Popular BL Webtoon 'Painter of the Night' to be adapted into a short-form drama

The popular BL (Boy Love) webtoon 'Painter of the Night' will be recreated as a short-form drama.

According to multiple entertainment insiders on May 22, the drama 'Painter of the Night' is currently in pre-production and holding auditions, aiming to begin filming in June.

The drama is based on the webtoon of the same name by the author Byeondeok. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, it tells the story of a nobleman, Yoon Seung Ho, who becomes fascinated by a collection of erotic paintings owned by a commoner named Baek Na Kyum.

The adaptation is planned as a short-form drama with episodes running approximately two minutes each. It will be co-produced by Kidari Studio, Lezhin Entertainment (the original IP holders), Doodoong, and Mongjakso. Director Choi Bo Kyung, who previously directed 'Stock Struck' and co-directed 'The Divorce Insurance,' will be at the helm.

The drama will be rated suitable for ages 15 and up. However, as the original webtoon is an adult BL (Boys' Love) series, some episodes are expected to be rated 19+ (not suitable for teens).

The original 'Painter of the Night' first began serialization on Lezhin Comics in 2019 and remained a fan favorite through four seasons and a special side story. It ranked No. 1 among BL webtoons on Lezhin Comics for five consecutive years. Riding the wave of popularity, it even inspired an OST sung by singer Ahn Ye Eun and a special collaboration makgeolli (Korean rice wine).

Fans have long awaited a live-action adaptation of 'Painter of the Night,' and the news of the upcoming drama has already begun drawing attention.

The platform and release method for the short-form drama are still under discussion.