A method and apparatus for controlling a hybrid direct-current (DC) transmission system. The method comprises: adjusting the total number of inserted sub-modules of a modular multi-level converter and the polarity of an output level of the inserted sub-modules in real time, according to a DC voltage of a rectifier station at other end; or adjusting the total number of inserted sub-modules of a modular multi-level converter and the polarity of an output level of the inserted sub-modules in real time, according to the magnitude of a DC current or DC power; or adjusting the total number of inserted sub-modules of a modular multi-level converter and the polarity of an output level of the inserted sub-modules in real time, according to both the magnitude of the DC current and the DC voltage of the rectifier station at the other end. The method can effectively control the DC voltage and the direct current of a hybrid DC transmission system, avoiding the power transmitting breakdown.