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Grab the Regressor by the Collar and Debut!
Type
Web Novel (KR)
Genre
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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 95 votes)
5    62% (59 votes)
4    13% (12 votes)
3    7% (7 votes)
2    7% (7 votes)
1    11% (10 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
N/A
Year
Example: 2012
2023
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
500 Chapters (Ongoing)
Licensed
No
Completely Translated
No
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 1.3 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #120
Monthly Rank: #312
All Time Rank: #5376
Reading List
[Graph]
On 1432 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #839
All Time Rank: #6475

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

When he first regressed, Kang Ha-Jin thought he finally had a chance to change his life.

“What brat just regressed right now?!”

That is, until he’s forced to regress four times!

[Single Quest 01.]

“In Search of Lost Dreams:” The fastest way to untangle a tangled thread is to find its starting point. Let’s become an idol trainee within the given period.

Remaining time: 57 days (initial 60 days)

Success reward: Access to clue to track the regressor
Failure penalty: 45% increase in the possibility of activating the 5th regression

You can’t regress five times. In order to escape regression, I will become an idol.

Associated Names
One entry per line
회귀자 멱살 잡고 데뷔합니다
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Debut or Die (6)
The Malicious Member is Back! (6)
While I’m Taking Revenge, I’ll Conquer The Top Idol (4)
Spit Out the Fish Eyes, Swallow the Debut (4)
The Trashy PD Has To Survive as an Idol (3)
Surviving in the Idol Game (2)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Idols
  2. To Be Read
  3. Incredible Idol Novels
  4. IDOL / Entertainment related Novel
  5. Idol novels and their mental health problems

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/21/25 Fenrir Realm c387
03/20/25 Fenrir Realm c386
03/19/25 Fenrir Realm c385
03/18/25 Fenrir Realm c384
03/17/25 Fenrir Realm c383
03/16/25 Fenrir Realm c382
03/15/25 Fenrir Realm c381
03/14/25 Fenrir Realm c380
03/13/25 Fenrir Realm c379
03/12/25 Fenrir Realm c378
03/11/25 Fenrir Realm c377
03/10/25 Fenrir Realm c376
03/09/25 Fenrir Realm c375
03/08/25 Fenrir Realm c374
03/07/25 Fenrir Realm c373
123…25
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12 Reviews sorted by


Honeyluv_
New Honeyluv_ rated it
March 22, 2025
Status: c251
I usually don't make reviews, but I feel like this deserves some more attention, and for those debating whether or not they should check it out. (Also at this moment, the site that was translating it got DMCA'ed. So I hope it gets picked up again in the future...)

Spoiler parts are minor spoilers or as vague as possible.

(In-General:)

“Grab the Regressor by the Collar and Debut!” Is undoubtedly a good-quality novel. It expands on relationships beyond the main cast where the companions... more>> and sub-characters aren't just made to serve the MC’s storyline, purely evil towards him specifically, or glazing the hell out of him. The plot is also unique and interesting since the MC isn't the one who regresses but is unintentionally dragged along while having no clue who the regressor even is. And without spoiling yourself, it can be difficult to figure out for some initially.

The pacing of the story is slow, but not boring or unreasonable and serves a purpose. This makes the transition toward the next event coherent instead of making you whack your brains trying to figure out how you got from point A to point F or wonder who the hell is "Bob." While the story isn't too heavy, it's not too light either. It focuses on the relationships between characters and the characters themselves along the plot. So even though it takes MC a while before he forms a group and debuts, it's not unnecessarily annoying. And there's plenty of fun parts. (I mean they're idols.)

(Characters:)

I particularly like the MC, who views himself as someone normal and incapable at first. It becomes clear as you read that he’s an unreliable narrator who simply has biases against himself— For good reasons that get explained and even confronted over time. He’s not OP and doesn't succeed at everything that he does despite being someone who’s naturally skilled. It’s honestly far-fetched to call him a ‘prodigy’ or ‘genius’ since it doesn't necessarily feel that way considering he still faces hardships of his own. But even though Kang Hajin struggles with some of his self-esteem, he’s definitely not a pushover or a doormat. Nor is he very insecure.

Spoiler

Kang Hajin is shown to recognize his own strengths and abilities. He just struggles to fully make use of it and take opportunities that can be for himself instead of others because of his past and first life. This is, of course, first addressed and confronted with during the 'Miro Survival Audition' arc. But just because MC realized one of his flaws, it doesn't mean he fixed it. I like that the author shows that scars can't be healed immediately and the characters will still struggle because of it.

[collapse]

I love that his personality is actually rather cheerful and playful. He tends to tease his members a lot, and when he does get embarrassed— Hajin has enough shamelessness to confront it head-on. He’s not afraid of fan service or acting cringy. But despite his immaturity, he’s actually very reliable and mature for his people. Like an older brother that messes around too much, but can get serious and be there for you when you need it. And unlike other idol MCs I’ve read, he’s seen as someone ‘wolfish’ by fans instead of the typical bunny or cute animal.

