Popular BL Webtoon “Painter of the Night” to Be Adapted into a Live-Action Short-Form Drama
The popular BL webtoon Painter of the Night is officially getting a live-action drama adaptation. According to multiple entertainment sources on May 22, the series is currently in pre-production, with actor auditions underway and filming targeted for June 2025.
Based on the hit webtoon by Byeon Deok, Painter of the Night is set during the Joseon Dynasty and tells the intense and sensual story of Yoon Seung-ho, a nobleman captivated by the erotic paintings of a talented commoner, Baek Na-kyum. The narrative explores obsession, power dynamics, and forbidden desire, and is known for its mature and emotionally complex storytelling.
The upcoming drama will be produced as a short-form series, with each episode running approximately two minutes. The project is a joint effort between Kidari Studio, Lezhin Entertainment, Doodoong, and Mongjakso. Directing the adaptation is Choi Bo-kyung, known for Stock Struck and as a co-director of The Divorce Insurance.
While the drama is generally being produced with a 15+ age rating, certain episodes are expected to receive an adults-only rating due to the webtoon’s explicit BL content.
Painter of the Night, Lezhin Comics’ top BL webtoon since 2019, is officially being adapted into a live-action drama—news that has thrilled longtime fans while also raising concerns. With its dark, emotional storytelling and complex characters, the webtoon has dominated the genre for five years across four seasons and a side story.
Fans are now questioning whether the adaptation will do justice to the intense chemistry between protagonists Yoon Seung-ho and Baek Na-kyum, both emotionally and visually.
The project is being produced by Kidari Studio, which acquired Lezhin Entertainment in 2020 and has since focused on turning high-performing webtoons into dramas and films. Interestingly, Lezhin’s own production arms, Lezhin Studio and UL Entertainment, are not involved, signaling a more IP-driven strategy.
As Painter of the Night gears up for its highly anticipated live-action debut, fans around the world are watching closely. With filming set to begin in June, details around casting, release schedule, and platform are expected to be revealed soon.
