Streaming service Rakuten Viki and South Korean production house Imaginus have officially announced an international premiere for The Painted Soul, a new 10-episode animated series set to launch exclusively on October 21 across select global territories, including the Americas, Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia.
The fantasy romance project is directed by Junbae Choi, whose prior directing and production credits include Mouse and Stealer: The Treasure Keeper. The narrative centers on Yun Hwa, an apprentice spirit painter whose life shifts dramatically after she accidentally releases Seol Jin—a mysterious entity sealed within a portrait for decades. According to ancient lore, locking eyes with Seol Jin brings immediate doom, forcing Yun Hwa to untangle complex feelings of danger and affection as their fates intertwine.
Production and Technology
Behind the scenes, the creative framework for the series was spearheaded by Imaginus. Studio leadership noted that the production integrated various advanced technologies, including AI tools, to assist in shaping the visual landscape and narrative depth of the project. Jaehee Hong, chief content officer at Rakuten Viki, highlighted that this release marks a strategic push to expand the platform's catalog toward more serialized animated storytelling.
