Painter of the Night is a completed manhwa at one-hundred and thirty-three chapters being written and illustrated by Byeonduck. First released in 2019, it has been published by Lezhin Comics. An officially published book format was released in Japanese by Frontier Works on March 22, 2021. Additionally, the book has been released in Traditional Chinese by PinSin Publishing on 2020, and in Korean by Lezhin on August 25, 2021.
The first season (May 14, 2019 - April 18, 2020) consists of chapters one to forty-four. The second season that commenced on July 25, 2020 until April 17, 2021, consists of chapters forty-five to seventy-six. The third season (August 27, 2021 - April 30, 2022) consists of chapters seventy-seven to one hundred and two. And lastly the fourth season was released on February 17, 2023.
The story occurs in a past setting of Korea during the Goryeo or Joseon eras where Hanyang the capital of the Joseon kingdom (Seoul's former name) exists. It concerns a noble, Yoon Seungho wanting Baek Nakyum to continue creating erotic paintings despite his reluctance to do so.
Synopsis[]
Nakyum is a young painter with exceptional talent, which is creating erotic images of men. Though he has published a few collections under a pseudonym, he has decided to quit painting. Then Seungho, a young nobleman, barges into his life. A hell-raiser notorious for his insatiable lust, Seungho forces Nakyum to become his private painter. However, the nights that await Nakyum are beyond anything he could have imagined.
Manhwa Seasons[]
106 Chapters + 4 AU's + Q&A Special (Ongoing)
- Season 1: 44 Chapters (1~44)
- Season 2: 32 Chapters (45~76)
- Season 3: 26 Chapters + Review (77~102)
- Season 4: 27 Chapters (Ongoing) 103~130
Special AU: 4 Chapters (Ongoing/Updates are at random). (Edit: As of December 26, 2023, there at least 116 chapters)
Characters[]
Yoon Seungho[]
The eldest son of the Yoon family. Hearing about Nakyum, he seeks him out having taken an interest in his paintings. He describes himself as an impatient man and can be exceptionally violent both in his temperament and using a sword. Aware of his reputation for promiscuity, Seungho tells Nakyum he would never embrace a peasant. Wishing for Nakyum to create works involving himself and others, Seungho is also intimate with Jihwa. Taking a poem Nakyum owns, Seungho tells him he can have it back when he resumes painting. His manipulation would extend to bringing someone Nakyum knows, In-hun to his as a means of having him comply with his demands.
Character Article: Yoon Seungho[]
Baek Nakyum[]
Abandoned as a child, he was raised at the house of Kisaeng. A talented painter, Nakyum would come to paint erotic themed art under a pseudonym before leaving having taken to drinking. At being brought back to Seungho's, he feels all the nobles are only noble in appearance after getting to know him. While hesitant to paint in the moment, Nakyum is adept at painting a scenario from memory. After seeing the final result, Nakyum ends up tearing his creation after considering it filthy. Nakyum is happy to see his teacher, Jung In-hun join him at his new residence and paints for his benefit.
Character Article: Baek Nakyum[]
Lee Jihwa[]
The subject of a painting with Seungho, he comes across the painter, Nakyum again then wonders whether Seungho is looking at him or the painting. As a noble, regarding Nakyum as a low born who has Seungho's attention, Jihwa's jealousy is expressed by pouring water over his paintings and laughing at the repercussions.
In-hun[]
A poet that Seungho locates as a means of controlling Nakyum. Also, In-hun is a teacher who educates children in literature. Considering the spacious residence, more servants than one can count, then with an abundance of riches and a name of influence and power, In-hun thinks Seungho has everything he does not have. All the while In-hun is unaware he has been brought to Seungho's residence to essentially be a captive in order for Nakyum to keep painting. He prepares for the civil service exams to pursue a governmental position. He looks down on Nakyum's predicament, and passes judgment rather than assisting him.
Yoon Seung-won[]
Referred to as the younger master, he sends Seungho a letter before visiting his older brother in person. Informing a servant that he will not be stopped whatever the reason, Seung-won updates Seungho that their father's illness has gotten worse.
Deok-jae[]
Working as a servant at the Yoon residence, Dukjae feels that he and other servants are treated unfairly compared to Nakyum. He points out that Nakyum receives preferential treatment, being well-fed and even provided with snacks and expensive clothing purchased by the master. After receiving art supplies to deliver to Nakyum, he observes others are working while Nakyum is playing by building snow people.
Meumyeong[]
Referred to as the "No Name Assassin", it is the alias of a street beggar who doubles as an assassin for hire. Mumyeong's mask and cloak conceals his long hair and burly physique. Since his operation targeting Nakyum is taking time, he busies himself with being intimate with a woman as he awaits the chance.
Min[]
The name of a lord who hears In-hun has passed the first round of the civil service examinations and has Lord Yoon's support. Min suspects Seungho harbors feelings for Nakyum and mocks him for falling for who he calls a low born. He is none too bothered at being beaten by Seungho in response. Min has a crush on Nakyum.
Heena[]
Nakyum's adaptive elder sister from the Kisaeng. She wears a hanbok with her hair elegantly braided. Heena visits the Yoon residence upon learning that Nakyum has taken residence there.
Story[]
Yoon Seungho hears about the paintings Baek Nakyum had been creating. Locating him, Nakyum answers he is not the painter, so Seungho strikes his assistant with a katana sword for the perceived lie. Unable to tell who is telling the truth since Nakyum has fallen unconscious, Seungho has him taken to his residence. Asked again if he is the painter, Nakyum tearfully denies it, but Seungho wants him to live there and paint more art of him being intimate with others.[1]
After Nakyum says he is unable to paint, Seungho notes he has both eyes and all ten fingers so he cannot understand why, but he could certainly give him a real reason to be unable to. Nakyum proceeds to create the work of art but has torn it in disgust. Seungho finds it and appears happy nonetheless.[2]
Painter of the Night Images[]
Videos and Trailers[]
Notes[]
- A 1st year anniversary event featured a short interview with Byeonduck with artistic depictions of the characters.
- The most difficult character for the author to draw is Jung In-hun on account of his glasses.
References[]
Wiki Link[]
- An overview article on the entire series, read and contribute further details on the Painter of the Night Wiki!