Hello, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. Today, I’m diving into a review of the drama Soul Mate, which chronicles a love story stretching over ten years between two emotionally scarred individuals from different nations who mend each other’s spirits. This Japanese BL series, featuring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taecyeon, offers a compelling tale of connection, healing, and the transformative impact of love.
Soul Mate is set to debut on Netflix in August 2025, taking viewers through multiple international settings such as Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. The series consists of 8 episodes, each approximately 60 minutes long. Directed and penned by Shunki Hashizume, this Netflix Original showcases a talented ensemble led by Hayato Isomura and Ok Taecyeon from 2PM, marking a remarkable entry in the BL genre for both actors.
The narrative delves into themes like cultural divides, personal redemption, and the restorative power of human bonds over a decade-long arc. Set against the backdrop of three major cities, Soul Mate offers a mature take on romance that surpasses nationality and language, emphasizing the universal need for empathy and companionship.
When Destinies Intertwine Across Borders
The journey begins with Ryu Narutaki, a Japanese expatriate who abandoned everything after inadvertently ruining his best friend’s life, finding himself in dire straits in a foreign land. In a moment of near tragedy, he is rescued by Korean boxer Hwang Yo-Han, sparking a connection that will unfold over a decade across three continents.
Both characters harbor deep psychological scars and experience profound isolation, yet their serendipitous meeting forges an unexpected bond between two solitary souls. As they navigate their relationship across different nations and years, they realize that authentic healing arises not from fleeing their pasts, but from finding someone who truly understands and accepts them.
Ryu Narutaki: The Soul in Search of Redemption
Hayato Isomura embodies Ryu Narutaki, a man tormented by guilt for upending his best friend’s life and choosing exile over confronting his errors. Renowned for his notable performances in various Japanese dramas, Isomura brings depth and vulnerability to a character who must learn that redemption is achievable through genuine connection.
Ryu’s journey reflects the universal struggle of those burdened by guilt and shame, believing they are undeserving of happiness or forgiveness. His character development throughout the series illustrates how love can instill the courage to face one’s past and opt for healing instead of endless self-punishment.
Hwang Yo-Han: The Boxer with a Heart of Healing
Ok Taecyeon from 2PM steps into the role of Hwang Yo-Han, a Korean boxer whose strength transcends the physical realm into emotional support and understanding. This marks Taecyeon’s first significant BL role, and he approaches the character with sensitivity and authenticity, showcasing his growth as an actor.
Yo-Han’s character acts as both a protector and an emotional cornerstone for Ryu, illustrating how love can manifest through patience, understanding, and unwavering support. His presence in Ryu’s life becomes the catalyst for both men to confront their individual traumas and find meaning in their shared journey.
Cross-Cultural Love: Romance Without Borders
The series excels in demonstrating how love transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, with Ryu and Yo-Han’s relationship blossoming naturally despite their diverse backgrounds. Their bond deepens through shared experiences of loneliness and the gradual awareness that they can mend each other’s wounds.
The international settings across Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo add complexity to their relationship, illustrating how love can endure separation and distance while evolving with time and circumstance. The series treats their cross-cultural romance with respect and authenticity, avoiding stereotypes while celebrating the richness of their different heritages.
Supporting Characters: The Environment Around Them
While the main focus is on the central relationship, the supporting characters in each city provide context for the protagonists’ journeys. From boxing gyms in Korea to the expatriate community in Berlin, these characters help craft a lived-in world that supports the main narrative.
The supporting cast adds depth to the realistic portrayal of international life and the challenges faced by people living far from home, enriching the emotional landscape that Ryu and Yo-Han navigate together.
Netflix Success Story
Soul Mate has stirred immense anticipation among international audiences, with fans eagerly awaiting its August 2025 release following Netflix’s strategic teaser campaign. The series signifies Netflix’s ongoing expansion into diverse Asian content and marks a significant milestone as Ok Taecyeon’s first BL drama, creating substantial buzz in both K-pop and BL communities. With an international setting spanning Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, Soul Mate appeals to global audiences while maintaining authentic cultural representation. The series has already garnered a solid 85/100 user rating based on early previews, suggesting high expectations for what could become one of Netflix’s most talked-about BL dramas of 2025.
If you appreciate cross-cultural romances with emotional depth, Soul Mate is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of outstanding performances by Hayato Isomura and Ok Taecyeon, stunning international cinematography, and a mature approach to love and healing offers a viewing experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Soul Mate skillfully weaves a narrative of two wounded individuals finding redemption through love, proving that connection knows no barriers of nationality, language, or distance when hearts are destined to heal together.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 8 episodes Platform: Netflix Rating: 8.5/10 (User Rating) Genre: BL, Drama, Romance Main Cast: Hayato Isomura (Ryu Narutaki), Ok Taecyeon (Hwang Yo-Han) Director: Shunki Hashizume