The Manipulated (2025) s01e05 Episode Script

[theme music playing]
The Manipulated
5 YEARS AGO
[man] No, that's not what happened.
She's the one who called me
asking to hang out.
So we did,
and I told her to go home
after we had a couple of drinks.
[glass clinks]
[gulps]
[glass clinks]
What?
I'm not fucked up.
No.
I I haven't done any drugs.
Well [chuckles]
maybe a little. [cackling]
[ominous music plays]
The thing is
this girl um
she's not breathing.
Ah, fuck.
Dad, what should I do?
I think I'm starting to freak out.
[unsettling music playing]
Fuck me.
-Where is this from?
-It's, uh, Spain.
They're usually pretty good.
-Here.
-Cheers to us.
[glasses clink]
[woman on P.A.] Attention,
we will resume shortly.
-We would like to ask our guests
-Let's go.
to return to seats.
I heard an investment firm won this bid,
but isn't it reckless
to let a company like that
handle national data security?
Somehow they bypassed getting
their credentials verified.
I'm sure money played a part.
-Let's sit there.
-They weren't in the initial bid.
But they showed up in the final round
and snatched up the project.
There's something fishy about it.
Why make us come
all the way out to the boonies?
They think they can do
whatever they want with us.
-Should we shake them up a little?
-[chuckling]
We should.
[man exhales]
-Let's
-Mind if I take a seat?
Allow me to shed some light, gentlemen.
That company has roots
in security solutions
and now manages data
for a major portal in Korea.
Now, what did you say earlier?
Hmm? You'd shake them up?
You underestimate their power.
Every last detail about the three of you
can be easily collected.
The only reason they haven't is,
you aren't worth the trouble.
-[laughs] What do you mean?
-Their pockets are deep
and the C.E.O. has many interests.
And because of that, they became
an investment company
in order to manage various enterprises.
But their core business is data security,
and that was why they won in the end.
One of the conditions was that the bidder
had to construct the data center nearby,
but it was taken out in a revision.
That's highly unusual, don't you think?
Global companies build centers
in polar regions
for the purpose of improving
power efficiency.
But that seemed a bit too far away.
That's why we're building it here.
Anyone with a brain would know that.
[scoffs]
-Well, you must be a loyal employee.
-[laughs]
Then how do you explain
the government's sudden policy change?
Well, they probably have a close friend
in high places.
Also, you got it wrong.
I'm not some employee.
I'm the owner of this entire company.
Without further ado,
I would like to introduce
the most important person of this event.
Please give a warm welcome
to the C.E.O. of GA Investments,
Mr. An Yohan.
The three of you are sitting at my feast,
hoping you'll catch any crumbs that fall.
[clicks tongue] But don't worry.
I'll leave scraps for you.
[announcer] Here he is, Mr. An.
Let's give him a big round of applause.
Arrogant prick! Who does he think he is?
[man 2] I'll teach this punk respect.
[classical music playing]
-[applause]
-[cameras clicking]
His finger might work. [chuckles]
[car chimes]
[engine revving]
[static]
[tires screech]
Oh, what the hell is this?
[sighs]
Hey, move it!
How does an idiot like you
have a driver's license?
What kind of inconsiderate person
parks their car like this?
Hey, move your car, dumb ass!
-[blade slashes]
-[man shouts]
[screaming]
[sinister music playing]
[beeps]
[hisses]
[chuckles softly]
[exclaiming softly]
How'd you know I was thirsty?
I can hear the excitement in your voice.
You must have finished
another masterpiece.
[Yohan] I wasn't sure if I'd
find the missing piece,
but here it is. [chuckles]
I think it's beautiful.
[sighs] Renoir once said
that the pain passes,
but the beauty remains.
Wow.
[cell phone vibrating]
[Yohan sighs]
ASSEMBLYMAN BAEK
But in this life, pain never ends.
[cell phone beeps]
Hello.
Think of it as a security detail.
Ordinarily, security involves someone
taking the hit for you
in exchange for money.
However, I do things a little differently.
I start protecting you
after an incident has happened.
And I don't charge money
for these services.
All I ask in return,
is that you buy me an art piece.
Now listen carefully.
Your son needs to put
the body in warm water.
Don't worry, Assemblyman Baek.
We'll handle everything.
Appreciate doing business with you.
[intriguing music playing]
[beeping]
[chimes]
[whooshing]
All right, people, let's do this.
[suspenseful music playing]
[device beeping]
[device beeping]
[whirring]
[suspenseful music swells]
[system trilling]
[caller] The thing is
this girl
um, she's not breathing.
