(I am writing this because I very much disagree with the one other review not recommending this work, and I cannot stand for that misrepresentation being the only review.) Payback is a story about revenge and growth. This story revolves around Lee Yoohan, who went down the wrong path as an adolescent, resulting in bad company that killed his younger brother (this is all exposition). When he finds out that this bad company has become a famous actor, he pursues an acting career to get a 'sponsor' strong enough to complete his revenge against them. From this premise alone, it is obvious that this work willdeal with the idea of selling oneself to a sponsor to get roles and help, and the good and the bad that come with this, including the power struggle, dubious consent, and the like. It gets very into the "dark side" of the entertainment industry, so be warned that there are some uncomfortable and graphic scenes.

Now, what I really enjoy about this story is the growth that Lee Yoohan undergoes as he shifts from a very depressed shell of himself, willing to do anything to get revenge, to a more well-established actor who begins to like his career and the struggle that comes with life. His character is a bit... slow, which becomes obvious when we learn the backstory between the two lead characters and love interests. But the banter and dynamic between these two characters is so fun to read, and is a breath of fresh air compared to many other works in this genre.

While it is true there is not much growth in character for Yoon Jay, it's not the worst characterization, as the story is mostly from Yoohan's perspective, trying to play out his revenge. He plays more of a stable character despite being referred to as a "wacko" by Yoohan. Which can be a downside if you are very curious about his life, but honestly, this story isn't about him. Not every character needs to grow; sometimes, the main character needs that stable guide to help them along the way, and Yoon Jay is that supportive role.

This is a very plot-heavy story, which is why I like it. There are only a few chapters of 18+ content, so if that is what you're looking for, you won't find it in every chapter; you'll have to wait until the end of the first season to even get anything. I love this story, and I would recommend this not even as a BL, but for its great story.