Payback

PAYBACK The Series ‧ Drama ‧ 2026
Ongoing 8/10
Fleming007
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 19, 2026
8 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

An unforgettable masterpiece.

Payback has everything I could ask for in a BL: romance, suspense, revenge, incredible chemistry, and a story that keeps you completely invested from beginning to end. This is easily a 10/10 for me and has earned a permanent place as one of my favorite BLs.

It's hard to believe this is Min and Toptap's first series as lead actors, let alone their first project together. Their chemistry feels completely natural and effortless. They bring Sun and Yohan to life in a way that makes every scene believable, and I'll never forget their performances. Toptap and Minlee have officially become my favorite actors.

Min's acting deserves special recognition. His performance is extraordinary. He has this incredible ability to keep an almost expressionless face while still letting the audience understand exactly what Sun is thinking and feeling in every moment. That's not an easy skill, and he executes it flawlessly. Even the subtle changes in his hairstyle and hair color help make each stage of Sun's journey feel like a different version of the same person, showing just how much attention was given to his character's growth.

I also loved the overall atmosphere. The series trusts its story instead of constantly interrupting emotional moments with exaggerated comedy, silly sound effects, or unnecessary gags. There are humorous moments when they're needed, but they never undermine the darker, heavier themes. That balance makes the emotional scenes hit even harder.

As someone familiar with the manhwa, I was impressed by how faithfully it was adapted. It captures the heart of the original while still feeling cinematic and emotionally powerful.

Finally, one of the biggest strengths of Payback is that it succeeds in both areas that many BLs struggle to balance. It delivers a gripping, well-written plot and genuinely excellent NC scenes that serve the relationship instead of existing purely for fan service. Finding a series that excels at both is rare, and Payback accomplishes it effortlessly.

This is one of the most complete BLs I've ever watched, and I honestly don't think I'll ever forget it.

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Ongoing 9/10
Summerlover
2 people found this review helpful
Jul 19, 2026
9 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Don't miss this believe me or you will regret forever

This is an amazing series. I will never forget this series in my life. Just love toptap and minlee. My favourite couple . This series have everything the emotion, the revenge, romance, entertainment everything.the new actors have portrait the character amazingly. There is something in main lead acting ,it totally feels real like they are not acting , even their intimate scenes feels too realistic to me. They eyes convey too much emotion. I have fallen in love with this sugar daddy and his cute baby.
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Ongoing 3/10
aqua_01
5 people found this review helpful
Jun 17, 2026
3 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Finally a solid thriller Thai BL

Gonna start by saying this is unlike many other thriller Thai BLs, by which I don't mean the story (I know that's Korean) I mean the production quality. A lot of time thriller Thai BLs aren't given enough budget to produce a good series, though its changing in recent times and this one is highly impressive. My friend even said she couldn't believe its a Thai BL lol.

The atmosphere is amazing, I'm glad they're not inserting too many gags or silly sounds to make it funny. Humor is good but it can ruin the vibe especially when this deals with a lot of heavy themes. The casting is fabulous, having read the manhwa I can say this is one of the best casting. Both actors have amazing tension, the side characters are adorable and frustrating where they need to be.

I know many people are review bombing this which is frankly pathetic. This is an independent production and they're already giving more than some big production companies. I hope more people give it an honest try because this has a lot of potential.

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Completed
aaromm
1 people found this review helpful
Jun 17, 2026
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 3.5
Rewatch Value 4.0

it's good series.

so far it's good I'm not complaining about the storyline it's mature enough for me. I love the acting. the The partnership is okay too with this series. I would rewatch it it's on my list of BL's too rewatch and that list is very small it's not that many I would rewatch but this may it on my list. can't wait for the next episode to play out. I'm really enjoying the series and the way the storyline is going. and the actors are doing an incredible job. so I will be continuing to watch this series it will not be dropped by me. me not dropping it change really fast we going removing scenes I'm done.

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Completed
Rygon Taponee
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 15, 2026
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

This cast!

