In a candid and revealing interview, superstar actor Ji Chang-wook shared his innermost thoughts on the physically grueling experience of filming the Disney+ original series, ‘The Manipulated’ (조각도시), admitting with refreshing honesty that he is ready to take a break from the action genre—for now.
Speaking with Spotv News on the 11th, Ji Chang-wook delivered a surprising but relatable confession: “I honestly don’t want to do any action [roles] for the time being,” a statement that prompted laughter, given his recent, electrifying performance in the hit drama, ‘The Manipulated.’
The Peak of Action: ‘The Manipulated’ Thrills
‘The Manipulated’ saw Ji Chang-wook take his charismatic acting prowess to the next level, delivering a career-defining performance as the protagonist, Tae-joong. The action-packed drama follows Tae-joong, whose ordinary life is violently shattered when he is unjustly framed for a heinous crime and sent to prison. He soon discovers that the entire scheme was meticulously orchestrated by Yo-han (played by Do Kyung-soo), setting the stage for a desperate and thrilling revenge mission.
In the series, Ji Chang-wook immerses himself fully into the character of Tae-joong, a young man whose life is turned upside down. The actor vividly portrays Tae-joong’s lonely and fierce struggle to clear his name and reclaim his existence.
The Emotional and Physical Toll
Reflecting on the challenging production, Ji Chang-wook acknowledged the immense effort required, stating, “It was a long and difficult project, but I think I was able to endure it thanks to my colleagues, which makes it a meaningful project for me.”
However, he did not shy away from detailing the heavy toll the role took. “It was physically exhausting, and it was also a project where I had personal ambition,” he explained. “I think my own ambition made it difficult. The role was about a character in distress and suffering, so that was also very, very hard.” He even succinctly summarized the filming experience by declaring, “I suffered.”
Will There Be a ‘The Manipulated’ Season 2? And The Hilarious ‘Action Refusal’
The ending of ‘The Manipulated‘ left viewers with a tantalizing cliffhanger. While Tae-joong is exonerated and begins a normal life by opening a cafe, Yo-han’s sudden reappearance hinted strongly at a potential Season 2, sparking immediate speculation among fans.
When asked about the possibility of a follow-up season, Ji Chang-wook noted that there had been no official discussions about it. Yet, his earlier plea about action roles resurfaced, generating more amusement. He cheekily reiterated, “I definitely don’t want to do any action for the time being.” Despite his humorous reluctance, he quickly added, “If they propose a Season 2, I would be very grateful.”
Elaborating on his ‘action refusal,’ the seasoned actor explained that the sentiment is a recurring theme in his career. “Whenever I do action, I always have that thought: I don’t want to do action. It’s too hard, my body is too demanding. I think that with every project: ‘Could this be my last action project?'”
He continued with a self-aware chuckle, “I’m also getting older, and there are moments when I can’t perform as well as my heart wants me to. So, while doing action, I constantly think, ‘Is this the last one?’ and when it ends, ‘I shouldn’t do it again.’ I’ll probably be repeating this cycle—’Maybe this will be the last one’—a few years from now.”
Ji Chang-wook’s honest and humorous take on the intensity of his action roles provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the commitment required for his craft, leaving fans equally impressed by his dedication and entertained by his desire for a well-deserved, action-free break.
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