Pop Corner: The Manipulated Episode 2 Recap

What Tae Joong thought would be just a normal day turned into a nightmare he couldn’t escape in The Manipulated Episode 2.

More revelations unfold in The Manipulated episode 2 as Tae Joong continues to search for the truth behind his imprisonment. In the previous episode, we got to know Park Tae Joong (Ji Chang Wook)—a deliveryman living a simple life who was eventually framed for a crime that led to his incarceration.

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During his stay, emotions and tension rise until he finally confirms that someone is trying to ruin his life.

The Manipulated Episode 2 Recap: Tae Joong’s Life in Prison

The Manipulated episode 2 begins by giving us a glimpse into Tae Joong’s daily life in prison. Inmates wake up at 6:20 AM for breakfast, then proceed to their assigned labor in the afternoon. Lights out is at 9 PM, and this routine becomes Tae Joong’s new reality. Of course, there are rules. If inmates behave, they may be granted a level one classification and become eligible for parole.

Tae Joong remains in despair, and the feeling of hopelessness begins to creep in. However, a public lawyer named Attorney Kim Sang Rak (Kim Joong Hee) visits him and offers help. He believes Tae Joong’s case is being manipulated. Tae Joong insists he never saw the victim, Chu Na Young, in person, but no one believes him. During the interrogation, Tae Joong shares that what concerns him most is the bracelet found at the crime scene. He’s certain it wasn’t his—he left it in his brother Tae Jin’s (Ahn Ji Ho) room, where he took a short nap before heading to work.

The lawyer asks for Tae Jin’s address and leaves the prison.

When the lawyer returns, he delivers devastating news: Tae Jin was found dead, and the cause of death was hanging. Tae Joong is in shock, lost, and even contemplates ending his life. He attempts suicide three times, but during the last attempt, he has a dream where his brother asks him to come back to life. What Tae Joong doesn’t know is that during his moments of despair, Noh Yong Sik (Kim Jong Soo), an altar server, has been quietly observing him.

When Tae Joong is alone in the chapel, Yong Sik approaches him and talks about the hardships of prison life. He shares his own struggles, relating to Tae Joong’s misery and their mutual need to survive. This conversation helps Tae Joong regain his senses, reflect on his journey, and discover his purpose in prison.

Yong Sik encourages Tae Joong to study, take on different kinds of labor, and keep himself busy to make things more bearable. “Time is the greatest enemy you’ll ever have to face while you’re in here,” he says—words that strike Tae Joong deeply. Tae Joong learns to fight and defend himself, growing stronger than he was when he first arrived.

Tae Joong’s Life in Prison: 5 years later

A lot has changed for Tae Joong in his five years behind bars. One major change is Yong Sik’s release, leaving Tae Joong with the bracelet he once gave him. The moment is emotional, and Tae Joong thanks Yong Sik for everything. With Yong Sik now free, Tae Joong takes over as the priest’s altar server.

Who is An Yo Han?

Amid scenes of Tae Joong’s prison life, we catch a glimpse of CEO An Yo Han (Doh Kyung Soo), who appears to be speaking with a business partner over the phone as he walks to his office.

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Upon reaching his desk, something shocking and confusing is revealed: Yo Han has access to random CCTV footage and seems to be monitoring a particular man.

Tae Joong’s Epiphany

One day, a new inmate arrives at the chapel and confesses to Tae Joong. Tae Joong gives him a Bible and encourages him to seek strength from God. This moment reminds Tae Joong of his own difficult beginnings, and he echoes the same words Yong Sik once told him.

However, the inmate reveals that he was framed, just like Tae Joong. If he hadn’t picked up a lost cellphone from the bushes and tried to return it, he wouldn’t have ended up in prison. Tae Joong is stunned, as he went through the same thing. The inmate also shares that a public lawyer named Kim Sang Rak approached him for information, and that his mother later died by suicide—an act that felt out of character for her.

Remember the man Yo Han was monitoring via CCTV? That was the inmate.

The next day, the inmate dies by suicide.

Fueled by anger, Tae Joong confronts Sang Rak. At first, Sang Rak plays dumb, but eventually confesses. Tae Jin didn’t take his own life, Sang Rak killed him to eliminate the bracelet, which could have proven Tae Joong’s innocence. Sang Rak admits they’ve been destroying evidence that could lead to Tae Joong’s freedom in purpose. After leaving, he calls his boss and says they’ve been compromised by Tae Joong. He is clearly not to be trusted.

This confirms to Tae Joong that someone is indeed trying to frame him. He resigns from his role as altar server. His next move is uncertain, but one thing is clear: he’s determined to catch the person who’s behind his suffering. “I swear to God, I’m gonna find a way to kill you,” he says through gritted teeth.

Following these revelations in The Manipulated episode 2, what do you think Tae Joong’s next move will be? Will he hunt down the manipulator—or remain the manipulated?

Catch the episodes of The Manipulated on Disney+, now streaming.

Source: @DisneyPlusKR (Official X Account), Disney+