For this being Min and Toptap's first series at all (as Mains) let alone together, the chemistry between these two is phenomenal. Excellent job done by the casting director. And the rest of the cast is just as good. Shogun was great as the sexy playboy type in Deep Night, and yet I am totally buying him as the sweet and innocent Sky here. Khunnote is a great supporting actor, but I think he must be better known for his music because I don't remember him having any main roles before and other than Dare You to Death, I don't know that I've seen him in anything. Fuaiz playing the bad guy seems like the next logical step after his character in 4Minutes. This series stands alone much like KinnPorsch for me.

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Completed
Yannn
1 people found this review helpful
17 days ago
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Setting the New Gold Standard for Live-Action Adaptations!

Hands down the superior live-action adaptation! Out of all the live-action adaptations I’ve watched, PAYBACK is easily the best and most accurate. The production team deserves massive praise for this masterpiece because they stayed incredibly faithful to the original manhwa panels, perfectly capturing the gritty, high-stakes atmosphere of the webtoon. They proved that you can respect the source material while delivering a phenomenal television drama.

Massive props to the actors too! Everyone did so incredibly well and embodied their characters perfectly—I honestly can't wait to see them reunite or star in their next series!

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Ongoing 8/10
VanessaP_8
1 people found this review helpful
30 days ago
8 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

A MUST WATCH AND A FABULOUS SERIES WITH SUCH TALENTED ACTORS

First of all, I believe that, for a cinematographic project (a movie or series) to trully work and have outstanding quality, the chemistry and professionalism of all the actors must be the top priority for the production and casting team. This series, amongst many I watched so far for the last two years, is in my Top 10, maybe in my Top 5. Toptap and Min's chemistry is absolutely captivating and undeniable on screen. I searched about them 2 to 3 weeks ago and I must say that their company (Aplan International) really has to fully cherish, support and give many opportunities for them, as their acting skills are remarkable, from their facial expressions, the way they portray the series' characters (which, by the way, possess depth and traumas that make them human), the dynamics they form between them,... everything. I am very trully enjoying watching Payback for their perfect work but also to give my congratulations to the director, the screenwriters and all the cast and crew for this gem they created. As I wrote in my headline: A MUST WATCH SERIES that definitively deserves more publicity, more promoting everywhere. Some little details (maybe, 2 or 3) should have been more carefully reviewed before the exhibition to the public, but as the characters (Jay, Sun, Sky and even Kajorn), nothing and nobody is perfect, everybody has traumas, flaws, a survival instinct and the will to live the best they can and with a little bit of hope. My rating is overall 9,7/10. I trully hope to see more of Toptap, Min and Shogun's work and that Aplan International keep promoting and giving them such beautiful and interesting projects. A storyline based on the highs and lows of the cinematographic industry is a glimpse at the real world actors, managers, directors and CEOs face everyday. As us, fans, should always respect the hard work they provide and, at the same time, be aware that, sometimes, there are unscrupulous men (as Sunny and the ugly inside out investor) that are the true villains. A realistic story about power struggles, psychological and emotional games, the instinct of survival, the awakening of feelings and a form of redemption. As for the symbolism of Alice's nightclub, the messy Jay's office and home, the rooftop where Jay and Sun meet, for example, trully is perfect for my detective, investigative mind. Greetings from an international / Portuguese fan of the series. I also hope that Toptap and Min keep working together as partners in upcoming projects. They are my new favourite ship, I must confess. Blessings for everyone (cast, crew and other fans).

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Ongoing 8/10
CaseyDx
1 people found this review helpful
30 days ago
8 of 10 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Absolutely Incredible, One of the Best BL Adaptations I've Watched!

Payback completely exceeded every expectation I had. From the very first episode, it pulls you into a story that's intense, emotional, and impossible to stop watching. The pacing is fantastic, balancing suspense, romance, humor, and heartfelt moments without ever feeling rushed. Even changing specific parts of the original story they have made it work.

I was a big fan of the manwha and this series definetely made it justice.

