Doh Kyung Soo, better known as EXO’s D.O., has long been associated with warmth, restraint, and emotional depth. In Disney+’s dark thriller The Manipulated, however, he deliberately shatters that familiar image. Trading tenderness for terror, D.O. steps into the role of a chilling villain—and discovers that confronting evil on screen is even more intense when the enemy is played by his real-life best friend, Lee Kwang Soo.
The Manipulated follows the descent of an ordinary man into a living hell, engineered by a cruel mastermind who designs crimes with surgical precision. That mastermind is Yo Han, portrayed by D.O.—a character less interested in chaos for spectacle’s sake than in calculated cruelty. In recent interviews, the actor revealed that this project marked one of his most radical transformations yet, both physically and psychologically.
Rather than relying on flashy action or exaggerated villainy, D.O. chose to redefine Yo Han through simplicity. His approach centered on brutality stripped to its essence. “Cruelty,” not complexity, became the core philosophy. Even the action sequences reflected this mindset. Instead of elaborate choreography, he intentionally reduced movements—cutting ten flashy techniques down to three decisive strikes. The result was more unsettling, more believable, and far more dangerous.
His choice of weapon underscored that intent. A long sword, visually stark and unforgiving, amplified the sense of raw violence. Every movement was meant to feel final, almost surgical, reinforcing Yo Han’s identity as a “sculptor” of crime rather than a conventional action villain. The restraint made the character colder—and infinitely more frightening.
Yet one of the most talked-about aspects of The Manipulated isn’t just D.O.’s villainous turn, but his long-awaited on-screen collaboration with Lee Kwang Soo. Despite years of close friendship, the two had never properly shared a scene before, having narrowly missed each other in It’s Okay, That’s Love. This time, they finally faced off—on opposite sides of a brutal narrative.
Watching Lee Kwang Soo transform was a shock for D.O. “This isn’t the brother I know,” he admitted, recalling how immersed Kwang Soo was in his role. The usually lighthearted entertainer became someone genuinely unsettling. D.O. didn’t hold back his praise, applauding Kwang Soo’s focus and his ability to completely “digest” the character.
His most memorable compliment, however, came wrapped in humor. “He was really detestable on set, too,” D.O. joked—an affectionate acknowledgment of just how convincingly Kwang Soo embodied a detestable character.
Ultimately, acting alongside a close friend proved to be a strength, not a distraction. D.O. realized that professionalism and strong performances dissolve personal familiarity, allowing actors to fully commit to their roles. The Manipulated stands as proof of his expanding range—and a reminder that D.O. is no longer confined to gentle characters.
As the series concludes, fans are left anticipating what risks he’ll take next. One thing is certain: Doh Kyung Soo has entered a new, darker chapter—and he’s commanding every moment of it.
