K-pop idol Ok Taec-yeon has signed on to star in a new LGBTQIA+ series, and fans are understandably freaking out.
On 28 June, Netflix surprised subscribers with a first look at the upcoming drama Soul Mate, starring the renowned 2PM member and Japanese actor Hayato Isomura.
Described as a 10-year-long love story, the series is set to showcase a “heartfelt depiction of love and its complexities, including joy, pain, and unexplainable deep bonds.”
The synopsis for the series reads: “Traversing the cities of Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, Soul Mate tells a 10-year-long love story between two young men. It all starts when Ryu Narutaki (Hayato Isomura), who left everything behind in Japan, is saved by a boxer named Johan Hwang (Ok Taec-yeon) in a foreign land.”
Filmmaker Shunki Hasizume – best known for his projects Scroll and More Than Words – has written and directed the forthcoming series.
In a statement, Taec-yeon opened up about all things Soul Mate and why he was drawn to the role of Johan.
“I’m extremely delighted to be appearing in Soul Mate because there were so many types of characters and genres that I haven’t tried yet. I’d been wanting to gradually broaden my spectrum [as an actor] and discover new sides of myself, and right at the time, I received the offer to star in Soul Mate,” he said, per Soompi.
“While reading the script, I was intrigued by the character of Hwang Johan, and even after I’d finished the script, Johan’s inner pain and struggles stayed with me for a long time, which is why I chose the project.”
Here’s your first look at Soul Mate starring Hayato Isomura and Ok Taec-yeon.
Traversing the cities of Berlin, Seoul, and Tokyo, the series tells a 10-year-long love story between two young men. From writer and director Shunki Hashizume (Scroll, More Than Words). pic.twitter.com/80AxrJNJTk
— Netflix (@netflix) June 27, 2024
Toward the end of his statement, the beloved singer-rapper reflected on his extensive preparation for the role, revealing that he changed his diet and underwent boxing training before and during filming.
“That’s how hard I’m working to portray the character of Johan with sincerity, so I hope viewers will also look forward to the drama,” he added.
Since the news was announced, fans of Taec-yeon have flocked to social media to express their excitement for the series.
One user on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “Oh, Taecyeon will have me in a chokehold again.”
Another fan echoed similar sentiments, tweeting: “TAECYEON GAY DRAMA IVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR THIS.”
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A third fan added: “One thing I’ll always love is how Taecyeon’s not afraid to explore different genres. He surprised us when he played the villain in Vincenzo, and he will do it again here. I’m so stoked.”
While many have celebrated the news, a handful of fans have expressed some scepticism over whether Soul Mate will fully lean into being an LGBTQIA+ drama.
“TAECYEON BL?!??!?!?! TAECYEON BL SERIES?!?!!?!?? you better not be queerbaiting on pride month Netflix,” one X user exclaimed.
Another sceptical fan theorized the series would be a slow burn and end in tragedy, adding: “They are in love for 10 yrs but the moment they thought they gonna express eo feelings they gonna make *car accident incoming * playing.”
As of this writing, a release date for Soul Mate has yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more information.
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