Personally, I’m tired of all the times MC is treated as the maknae (even if they aren't.) So the fact that he’s not a ‘cute and adorable character’ is appealing to me. Kang Hajin isn’t too nonchalant or introverted either. And in fact— he’s someone who socializes with people often and easily expresses himself. Whether that's anger or joy, Hajin is capable of being vulnerable.

His interactions with the system are really entertaining. Although unnecessary or silly at times, the system is also a character within this story. So I don't mind. And there's actually a whole world-building setting behind the 'system' which I find interesting... Since it connects to the plot well.

Spoiler

I especially like the fact that MC didn't just succeed in everything in only his 4th regression when he starts the main quest. He CAN fail and can continuously regress because of those failures. Which can take a toll on his mental state.

[collapse]

Not only is the MC pretty 4D (Characters that are well-developed and evolve throughout the story.) but also the other characters and even fans. It's important to note that they're all their own people, who share different views, personalities, and tastes that differ from MC. So there are plenty of characters that don't immediately get along with him or just aren't that close. Even if a character clashes with MC. It doesn't automatically mean they're in the wrong. And that MC is right. People are not black and white.

Spoiler

A good example of this is when MC fought with one of the members of the debut group. Both characters did not easily reconcile, and even when they did, it wasn't a typical healthy 'sit down and talk.' Their feelings were hurt, so they acted out accordingly. Even when they reflected on and rationalized the situation while recognizing their mistakes, they didn't immediately approach each other to make up because they were still upset. While the way MC chose to technically reconcile was unconventional, they both grew from this situation and became much more comfortable with each other than before.

[collapse]
<<less
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macaco
macaco rated it
May 8, 2024
Status: c50
The novel itself is interesting, but the translation has glaring problems. Besides the usual ones derived from machine translation, like wrong pronouns and strange word choices, whatever they're using strips everything between the <> characters.

Now, this novel puts stuff like skill names and information, phone messages and broadcasting subtitles between those characters, making some parts incomprehensible in this translation.

This might still be acceptable for a free translation, but when the group is asking for money to access advanced chapters, they should at least put in the 2 minutes of effort... more>> to read the output of the machine translation and realise it's missing 20% of some chapters. <<less
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ria.green
ria.green rated it
March 4, 2024
Status: --
I like this! The mystery and the protagonist remind me of Debut or Die. This is a quality idol novel.

Someone in the world keeps regressing and everyone resets except for the MC. MC figures out that the regressor is an idol member on his team and decides to make sure nothing goes wrong so the regressor doesn't restart all over again.
15 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Novirp13
Novirp13 rated it
April 30, 2024
Status: c330
Unlike Debut or Die and tr*sh PD novels, this one doesn't have too much drama (for now). Their company cares for their well-being, their manager wholly supports them, and their seniors treat them like their own children. Definitely a welcome change after all the angst I've read from the previous two novels

But that doesn't mean everything is rainbow and sunshine here. This is a story about Hajin who got accidentally trapped in a Time Loop by someone who just wanted to be happy. In order to stop the perpetrator from... more>> turning back the time over any slight inconveniences, Hajin was then bestowed by the power of a System. With the help of an otherwordly being, both of them strive to become the best Idol ever. So the perpetrator would soon realize that this world was not as sorrowful as they always thought it was

Tbh with you, this might be a novel about Idol but I feel like the Idol aspect itself was not the focal point. Yes, they still created their original songs. And yes, they still have rivals to contend and fight with. But this novel focus was on Hajin's effort to find who the Time Traveler is and keep them reasonably happy. After all, if they become even slightly sad, time will wound back to the beginning and Hajin can't go to the Military for the fourth time in his life, okay?! It's beyond exhausting!!

I like the mystery. I like the characters' relationship and each of their background stories. I DEFINITELY like Hajin's interaction with the System here. System was the one who gave him power and cheat skills, but Hajin sure did make it look like he was the one in control lol. Seriously, how in the heck did Hajin create a zoom-in zoom-out feature, opacity toggle feature, or even a note feature on the System?! This is an unknown power that couldn't be touch by a normal human, how could you treat It like your own phone, Hajin, System wanted to know your secret! Hahaha

My only complaint so far is that they didn't really tell us about Hajin's past endeavors from the very beginning. In the first five or so chapters, I thought Hajin was just your usual office worker but turned out, he had experience as an Idol Trainee. Heck, he even worked at a broadcasting station before! This novel didn't do a good job of explaining Hajin's adult life, so I felt like his past work kinda came out of nowhere. Oh well. Will edit this review when the novel is finally complete <<less
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Toniko
Toniko rated it
June 23, 2024
Status: c500
As far as idol dramas go, this one is pretty damn good. I think the main character is the best part of this novel, his concerns and personal dilemma is so human it hurts. Of course its not all realistic. The gimmick of this novel is that he's been pulled into someone else's regression and the damage it does on him clearly shows. The character and relationship drama is exciting as much as it is healing. I like it when they talk and work out their problems, there's your usual... more>> heart fluttering system penalties and the system character itself is very cute and loveable.

