I know why people don't love the show, it's a "dark romance" and a lot of the stuff that the ML (Ming) does is pretty beyond the pale. However, I knew that going in so I wasn't really expecting this to be a fun/lighthearted show. Expectations are kind of everything here.

The book is based on a danmei novel, 职业替身 or Professional Body Double by Shui Qian Cheng. If you look at the tags on the NovelUpdates page you'll have a pretty good idea of what you're getting into. https://www.novelupdates.com/series/professional-body-double/ (And the novel is more challenging than the show so be warned).

This isn't usually a genre I go in for, but I have to admit I got completely hooked. The acting is incredibly good, the series is well-produced, the pacing is great, and the chemistry between the two leads is fantastic. While the plot is a little over the top in some ways, it rarely felt cheesy or overdone, and I think the team handled the localization and adaptation incredibly well.

If you don't like heavy angst you will not have a good time here, if you need characters to have extensive redemption arcs, you probably will not have a good time here. However, if you enjoy a heavy amount of drama, suffering, and crying, you're in the right place. There are lighter moments, and a lot of beautiful ones too, it was all worth it to me.

We can have a productive conversation about the types of tropes that are common in BL and romance generally, and the harm that they can cause, however, I think dismissing it out of hand because it has upsetting elements doesn't contribute to that discussion. If you don't like it that's very understandable, it's a lot, but I think it's a show with a lot to offer for those who want to engage with it while understanding what it is.

-- Spoilers Below--
More extensive thoughts:
Yes Ming absolutely sucks, he's possessive, self-centered, and demanding. However, he is also capable of growth and change, he's never going to be perfect (he's always going to be a spoiled richboy), but it's clear that he understands the mistakes he made when he was younger and regrets them deeply. Some people don't think he was redeemed "enough", but the point is that Joe forgives him, and they're letting go of the past and moving forward with the expectation that they can do better this time.

I think people also get really frustrated at Joe's character. He's incredibly selfless and forgiving, he rarely puts himself first, and he doesn't seem to know how to let go of this guy who hurt him so badly. But all of those things are important parts of his character. It's not as if he's some complete doormat, he's able to stand up for himself in most situations where he knows he's been wronged, he gets angry, he pushes back. But at his core he is just a very selfless and kind person, and that doesn't change even in his second life. He also truly, deeply, loves Ming. Maybe he should move on, but at this point he's not going to, he has what he's always wanted, which is for Ming to love him as much as he did, to have someone waiting for him at home.

I thought the characters were all so compelling and interesting, it was so hard to stop watching, or wait for the next episode. I truly fell in love with this series despite everything. It was all about ending the cycles of revenge and hate and despair, growing and becoming better together. I may be reading into it quite a lot, but I'm grateful this show exists <3

I said this elsewhere, but forgiveness is not about "deserving" it, that's not the point. Ming and Joe are choosing to move on, to let go of the past and stop repeating the cycle. Eternal punishment is pointless, and endless hatred and revenge isn't the point of the series.