[suspenseful music playing]
[gasping]
Oh, shit!
Fuck!
[gasps]
[grunts, panting]
[panting]
[water running]
[man exclaiming softly]
[man exclaiming]
[talks indistinctly]
-[man exclaiming softly]
-[scoffs]
[footsteps squelching]
His footsteps are everywhere.
I said to be careful.
Why aren't you answering!!!!
Where are you?!!!! 9 Missed Calls - Kongi
Well, your phone turn off.
-Fuck!
-[phone clatters]
[whooshing]
[pinging]
[suspenseful music playing]
Shall we find some candidates?
Show nearby CCTV footage.
[whooshes, trills]
[beeps]
[sighs]
[suspenseful music continuing]
[suspenseful music swells]
This guy keeps popping up near this home.
[chuckling] Bingo. Our culprit.
[yawns]
[man] The order is ready.
Oh, thanks.
-Appreciate it. See ya.
-[man] Sure.
All right.
[beeps, whooshes]
[suspenseful music playing]
[claps]
He stays busy.
Jeongdok Exam Prep Academy
A younger brother.
Is he watering those? [chuckles]
He must have a soft spot for plants.
What a pure soul. [chuckles]
His girlfriend's pretty.
Let's start sculpting.
Thursday, August 20
[vibrates]
[suspenseful music playing]
Cleaning Service
Make sure to take this, too.
[trills]
[suspenseful music playing]
[beeps]
[squelching]
What crime should I sculpt for you?
[exclaims softly]
The real-time CCTV is
[beeps]
Come on, turn the lights off.
Do it.
[laughs]
Collect everything
that comes out of that house today.
[sad music playing]
General Waste Bag
10L (Household Use)
[man] Bodily fluids presumed
to belong to the culprit
were found in the victim's body.
[ethereal music playing]
It's gone.
He must have lost it.
Check if we found a bracelet.
If we didn't, find an identical one
and place it at the scene.
[girlfriend] Where's the bracelet?
The one I gave you.
Why don't you have the bracelet
I gave you?
My bracelet?
It fell off in Taejoong's room that night.
[grunts]
[zipper sliding]
[exhales]
Excuse me, young man,
could you lend a hand?
[Yohan] Let's put a plant here,
maybe a China doll tree,
and make sure it's a sick one.
[shutter clicking sound]
The China doll tree needs to be in
partial sunlight to keep its leaves
from drying out. So I moved it a bit.
I recommend adding pot fertilizer.
[scoffs]
Time for the exhibition.
[sirens wailing]
[reporters clamoring]
At the end of the day,
we're the ones on top,
the 1% chosen to run the world.
People like us must never falter.
We rely on the other 99%
to cheer us on and protect us
and forgive us for our mistakes.
That way we can continue to lead them.
Your son's name is Baek Dokyung, right?
We don't want him traumatized.
So send him on a vacation.
He'll forget in no time.
MAN IN HIS 30S SUSPECTED
OF DISMEMBERMENT MURDER
ARRESTED AT HOME
IN AN EMERGENCY ARRES
The Manipulated
[ominous music playing]
[cell phone vibrates]
Talk to me.
Feed them first.
[prisoner] What the Where are we?
[prisoner 2] Where are we?
[truck hisses]
[guard] Can you hear me? Are you alive?
[busy chatter]
[clamoring]
[guard] Get them out.
-Get off me!
-Move!
[grunting]
[steam hisses]
[gasping] Okay.
[prisoners grunting]
[prisoner groaning]
[prisoners exclaiming]
What is this?
[mutters] Shit.
[prisoner 2] No.
Oh, shit, man!
[prisoners shuddering]
[breathing heavily]
Since you dragged us all here blindfolded,
I doubt we came to do any legal work.
You shove us in a truck, and now
you think we're gonna act like dogs,
thanking you for treats? Fuck that.
Who gives a shit? I'm starving.
Aren't you guys hungry?
[prisoner] Is that lobster?
[exclaiming]
[exclaiming]
[prisoner cackling]
[electronic dance music playing]
[gun clicks]
[scoffs]
Eat up, you're going to need the energy.
-This way, boss.
-Okay.
Come this way.
[suspenseful music playing]
[burps]
[breathing heavily]
That piece of shit warden.
What's he up to?
This is bullshit.
[sighs]
What the hell's gonna happen to me?
[exclaims]
[sighs]
[sighing]
Shit.
[breath trembling]
[door opens]
[door creaking]
[door closes]
Oh, shit.
[panting]
[softly] Fuck.
