K-Drama Alert: Cult 15/19+ BL Webtoon "Painter Of The Night" Is Getting A Live-Action Adaptation

One of the most iconic boys’ love (BL) webtoons of the last decade, "Painter of the Night" (야화첩, Yawacheop) by Byeonduck, is officially being adapted into a live-action drama—sending waves through the global BL community and fans of Korean web content alike. Known for its mature storytelling, complex characters, and striking visuals, "Painter of the Night" has long been a pillar of the Lezhin Comics library and a cult favorite around the world.

Now, it’s set to reach an even wider audience through a new drama format, and there's plenty to unpack—from the creative direction to fan expectations and challenges.

Note: Please note that this article contains mild spoilers related to the story.

⚠️ Content Warning: This article discusses themes present in "Painter of the Night", including non-consensual acts, coercion, and emotional trauma. While the webtoon is widely acclaimed, some of its content may be sensitive or distressing to readers. Please proceed with discretion.

🎨 A Groundbreaking BL Webtoon: Why "Painter of the Night" Matters

Launched in 2019 on Lezhin Comics, "Painter of the Night" quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of historical drama and intense romantic tension. Set in the rigid societal framework of the Joseon era, the story follows Yoon SeungHo, a once-rumored mad nobleman, and Baek NaKyum, a shy and gifted painter known for his erotic art. Their turbulent and emotionally charged relationship unfolds against a backdrop of power, desire, and shifting identities.

You can read the webtoon in English, here.

The webtoon is praised for pushing boundaries within the BL genre, offering both beautiful artwork and a story that is as much about longing and obsession as it is about societal pressure and trauma. The narrative also unpacks issues of class, autonomy, and healing—making it a standout not just in BL, but in the wider webtoon landscape.

"Painter of the Night" by Byeonduck on Lezhin Comics

🏆 "Painter of the Night" — A Cultural & Critical Success

The series has spanned four full seasons and a special side story, with international fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Its cultural impact has extended into music and merchandise, including a special OST by singer Ahn YeEun and a limited-edition collaboration with a traditional Korean makgeolli brand.

"Painter of the Night" has proven itself as a major success in the BL webtoon world, both in terms of popularity and critical praise. Since its debut in June 2019, it has held the top spot as the number one BL webtoon on Lezhin Comics for five straight years, a remarkable achievement. The series has also earned significant accolades within the industry, winning the “Best Webtoon” award at the BL Awards for two consecutive years.

BL Award 2024

Its international acclaim is equally impressive. In Japan, "Painter of the Night" (known there as 『夜画帳』) secured first place in the webtoon category at the #BLアワード2024 (BL Award 2024), further confirming its status as a hugely popular and beloved “status-difference BL” story.

👨‍🎨 More About The Lead Characters of the BL

"Painter of the Night" is set in historical Korea during the Joseon Dynasty—a time when strict social hierarchies and conservative values shaped everyday life. This historical setting is important, especially when it comes to how homosexuality was viewed. Although it was once acknowledged, attitudes shifted during the Joseon period, with the upper class eventually labeling it as immoral.

The story follows Baek NaKyum, a young man with a rare talent for painting sensual images of men. He once published these works under a fake name but later decided to give up this kind of art after falling in love with his teacher, Sir InHun—a love that was never returned.

Everything changes when a young nobleman named Yoon SeungHo discovers NaKyum’s hidden collection of erotic paintings. SeungHo, infamous for his wild desires and indulgent lifestyle, becomes obsessed with NaKyum’s work. He forces NaKyum to become his personal painter, demanding that he capture his nightly affairs and hedonistic encounters on paper.

"Painter of the Night" by Byeonduck on Lezhin Comics

Baek NaKyum

NaKyum is introduced as a naïve teenager with exceptional artistic talent. He is often shown as emotionally sensitive and vulnerable, frequently crying, which has earned him the nickname "crybaby" among fans. Despite his initially submissive nature and delicate, almost feminine appearance, NaKyum has a strong inner resolve. His journey is deeply shaped by the moral struggles he faces—particularly around his art and his sexuality—as he deals with the heavy burden of being forced into servitude.

"Painter of the Night" by Byeonduck on Lezhin Comics

Lord Yoon SeungHo

SeungHo is a powerful aristocrat with immense privilege. At first, he appears as a narcissistic and mentally unstable figure, notorious for being cold, ruthless, selfish, and even violent. Driven by his desires, he uses his authority without hesitation or remorse. However, over the course of the story, SeungHo undergoes a complex transformation. Many fans see this as a “redemption arc,” where through his relationship with NaKyum, he begins to understand the true meaning of love. This evolution is a major focus of discussion and interest among readers.

📌 Key scenes from the Webtoon

The Coercion and Initial Abuse

The story’s foundation is built on the harsh reality that NaKyum and SeungHo’s relationship begins without consent. NaKyum is forced to live in SeungHo’s private quarters and paint under intense pressure, facing severe consequences if he refuses—including abuse and eventually sexual assault. This part of the story contains explicit scenes depicting repeated non-consensual acts, emphasizing the dark and difficult beginning of their connection.

"Painter of the Night" by Byeonduck on Lezhin Comics

SeungHo’s Shifting Obsession and Psychological Development

As the plot advances, SeungHo’s initial overwhelming lust slowly transforms into a deep and possessive obsession with NaKyum. He stops engaging in his previous wild orgies, signaling a significant change in his priorities. This part of the narrative explores SeungHo’s unbalanced and psychologically unstable mind, revealing the complex and often unsettling evolution of his feelings toward NaKyum.

"Painter of the Night" by Byeonduck on Lezhin Comics

External Conflicts and Intrigue

Beyond their intense personal relationship, the story introduces outside threats that complicate matters. Rival young lords like JiHwa and Min, along with various schemes and subterfuge aimed at NaKyum, bring political and social tension into the mix. These external conflicts add rich layers of intrigue that deepen the narrative beyond just the central romance.

🎬 The Drama Adaptation: What We Know So Far

According to reports, the adaptation will be a short-form drama, with each episode lasting approximately two minutes. The format choice is particularly interesting for a story known for its slow-burn development and emotionally intense scenes.

The project is being produced by Kidari Studio, in collaboration with Lezhin Entertainment (the original IP holders), production company Doodoong, and creative studio Mongjakso. The drama will be directed by Choi BoKyung, whose previous credits include "Stock Struck" and "The Divorce Insurance"—both known for their ability to blend emotional nuance with grounded storytelling.

Filming is expected to begin in June, with casting news likely to follow shortly. While the drama is set to carry a 15+ age rating, some episodes will be released with a 19+ rating to remain faithful to the original webtoon’s mature themes.

Google Trends of "Painter of the Night"

Since the announcement of the drama, the interest in the topic has been trending worldwide, and it has been trending number one on Korean Twitter.

Korean Twitter

⏳ Challenges of Adaptation: Can Short-Form Capture a Cult Classic?

The announcement has triggered a flurry of reactions across fan forums, SNS, and global BL communities. On the one hand, the excitement is palpable—especially given the story’s iconic status and the recent wave of successful K-Drama adaptations of webtoons and BL content. However, many fans have raised questions about how a story this layered and intense can be condensed into a short-form format.

“How can they translate the emotional tension and deep psychological storytelling into two-minute segments?” asked one netizen. Others expressed concern over the possible dilution of the narrative, especially in a drama that needs to navigate South Korea’s broadcasting regulations regarding explicit content.