50
178
8
1
1
1
6
1
6
6
2
7
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
5
7
Delicious Romance, Engaging Plot and a few very Handsome actors!
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75
Despite a plot that is not that unique, what makes “Payback” special is the chemistry between the characters, the excellent acting performances by Toptap as Jay, and Fuaiz as Sunny, and a well-paced plot that keeps interested and engaged throughout the 10 episodes.
Plot:
A revenge/payback storyline isn’t anything out of the ordinary. There are plenty of dramas seeking revenge from people who stole from you and hurt you. What makes this plot a little more interesting is the sum of the parts - the background history + revenge + entertainment industry + the initial meetings of Jay and Sun. Although revenge is central to the plot, I have to say it feels like Sun’s plan moves rather slowly and Jay’s plan advances rather rapidly. But in between the revenge, there are enough side stories and development to keep the story going. However, if you are looking for one of those dramas with exciting and thriller revenge plots, “Payback” is not that type of drama. There are a few plot holes here and there. It’s hard to imagine Sunny never found out who the ‘new actor’ he wants to sabotage is until much later. The bringing back of 2 characters in the last episode seem somewhat random. The arrest of the villain seems too easy, and not a lot of time was spent on the aftermath of everyone.
Romance
Oh, I love the main romance here. After just finished watching “The Prosecutor’s Proposal”, I can see some similarities between the two. Jay is arrogant and smug, protective and obsessive. He might not have manhandled Sun as Prosecutor Ju in TPP, but it sure does seem like he’s pestering and ‘forcing’ himself into Sun’s life. Sun is smart enough to fight back and stand up for himself, but he chooses not to and, I believe, lets Jay get his way. The interest is there from the very moment they meet at the rooftop. The mutual attraction is definitely there as they keep on running into each other, even if it’s not love at first sight. It takes a “Jay” to break down the walls of this “Sun”. The chemistry is great. The NC scenes are sexy and sensual, and the kisses are passionate and gentle and plain delicious. Even though Min is more petite, he’s just as muscular as TopTap. Their contrast is really nice and complementary. The best part? Jay is still the same arrogant, smug and possessive Jay from beginning to the end. There’s no smitten puppy personality change once he’s in love. The last few episodes deliver just enough spice and tenderness to satisfy my romantic heart.
Acting/Characters
I cannot believe Toptap is only 22 years old and this is his debut drama! What an incredible talent! He is so charismatic and charming, dangerous and devilish. He’s perfectly casted as Jay. Acting opposite him is Min, who has a little more experience under his belt but not much. I am still trying to figure out if his acting is not quite there yet, or if the role of Sun just prevents him from being more expressive. His subtle facial expressions are inconsistent. He’s pretty to look at (after his ugly wigs are off) but if I have to judge by pure acting performance, he’s not as good as Toptap. On the other hand, it’s lovely to see Fuaiz after watching him in “4 Minutes”. Fuaiz is so pretty and he’s perfectly casted as Sunny. I love his smug face and all the shady stuff he is doing. I feel like I am seeing a continuation of his evil side as Tonkla (4 Minutes). The rest of the supporting cast is pretty good as well. Veterans Manager Kajorn and Uncle Jo are both hilarious and brought some comedy to the show. It’s lovely to see Boss guest stars, but I feel like he’s underutilized and wish he had a bigger role and was used as a partner in a potential secondary romance.
Production
Although this might not be a big budget production, at least nothing looks cheap. Min’s ugly wigs could have been less ugly and luckily they disappear after an episode. Toptap looks ridiculously handsome in his suits, especially the very tight vests. I am glad music is used sparingly and not blasted at every single occasion to manipulate how I should feel. This is not a production criticism, but what is up with iQiyi’s English subs. They are not very good. And why would you translate Sun’s name for Jay in his cell phone as “Dummy”?? Dummy?? I used Google translate and it was translated as “Crazy Bastard”. This sounds so much more like Jay!
Despite some minor plot holes and criticisms, I had a fabulous time watching “Payback”. There are a few episodes that are over an hour long, and I think ep 8 was 1.5 hr-long, I never once felt that it was draggy. I am giving this a high 8.75-9.0. The rating might not be super objective and it stems from how much I love the romance in the last 3 episodes. That bumps the rating up for me.