[grunts]
[door closes]
[exhales]
[suspenseful music playing]
[exhales]
[suspenseful music continuing]
Hazardous Gas Handling Facility
[gunfire]
[shuddering]
[panting]
-[truck horn honks]
-[panting]
[window whirs]
Out on a walk, 2802?
Come here.
It's okay. Come on.
It wasn't easy to bring you here,
so don't do this to me.
Get in.
Let's get you back to your room.
[scoffs]
[scoffs]
You were trying to escape, weren't you?
Don't worry, I'm not angry.
Actually, I kind of like that.
Desperation's good.
[Taejoong sighing]
-[guns click]
-[sighs]
[sighs]
I see.
So you're the one who brought us all here?
I am.
-For what?
-Does that matter?
You're already here.
Just worry about what's happening next.
If you want to be rewarded,
you might want to focus a little.
There will be a match soon.
-A match?
-Mmm-hmm.
And so all I'm asking is for you
to do your best out there.
And if you come out on top,
you'll win a special prize.
Want to know what it is?
No, wait.
I don't want to spoil the fun.
You know, I feel like I know you.
Are you someone famous?
[chuckles]
Well, I guess everyone in here is.
See you at the match.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music swells]
[door closes]
[lock clanking]
[sighs]
Taejoong. I thought you broke out again.
So I've been worried sick about you.
What?
Isn't it awesome
how they gave us lobster, drinks,
new clothes, like we're not prisoners?
-[laughs]
-Hey.
Since when did we become friends?
Oh, well, after seeing you fight,
I've gained a lot of respect for you.
Without a doubt in my mind,
your side is the one I want to be on.
So ignore any crazy shit
I might do or say.
-What the fuck are you talking about?
-I have to do what I can to survive.
I have no other option.
-We need to go somewhere.
-Go to bed.
I'm begging you to come with me.
-Let go, man.
-It'll only take a second.
-Remember, I'm on your side.
-[grunts]
[tense electronic music playing]
-Why are you bringing me here?
-Come on.
Boss, I brought him like you asked.
Hey!
Don't be rude and get your ass over here.
[sighs]
Hello.
Park Taejoong. Come say hi to the boss.
-This piece of
-[Jiyong] Disrespectful bitch.
[exclaims] Hey, hey, hey! Taejoong, wait.
Listen, I'm fucked
if you don't go over there.
Don't worry. You'll be fine.
Come on! Hurry up, asshole!
[Taejoong] You're fucking crazy.
Look who it is.
With everything going on, I haven't
gotten the chance to thank you yet.
You know, for this generous gift.
So thanks, man.
Shit. It still hurts. [groans]
[sighs]
[Taejoong]
At least your ear's back in one piece.
It's like it's brand new.
[glass shatters]
This little bastard. Are you crazy?
-[grunts, chokes]
-You really want to fucking do this?
-[grunts]
-[gunshots]
-[glass shattering]
-[grunts]
[tense music playing]
[Jiyong's breath trembles]
[objects clattering]
[Deoksu] Looks like today is not the day.
But I'm sure there will be plenty
of chances to return the favor.
[clicks tongue]
[birds chirping]
["William Tell Overture"
playing on P.A.]
[groans]
[groans]
[grunts] Oh, shit.
[grunts]
["Willam Tell Overture"
continues playing]
[groans]
[coughs]
[groans]
["Willam Tell Overture" continues playing]
[prisoners yawn]
[drone whirring]
[music ends]
[feedback whines]
[prisoners groan]
[Yohan] Did everyone sleep well?
You must be wondering where you are
and why you've been brought to this place.
Well, your time begins now.
[laughs] This is the land of opportunity.
[laughs]
[continues laughing]
What is this place, huh?
Isn't it obvious?
It's a racetrack.
Racetrack? Like, for cars?
Here?
Each of you will drive a randomly
assigned vehicle and race one another.
Besides that,
there are no rules.
Is this some kind of sick joke?
-[prisoner] Hey, man, calm down.
-Seriously, a fucking car race?
How are you allowed to do this shit to us?
Well, I got permission.
Man, this is completely insane bullshit!
You bring us here like cattle, feed us
and think we'll play your little games?
You're fucking delusional!
I'm going to sue
the living shit out of you!
Let's get the fuck out of here.
[guard] Hey.
-[gunfire]
-[prisoners gasp]
[breath trembling]
[sputtering]
[tense music playing]
[laughs]
[exhales]
Any other complaints?
Or does anybody else want to leave?
If not, then allow me to continue.
Watch out.
[whirring]
[Yohan] 5 billion won.
That's the total prize money
for whoever wins first place.
Wow, this is crazy.
Sir, I have a question.
