D.O. began his acting career in 2014 with the drama 'It's Okay, That's Love' and has since built a solid filmography across both dramas and films. 'The Manipulated' marks his first foray into playing a villain. The Disney+ original series follows Tae-jung (played by Ji Chang-wook), who gets embroiled in an unjust incident and imprisoned, only to discover that all the tragedies were meticulously orchestrated by Ahn Yo-han (played by D.O.), leading to a gripping revenge action drama.
In the series, D.O. takes on the role of Ahn Yo-han, a sculptor who manipulates events with a mix of madness and menace. At the 'The Manipulated' press conference, he shared, "I pondered how to make the character appear more chilling. I also worked extensively with the stunt team to portray the action scenes as more desperate and brutal," highlighting the effort he put into the role.
His intense performance shines on screen. His expressions, which explode with madness at moments, and his cold demeanor even after committing murder, amplify the character's eerie nature. Scenes like flipping a dining table in frustration or subtly smiling while aiming a sniper rifle showcase D.O.'s psychopathic portrayal, leaving a strong impact on viewers.
Following the release of 'The Manipulated', social media buzzed with reactions. Viewers praised, "He seems like a different person," "His acting is so good, I held my breath," and "His gaze is so cold, it's genuinely scary." The series also performed well, topping the Disney+ TOP 10 TV shows in South Korea and Taiwan shortly after its release, and quickly climbing the worldwide charts.
Previously, D.O. showcased his range with dual roles in the drama '100 Days My Prince' and delivered a nuanced, warm performance in the film 'Secret'. Known for his gentle and kind image, he expands his acting spectrum by presenting a completely different side in this project. A broadcasting insider commented, "D.O. excels in acting, singing, and everything else, truly a versatile talent," adding that he is an actor to watch in the future.
He is also making his mark in variety shows. On tvN's 'Green Bean, Red Bean spin-off : Joy Pops Laugh Pops', D.O. captivates audiences with his chemistry with fellow actors Lee Kwang-soo and Kim Woo-bin. As D.O. continues to excel in various fields, anticipation grows for what he will showcase next.
By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr