The Manipulated: When will episodes 5-6 release, and what to expect

Disney+ premiered the first four episodes of The Manipulated on November 5. The upcoming two episodes, 5 and 6, will arrive on November 12 at 5 pm KST. The thriller drama centers on Taejoong (Ji Chang-wook), an ordinary man whose life falls apart after he’s falsely linked to a violent crime and ends up in prison.

Behind bars, he later discovers the event was planned by Yohan (EXO's D.O.). Armed with that knowledge, Taejoong launches a measured campaign of retaliation.

What's ahead in episodes 5-6 of The Manipulated?

The Manipulated (Image via X/@DisneyPlusKR)

The next episodes of The Manipulated promise a deeper dive into Taejoong’s battle against Yohan and the system that trapped him. Viewers can expect high-stakes strategies as Taejoong pushes forward with his escape plan and begins turning the tables on those who framed him. Prison politics will intensify, with Yeo Deoksu and other inmates playing larger roles in the conflict.

The psychological tension will heighten as the mastermind Yohan tightens his grip. He will use manipulation and bribery to control both convicts and officials.

The Manipulated episodes 1, 2, 3, & 4 recap

Disney+ premiered The Manipulated, following Taejoong, an ordinary man whose life spirals after a false accusation. Working two jobs (a delivery route and a flower shop), he supports his brother and shares a quiet life with girlfriend Su-ji.

Everything changes when he answers a discarded phone. A delivery task with a cash reward turns into a trap. Authorities indict him of r*pe and murder after a body is located in the Han River. Despite his protests, no one believes him. Su-ji, however, stands by him, bound to prove his innocence.

During the trial, overwhelming evidence leads to a conviction. Taejoong is sent to prison, where he faces constant harassment from inmate leader Yeo Deoksu. Devastated further by his brother’s suicide, Taejoong even attempted to take his own life. A prison altar server, Noh Yongsik, helps him regain focus, encouraging reflection and purpose. Taejoong slowly builds strength, standing up to bullies and preparing for a strategic escape.

The series also introduces Yohan, revealed as the manipulative mastermind behind Taejoong’s downfall, and a doctor (played by Bae Na-ra) likely linked to a bloodied incident. Taejoong navigates prison politics, supports a fellow falsely accused inmate, and begins plotting his comeback.

By episode four, Taejoong’s escape attempt is interrupted when he collapses due to poison in his body. Meanwhile, Yohan manipulates the correctional system, bribing the official to gain control over inmate labor. The episode concludes with Yohan observing all the inmates.

The series has 12 episodes in total. After episodes 5 and 6 drop, episodes 7 to 12 will be released in pairs until December 3!

Edited by Shreya Jha