The issue with this novel is that you need a PHD in Twitter communications to understand what's going on in the social media segments. It's no joke, every segment has commenters complaining about it being written too accurately, with intense lingo and social media abbreviations. It does get better in later chapters and doesn't take up too much time at all. (Except that one chapter where I had to read 7 fictional tweets... seriously, pipe down now).

The debut also takes quite a while. I'm not sure if that is a negative or not, but do what you will with that information.

So far, pretty good! c185

Edit: I'm back. I'll try not to be biased, but its a really good and fun narrative? The author is good at writing idol activities and it really doubles in enjoyment now compared to the survival show segment. The members are all really solid! I think its fine to say this, there are 7 members and all of them get a lot of feature. Still if anything, read it for the Kang Hajin, our lovely protag lol <<less
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CooCooBird
CooCooBird rated it
May 26, 2024
Status: c500+
The translation is absolutely terrible, but this novel is absolutely worth it. What sets this series apart from the others is the thoughtful character development. It isn't obvious at first, but the MC Kang Ha-jin has a lot of (realistic) flaws because of his past, and so does the rest of his group. The best thing about this novel is that none of them stop developing, and 500+ chapters in, these characters have so clearly grown. Moreover, this novel has a pretty clear theme in answering the question of 'how... more>> to face tomorrow', which is explored by each of the idol groups' members, though most obviously in Hajin and the regressor. I have never seen an idol webnovel handle an actual theme and handle it so well at that.

All the literary stuff aside - if you're looking for fun idol time and a smart MC who cleverly overturns his opponents, this is the novel for you! Hajin is smart like Moondae (he was a PD before), has Eugene's 100% extravert personality (makes friends everywhere he goes), and has Ryu Chungwoo's maturity+ skills ('rely on me as your hyung' ahhh). The system related stuff is pretty boring though, just fyi, but thankfully as of the later chapters, Hajin has basically solved the regressing issue and I think it's actually more fun now with the new reason for why he wants to bring his group to the top. This goal makes so much more sense too and I can foresee it bringing so much more delicious conflict. It's also a goal that you as the reader can't help but root for. For those of you who don't mind spoilers,
Spoiler

basically Hajin can't stand the injustice in the entertainment world but because he's a small fish, he can't do anything about it. Therefore? He needs to become a big enough name that he can bring down all the corrupt people without harming his group in the process.

[collapse]
Ahh it's so good. <<less
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aorinne
aorinne rated it
July 31, 2024
Status: c186
Google translate is easier to read than this translation. They don’t even bother editing the characters’ names, at times there was even a character called Empty.

Besides the translation, I have many problems with this novel:

+ The MC feels like a doormat.

... more>>
Spoiler

In the first mission, there’s a guy who bullied MC and the whole B team sided with that guy, no one stood up for MC. In the end MC had to use tricks to convince B team to practice, he led them to a win against the A team. Then the whole bully thing was brushed off like it never happened. I’m sorry but I expect at least an apology or some punishment? Nothing at all??? The author then wrote about B team, except the bully guy like angels, they were just young kids with inferiority complex blah blah blah. I can’t accept that. Such lame excuse.

[collapse]

Not only that, but also

Spoiler

In the next mission, MC once again became a leader. With a difficult song, they received harsh criticism in the mid-term and the members (once again, those B team above) resented MC. It was just a fleet second before they realized they had to take part in the team project, not depending entirely on MC but still... Why does MC always suffer from these things?

[collapse]

Maybe the author focuses too much on MC so the other characters appear to be very weak. They don’t have strong presence. Like Seo Taehyun or whatever his name is, author describes him with flowery words but that’s it, I don’t see any of his contribution. At least Lee Doha produces songs, but Seo Taehyun... did he do something amazing? Author puts too much responsibility on MC, she makes him do everything as a leader, to the point I don’t see any appeal of other members of the debut group.

+ I don’t like the system either. Too many unnecessary dialogues between MC and the system, I skipped them all. When MC talks to people, can you at least let him talk and not have system appear suddenly with no meaning whatsoever???

I don’t think I can continue with this novel. Too many unpleasant dramas, unappealing characters, dragging storyline (can’t believe the audition lasts for nearly 170 chapters, are you kidding me?) <<less
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shockedpikachu
shockedpikachu rated it
July 27, 2024
Status: c160
A hidden gem. I really loves the concept of this story. Not to mention the side characters are well develop too. As for our MC I like him. He's relatable. He's humane. He struggled and he improved himself.

