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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 132 votes)
5    67% (88 votes)
4    12% (16 votes)
3    6% (8 votes)
2    8% (10 votes)
1    8% (10 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2010
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
Complete
6 volumes + 2 side stories
Licensed
Yes
Completely Translated
No
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One entry per line
N/A
English Publisher
One entry per line
Release Frequency
Every 1029 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #7145
Monthly Rank: #2598
All Time Rank: #5332
Reading List
[Graph]
On 3546 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #15957
All Time Rank: #2628

Description

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Lee Yoohan who lived a tiring life of a debt collector, decides to become a celebrity to get revenge on a former lover. He meets a man named Yoon Jay who tells him that he’ll help him. Little did he know that Jay is a shareholder and well-known figure at one of the top entertainment agencies, and they share a strange past with each other.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Phục Thù/Báo Thù
Возмездие
페이백
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Dazzling Breath (2)
The Slag Gong wants to Kill me (2)
Monochrome Rumor (2)
A Tooth For a Tooth (1)
Kill the Lights (1)
Thriller Trainee (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. korean bl
  2. novel i've read
  3. PTR KOREA
  4. (KR) Showbiz / Entertainment Industry BL
  5. Black/Red flags bl

Latest Release

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Review
15 Reviews


MeganeD
New MeganeD
Jul 20, 2025
Status: Completed
I'm sooooo in love with this novel. I love the unique dynamics between MC and ML and the character development of MC. Their relationship and love is not the usual type where it's so obvious and all lovey-dovey, especially since MC is a tsundere and pretty much oblivious about his & other people feelings. What I love so much about them is how MC is the only one who can understand & handle ML and how ML is never tired of helping MC to heal from his own trauma.

... more>>
Spoiler

ML sure is possessive of MC but he's really good at controlling himself not to behave like a true psychopath. He is a red flag who doesn't really behave like your typical red flag in some other dark/problematic themed series who will not hesitate to ab*se/use violence at MC. I love to call him a charismatic red flag who you just can't hate lol.

[collapse]

The story is mostly plot-heavy, the conflicts are also not boring and the plot-twists are just mind-blowing, especially the last part of the novel (paid payback).

Spoiler

Be careful though, since there are quite a lot of triggering themes in this series, especially depression, su*cide, gore, torture, unusual fetish, SA, etc. Bear in mind that most of them are not directly related with MC, so while you might can handle the MC & ML relationship, there are other side characters (mostly their enemies) who related to such problematic things.

[collapse]

The manhwa adaptation is also great and the art is beautiful, but for me the ongoing side story is quite lacking since they cut a lot of the events from the novel. That's why I really recommend people who is not patient about the manhwa to also read the novel from the beginning. <<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
lovecherrymotion
lovecherrymo
Mar 18, 2022
Status: --
All four stars are for Yoohan, I love him.

Content Warning: R*pe, su*cide, victim blaming

someone needs to update the tags. the r*pe isn't with the main CP (thankfully), but it still plays a role in the novel.

Definitely not the healthiest relationship, and the ML is kind of an overbearing jerk. But I love the MC so much. In my opinion, the MC is a genuinely likable character, and it's interesting to see him grow through the novel. Though he is kind of clueless, and I swear I was so frustrated... more>> with his lack of braincells. The poor boy cannot deduce anything and requires the truth to essentially be explicitly told to him.

I had a lot of fun reading this. It was fun to see the MC kinda muddle his way around, since he didn't really have a clear plan for his revenge. the pay off for the revenge was decently satisfying, though I wish the ending was less rushed.

Overall, even though the relationship isn't the healthiest, I still like them together. You can tell the ML cares about the MC, and their relationship helps the MC overcome some of his mental health issues and guilt over his past.

Now in the side stories.... oh boy.... I have some words...... Those made me not like the ML, and also made me dislike one of the side characters. I don't think those have pages on here, so I'll put my rant about it below.

Spoiler

for side characters: specifically, the MLs uncle.

the uncle constantly shames Yoohan, and insists that he's cheating on Jay. Even if he just is in the same room as someone, the uncle will yell at Yoohan for cheating. And he constantly tells Yoohan that he isn't good enough for Jay, and says he dislike Yoohan. This was really disappointing, as the uncle was lots of fun in the main story. I don't know why the author randomly decided to make him hate Yoohan.

Additionally, the ML is creeeeepy. Him talking about taking the MCs eyeballs out so he can wear like jewelry?? What? Randomly choking the MC just because the MC was a little absent minded? Accusing the MC of cheating whenever he talks to someone? EVEN WHEN THE MC IS TALKING TO A LITERAL TEN YEAR OLD CHILD??? WTF BRO. Oh yeah and he literally committed mass mu*der....... like uuuuuuuuuuuh...... And he literally doesn't respect the MCs wishes and forces him to essentially be a pawn in his plans.