The chemistry between the leads is absolutely phenomenal. Every glance, every conversation, and every emotional scene feels genuine and natural. Their relationship develops in a way that is both satisfying and incredibly rewarding to watch. Not to mention the side characters also being so good and having their own particular story being told instead of just being used as background like other series.

The acting deserves so much praise. Every member of the cast brings their character to life with depth and authenticity. Even the supporting characters leave a lasting impression. It has everything: incredible chemistry, memorable characters, emotional storytelling, gorgeous visuals, and a plot that keeps you hooked. I honestly couldn't recommend it more. Easily one of my favorite BL series, and one I'll definitely be rewatching.

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Completed
tomoyastomato
1 people found this review helpful
17 days ago
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Finally caused payback!

The journey of Sun (Minlee’s character) was beautiful. It shows how grief is often not visible and that there’s numerous pathways. Not to forget the acting was amazing, especially because the one scene he acts out is jumping (committing suicide) but it was portrayed so beautifully you couldn’t help but feel it was real.

The chemistry between the two actors was also amazingly shown and it fully consumes you to the point you feel inclined to watch the next episode quickly. The casting for this series was amazing!!

Not to forget Director Arthur, who starts off cold and you slowly see different sides of him. The way they slowly show him changing throughout the episodes with how he treats Sun is beautiful.

The last episode was beautifully written in the sense they started it with Sun finally getting his closure which had me to TEARS within the first few minutes. The way each character gets the ending they deserve but not all of them believe they should’ve received it.

Although this series had many twists and turns, moments that made you feel heavily empathetic. It was really well written with massive props to the characters!

Would definitely recommend!!

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Completed
minimi
0 people found this review helpful
4 days ago
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.0

Live Action Done Right ??

Loved the Live Adaption as much as I loved the Manhwa, they did change the story a bit in the series but the essence of the manhwa stayed true which made me very happy, though I’d have loved to see some things kept similar to the original but still it surprisingly didn’t make me mad/ angry that they changed it. Was so so happy that they kept the trivia questions, it was one of my fav part of the story 😂😂

The Revenge was so sweet. I loved that they adapted this series and that we finally got to see black/ grey characters for the main-leads. The story, acting, osts, screenplay and everything was topnotch so I ended up finishing the series in a day 🫣🫣

The actors did a great job (I’m not sure about why people were complaining so much about it). I’m happy that Totap played Jay’s character, I loved the way he portrayed him and thought he did a very good job. Similar pov for all the other actors!! They all had great chemistry with each other and were able to make the LA more enjoyable. 🩷🩷

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Completed
skootz
0 people found this review helpful
17 days ago
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5

Top tier

This is the show you get when the rare event of a good story, direction, production and acting all come together.
Particular highlights are the last 3 episodes that have a rollercoaster of action, tears and laughs, and in 9 years of watching BL's I've never seen a penulimate episode with such a hanger that left you desperate for the finale.
Particular praise to Min who played the complex character Sun perfectly.
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Completed
ifunanya
0 people found this review helpful
17 days ago
10 of 10 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

I Finished Payback and Couldn't Stop Thinking About It

I honestly wasn't planning to talk about Payback this soon, but after finishing it, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

What surprised me the most was the chemistry between the leads. From the very beginning, their dynamic felt intense, emotional, and believable. The story is filled with tension, revenge, secrets, and power struggles, but beneath all of that is a surprisingly emotional journey about trust, healing, and finding someone who understands you.

One thing I really loved is that the characters feel strong and layered. Nobody feels one-dimensional, and the emotions hit exactly when they need to. The acting was excellent, especially during the more emotional scenes.

Payback is not a fluffy romance. It's darker, more intense, and keeps you invested from start to finish. Definitely one of the dramas that stayed on my mind long after I finished watching it.

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Payback (2026) poster

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  • Score: 8.8 (scored by 11,881 users)
  • Ranked: #183
  • Popularity: #1068
  • Watchers: 24,740

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