Ji Chang-wook’s ‘The Manipulated’ and Kim Yoo-jung’s ‘Dear X’ Drive Global Popularity of K-Content

According to Financial News, Disney+ has partnered with TVING under CJ ENM, introducing a 'super bundle' plan that also includes Wavve. Amid this, the Disney+ original series 'The Manipulated' and the TVING original 'Dear X' are leading the surge in K-content popularity both domestically and internationally.

According to TVING on the 26th, 'Dear X' starring Kim Yoo-jung has attracted significant viewer interest, ranking first for three consecutive weeks as the program that contributed most to new weekend subscriptions on TVING.
The response has been explosive not only in Korea but also globally. On the 23rd, FlixPatrol, a global OTT ranking site, reported that the drama ranked No. 1 on Rakuten Viki in the US for three consecutive weeks and reached the top spot on Disney+ Japan. In the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, it climbed to No. 2 on STARZPLAY, further demonstrating the strength of K-content. Additionally, on HBO Max in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and 17 other Asia-Pacific countries and regions, it was recognized as one of the top-performing Asian titles.
The TVING original 'Dear X', based on the WEBTOON of the same name, released episodes 7 and 8 on the 20th, receiving an enthusiastic response. In these episodes, Baek Ah-jin (played by Kim Yoo-jung), who suffered domestic violence as a child and now gaslights those around her, begins a relationship with top star Heo In-gang (played by Hwang In-youp), experiencing both the happiest and most tragic moments of her life.
While popular novelist Yoon Jun-seo (played by Kim Young-dae), who was once like a sibling to Baek Ah-jin, and high school friend Kim Jae-oh (played by Kim Do-hoon) anxiously wait, Baek Ah-jin seems to fall genuinely for her fake relationship. Meanwhile, Heo In-gang’s maternal grandmother, Hong Kyung-sook (played by Park Seung-tae), discovers her lost notebook at Baek Ah-jin’s house and feels disappointed and betrayed upon realizing Baek Ah-jin’s intentional approach to her grandson.
That night, news of Hong Kyung-sook’s sudden death arrives. Heo In-gang is overcome with grief and loss after his grandmother’s passing. To make matters worse, Baek Ah-jin, whom he had considered marrying, abruptly ends their relationship, leading to a tragic conclusion. As a result, Longstar Entertainment CEO Seo Mi-ri (played by Kim Ji-young) vows revenge against Baek Ah-jin, and an unexpected new crisis emerges for her, heightening anticipation for the next episode.

The Disney+ original series 'The Manipulated' (written by Oh Sang-ho, directed by Park Shin-woo and Kim Chang-ju) ranked second globally in the Disney+ TV category as of the 23rd, according to FlixPatrol, drawing explosive reactions from viewers worldwide.
'The Manipulated' captivates audiences with its unexpected and intense revenge narrative, fast-paced and multidimensional plot, as well as the performances of Ji Chang-wook and Doh Kyung-soo as the antagonist. The synergy between script, direction, and acting maximizes the show's appeal.
As Tae-jung (played by Ji Chang-wook) embarks on his revenge against sociopath Yohan (played by Doh Kyung-soo), who frames innocent citizens through perfect evidence fabrication, Ji Chang-wook’s performance is driving the drama’s explosive popularity. His immersive acting is regarded as the key force drawing viewers into the story.
He also fully demonstrates his trademark as an 'action master.' Ji Chang-wook’s physical action scenes, including hand-to-hand combat, car chases, and motorcycle stunts, not only deliver visual catharsis but also convey Tae-jung’s emotions, amplifying the impact of each scene.
At the recent 'Disney+ Originals Preview 2025' event in Hong Kong, he confessed, "'The Manipulated' was extremely challenging from start to finish because of all the action." He added, "Rather than remaking my previous film 'Fabricated City,' we expanded the same universe to create a new series called 'The Manipulated.'"


jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-ah Reporter