However this brings me to my second point. This story suffers from horrible translation. Whoever translate it using mtl alone without any editing at all. I can't complaint much because they did translate it but to ask for donation for works that is below average feels like a rip off.

I hope someone better... more>> at translation would pick this up. Seriously this story deserves better. Which is why I gave 5 star despite horrible translation. <<less
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Miyamiyamiya28
Miyamiyamiya28 rated it
December 30, 2024
Status: c500
Must be because I’m used to MTLing novels that I don’t find the translation uncomfortable. It’s still understandable enough that you understand what is happening. But for those who are not used to it, it might be hard to get used to.

Anyways, this novel is such a gem. I’m kinda sad and happy at the same time that I started this when the novel already had 400+ chapters. I would have felt frustrated having to wait for chapters especially since the author likes cliffhangers a lot. They literally just left... more>> a cliffhanger as the last chap before the hiatus. 😭😭😭 Like author-nim why did you do that.

Okay, phew 😮‍💨 had to get it off my chest. Anyways, back to the review. The MC Kang Hajin may feel a bit too OP at times but honestly, I don’t hate it at all. He’s been doing stuff here and there in his last life so him being good at a lot of stuff makes sense.

I don’t agree with the comment saying that he’s a doormat especially with the situation they cited. We have to remember that Hajin was like 29 before he regressed. Do you really think he would fight it out with that trainee? Especially since they’re in a situation where they are filmed like 24/7? Of course he’s not going to do that. It’s not like Hajin hates that trainee enough or they did such a terrible thing that they deserved to be treated like the devil itself. The trainee’s ending was literally just that, a consequence of their own actions. Hajin doesn’t have to do anything because that guy self-destructed on their own.

About the struggles Hajin faces, that’s normal the genre is literally drama. Of course there’s gonna be drama. Honestly as someone who hates too much drama, I didn’t feel any annoyance reading them as those moments show you Hajin’s personality and makes him more three-dimensional. Of course it’s not all drama, I really love moments where Hajin’s otaku tendencies and his craziness bursts out lol. Once he’s in that state he’s a runway locomotive 😂.

I love the members too. They each have their own struggles which will be explored as you progress through the story. The returner’s motivation for the regression was reasonable and something I can empathize with. All in all, this novel was such a fun read. I really hope people will give this novel a try. <<less
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Honefuusen
Honefuusen rated it
August 27, 2024
Status: --
It's good read. A different take on all that regression idol novel. Characters that are given time to be fully drawn and grow. Plus cute system for once. MC is not overly mu*derous but not goody two shoes either. And his strunggle in his first life kind of resonate close to home so I sympathised a lot.

As been talked by most previous reviewer, the translation sucks, AI can give better translation but I appreciate the edit at least.

There are mixed reviews before but I'd like to recommend a read through,... more>> the MC is charming so far and there is merit in the fact that the MC hardly knows what going to happen and his search of the cause for his repeated regression and God forbid military re-enlistment, lol. <<less
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ireaditall
ireaditall
July 24, 2024
Status: c156
    1. The story - 4/5
An interesting twist on the normal regression genre. Has wonderful moments that are heart warming and genuine.

2. The Characters - 10000/5

No praises I give will do justice to the wonderful characters that fill these pages.

All of them are so much alive, I could believe that they truly exist within another reality.

Some introspections by the characters really touched my heart.

Not really a spoiler but more like an honorable mention -

The relationship between characters is really amazing. I learned a few things about socialising.

The way HaJin sincerely cares for his fellow trainees is really amazing. You can feel that he is genuinely caring for them and not just out of some misplaced superiority complex about knowing their future success.

Other characters have their own relationships and all of them are dynamic.

Friendships are changed and not always do we need to or even should run interference. Because some people can only be close to you and not each other. And that's ok too.

HaJin is truly a character I sympathize with. Because I've felt what he has felt and the way it is portrayed here makes me feel understood.

Others too had their struggles and damn if they did not do well every time.

My fav scene is

Spoiler

The introspections done by a supporting character Gong Seok?. Especially in the guerrilla concert chps where he is thinking about many problems that most people face atleast once in life.

[collapse]

3. Translation -

0.5/ 5

Entirely machine translated without any form of editing.

0.5 are only being given becuz the I'm not paying for them.
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Zvskdlin
Zvskdlin rated it
May 8, 2024
Status: --
i love this so much ! I am upto the current chapters but wow I really like the MC and I am curious about who the regressor is ! And how they are connected with MC, I am not going to spoil anything but definitely looking forward to this! Also not sure but if the red hair is MC then damn (talking about the novel art uploaded on the official website) Also I wish this gets a manhwa adaptation!
3 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
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