook shared his experiences with the physical challenges he encountered, revealing that the role took a significant toll on his body. He attributed part of the exhaustion to his own drive and perfectionism, as the character's constant struggles made the portrayal even more demanding. The action-packed nature of the series added to the fatigue, with intense sequences starting from the very first episode, including a motorcycle stunt and subsequent non-stop action from the prison scenes onwards, followed by a high-octane car chase and another extensive action sequence.
This project was packed with intense action sequences, and I was determined to get it right, so I had numerous discussions with the stunt coordinator to ensure every detail was perfect. As Tae Jung navigates through various challenges, he undergoes significant growth, and I wanted to capture this progression effectively. The action unfolds in multiple layers, from brutal hand-to-hand combat within the prison walls to a high-octane car chase, and finally, an elaborate, stylized sequence reminiscent of a comic book. My goal was to create an entertaining, larger-than-life experience, rather than a realistic portrayal. I even considered pushing the boundaries to create a slightly exaggerated, cartoon-like quality. The grueling action scenes took a toll on me, and I think the crew felt sorry for me, but their kindness and support made a big difference, especially during the toughest moments.
When asked if he made any external or physical transformations, he responded that he initially wanted to appear fatigued, considering weight loss to achieve this look, but the filming process was so grueling that he didn't attempt to add muscle mass after training.
With such a wide range of action scenes, it was necessary to have multiple stunt doubles on set. The approach was to perform as much as possible personally, while relying on doubles for the more challenging or complex sequences. For instance, a car chase scene with Yang Dong Geun involved a combination of personal performance and stunt double work, blended seamlessly together through clever camera work and editing. It's unrealistic to expect to handle every aspect of action scenes alone, so the stunt team provided valuable support where needed. When feeling particularly confident or ambitious about a specific part, it was tackled personally, resulting in a roughly equal split between solo and double work. Ultimately, creating convincing action on screen is a collaborative effort between the performer, stunt doubles, and action team, as choreographing and coordinating these scenes is a team effort that requires input and expertise from all parties involved.
Ji Chang Wook reflected on his recent string of physically demanding roles, including The Worst of Evil, Gangnam B-Side, and The Manipulated, admitting that each time he takes on an action-heavy project, he can't help but think it will be his last. The grueling nature of these roles leaves him feeling drained, both mentally and physically, and as he gets older, he's starting to feel the strain more than ever. Despite his best intentions to slow down, he finds himself drawn back to these challenging parts, and after each one, he can't shake the feeling that he's ready to hang up his action hero hat for good - only to have the same thoughts resurface with the next project. This cycle, he acknowledges, is likely to continue for years to come.
When asked about the possibility of a second season, the actor gave a candid response, stating that there had been no discussions whatsoever. He acknowledged that people's opinions can shift over time, but admitted that working on the project had been so draining that he wasn't eager to dive back in anytime soon. However, he also expressed that if a second season were to be offered, he would be thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity, and even chuckled at the prospect.
He reflected on his goals, saying he didn't expect to fully accomplish what he had set out to do, as he often approaches projects with high aspirations but rarely feels entirely fulfilled. However, the positive feedback from the audience has been a welcome surprise, with many finding it enjoyable and offering praise, which he considers a privilege. On a personal level, he believes he met his own expectations, yet still sees room for improvement. For him, success isn't solely defined by commercial achievement, and he acknowledges that doing his best is no guarantee of widespread acclaim. His approach remains unchanged, driven by a strong passion for acting and a desire to continuously improve, often becoming deeply invested in his work.
Ji Chang Wook has solidified his partnership with Disney+ through his roles in The Worst of Evil, Gangnam B-Side, and The Manipulated, with his latest project being the highly anticipated Korea-Japan co-production drama Merry Berry Love. As a result, he has affectionately been dubbed the "son of Disney+." When asked about his ongoing collaboration with the platform, Ji expressed his sincere appreciation, stating that the opportunity to work and receive fair compensation gives him a sense of purpose and responsibility as an actor. He believes this motivation drives him to push beyond his limits, which can sometimes lead to intense pressure. Nevertheless, Ji is deeply grateful to those who have invested in him and strives to deliver exceptional performances, ensuring that their trust in him is well-founded.
You can currently catch The Manipulated on both Disney+ and Hulu.
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