Updated on January 24, 2026 at 11:36pm: Added announced cast for additional characters and live-action adapted names.
Boys’ Love sensation Payback is officially in production — the photos posted by the official Payback The Series social media accounts are proof of it!
Featuring the talented Payback live-action cast, including rising stars Toptap and Minlee, this Thai adaptation of the hit Korean webtoon promises a gripping and intense story.
Officially titled “Payback The Series,” the live-action Thai adaptation is made possible through a collaboration between Kidari Studio, Aplan International Group, Rakuten TV, and Copus.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting for updates on this adaptation since it was teased last year when open-call auditions were announced on its official pages.
Payback live-action cast and crew kicks of production with a ceremony
Payback The Series is produced by Rise Up Production under Kiseki Creation, and stars the fresh pairing of Napat Chokejindachai, better known as TopTap, and Thai singer, rapper, and actor, Thanakorn Wichanukhor, better known as Minlee, in the lead roles.
They are joined by Paramee Thesdaroon aka Shogun, Fuaiz Thanawat Shinawatra, and “Boss” Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya.
The script is penned by Isaree Siriwankulthon who goes by the pen name Sammon. She is a doctor, novelist and screenwriter renowned for hit dramas like Once a Doctor, Always a Doctor. Pongchaiyapat Setthanun was named director of the series.
“I’d like to share that I worked on the script for Payback The Series,” Sammon wrote on Instagram. “It’s been a very challenging and exciting project, as it’s adapted from a popular Korean webtoon. I want to send my support to all the actors and the team behind the scenes. You’ll be able to watch it very soon!”
All announced Payback live-action cast
| PAYBACK CHARACTER | DESCRIPTION | PAYBACK THE SERIES ACTOR | OTHER FAMOUS ROLES |
 Lee Yoohan (Manwha) Sun (Live-action) | A former debt collector driven by revenge and redemption. |  Minlee | Xu Shi Wen (Lie Yan) Contestant (Boys Planet, Under Nineteen) |
 Yoon Jay (Manhwa) Jay (Live-action) | Mysterious sponsor guiding Yoohan, shaping every step of his revenge plan. |  TopTap | Tul (Room Alone 401–410, Room Alone 2) Type (2gether) Ai (Tonhon Chonlatee) |
 Lee Hansoo (Manhwa) Sky (Live-action) | A a talented actor under Dream Entertainment, struggles with camera phobia. Although his lack of confidence often holds him back, he never gives up on his dreams. |  Shogun Paramee | “Khemthis” Akkhi (Deep Night) |
 Song Myeongshin (Manhwa) Bank (Live-action) | Views every situation as a chance to benefit himself. An arrogant, flashy figure living in luxury, using fame and image as a flawless shield while concealing unforgivable secrets under the protection of a powerful backer. |  Fuaiz Thanawat Shinawatra | Tonkla (4 Minutes) |
 Lee (Manhwa) Pakin (Live-action) | A confident, sharp-eyed photographer who seems intimidating at first. He’s actually deeply attuned to subtle emotions, and meeting Sky challenges him to help the camera-shy actor confront his fears. |  “Boss” Chaikamon Sermsongwittaya | Phu (Zomvivor) Cirrus (The Boy Next World) Payu (Love in the Air) |
 Choi Deukpal (Manhwa) Kajorn (Live-action) | A seasoned manager and resilient single father, he sees the entertainment industry as a battlefield rather than a fairytale. Values hard work, money, and human potential, and believes that even after betrayal, people can learn, grow, and begin again. |  Khunnote Jirapat | Get Rich (“Jak” Jakkrit Woraman) Real Fake (Wirot) |
While the two male leads have been announced and confirmed, the other actors’ roles have not been officially stated.
Notably, we’re looking forward to finding out which actor plays Song Myeongshin, one of the key character’s that drives Lee Yoohan’s actions throughout the story. We will update the article as soon as more information is revealed.
About Payback, one of the top Boys’ Love manhwa of all time
Boys’ Love manhwa Payback follows Lee Yoohan, a former gangster who enters the entertainment industry with a single goal: revenge. Supporting him is Yoon Jay, a mysterious sponsor who orchestrates every step of his plan.
Alongside them, other key characters navigate the cutthroat world of fame, power, and ambition, creating a web of complex relationships and intrigue.
Payback began as a novel written by Samk, with the original print volumes released in 2010, followed by a side story in 2015.
The story was later adapted into a Korean manhwa/webtoon, also created by Samk and illustrated by Fujoking. It started serialization on June 2, 2021 on Bomtoon. An English translation of the webtoon was made available on Lezhin Comics US beginning in December 2021.
Since its debut, the manhwa has built a passionate international audience, with serialized chapters continuing to draw strong engagement and discussion among BL fans worldwide. The original webtoon achieved global success, amassing over 20.48 million views across platforms, Payback The Series reported.
Translated into more than eight languages and released in countries including Korea, Japan, Thailand, and the United States, the story has captured a passionate international fanbase.
Fans can look forward to Payback The Series airing soon on ONE31.
