Completed

The Malicious Member is Back!

악성 멤버가 돌아왔다!

Native Language Korean

Released 2023

Author무농약홈런

ArtistPAN4, 상하준

TypeWeb Novel (KR)

Original Ch.: 460

Translated Ch.: 31

Rank: #288

Last Update: March 16, 2026

Original Pub.: Kakaopage, PaPyrus, 파피루스

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The Malicious Member is Back! is a popular novel that blends Comedy, Drama, Fantasy and more. Written by the author 무농약홈런. A total of 31 chapters have been translated and the novel is complete.

Synopsis

Nicknamed the worst malicious member in idol history, called ‘Tr*sh Rex.’
Stage name Rex, real name Kim Chunyong.
As he was urgently arrested, with only the entertainment world waiting for him, he heard a strange voice in his head.
“Sign a contract with me.
[Become the greatest idol in K-pop history.
In case of failure return to the time of the urgent arrest.]
… Can I start over from the beginning?
Can his family be saved from the accident?
“How crazy, even selling my soul!”
A tearful battle of the former malicious member to undo the past mistakes begins!

📂 System Interface: Regressor Profile

The Malicious Member is Back! (also known as Trsh Rex*) follows the redemption journey of Kim Chunyong (stage name: Rex). In his first life, Chunyong was the most hated idol in K-pop history—a “malicious member” defined by public scandals, a devastating alcohol addiction, and a cynical worldview. This spiral began after his entire family was killed in a tragic accident shortly after his debut, leaving him as the sole survivor.

Upon his arrest in the original timeline, Chunyong strikes a contract with a snarky, sentient “System” to return to the past. His goal: save his family, right his wrongs, and become the greatest idol in history.

Component	Classification	Narrative Impact
System Contract	The “AI” Entity	Sarcastic and witty; unlike cold systems in Debut or Die, this one acts more like a snarky mentor/tsundere.
Past Trauma	Emotional Anchor	MC suffers from realistic PTSD and flashbacks. His “malicious” past was a coping mechanism for grief.
*The “Trsh Rex” Brand**	Reputation Obstacle	MC must shed his former image and prove he is no longer the “scandal maker.”
Hard Work Focus	Progression Style	While he has a system, he doesn’t get “free” stat boosts; he must practice relentlessly to regain his skills.

📂 System Interface: The Status Window (Kim Chunyong)

Attribute	Classification	Description
Main Position	Main Dancer	A rare position for an idol MC (most are Main Vocals). His dance skills are his primary weapon.
IQ / EQ	High / Strategic	He is “camera-savvy” and knows how to manipulate the editing of a survival show to his advantage.
Visuals	“Snake Eyes”	Described as handsome but with a sharp, intimidating gaze that he learns to use for stage charisma.
Flaw	Addictive Personality	He previously struggled with severe alcoholism. While the system “removes” the physical need, the psychological urge remains a point of internal conflict.

Comedy Drama Fantasy Slice of Life

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Editor's Note

💡 Tone & Atmosphere. While it features heavy themes (death of family, addiction, trauma), the actual reading experience is surprisingly lighthearted and heartwarming thanks to the MC's chemistry with his teammates.

The Realistic Grind. Readers often compare this to Debut or Die, but note that Chunyong has to work much harder for his stats. He relies on his 10 years of industry knowledge rather than just "System Cheats."

System Dynamics. The "System" is a highlight—it’s sentient, sarcastic, and often makes fun of the MC, creating a fun "double act" dynamic.

Translation Quality. Widely praised for its clarity, with helpful footnotes explaining Korean idol lingo and cultural context.

"I'll even sell my soul if it means I can see my family smile again."

*460+ chapters of dance battles, system sarcasm, and a man who sold his soul to save his family. Complete — and ready to break your heart.*

Experience Curve

Ch. 1–50 (The Return): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Emotional Hook. The depiction of Chunyong's grief and his desperate wish to save his family is a strong motivator.

Ch. 51–150 (Survival Show): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – The Peak. The survival show arc is considered the best part of the novel, showcasing Chunyong’s charisma and tactical mind.

Ch. 151–300 (Debut & Politics): ⭐⭐⭐ – The Transition. Focuses more on industry politics and group dynamics. Some readers felt the "addiction" subplot was sidelined here.

Ch. 301–460 (The Legacy): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Completion. A solid conclusion to his "tearful battle" to undo his mistakes.

WebNovelDB Review

8 /10

A deeply human idol novel that balances the "glamour of the stage" with the "scars of the past."

Emotional Depth: 9/10. The relationship with his family and the genuine desire to repent make Chunyong a very rootable protagonist.

Characterization: 8/10. The trainees are distinct and memorable, avoiding the "faceless teammate" trope common in the genre.

Industry Realism: 7/10. Great look at "evil editing" and entertainment politics, though some "villain" subplots (like the Chinese mafia) can feel a bit far-fetched.

Pacing: 7/10. Generally good, though the frequent jumping between past and present memories can be confusing for some readers.

The Good: The MC is a "Dancer" lead, which is a fresh change of pace. The "System" has a great personality.

The Bad: The novel doesn't fully explore the "addiction" aspect after the first few arcs, which some readers found to be a missed opportunity for deeper drama.

The Archetype: The "Dying Swan's Rebirth." A man who hit rock bottom and is now using every drop of sweat to ensure he never falls again.

Not For You If: You want a lighthearted comedy without heavy themes, or you dislike stories that jump between past and present memories.

System Note: The AI is sarcastic and sentient, acting as a snarky mentor. If you hate 'talking systems,' this may annoy you. If you love a good double-act, you'll adore it.

WebNovelDB Team

Key Information

Main Characters: Kim Chunyong (Rex), the Sarcastic System AI, Gao (a fan-favorite teammate).

Power System: Sentient Quest System + Muscle Memory. He receives missions and rewards, but his "stats" are earned through sweat and repetition rather than magic pills.

Themes: Redemption, Repentance, Family, Overcoming Addiction, Found Family.

Similar To: Debut or Die, Assistant Manager Kim Hates Idols, A Blank Slate Regression for the Idol That Lost His Original Mindset

Reading Progress

Not Started Chapters: 0 Rating: -

Where to Read

Novel Raw (page.kakao.com)

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