I haven't read this BL in ages. Why the art changed so much? Did the artist got replaced o...

Nah same artist, and as someone who draws, art styles change all the time bit by bit when new inspirations and references come about. I think in this case it’s been a while since the main story finished so the artist style has already changed to how they prefer to draw now. Also I kind of interpret yoohan softer looks as a part of his character development where revenge isn’t his reality anymore so he’s softened up, and I bet fed pretty well too during recovery.

To add on to this, I think the side story art style is more similar to the artists old work and is her preferred way of drawing. In my opinion, payback was actually kind of the odd one out of her entire art discography. There’s also the fact that Payback has been serialized for 4 years (yes it’s been that long), it would be weirder if the art style didn’t change in a span of close to half a decade.

Bro atp my art style changes every time I draw smth

Thanks for the insights! It does make sense although it's mainly Yoohan features and not the director (seme). The drawing style also changed a bit which you explained why. However I believe this artist may have succumbed as well to the trend of uke's twinification. It's happening to most of the BL I read and it drives me crazy :/// All of a sudden uke starts looking younger, slimmer and lose their sharp facial features. It's just sad at this point :/

I see where you are coming from because I’ve noticed that too. It’s just that in comparison to other series, the change in Yoohan’s looks wasn’t as drastic, though I suppose still noticeable to a certain extent.

Ngl, maybe I’m fine with it because I’m already used the artist’s original way of drawing characters more twink like, with payback being the first time she didn’t do so.

My theory is that since the artist is definitely an avid reader of bl manhwa’s as well, it wouldn’t be surprising that it eventually influenced her and other artists to go back to the way she drew certain types men (yoohan in this case where he’s the uke since in past works the artists uke were always twink like).