‘Payback’ BL Review – The Dark Truth of the Entertainment Industry
Betrayal, abuse, manipulation… The brutal reality of the entertainmeny industry comes to life through the 10 episodes of ‘Payback’, starring Minlee and Toptap.
Plot / Storyline
‘Payback’ follows the story of Sun (Minlee) as he seeks revenge for his troubled, violent past. To carry out his plan, he joins Dream Entertainment and begins his acting journey with the support of Jay (Toptap). With Sky (Shogun) on his side and Sunny (Fuaiz) standing in his way, how far can he reach before he finds himself tangled in a perilous game where the rules seem blurred by power and money?
The plot is gripping, with intriguing twists. Although it uses a non-linear narrative with flashbacks, it remains easy to follow and understand. If you are waiting a perfect, healthy romance, I wouldn’t recommend watching, though. There are a few scenes, even between the main leads, that feel uncomfortable and forceful.
The series doesn’t hesitate to expose the dark side of the entertainment industry. Manipulation, sexual assault and abuse, the unimaginable sacrifices on the way to fame, all lay bare for the viewer to consider that, for some people, this isn’t fiction, but a torturing reality.
My objection regarding the script is: realistically, would someone go this far just to get revenge?
The hidden analysis contains spoilers. Click to read.
In the final episodes, the problem escalates from a battle for fame to a power game that puts lives at risks. Is revenge strong enough of a motif to explain Sun’s persistence? And wasn’t there any other, less dangerous – and maybe easier – way to avenge Sunny instead of trying to pretty much steal his job?
Additionally, especially in Ep. 9, Sun seems to be taking really bad decisions. Letting Two-O go back into the lion’s den after he ended up at the hospital last time he encountered Sunny and Songphon? Going alone to find Sky, without any plan when it was obvious this would put both of them in danger? I really can’t understand the psychology behind these choices…
‘Payback’ Trigger Warnings
Sexual abuse, violence, blood, manipulation, murder, revenge, betrayal, depictions of trauma, dubious consent, sexual content, toxic relationship dynamics, bullying
Take care <3
Characters
The characters are well-written, with complicated, human personalities, scarred by flaws, weaknesses and fears.
The protagonist showcases notable character development as he comes to the realization that there are still reasons for him to keep living, including his new-found family with Sky and his manager.
Sky, too, seems to be slowly healing from his past trauma, overcoming his fear little by little.
This hidden analysis contains spoilers. Click to read.
Something I noticed in the 9th episode is that Sunny felt slightly off-character with how regretful he sounded in the parking lot scene if we consider everything he’s done…
Cinematography
The cinematography is atmospheric, with a moody color grading, which matches the dark vibe of the series. The romantic NC scenes are well-directed and feel genuinely intimate.
The director has utilized a wide variety of camera angles and movements. I noticed the focus and background blur being very on-point and assisting in building the intense ambience.
Another good characteristic of this series is that the fight scenes are – thankfully – well-choreographed and have been filmed from proper angles to look convincing – nothing hits as bad as an obviously fake punch.
Some scenes involving abuse appear rather realistic and they’re not a light watch, so if these topics trigger you, I’d recommend skipping them.
Acting
Minlee (Sun): It’s almost unbelievable that this is Minlee’s first time in a main role. His performance is extraordinary as he switches between Sun’s different phases in life. He manages to maintain his stoic, expressionless demeanour until the character reaches his breaking point.
Toptap (Jay): Acting debut gone… right! While he didn’t catch my eye as much as Minlee, he brings a confident and controlled presence to the role. His chemistry with Minlee is charged and their interactions flow naturally throughout the entire series.
Shogun (Sky): Even in a support role, Shogun amazed me with his talent in portraying duality: the cheerful, energetic friend who bears a deep wound from past experiences.
Fuaiz (Sunny): Fuaiz proves, once again, that he’s an exceptionally versatile actor, having managed to pull off any role in his previous series. Sunny’s character is no different. Now a villain, he portrays lack of morals and vanity very convincingly – at some point you’ll definitely think “I want to punch this character”.
This hidden analysis contains spoilers. Click to read.
While Fuaiz is known for his micro-expressions, I was still shocked by his performance, especially during and after the murder scene 9th episode. He delivers Sunny’s emotional state impeccably, as it transitions from surprise to hesitation in front of a crucial dilemma until you see the moment he makes up his mind while still feeling flooded with fear and disgust for the action. Then comes the wide-eyed expression upon realizing the crime he has committed. The most blood-curling part comes after, when, in front of the bathroom mirror, he enters a state of desensitization. His half-smile between tears seems to express almost madness…
Overall, is ‘Payback’ worth watching?
Quick answer: Yes. Unless you are completely against watching any dark/violent themes and only like slice of life/soft tropes, ‘Payback’ is a series you don’t want to miss. Just make sure to read the trigger warnings and watch out for any signs that a scene might make you uncomfortable.
Want to find more dramas to watch? Check out our list of ongoing dramas in July 2026.
Note: this review has been compiled before the release of the final (10th) episode. After the screening, it may be subject to change.