At the very least, he doesn't r*pe the MC. Though he does threaten to r*pe him so..... uh yeah. though to be fair he did that in the main story too.

[collapse]

Overall, I recommend. Plus the manhwa is good. <<less
15 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
CokeSteakAndNoodles
CokeSteakAnd
Dec 24, 2021
Status: --
I've read the manhwa and it's great, for now I'll wait for this to catch up on the manhwa before reading.

so far I love it and I can't wait for the reveal.💟
13 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
JJTG
JJTG
Jun 20, 2022
Status: Completed
I read all three books. The story follows the MC as he tries to navigate through revenge, guilt and punishment by practicing acting... romance is lacking. Majority of the story Yoohan and Yoon aren't even doing things together, they are usually apart, one is going to classes, other traveling/office. A lot of text messages back and forth, but Yoohan spend his entire story with other people more than Director Yoon. I found myself skimming a lot to get to scenes with the two of them. They don't get together until... more>> end of book 1, even that he wasn't comfortable with the relationship in book 2, and got more accepting in book 3. Yoon's shameless flirting was enjoyable, but he does say some weird/scary things that made me go uhhhh okay, the stereotypical BL extreme possessive alpha comments. It ends with a happy ending, they are still together, most importantly having s*x regularly (yay!?). I wish there were more smut scenes, but we do get a few throughout the three books. Also the translation I read was not done by a Korean speaker, so scenes probably got lost in translation. Overall, it a so-so read, I know it's a slow burn, but I do wish the main couple had more time together on paper. <<less
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
mochipoodle
mochipoodle
Jun 18, 2022
Status: Completed
This is the kind of novel where the MC's thoughts of how he sees the world made me cry a river. It's heart wrenching because sometimes I can relate to him too much.

Still one of my favorites until today and probably until many years to come.

I'm so glad the manhwa adaptation did the novel justice.

(And the audio drama is really good too. Y'all should give it a try)
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Hebaj22
Hebaj22
Dec 26, 2021
Status: Completed
this one is so greaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!I am in love with both MC and ML they are so precious (:you might say the ML is a little obsessed but he is really not unhealthy and cares for the MC the most omg I love this one and I am so exited to see some hot and heartwarming moments in the manhwa!!!! 5 stars and if there are more I would give it
8 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
timefigment
timefigment
Oct 16, 2022
Status: --
A dark yet captivating story.

CW: ... more>>
Spoiler

dubcon between main leads, description of gangr*pe and ab*se, mentions of su*cide, violence

[collapse]

This isn't a mere revenge story of Lee Yoohan. It's a story of Lee Yoohan's growth; moving on past his guilt and self-hatred, where he finally learns to feel his emotions and live for his own sake. No longer just living but alive.

Jay here is someone who was originally captivated by Yoohan's sadness. For the first time, he actually sympathized for someone when he saw Yoohan crying. And perhaps, he had fallen since then. Even when he had not realize who Yoohan was, it was pretty obvious. Jay himself seems to have a certain story that makes him who he is today.

Their relationship aren't the most healthy, Jay can be overbearing and obv has more power than Yoohan, but he learns to hold back as best as he can with a few dubcon here and there (it's a dark story!!) and despite his own harsh words, he is actually doing it for Yoohan. Not in a misunderstanding way, but because Yoohan at the time still could not move past his guilt (his emotions still locked.) Hence, the words he used was easier for Yoohan to understand and rationalize despite Yoohan's own growing feeling for Jay which he isn't acknowledging.

The other characters are great as well. They are in the supporting roles but each have their own characteristics. Not just a mere 2d characters. Yes, that includes the former lover. I think he's just pitiful because he thinks he actually has power and is someone when he's obv not.

Each of the characters, their relationships, the subtle meaning in dialogues, symbolism here and there, brings a thought out of me. All in all, a very fun read but definitely not for the faint of heart. <<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
moon17lover
moon17lover
Oct 05, 2022
Status: --
I didnt like the ml, at the beginning of the novel, I felt like the MC is using him to punish himself, because of his guilt and hate toward himself, he was attracted to him because he is stronger than him, and because he is ruthless, he wanted someone to punish him, and how come someone bottoms out of the blue, this is a point I dont understand when they first met the MC never bottomed and he didnt know the ML nor did he have any desire and... more>> he was in total pain, so what the f*ck ?and the creepiness later with the ML he was like I will take you wether you wanted or not, and more than that it was a point of humiliations to the ML and MC, especially when the MC asked to top the ml, he was offended and his eyes turned cold, so he is ok to do this to someone he grows to love later and still had the same opinion that he is above that ? I didnt like how the mc's personality turned weak in front of him all the progress in their relationship earlies was forced by the ML using threats and manipulation he even tried filming him with other people to blackmail him in the beginning <<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
HiddenHermit
HiddenHermit
Mar 19, 2023
Status: Completed
Well written, funny in a dry way. Some might not think it's not romantic enough but I think the romance is pretty deep. Lee Yoohan hates himself and doesn't allow himself to truly enjoy life. Madman Yoon Jay is crazy in love with Yoohan and drags Yoohan out of the abyss over and over again.