If we're gonna, um, do a car race,
how do we, like, get the cars?
That's all.
[sighs]
The number that's on your uniform matches
the garage you've been assigned to.
Your car will be inside.
And to prevent any mishaps
like we had earlier,
I'll give you chances to consult with me.
So if you end up having questions,
just come and find me.
[laughs]
Sounds like fun.
[Dokyung] At ease!
Shit, are those real guns? Huh? Wow.
What the fuck?
Shit! I'm already excited.
[exclaims, laughs]
[imitates guns firing]
They're real, right?
Wow.
Fuck, yeah!
[grunts]
[sighs]
What the fuck is this place?
Hey.
I heard your avatar choked on a Bible.
Yep, he did.
Count yourself lucky.
My fucking avatar managed to survive
for years, but finally died last week.
-Glad that shit's over.
-Hey, keep it down, will you?
What if someone hears you?
What are you so afraid of, huh?
[giggles] Are you scared?
[scoffs]
C.E.O. Yohan only invited us.
We don't have to be quiet.
What do you mean, "last week"? I thought
your avatar got wiped out months ago.
Right.
This was my third one.
[giggles]
[scoffs]
Fucking psycho.
Where are you from?
Hey, hey, look.
[Dokyung chuckles]
[Director Shin] Whoa.
This is impressive.
Wow!
The party has arrived.
[Director Shin] It's good to see you.
Been a while.
[Dokyung] Get in here.
[chuckles]
[Director Shin] I'll take one, thanks.
Holy fuck!
This view is insane.
[Director Shin] Wow.
This is quite the setup you got here.
Sit wherever.
Thanks for making time to come by.
Thank you for inviting us
to make money in such a fun way.
Okay. Help me understand what this is.
Racecars.
So it's just a bunch of prisoners racing?
[chuckles]
-What's so great about that?
-It's not some simple race.
Uh, think of it as more of a dogfight.
Dogfight?
Dogfight is like combat, so
Shit, I just got goosebumps.
It all just clicked in my head.
-[laughs]
-[Director Shin] Dogfighting with cars.
Won't there be casualties?
That's the whole fucking point.
Isn't that right?
I invited you here
so you could witness it for yourselves.
-Nice.
-Seeing it with your own eyes
will be the most fun you've had in years.
[tense music playing]
[sighs]
[laughs]
Nice! This car looks fast as fuck.
Hell, yeah.
[chuckling]
[Yohan] All of the prisoners will receive
everything they need
to maintain and fix up their cars.
Is this a good car or a bad one?
[Yohan] A prisoner may not get a good car,
but that doesn't necessarily mean
they're at a disadvantage.
The only rule is that there are no rules.
Nothing is off limits.
The prisoners are allowed
to do anything to win.
-This way a little bit.
-Got it.
[yelling] Yeah! [laughing]
Holy shit, is this for real?
Oh!
[drink can opens]
[sighs]
[exhales]
So what's our role in all of this?
You will be the founding members
of this business.
[exhales]
With this race, we'll attract
the high rollers who love to gamble,
and set up
a betting system on the dark web.
Once we work out the kinks, we'll host
more races and expand to other countries.
Of course, there are prisoners
all over the world.
Hmm. You've put thought into this.
[laughs]
[Dokyung] You said you'd give
prize money to the winner.
You actually gonna do that?
[clicks tongue] I promised I would,
-but
-But?
I doubt anyone will make it
to the finish line. [laughs]
[both laughing]
[tense music playing]
[engine revving]
The Manipulated
[electronic metal song playing]
[emotional music playing]
The ashes of all are raining down ♪
There's blood on the flags
Turning brown ♪
All creeping shadows are spreading out ♪
You thought you broke me down apart ♪
But I survived
Despite the mess you left ♪
I see the pain
It fades away ♪
The light is shining for my bleeding ♪
I'm ready to go ♪
It's time to rend my fears and pains ♪
See what I was meant for ♪
Show me what you got, I'm a big boy ♪
I don't know who it is, boy
Calling for the big boy now ♪
Show me what you got, I'm a big boy ♪
I don't know who it is, boy
Tell them I'm a big boy now ♪
The ashes of all are raining down ♪
There's blood on the flags
Turning brown ♪
All creeping shadows are spreading out ♪
You thought you broke me down apart ♪
But I survived
Despite the mess you left ♪
I see the pain
It fades away ♪
The light is shining for my bleeding ♪
I'm ready to go ♪
It's time to rend my fears and pains ♪
See what I was meant for ♪
Show me what you got, I'm a big boy ♪
I don't know who it is, boy
Tell them I'm a big boy now ♪
[music fades]