Netflix is riding the BL (boys’ love) train with a series starring K-pop idol Ok Taecyeon and Japanese actor Hayato Isomura.
It announced that Ok Taecyeon, whose drama credits include “Vincenzo” and “Heartbeat,” and Hayato Isomura will be headlining the 2025 series “Soul Mate” about a 10-year love story between two young men.
K-pop idol Ok Taecyeon (left) and Japanese actor Hayato Isomura will headline "Soul Mate" (Netflix)
According to Netflix, “Soul Mate” will traverse the cities of Berlin, Seoul and Tokyo and will explore the “profound journey of souls connecting and enduring over the years despite the distance.” It is written and directed and Shunki Hashizume (“Scroll,” “More Than Words”).
In the series, Ryu Narutaki (Hayato Isomura), who abandons everything and leaves Japan, is saved by a boxer named Johan Hwang (Ok Taec-yeon) in a foreign land.
“The script moved me with its story of love amidst sadness and pain, and the incredible 10-year story arc crafted by director Hashizume has truly immersed me in the character. Working with Ok Taec-yeon has been inspiring; his charm draws me in more each day. Filming in Japan, Korea, and Germany gives the project a truly global feel,” said Isomura (“Extremely Inappropriate!”, “(Ab)normal Desire,” “The Moon”).
Taecyeon said, “The character of Johan Hwang intrigued me, and his inner struggles and pain stayed with me long after I read the script. To prepare, I lost weight and underwent boxing training, and I’ve continued to train diligently during filming to portray Johan as best as I can.”
Executive producer Dai Ota stated, “We arrived at the ultimate destiny story, where people from different cultures and backgrounds meet in a foreign land and their lives intersect. The story, filled with life’s joys and pains, combined with the exceptional performances from Isomura and Taec-yeon, will warm the hearts of viewers.”
According to director Hashizume, “The time spent weaving this story with our lead actors, cast, and crew has been challenging but blissful. Everyone involved in this project is a soulmate.”