Yoohan, everyone falls in love with you cause you're that good bud!
4 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Eyesfor
Eyesfor
Dec 19, 2023
Status: c74
I enjoyed this novel! I love the growth in ML and MC and how their relationship developed. There are definitely some topics that are at times uncomfortable so beware of the tags. I've read up until chapter 74 and saw that the translation was discontinued so I'm a bit sad 😭. Still 10/10 so far tho...
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
LeiraEastburn
LeiraEastbur
Aug 29, 2022
Status: Completed
This is master piece.

I like it how the ML so head over the heels toward the MC, eventho he is too posesive.

I like this type of MC, he dont talk much but he is kinda funny. And I think he is smart enough for someone who dont finish highschool. I like how he strategizes for revenge. He wasn't the type to act rashly. Yes although its success has ML intervention too. He looks cold but actually he is a caring person.

... more>> ML is smart asf, but he is psycho.

Pretty satisfied how the villains ended, eventho the main target of revenge seems still dont repent his sin. But its really satisfying how the villains ended in the extra chapter. <<less
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crashalix
crashalix
Jul 26, 2024
Status: v6
I read all of this except the side stories, which I heard people felt made the ... more>>
Spoiler

ML's uncle character feel a OOC/unlikable

[collapse]
, but I may read them letter. I have also read the manhwa up to it current season.

I felt the revenge plot mostly delivered. I know it was a explicit choice by the author (that made sense with the narrative they were making about revenge), but I still really wish in MC's confrontation with his ex
Spoiler

that he had explicitly said this is because of brother, even though the ex wouldn't be able to take any responsibility for it

[collapse]
so that a little unsatisfying for me personally

I will repeat the tw especially for people coming from the manhwa that environment of SA and r*pe in Kim's circle/ the entertainment industry is EXPLICITLY described. Honestly, it felt unnecessarily detailed and horrific at least on one occasion in the text. I am honestly a little traumatized by one particular scene where MC's acting classmate describes his ab*se to MC while in the hospital, and I am not a person with actually trauma/triggers related to such content, but I honestly wished I had skipped over the that passage. The manhwa censored a lot of this, honestly for the better for the most part imho, so be prepared.

Additionally, I feel like the manhwa portrays ML as I bit less sociopathic and their relationship a little more loving as it develops which I liked more, but the difference is more subtle so it isn't too jarring. But this may just be my interpretation.

I will also spoil for tw that this has a
Spoiler

self harm scene by the ML in 'don't you dare leave me/kill/hurt yourself or you will kill me too

[collapse]
which is toxic trope I don't care for. <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
pretty
pretty
Jan 28, 2024
Status: Completed
I read this a few months back but It's more of a 4.5 imo. I was reluctant to read it since I personally don't like stories with heavier themes/topics but I quite enjoyed it! Loved Yoohan's and Jay's interactions. I don't have much to say since I read purely for enjoyment.

It's also a shame it stopped being translated bc of DCMA, but understandable.
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Rainy_Roo
Rainy_Roo
Aug 28, 2023
Status: c70
Love this so much.

The characters are so interesting, I really like how this also dives deep into the mental states of the characters - although I say that with a grain of salt, as our MC has shutdown most of his emotions and is a little dense in that department as well. I think it's actually Jay that eggs on Yoohan and teases the audience to the rough emotional states of our two main characters.

I love the progression of their relationship, and also their antagonist interactions with each other. Jay... more>> says Yoohan is going to feel his love and is going to love him in return, and he won't take no for an answer.

Sometimes the revenge plot gets a little tired, but all in all the interactions and characters are what really drives this plot! <<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Levilevi
Levilevi
Mar 07, 2023
Status: Completed
It's great novel. Slow burn at romance. Great plot. Many steamy scenes that actually s*xual ab*se (force kiss or m*sturbation) in case people dislike this trope. Uke is in sponsorship relationship with seme. So seme kinda sexually harassing uke. Glad at the end there's no r*pe. Seme actually looking for uke for a long time. Uke is gay from the start but he used to be top only.
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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