Drama Completed: 8/1/2026 Review #709
Despite a plot that is not that unique, what makes “Payback” special is the chemistry between the characters, the excellent acting performances by Toptap as Jay, and Fuaiz as Sunny, and a well-paced plot that keeps interested and engaged throughout the 10 episodes.
Plot:
A revenge/payback storyline isn’t anything out of the ordinary. There are plenty of dramas seeking revenge from people who stole from you and hurt you. What makes this plot a little more interesting is the sum of the parts - the background history + revenge + entertainment industry + the initial meetings of Jay and Sun. Although revenge is central to the plot, I have to say it feels like Sun’s plan moves rather slowly and Jay’s plan advances rather rapidly. But in between the revenge, there are enough side stories and development to keep the story going. However, if you are looking for one of those dramas with exciting and thriller revenge plots, “Payback” is not that type of drama. There are a few plot holes here and there. It’s hard to imagine Sunny never found out who the ‘new actor’ he wants to sabotage is until much later. The bringing back of 2 characters in the last episode seem somewhat random. The arrest of the villain seems too easy, and not a lot of time was spent on the aftermath of everyone.
Romance
Oh, I love the main romance here. After just finished watching “The Prosecutor’s Proposal”, I can see some similarities between the two. Jay is arrogant and smug, protective and obsessive. He might not have manhandled Sun as Prosecutor Ju in TPP, but it sure does seem like he’s pestering and ‘forcing’ himself into Sun’s life. Sun is smart enough to fight back and stand up for himself, but he chooses not to and, I believe, lets Jay get his way. The interest is there from the very moment they meet at the rooftop. The mutual attraction is definitely there as they keep on running into each other, even if it’s not love at first sight. It takes a “Jay” to break down the walls of this “Sun”. The chemistry is great. The NC scenes are sexy and sensual, and the kisses are passionate and gentle and plain delicious. Even though Min is more petite, he’s just as muscular as TopTap. Their contrast is really nice and complementary. The best part? Jay is still the same arrogant, smug and possessive Jay from beginning to the end. There’s no smitten puppy personality change once he’s in love. The last few episodes deliver just enough spice and tenderness to satisfy my romantic heart.
Acting/Characters
I cannot believe Toptap is only 22 years old and this is his debut drama! What an incredible talent! He is so charismatic and charming, dangerous and devilish. He’s perfectly casted as Jay. Acting opposite him is Min, who has a little more experience under his belt but not much. I am still trying to figure out if his acting is not quite there yet, or if the role of Sun just prevents him from being more expressive. His subtle facial expressions are inconsistent. He’s pretty to look at (after his ugly wigs are off) but if I have to judge by pure acting performance, he’s not as good as Toptap. On the other hand, it’s lovely to see Fuaiz after watching him in “4 Minutes”. Fuaiz is so pretty and he’s perfectly casted as Sunny. I love his smug face and all the shady stuff he is doing. I feel like I am seeing a continuation of his evil side as Tonkla (4 Minutes). The rest of the supporting cast is pretty good as well. Veterans Manager Kajorn and Uncle Jo are both hilarious and brought some comedy to the show. It’s lovely to see Boss guest stars, but I feel like he’s underutilized and wish he had a bigger role and was used as a partner in a potential secondary romance.
Production
Although this might not be a big budget production, at least nothing looks cheap. Min’s ugly wigs could have been less ugly and luckily they disappear after an episode. Toptap looks ridiculously handsome in his suits, especially the very tight vests. I am glad music is used sparingly and not blasted at every single occasion to manipulate how I should feel. This is not a production criticism, but what is up with iQiyi’s English subs. They are not very good. And why would you translate Sun’s name for Jay in his cell phone as “Dummy”?? Dummy?? I used Google translate and it was translated as “Crazy Bastard”. This sounds so much more like Jay!
Despite some minor plot holes and criticisms, I had a fabulous time watching “Payback”. There are a few episodes that are over an hour long, and I think ep 8 was 1.5 hr-long, I never once felt that it was draggy. I am giving this a high 8.75-9.0. The rating might not be super objective and it stems from how much I love the romance in the last 3 episodes. That bumps the rating up for me.
Drama Completed: 8/1/2026 Review #709
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