Personally I think it is 5-star worthy? It's one of the few series that depicts a true psychopathic ML as what he is: a monster, instead of someone who is "crazy but treats only you well" type of lover. He is unrepentant, he won't change. And the vibe of the series is definitely not romantic but psychological horror.
Basically I treat this as if I'm watching a crime thriller, and it's quite effective at emulating fear. So in that respect, I think it succeeds at what it's trying to do... which is essentially a stockholm syndrome deep dive.
i agree in all you said except the 5 star worthy because personally i think that the story is a bit clunky and the mc is a bit too typical. If this were just a little unique plot wise and character wise, i would rate it 5 stars but its definitely typical possessive ml, demure mc, kind of story. But thats just my opinion.
I understand wanting a bit more novelty, but I personally don't expect that out of a KR webtoon format that typically doesn't run longer than 80ish chs on average. I'd have that sort of criteria for manga or other formats. So I think, because the execution was excellent and it fulfills the intent it set out to do, that warrants a lenient rating, if that makes sense? Like a 5-star on a short-format BL webtoon doesn't mean I think of it as a masterpiece. It's just the rating I would give within a contextual criteria. So even if it's a typical possessive asshat ML, the presentation is definitely standout compared to similar stories.
oml your standards for 5 star is low. 5 stars should only be your masterpieces imo.
I typically enjoy reading possessive mls/yandares in my manhwa rotation but ive never felt genuinely scared at an ml like ive been with this one and ive read some fucked up shit. this isnt even that bad toxicity wise than what im used to but the way the artist depicts the ml is just jarring especially when one moment its all sweet then the other not. the shading and colour they used is just so good at making you feel at what the mc is feeling. i did finish this in 2 hours and am ready to see how it progresses, definetelu not 5 star material tho.