Netflix is set to premiere a heartwarming live-action drama series titled Soul Mate, a story that explores the profound connection between two souls and the enduring power of love. Helmed by up-and-coming creator Shunki Hashizume, known for his work on Scroll and More Than Words, the series promises a heartfelt depiction of love’s intricate tapestry, woven with threads of joy, pain, and an unexplainable deep bond.
Ok Taecyeon and Hayato Isomura to star in Netflix gay romance drama Soul Mate by Shunki Hashizume, a decade-long love story between Korean and Japanese men
The narrative unfolds over ten years, meticulously tracing the journey of two young men, Ryu Narutaki played by Hayato Isomura and Johan Hwang played by Ok Taecyeon. Destiny, with its mysterious ways, throws them together in a chance encounter that marks the beginning of a love story that transcends geographical boundaries. The story takes flight when Ryu, who has left everything behind in his native Japan, finds himself in a foreign land where a kind-hearted boxer named Johan comes to his rescue.
The spark that ignites upon their meeting is more than just physical attraction. It’s a soul-deep recognition, a sense of warmth that washes over you with the mere thought of the other person. The genesis of “Soul Mate” itself embodies this serendipitous connection. The idea blossomed from a casual conversation over coffee between Hashizume and executive producer Dai Ota, leading them to the evocative title even before the story fully materialized.
“We arrived at the ultimate destiny story, where people from different cultures and backgrounds meet in a foreign land and their lives intersect,” explains Ota in a statement to Netflix. He further elaborates, “The story is filled with life’s joys and pains, combined with the exceptional performances from Isomura and Taec-yeon, and it’s bound to warm the hearts of viewers.”
Isomura, known for his roles in projects like Extremely Inappropriate!, (Ab)normal Desire, and The Moon, expresses his excitement about portraying one of the lead characters. “The script resonated deeply with me,” he says. “The story of love amidst sadness and pain, coupled with the incredible 10-year arc crafted by director Hashizume, completely immersed me in the character. Working alongside Ok Taecyeon has been incredibly inspiring; his charisma is truly captivating. Filming in Japan, Korea, and Germany adds a global dimension to the project, making it all the more relatable.”
Taecyeon, a member of the popular Korean band 2PM and previously seen in Vincenzo and La Grande Maison Paris, jumped at the opportunity to explore new horizons with Soul Mate. “The character of Johan Hwang captivated me,” he reveals. “His internal struggles and pain lingered with me long after reading the script. To embody Johan authentically, I went through a weight loss program and underwent rigorous boxing training, which I continue to maintain throughout filming.”
Hashizume, while reflecting on the essence of love, finds a sense of wonder in the connection shared by the production team. “Creating this story with our talented actors, cast, and crew has been both challenging and immensely rewarding,” he shares. “Everyone involved in this project is, in a way, a soulmate, working together to bring this unique love story to life.”
A release date is yet to be announced.
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