Netflix has proven time and again that they lead, and everyone follows. With Soul Mate, an upcoming gay drama series on the platform, they aim to challenge notions and set precedence.
Hayato Isomura plays Ryu Nataruki, and Ok Taec-yeon portrays Johan Hwang. The series tells the love story of two young men whose chance encounter begins a pre-destined love story.
It will explore a “profound journey of two souls connecting and enduring over the years despite” a long distance.
The series has multicountry leads and will travel to Berlin, Germany; Seoul, South Korea; and Tokyo, Japan.
Their 10-year love story begins when Narutaki leaves everything behind in Japan and is saved by Hwang, a boxer in a foreign land.
Being made for Netflix, Soul Mate has a great opportunity to change the tones of many Asian gay dramas, especially K-dramas.
Korean shows are popular worldwide, but there is little to no queer representation. When there are, tired tropes that have long plagued the gay community are present.
‘Soul Mate’ Cast and Crew
Shunki Hashizume writes and directs this heartfelt depiction of love and all its complexities, including joy, pain, and bonds one cannot explain.
Dai Ota serves as the executive producer. He reveals that the idea for the series came from an over-coffee conversation with Hashizume.
“We arrived at the ultimate destiny story, where people from different cultures and backgrounds meet in a foreign land, and their lives intersect,” Ota says.
Ota lauds Ismoura and Taec-yeon’s performances Soul Mate. Isomura speaks about his decision to take on the project, saying,
“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.”
Taec-yeon is an actor and singer. He is a member of the Korean boyband 2PM. He speaks about being drawn to the character, saying,
“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.”
The series does not have a premiere date yet, but keep checking with us; we’ll update you once that information is available.