2PM’s Ok Taecyeon Speaks Up About Embracing His BL Debut!

On 27th June, Sports Chosun reported that Taecyeon was filming a Netflix J-Drama titled Soul Mate. It tells the story of a Japanese man, Ryu, and a Korean boxer, Jo Han (also romanized as Yo Han). Over a decade, the two meet in Seoul, Berlin, and Tokyo and become closer as they heal one another’s wounds.

Hayato Isomura has been confirmed as Taecyeon’s co-star. He is a recognizable Japanese actor known for Alice in Borderland, Kinou nani tabeta?, Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Rider, Kamen Rider Ghost, and many more.

Soul Mate was initially described as a “bromance” in reports, while some added that it will go “beyond mere friendship.” This fueled speculation that “bromance” was really code for BL (Boy Love).

Shortly after, Netflix confirmed that Soul Mate is a BL J-Drama.

Netflix’s official social media accounts posted a photo of Taecyeon and Hayato Isomura sitting side-by-side. In the caption, the plot for the series was officially revealed: “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).” With that, Netflix clarified that it’s not a “bromance” but a “love story between two young men.”

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

Now, Taecyeon has opened up about embracing his BL drama debut. In a statement, he shared that he was eager to “discover new sides of myself,” and he’s worked hard to portray his character “with sincerity.”

"I'm extremely delighted to be appearing in 'Soul Mate'. Because there were so many types of characters and genres that I hadn't tried yet. I'd been wanting to gradually broaden my spectrum [as an actor] and discover new sides of myself, and right at that time, I received the offer to star in 'Soul Mate'.

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. Even during filming, I'm continuing the diet and boxing training that I started before 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." —Ok Taecyeon