Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Soul Mate, which follows a decade-spanning love story between two wounded souls from different countries who find healing in each other’s company. This Japanese BL series starring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taecyeon delivers an emotionally powerful narrative about connection, redemption, and the transformative power of love.
Soul Mate is scheduled for release on Netflix in August 2025, spanning multiple international locations including Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo. The series consists of 8 episodes with an average duration of 60 minutes each. Directed and written by Shunki Hashizume, this Netflix Original features a compelling cast led by Hayato Isomura and Ok Taecyeon from 2PM, marking a significant entry in the BL genre for both actors.
The series explores themes of cultural barriers, personal redemption, and the healing power of human connection across a 10-year timeline. Set against the backdrop of three major cities, Soul Mate presents a mature approach to romance that transcends nationality and language, focusing on the universal need for understanding and companionship.
When Souls Collide Across Continents
The story begins when Ryu Narutaki, a Japanese expatriate who left everything behind after unintentionally ruining his best friend’s life, finds himself in a desperate situation in a foreign country. Just when he nearly loses his life, he is saved by Korean boxer Hwang Yo-Han, setting in motion a connection that will span over a decade across three continents.
Both men carry deep psychological wounds and experience profound loneliness, but their chance encounter creates an unexpected bond between two isolated souls. As they navigate their relationship across different countries and years, they discover that true healing comes not from running away from their past, but from finding someone who understands their pain and accepts them completely.
Ryu Narutaki: The Wandering Soul Seeking Redemption
Hayato Isomura portrays Ryu Narutaki, a man haunted by guilt over destroying his best friend’s life who has chosen exile over facing his mistakes. Known for his acclaimed performances in various Japanese dramas, Isomura brings depth and vulnerability to a character who must learn that redemption is possible through genuine connection.
Ryu’s journey represents the universal experience of those who carry guilt and shame, believing they don’t deserve happiness or forgiveness. His character development throughout the series shows how love can provide the courage to face one’s past and choose healing over perpetual self-punishment.
Hwang Yo-Han: The Boxer with a Healing Heart
Ok Taecyeon from 2PM takes on the role of Hwang Yo-Han, a Korean boxer whose strength extends beyond the physical realm into emotional support and understanding. This marks Taecyeon’s first major BL role, and he approaches the character with sensitivity and authenticity that showcases his growth as an actor.
Yo-Han’s character serves as both protector and emotional anchor for Ryu, demonstrating 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 Romance: Love Beyond Boundaries
The series excels in portraying how love transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, with the relationship between Ryu and Yo-Han developing naturally despite their different backgrounds. Their connection deepens through shared experiences of loneliness and the gradual realization that they can heal each other’s wounds.
The international setting across Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo adds layers to their relationship, showing 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 World Around Them
While the focus remains 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 create a lived-in world that supports the main narrative.
The supporting cast contributes to the realistic portrayal of international life and the challenges faced by people living far from home, adding depth to the emotional landscape that Ryu and Yo-Han navigate together.
Success on Netflix
Soul Mate has generated significant anticipation among international audiences, with fans eagerly awaiting its August 2025 release after Netflix’s strategic teaser campaign. The series represents Netflix’s continued 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 its international setting spanning Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, Soul Mate appeals to global audiences while maintaining authentic cultural representation. The series has already earned a strong 85/100 user rating based on early previews, indicating high expectations for what could become one of Netflix’s most talked-about BL dramas of 2025.
If you love cross-cultural romance with emotional depth, Soul Mate is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The combination of stellar performances from Hayato Isomura and Ok Taecyeon, beautiful international cinematography, and a mature approach to love and healing creates a viewing experience that resonates long after the credits roll.
Soul Mate masterfully weaves a tale of two wounded souls finding redemption through love, proving that connection knows no boundaries of nationality, language, or distance when hearts are meant 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